Baku:Guba,Shahdag and Candy Cane Mountain Lunch included

Candy Cane Hills and Caucasus views in one day. This Guba and Shahdag trip strings together three very different mountain moments, from the Besh Barmag Dag rock formations to the striped Candy Cane Mountains, then finishing at Shahdag Mountain Resort. I especially like the photo-friendly color of the Candy Cane Hills and the way Shahdag gives you a real choice between calmer rides and bigger fun. One consideration: the schedule is scenery-heavy, so if you want lots of time for Shahdag activities, you may wish you had a longer window there.

For the price of $33 per person, this feels like smart value for a full-day mountain change of pace, especially if you’re traveling in northern Azerbaijan and want more than just city time. You’ll want comfortable shoes and warm layers, because you’re walking around viewpoints and the Greater Caucasus air can feel crisp. Also, this isn’t for everyone, as it is not suitable for wheelchair users, and alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

Key things that make this day trip work

• Besh Barmag Dag stops fast, but frames well: dramatic finger-like peaks that are built for quick viewpoint photos.
• Candy Cane Hills are a color lesson: red and white striped rock patterns that look almost unreal in daylight.
• Shahdag Resort is the activity anchor: more options than a simple lookout, with choices like cable car or rollercoaster rides if selected.
• You get guidance built in: a tour guide comes along to help you move smoothly between stops.
• Lunch and cable car depend on your option: you can add them, but they are not automatically included in the base package.

From Guba to Besh Barmag Dag, the Five Finger Mountains

The day starts with a drive out of Guba toward the Five Finger Mountains, locally known as Besh Barmag Dag. The idea here is simple: you see a rugged set of peaks with finger-like formations rising against the sky, and you get time to take in the dramatic look from a few angles.

What I like about this first stop is that it sets the tone early. You’re not just checking a box, you’re getting your eyes used to the northern Azerbaijan mountain vibe before you move on to the more surreal Candy Cane Hills. Also, because this is a guided outing, you’re not left guessing where to stand or how long to linger.

One practical note: the Five Fingers are mainly a natural formation. If you expect a full-on attraction with lots of built structures, you might feel it is more “scenery and photos” than “walk through something themed.” Still, if you go in with the right mindset, the shapes make a great first-day payoff.

Candy Cane Mountains, red and white rocks that photograph like crazy

Next comes the star visual: the Candy Cane Mountains, also known for their red and white striped look. These are the kind of rocks that make you think someone painted them, but it is all natural geology, creating stripes and patterns you can trace with your eyes as you walk around the area.

I really appreciate that the tour does more than point at the hills. You get time for exploration, which matters because the stripes can look different depending on the angle of light and where you stand. If you are the sort of traveler who likes to work a scene, this stop gives you enough freedom to do it.

You’ll also get a feel for why this place has become popular. It is not just pretty, it is unusual. In a region where many viewpoints are about distance and weather, this one is about color and texture up close. For photographers, it is a friendly subject because you can frame the rock bands in a few ways without needing special gear.

Shahdag Mountain Resort, where the day turns into options

The final stop is Shahdag Mountain Resort in the Greater Caucasus area. The tour frames it as Azerbaijan’s premier destination for adventure and relaxation, and that pairing is key: you are not forced into one type of experience.

Here, you get access to Shahdag Resort, and that access changes the flavor of the day. Before this, you are mostly appreciating the mountains from outside. At Shahdag, you can shift gears into activities, take in the views over the Greater Caucasus Mountains, and breathe the crisp mountain air.

Two activity paths are specifically mentioned. If you choose the cable car option, you can take the cable car for sweeping views. If you select the rollercoaster option, you can go for the thrill side. Which one you pick depends on your mood and your tolerance for rides that feel like an amusement park more than a nature walk.

A balanced reality check: the resort portion can feel rushed if you are hoping to stack several activities. One guest even pointed out that they wanted more time at Shahdag for doing things on site. So I suggest treating Shahdag as your “main event,” not just a stop for photos.

How lunch and cable car work in this package

At a base level, the included items make the day feel manageable. You get simple water, a tour guide, visits to the Five Finger Mountains and the Candy Cane Mountains, and access to Shahdag Mountain Resort.

Then there are the two add-ons, lunch and the cable car. Lunch is included only if you add the option. The cable car is included only if you add that option too, while other resort experiences may still have their own costs because entry fees are not fully covered.

