Candy-striped rocks in Azerbaijan feel unreal. This full-day Guba trip strings together the Five Finger Mountains and the Candy Cane Mountains, then ends at Shahdag Mountain Resort for big mountain views and outdoor fun. One catch: because it’s a full day, you may wish you had even more time at Shahdag for activities.

I like how this tour is built around three distinct scenery stops, not just one long drive to see a single thing. You get a guide, simple water, visits to both rock formations areas, plus access to Shahdag. At $33 per person, it’s also a pretty solid value if you’re okay with a set route and a bit of walking.

Plan for weather swings. Bring comfortable shoes and warm layers, because you will be on the move in northern Azerbaijan conditions. Also note it’s not suitable for wheelchair users, and alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

Quick Hits You’ll Care About

• Five Finger Mountains: Besh Barmag Dag for that finger-like rock profile
• Candy Cane Mountains with striking red and white striped rock formations
• Shahdag Mountain Resort access plus a choice of cable car or rollercoaster ride (if you select it)
• Lunch included only if added to your option
• Multilingual guide support in English, Russian, Turkish, Spanish, and Italian
• Simple water included, but other entry fees and personal expenses are on you

Why This Guba to Shahdag Day Trip Feels Worth Your Day

This tour works well for one simple reason: it gives you variety without requiring planning skill. You start with the Five Finger Mountains, swap to the colorful Candy Cane Hills, and then shift gears into the resort at Shahdag Mountain Resort in the Greater Caucasus.

If you’re visiting northern Azerbaijan for the first time, this is one of those days where your camera gets a workout, but you also get a real sense of the region’s range. One part is geology and sharp mountain silhouettes. The next part is the playful, candy-color rock look. And then Shahdag turns the day into practical downtime with views and optional rides.

The pace is full-day, so it’s best when you’re okay with moving through stops in a planned order. If you want maximum time at one place, you may feel rushed at the resort. I’d treat Shahdag as the main payoff, and the mountain walks as your appetizer.

Five Finger Mountains (Besh Barmag Dag): A Quick Reality Check for Photo Seekers

The Five Finger Mountains are locally known as Besh Barmag Dag, and the whole point is the finger-like rock shapes that rise against the sky. When you see them in person, the formations look dramatic and easy to recognize from the angles the area offers.

I like this stop because it’s simple. You’re not chasing a long, complicated route, and you’re not expected to do anything technical. You just visit, take in the view, and enjoy the oddball character of the rocks.

Still, set expectations smart. One experience from the group pointed out that the Five Finger Mountains are mostly a shape you appreciate visually, not a full-on “site with lots of things to do.” That doesn’t make it bad, but it does mean this stop is more about the moment and the photos than an extended activity.

My advice: if you love views and quirky geology, you’ll be happy here. If you’re expecting a long, layered attraction, keep your focus on the next stop, the Candy Cane Mountains, which tends to feel more playful and instantly memorable.

Candy Cane Mountains: The Red and White Rocks That Make You Pause

Then you move to the Candy Cane Mountains, also called the Candy Cane Hills. This is where the scenery turns into something almost whimsical. The rock formations show clear red and white striped patterns, so the place looks like it was painted, but it’s clearly natural.

This stop is a big reason people enjoy the day. You can stroll and explore the area around the stripes, then spend time looking for patterns and angles. I can see why it works for photography. Even if you’re not a serious photographer, your brain does that thing where it tries to “solve” the view, where you keep noticing new color breaks and shapes.

A practical note: because you’re walking around, comfortable shoes matter. You want a grip-friendly sole and enough cushion so your feet don’t revolt before the final stop.

What you’ll likely remember: the color contrast. It’s hard to duplicate this effect anywhere else. And it’s not just a wide view from one spot. It’s the kind of place where you get more from moving a little than from staying still.

Shahdag Mountain Resort: Views, Cable Car, and a Rollercoaster Option

Shahdag Mountain Resort is the main finish line, and it’s where the tour shifts into resort mode. It’s described as Azerbaijan’s premier destination for adventure and relaxation, set in the Greater Caucasus.

From here, you get the bigger mountain panorama, plus crisp air and that feeling of being up high. And the resort side matters because it gives you options. You can choose the calmer option, a cable car ride over the mountains, or if you select that option, you can go for the rollercoaster thrill.

I like this part because it balances the day. Earlier stops focus on outdoor scenery and walking around rocks. Shahdag gives you a place to slow down and decide how adventurous you want to be. If you want rides, you can aim for them. If you want views and photos, you can focus on that.

One important reality check from the experience: people sometimes feel the time at Shahdag should be longer for activities. The tour includes access to the resort, but the day is still structured, so your time depends on what options you choose and how the group moves. If you know you want to do multiple activities, consider selecting the plan options that match your schedule, and keep your energy up for the resort portion.

My advice: treat your Shahdag time like a choose-your-own-adventure. Pick your top activity first. Then fill in the rest if time allows.

