Baku:Guba,Shahdag and Candy Cane Mountain Lunch included

This is an interesting day because you get three mountain moments in one loop: strange rock shapes you can’t unsee, plus real time at Shahdag Mountain Resort where the views are the point. I especially love the Five Finger Mountains (Besh Barmag Dag) for their finger-like rock silhouettes, and I really enjoy the quick, colorful stop at the Candy Cane Mountains with red and white striped formations that photograph well fast.

My one caution is timing at Shahdag. The resort is a big playground, and if you want lots of activities, you may wish you had a bit more free play time there. Still, the tradeoff is that you also get the scenic stops without having to plan them yourself.

Key highlights that matter on the ground

• Besh Barmag Dag (Five Finger Mountains), a local landmark name, makes this stop feel more like culture than just sightseeing
• Candy Cane Hills colors from red and white striped rocks give you easy photo angles and short walking routes
• Shahdag Mountain Resort access gives you a structured place to relax, look out over the Greater Caucasus, and choose your pace
• Cable car option adds a comfort upgrade if you want big views without feeling like you are hiking all day
• Optional rollercoaster feel if you pick that add-on, for travelers who like action alongside scenery
• Lunch included when selected, so you can spend less time figuring out food between mountain stops

The real payoff: strange rock shapes plus a resort finish

This trip works because it balances “wow, what am I looking at?” with “okay, now I can slow down.” The morning takes you through northern Azerbaijan scenery that is built around geologic oddities. Then you end at Shahdag, which means your last hours are flexible, with resort facilities and mountain views doing most of the work for you.

I like that you are not stuck in one type of experience. You get outdoor viewpoints and walking around, but you also get a destination where you can choose a calmer option like a cable car ride, or go for bigger thrills if you selected them. It is a good match for mixed groups, including couples who want both scenery and downtime.

Five Finger Mountains (Besh Barmag Dag): what you are walking up to

The first major stop is the Five Finger Mountains, known locally as Besh Barmag Dag. This is not a museum-style attraction with a single ticket counter and guided exhibit. Instead, it is about the shape. The rock formations rise in finger-like projections, and when the light hits right, the silhouette becomes the whole show.

What you should expect here is a viewpoint-style experience. You will likely do short stretches of walking, looking for angles where the fingers read clearly against the sky. If you come expecting a manmade landmark, you might feel let down. But if you come ready to appreciate natural form, you will get a lot out of the shapes and the way the rocks frame the wider mountains.

Practical tip: wear comfortable shoes. Even if the walking is not long, mountain ground can be uneven. Also dress in layers. Northern weather can shift quickly, and you do not want to be stuck with one heavy jacket for the whole day.

Candy Cane Mountains: quick walking, big color payoff

Next comes the Candy Cane Mountains, sometimes described as Candy Cane Hills. The defining feature is the red and white striped rock formations, which create a playful pattern in an otherwise rugged area. It can feel otherworldly because your brain expects uniform colors in mountains, and here the stripes keep surprising you.

This stop is ideal if you want an easy rhythm. You can stroll around, pause for photos, and explore at your own pace. The walking here is usually simple, and the terrain supports wandering rather than forcing you into a strict route.

What I like most is that you can get a satisfying experience even if you do not want long hikes. The patterns are so strong that even short viewpoints can deliver a “wow” moment. Bring a camera or phone with enough storage for a photo spree, because you will keep finding new angles.

Shahdag Mountain Resort: where the day becomes optional and fun

The day concludes at Shahdag Mountain Resort, which is often described as Azerbaijan’s premier adventure and relaxation destination. This part matters because it gives you choices after you have done the scenic stops. You are not just transported out and dropped. You have access to the resort area, which means you can spend your time according to your energy level.

At Shahdag, the Greater Caucasus views are the main event. When you arrive, take a few minutes to slow down and find a viewpoint before you rush into rides or activities. Mountain air tends to feel cleaner and cooler, and that makes the views hit harder than you might expect.

Two activity styles are specifically mentioned:

• Cable car option: choose this if you want a more comfortable way to get elevated views without feeling like you need to hike for every viewpoint.
• Rollercoaster feel option: if you selected it, you get that thrill factor in a place that still supports scenic enjoyment.

A balanced reality check: Shahdag is built for activities, and if you are the type who wants to do a lot, you may feel the schedule is tight. The tour does not promise hours and hours of free time for every ride. So if activities are your top priority, prioritize what you really want once you get there.

