Candy-colored rocks in the Caucasus. This full-day tour from Guba strings together three very different sights: the jagged Five Finger Mountains, the red-and-white wonder of the Candy Cane Mountains, and then the action-focused Shahdag Mountain Resort with views over the Greater Caucasus.

I especially like how the day mixes quick photo stops with a proper “activity” ending at Shahdag. You’ll also get a simple, no-stress setup: a guide, water, and guided access to the key places, with language options including English, Russian, Turkish, Spanish, and Italian. One thing to consider: the resort time can feel tight if you want lots of rides and wandering, so decide in advance what you want most.

Key Points To Know Before You Go

• Two mountain worlds in one day: Five Finger rock shapes, then the red-and-white Candy Cane hills
• Shahdag is the activity anchor: pick the cable car option or the rollercoaster-style ride option
• Good for photos: Candy Cane colors and patterns are built for camera time
• Dress for changing weather: warm layers and comfortable walking shoes matter up high
• Not wheelchair accessible: plan around stairs/uneven ground

A Full-Day Route With Real Variety From Guba

This is one of those day trips where you don’t just drive past scenery. You actually move through three zones with different moods. First you get dramatic rock formations in the Five Finger area (locally known as Besh Barmag Dag). Then you head to the Candy Cane Mountains, where the ground looks like someone mixed paint with stone. Finally, you finish at Shahdag Mountain Resort, where the day turns more into recreation than sightseeing.

For me, the value is in the flow. You go from “look at that rock” to “walk around that rock” to “ride and play at the resort.” It’s a smart way to fill a single day without it turning into one long, boring bus ride.

Practical note: since this is a mountain day, the weather can shift fast. You’ll want layers you can adjust quickly, plus shoes that work on uneven paths.

Five Finger Mountains (Besh Barmag Dag): Expect Shapes, Not a Museum

The Five Finger Mountains are famous for one thing: finger-like rock formations that rise against the sky. When you’re there, you’re not searching for historic plaques or a deep interpretive center. You’re there for the silhouette and the way the peaks look from the viewpoints the tour takes you to.

Here’s the helpful way to set expectations: if you’re the type of person who needs “major attractions” at every stop, you might feel a bit underwhelmed. One of the tour takes on this idea is honest—this is essentially a striking natural shape, not a complex site with lots of built-in activities. Still, if you like geology, views, and quick photo moments, the stop makes sense.

What to do with your time here:

• Take a moment to look for the finger-like outlines from different angles
• Spend extra time on photos if the light is right—rock formations can look very different as clouds move

This part of the day is also a good warm-up for the bigger visual payoff later at Candy Cane.

Candy Cane Mountains: The Red-and-White Color Stop That Gets the Cameras

Then you move to the Candy Cane Mountains, known for their red and white striped rock formations. The visual effect can feel almost unreal, the kind of place where you immediately start snapping wide shots and close-ups.

What I like about this stop is that it’s not only about one view. You can walk around the area and get different angles on the stripes, color bands, and patterns. That means you’re not trapped with just one viewpoint for the whole visit.

A useful tip: bring a phone camera strap or keep your hands free while walking. The ground can be uneven, and it’s easy to look down at your feet while you’re trying to frame a shot. Comfortable shoes help you focus on the scenery instead of your footing.

If you’re planning your photography, think “short bursts.” Candy Cane is the kind of spot where your best images often come from quick repositioning rather than long setup.

Shahdag Mountain Resort: Where the Day Becomes an Adventure

Shahdag Mountain Resort is the finale, and it changes the vibe from nature viewing to activity time. The resort sits in the Greater Caucasus area, and the big draw is the chance to take in stunning mountain views while you choose your own level of action.

Depending on the option you selected, you can:

• Ride a cable car
• Or choose a rollercoaster-style experience at the resort

Both options fit different travel styles. If you want scenery with less adrenaline, the cable car works well. If you want something more action-first, the rollercoaster-style ride adds energy to the end of the day.

My other practical takeaway: Shahdag is where you’ll likely feel the “time tradeoff.” If you arrive wanting to do several things—rides, walking viewpoints, and general wandering—keep your must-dos at the front of your list. A recurring theme is that you may want more time at the resort for activities, so don’t assume you’ll have unlimited hours to explore slowly.