Cable Car and Rollercoaster: Picking the Right Option for Your Day

The tour can include a cable car ride if that option is added, and it can include a rollercoaster if you select the thrill option. If you like views with less intensity, the cable car fits naturally. If you’re the type who wants to feel the adrenaline, the rollercoaster can be the headline moment of the day.

What I’d watch for is mental energy. Mountain air can make you feel good, but a long day of walking and then rides can be tiring if you didn’t dress for cool temperatures.

Also, check how you feel about waiting and movement inside the resort area. Your day includes specific stops, and the resort is activity-based, so your schedule depends on what you choose to do once you’re there.

Lunch and What’s Included in the $33 Price

Here’s the practical breakdown you should use to judge value.

Included with the tour price:

• Simple water
• Tour guide
• Visit to the Five Finger Mountains
• Exploration of the Candy Cane Mountains
• Access to Shahdag Mountain Resort

Optional add-ons:

• Cable car (if you selected it)
• Lunch (if you selected it)

What’s not included:

• Personal expenses
• Other entry fees

At $33 per person, you’re paying for a structured full-day run through multiple highlight areas, with guide support and resort access. The value is best if you want that one-day “see a lot” approach without having to figure out transport and timing yourself across the region.

Where you can lose value is if you end up paying extra for things you assumed were included. Since cable car and lunch depend on your selected options, make sure you review your exact choices before you commit.

If you’re traveling with family or friends, this is a good price point for budgeting. Just remember that optional meals and any extra costs can change your final total.

What to Bring (and What to Skip) for a Comfortable Day

This tour asks for the basics, but they matter.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes for walking
• Warm clothing
• Dress in layers, because northern Azerbaijan weather can shift during the day

Not allowed:

• Alcohol and drugs

The not-allowed rule is straightforward, but it affects your planning. If you want a drink with lunch, you’ll need to plan that separately and stick to what’s permitted.

My packing tip: if you hate lugging gear, still bring a warm layer you can actually access quickly. When you switch from rock areas to a resort and back into cooler mountain air, being able to adjust fast makes the day feel easier.

Pace and Group Feel: How to Avoid Feeling Rushed at Shahdag

Because this is a full day, you’ll spend part of it moving between distinct stops. That means your best strategy is to stay flexible and avoid treating every minute like a guarantee.

Here’s how I’d structure your mindset:

• Enjoy the first two stops for what they are: scenery with photo potential
• Save your “deep interest” for Shahdag, since that’s where the activities live
• Move efficiently through viewpoints so you don’t lose momentum before the resort

Some people wish they had more time at Shahdag for activities. You can’t stretch the schedule by wishing, but you can reduce frustration by choosing one or two activities as priorities. If you’re set on doing the cable car plus several things at the resort, you might feel the time squeeze. If you’re okay with one main ride and some view time, you’ll probably feel satisfied.

Who Should Book This Tour (and Who Might Not Love It)

This tour fits best if you want:

• A full-day introduction to northern Azerbaijan outdoors
• Multiple photo-worthy rock formations in one day
• A resort finish with views and optional rides

You’ll probably have a great time if you like scenery, don’t mind walking on uneven ground, and want an organized route from Guba.

You might reconsider if:

• You want a long, slow hangout at Shahdag with lots of activities. The day is structured, so time can feel tight.
• You’re not interested in rock formations as photo moments. One comment from the experience suggested the Five Finger stop is more about recognizing the shape than doing lots at the site.

Also, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users. If mobility is an issue, you’ll need a different plan.

Should You Book This Guba, Shahdag and Candy Cane Mountains Tour?

I think this is a good booking when you want variety and convenience. For $33, you get a guide, two standout mountain scenery stops, and access to Shahdag Mountain Resort, with water included. Add cable car and lunch only if they fit your preferences and budget.

Book it if:

• You want an easy, organized full day from Guba
• You’re excited by quirky geology and bold color rock formations
• You’re happy to pick a couple activities at Shahdag rather than trying to do everything

Skip it or adjust expectations if:

• Your top priority is maximum time for resort activities
• You dislike short visits to scenery stops and prefer one site with lots of time

If you’re flexible, this tour can give you a memorable day across the Five Finger Mountains, the Candy Cane hills, and the Greater Caucasus views from Shahdag.

FAQ

Where does this tour take place?

It’s a full-day tour in northern Azerbaijan, centered around Guba, and visiting the Five Finger Mountains and Candy Cane Mountains, then ending at Shahdag Mountain Resort in the Greater Caucasus area.

What are the main stops on the tour?

You visit the Five Finger Mountains, explore the Candy Cane Mountains, and then go to Shahdag Mountain Resort.

Is the cable car included?

Cable car access is included only if you add the cable car option.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included only if you add the lunch option.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $33 per person.

What languages can the guide speak?

The languages listed are English, Russian, Turkish, Spanish, and Italian.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear comfortable shoes and bring warm clothing. Dressing in layers helps with changing mountain weather.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No, it is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Is alcohol allowed on the tour?

No alcohol and drugs are not allowed.