Lunch included when selected: plan around hunger, not just time

Lunch is included only if you add that option. That is a big deal for value because mountain days are easier when food is handled, especially when you are traveling between viewpoints.

If lunch is included for you, I suggest treating it like a reset button. Eat something filling but not overly heavy. Then you will be more comfortable during the resort portion, where you might walk around for views or queue for rides.

If lunch is not included in your option, you will want to plan for personal food spending. The tour includes simple water, but it does not list a full meal guarantee unless you add the lunch option.

Price and value: why $33 can be a fair deal

The price is listed at $33 per person. That may sound low for a full-day mountain outing, but the value comes from what is included.

Included items you should count:

• a tour guide
• visit to the Five Finger Mountains
• exploration of the Candy Cane Mountains
• access to Shahdag Mountain Resort
• simple water
• cable car if the option is selected
• lunch if the option is selected

Not included:

• personal expenses
• other entry fees (if any exist at specific stops beyond what is already included)

So the real question is whether the package fits your priorities. If you want guided logistics and do not want to juggle transport and timing, this is usually good value. If you plan to add lots of on-site spending at Shahdag anyway, your final cost will depend on what you choose once there.

A small piece of advice: confirm which add-ons you are actually paying for, especially the cable car and lunch. The base tour covers the major destinations, but the “comfort” and “food” pieces depend on selected options.

What to pack so the day stays enjoyable

This is the part people often mess up, then spend the rest of the day uncomfortable. You can fix it fast with a simple checklist.

Bring:

• comfortable shoes for walking
• warm clothing, even if you think it is not that cold

Dress in layers. You are going from scenic outdoor areas to a resort environment, and temperatures can shift. Layers let you adjust without constantly changing outerwear.

Also note what is not allowed: alcohol and drugs are not permitted. If you are traveling with friends, it is worth setting expectations early so nobody shows up thinking there is a loophole.

Language and communication: you will be covered

The tour lists multiple languages: English, Russian, Turkish, Spanish, and Italian. That matters more than it sounds. Clear instructions help you understand what to do at each stop, especially when walking areas are not super structured.

If you speak one of those languages, you should have no trouble following along. If you do not, you can still usually rely on basic coordination, but it is always easier when you can ask quick questions.

Who this tour is best for

This is a strong fit if you like:

• photo stops that do not require long hikes
• natural rock formations and viewpoint walking
• a resort finish where you can choose between calm and thrill

It is also a good choice for travelers who want a guided day without going full planning mode. A guide and included access to the key places means you spend less time figuring out how to connect the stops.

Who might want to rethink it:

• wheelchair users, since it is listed as not suitable for wheelchair access
• people who want hours and hours of free time at Shahdag, since the schedule supports a mix of stops and not an open-ended resort stay
• anyone expecting a highly developed “museum-like” experience at the Five Finger Mountains, because this is about shape and viewpoints more than facilities

Should you book the Baku to Guba, Shahdag and Candy Cane tour?

If you want a full-day mountain experience with a good structure, I think this is worth booking. For the price, you get guided visits to Besh Barmag Dag, the Candy Cane rock formations, and Shahdag Mountain Resort, plus water. Add lunch and cable car if those are your priorities, and you will likely feel like the day is handled from start to finish.

Book it if:

• your ideal day includes quick photo-worthy stops and a resort finale
• you are comfortable walking on uneven mountain ground
• you like options at Shahdag, especially a cable car if you want the views with less strain

Skip or reconsider if:

• you need wheelchair-friendly access
• you want lots of unstructured hours at Shahdag for many rides
• you expect the Five Finger Mountains to feel like a big developed attraction rather than a natural formation and viewpoint area

FAQ

Is the cable car included?

Cable car access is included if you add that option. If you do not select it, you will still get access to Shahdag Mountain Resort.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included only if you add the lunch option. If not selected, lunch is not included in the tour.

What stops are included on the day tour?

The tour includes visits to the Five Finger Mountains, the Candy Cane Mountains, and access to Shahdag Mountain Resort.

What should I bring for this tour?

Wear comfortable shoes for walking and bring warm clothing. Dress in layers since weather can change.

Are alcohol or drugs allowed?

No. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed on the tour.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What languages are offered?

The tour is offered in English, Russian, Turkish, Spanish, and Italian.