Cable Car or Rollercoaster: Picking the Right Option for Your Mood

The tour supports options for the transport ride experience at Shahdag. If you choose the cable car, you’ll usually get a calmer way to take in views. If you choose the rollercoaster-style ride, you’ll lean into the entertainment side more strongly.

Here’s how I’d decide:

• If you’re traveling with mixed energy levels (some want calm, some want action), cable car tends to satisfy both.
• If your group’s main goal is fun and you don’t mind bigger thrills, go for the rollercoaster-style option.

Either way, the ride is part of why this trip feels like more than just a scenic day. It gives you that “I did something” feeling at the end.

Lunch at the Right Time: Fuel for Walking and Cold Weather

Lunch is included only if you pick the option that includes it. If lunch is part of your plan, it helps you avoid the common mountain-day problem: you spend the best hours looking for food instead of enjoying the sights.

Even if lunch is included, plan mentally for mountain conditions. You’ll be moving between viewpoints and walking around the Candy Cane area. Then you’ll spend time at Shahdag. Having food in your routine helps keep energy steady.

If you don’t choose the lunch option, just be ready to manage your own meals during the resort period, since personal expenses are not included.

What to Bring (And What to Skip) for a Mountain Day

This is a mountain excursion, and the simple packing list matters. Bring comfortable shoes because you’ll walk around the Candy Cane area and move at viewpoints. Also bring warm clothing and dress in layers. Weather up high can shift, and layers let you stay comfortable without overpacking.

What you should know:

• Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.
• You’ll have simple water included, so you don’t have to start the day completely dry, but you can still keep a refill plan for your own comfort.

If you’re sensitive to cold, treat this as a “pack extra warm” trip, not a “light jacket maybe” trip.

Price and Value: Why This Costs $33 and What You’re Actually Buying

At about $33 per person, this day trip is priced like a practical “one-day highlights” package. The value comes from what’s bundled—not from fancy extras.

What’s included:

• Tour guide
• Simple water
• Visit to the Five Finger Mountains
• Exploration of the Candy Cane Mountains
• Access to Shahdag Mountain Resort
• Cable car (only if you add that option)
• Lunch (only if you add that option)

What’s not included:

• Personal expenses
• Other entry fees

So the honest value equation is: you’re paying for transport/time management, a guide, and structured access to the three main zones. If you add cable car (or choose the rollercoaster-style option) and lunch, you’ll feel the price stretch further because you reduce “surprise costs” during the day.

If you’re trying to keep your budget tight, you can still do it well—just be clear about which add-ons you want. The core mountain stops are already built into the experience.

Best Fit: Who Will Enjoy This Most

This tour works best if you want:

• A full-day sampler of northern Azerbaijan’s mountain sights
• Big visual stops (especially the Candy Cane rocks) plus a more active finish at Shahdag
• A guided day with helpful structure and language support

It’s also a good fit for couples and small groups who don’t want to plan a multi-stop route themselves.

It’s not a great fit if you need wheelchair access, since it’s not suitable for wheelchair users. The walking and resort terrain likely won’t work with mobility constraints.

Should You Book the Guba + Shahdag Day Trip?

Yes—if your goal is a structured, high-contrast day: rock formations in two styles, then a resort with real activities. The Candy Cane Mountains are the emotional high point for most people, and Shahdag is the place where the day turns from scenery to doing.

Think twice if:

• You’re hoping Five Finger will be a major “site” with lots of things to do. It’s mainly about the natural shape and views.
• You really want long, unhurried resort time for multiple rides. Plan your priorities before you arrive so you don’t feel rushed.

If you’re flexible, dress warm, and focus on the two mountain stops plus one Shahdag ride or activity, you’ll likely feel like this day was money well spent.

FAQ

Is cable car included on this tour?

Cable car is included only if you add the cable car option. There is also an option for a rollercoaster-style ride.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included only if you select the option that includes lunch.

What is included in the tour price?

The tour includes a tour guide, simple water, visits to the Five Finger Mountains and the Candy Cane Mountains, and access to Shahdag Mountain Resort. Cable car and lunch are included only if those options are added.

Where does the tour start?

This is a full-day tour from Guba.

Which languages are available for the tour?

English, Russian, Turkish, Spanish, and Italian are available.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No, this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What should I bring?

Wear comfortable shoes and bring warm clothing, since conditions can change in the mountains.

Are alcohol or drugs allowed?

No. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

How flexible is cancellation?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there a pay-later option?

Yes. You can reserve and pay later, meaning you can book and pay nothing today.