Xudat

Xudat (Khudat) is a small town in the Khachmaz District of northeastern Azerbaijan, located about 15 km north of Khachmaz city and 10 km from the Caspian Sea. The settlement has historical significance as the former capital of the Quba Khanate in the early 18th century before Khan Fatali Khan moved the capital to Quba in 1735. The name "Xudat" means "charisma" or "nobility" in Azerbaijani.

The climate is humid subtropical, with warm summers and cool winters. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant conditions for visiting.

Today Xudat is a quiet agricultural town, best known for the ruins of its historic fortress. It serves as a local market centre for surrounding villages.

By Plane

The nearest major airport is Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) in Baku, about 185 km south. A taxi from Baku costs 55–75 AZN and takes about 2.5–3 hours.

By Train

Xudat has a railway station on the Baku–Yalama line. Electric trains and night trains between Baku and Yalama stop here.

By Car / Road

Xudat lies on the main Baku–Russia highway, 15 km north of Khachmaz and 55 km south of the Russian border at Samur. Marshrutkas from Khachmaz cost 0.50 AZN and run every 20 minutes from 07:00.

The town is walkable. Local taxis are available for short trips.

• Khudat Fortress ruins – the remains of the 18th-century fortress that served as the seat of the Quba Khanate. Mostly in ruins but historically significant.

• Old town quarter – the historic core with 18th–19th-century buildings reflecting the town's former importance.

• Visit Khachmaz – the district capital, 15 km south, has several museums and parks.

• Beach day at Nabran – the Caspian coast is about 10 km east of Xudat.

• Xudat cafés – a couple of basic cafés near the highway offer Azerbaijani staples like plov and kebabs.

Tea is the standard drink at roadside cafés. Bottled water is recommended.

• Khachmaz (15 km south, 15 min) – the district centre with several museums, parks, and a bazaar.
• Nabran (25 km east, 30 min) – Caspian beach resort with restaurants and nightlife.
• Quba (45 km west, 45 min) – known for its mountain scenery and the village of Khinalig.
• Yalama (10 km north, 10 min) – border town with Caspian Sea beaches.