For value at $33 per person, this approach can actually make sense. If you do not need lunch, you might prefer spending money on other things you care about more, like extra time, snacks, or a preferred ride. But if you know you want lunch and a smoother, included cable car segment, selecting the right options can reduce decision stress on the day itself.

Also remember what is not included: personal expenses and other entry fees. That does not mean the day is expensive, it just means you should keep a little buffer in your wallet for whatever you decide you want at the resort.

What to wear and how to plan your time in the mountains

This outing is built for walking at viewpoints and around the Candy Cane area, so your clothing matters. The tour recommends comfortable shoes and warm clothing, and I agree. Even if the day starts sunny, mountain weather can shift, and layers help you adjust fast.

I’d plan your day around two goals. First, keep your feet happy, because slipping or sore shoes can ruin your ability to enjoy the stop at the Candy Cane Hills. Second, dress in layers so you can handle changing temperatures without cutting your day short.

The tour also lists a clear rule for behavior: alcohol and drugs are not allowed. That is worth noting if you are the kind of traveler who likes to bring a drink for long scenic drives. Keep it simple and focus on the mountains, because the day is structured around sightseeing and resort time.

Languages and the kind of trip this is

The tour is offered in English, Russian, Turkish, Spanish, and Italian. That range is useful if you are traveling with mixed language needs or you just want the option to move through the day without a translation headache.

I also like how straightforward the day is. This is a “see the main natural hits” trip: Five Finger Mountains, Candy Cane Mountains, then Shahdag Resort. There is not a lot of offbeat detour logic, which makes it easier to plan around if you have limited time in northern Azerbaijan.

This also means you should match your expectations. If you want a long, slow nature hike, you might find it too structured. If you want a full-day taste of what the Greater Caucasus region offers, with built-in access to resort activities, it is a strong fit.

Price and value: is $33 a smart use of your day?

$33 per person is the kind of price point that makes sense when you compare it to what you get for the day. You’re paying for guided movement between major sights, water, access to Shahdag Resort, and the guided sightseeing through the Five Finger and Candy Cane areas.

Where value gets even better is if you are already in the area and want a full-day change of scenery. You are not paying to travel across the whole country just to see one view. You are stacking three mountain experiences in one outing, and that is how you get more vacation per day.

The only reason this might not be the best value for you is if your priority is spending a lot of time at Shahdag doing multiple activities. If you want hours and hours at the resort, a short window could feel like a compromise. In that case, consider whether this day trip is your first stop or whether you should pair it with another plan that leaves extra time at Shahdag.

Who should book this tour, and who should skip it

You’ll probably love this tour if you want:

• A guided full-day mountain plan starting in Guba
• Strong visual stops, especially the red and white striped Candy Cane Mountains
• A finish at Shahdag Resort where you can choose between calmer views and thrill options (if you pick them)

You might think twice if:

• You need lots of wheelchair-friendly access, since the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users
• You want a long, multi-hour activity schedule at Shahdag, because the timing is built around multiple stops
• You expect the Five Finger Mountains to be a developed attraction rather than a natural viewpoint moment

Should you book this Guba and Shahdag tour?

If you are planning time in northern Azerbaijan and you want one day that delivers dramatic mountain visuals plus a real resort finish, I think this is an easy yes. The Candy Cane Mountains are the kind of stop that makes the whole trip feel memorable, and Shahdag adds flexibility so your day does not end at a viewpoint.

I’d book it with one adjustment in mind: treat Shahdag as your flexible finale, not as a guaranteed all-day theme park. If you want maximum activity time there, consider planning the rest of your trip so you can return or add extra time elsewhere.

FAQ

How much does the tour cost?

The price is listed as $33 per person.

What is included in the tour price?

Included items are simple water, a tour guide, visits to the Five Finger Mountains, exploration of the Candy Cane Mountains, and access to Shahdag Mountain Resort.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included only if the lunch option is added.

Is the cable car included?

The cable car is included only if the cable car option is added.

Does the tour include rollercoaster rides?

Rollercoaster rides are mentioned as an option at Shahdag Mountain Resort if that option is selected.

Where does the tour start?

It is described as a full-day tour from Guba.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes for walking and warm clothing. Layers are recommended to adjust to changing weather.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No, it is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What are the language options?

The tour languages include English, Russian, Turkish, Spanish, and Italian.