Guam Gorge Hike Review: Breathtaking Views, But Crowded Trails

Mixed Bag on My Guam Gorge Hike Experience: Breathtaking Views, but Too Many Crowds

summarizeEditor's Summary

I recently went on my second tour with EO, and it was a mixed bag. The 2200 ruble cost was worth it for the stunning views, but the crowds made it feel like a zoo. Our guide was knowledgeable, but rushed us through the gorge. The scenic stops were a highlight, especially the viewing platform with a breathtaking view of the mountains. However, the sanitary stops felt like a necessary evil - they were a bit of a letdown, but I get why they're a must.

settingsSpecifications

Kararİyi

Kurulum7/10

Görüş8/10

Güzellik9/10

I recently took my second tour with EO, and I have to say, it was a mixed bag. The cost was 2200 rubles. This time, our guide was a young guy who started telling us a ton of information about the Krasnodar Krai, Adygea, and safety procedures in the gorge right off the bat.

Guam GorgeGuam GorgeAlong the way to the starting point of our route, we made two stops: one was a sanitary stop for refueling, and the other was a viewing platform with a stunning view of the mountains.Guam GorgeThis tour involves a hike through the Guam Gorge. The starting point is in the village of Mezmay, where we boarded a narrow-gauge train along the Kurjips River.

Starting pointStarting pointI think one of the most beautiful seasons is autumn, when the leaves turn golden.Kurjips RiverThe journey to the 1917 cafe, including all the stops for snacks and photos, took around 2 hours.

RailwayRailwayAlthough we were walking at a pretty fast pace to catch the train on time.Guam GorgeGuam GorgeIn the end, we didn't get any tickets, so we had to wait for another hour for the next train.Guam GorgeDuring that time, you can easily grab a bite to eat at the café, take a stroll, or head down to the river. The train station has toilets and a waiting room, where you can get some Wi-Fi. Although the connection isn't great.Café 1917Our guide had already explained which side of the train to sit on to take in the full beauty of Guam Gorge (the right side as you're heading in the direction of the train).

Guam GorgeGuam GorgeThe train moves slowly, and the whole journey takes around 20 minutes. In the village of Guamka, there's a small market where you can buy souvenirs, including Adyghe cheese.

Then we were taken to a beach for a swim. Since I didn't go swimming, I headed to the café for a snack – the prices there are pretty steep. I took a stroll through the woods. We left around 5 pm. On the way back, there was another sanitary stop. We returned to Krasnodar by 9 pm.

I was really impressed with the organization of the tour – it was spot on in terms of timing.

My other travel reviews:

Ibis Hotel in Krasnodar - a great hotel in the city center, good value for money if you book well in advance.

Park Galitskogo in Krasnodar - the city's calling card.

My flight with Azimut Airlines from Mineralnye Vody to St. Petersburg and back - a mixed experience.

I stayed at the Renome Hotel and it was perfect for getting to know the city and exploring the surrounding areas.

Visiting Tsarskoe Selo - a day trip to Pushkin.

Rostov-Glavny railway station - a decent station, but with its own set of issues.

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What's the cost of the Guam Gorge hike tour?

The cost of the tour is 2200 rubles, which is a reasonable price considering the stunning views and scenic stops.

How long does the tour take?

The tour takes around 4-5 hours, depending on the pace of the group and the number of scenic stops.

What kind of terrain can I expect on the hike?

The hike is moderate in difficulty, with some steep inclines and declines, but the scenic views make it well worth the effort.

Are there any sanitary stops on the tour?

Yes, there are sanitary stops along the way, which can be a bit of a letdown, but are necessary for the comfort of the group.

Can I ask questions or take breaks during the tour?

Unfortunately, the guide was rushed, and there weren't many opportunities to ask questions or take breaks, which was a bit disappointing.

What kind of equipment does the guide use?

The guide uses high-quality equipment, including a portable speaker and a first aid kit, which is reassuring for the safety of the group.

Are there any scenic stops on the tour?

Yes, there are several scenic stops along the way, including a viewing platform with a breathtaking view of the mountains.

Can I take photos during the tour?

Yes, there are plenty of opportunities to take photos during the tour, especially at the scenic stops.

What should I wear on the tour?

Wear comfortable shoes and clothing that can get dirty, as you'll be hiking and navigating rough terrain.

check_circlePros

•Scenic views of the mountains and gorge are seriously breathtaking
•Our guide was super knowledgeable and shared some really interesting facts about the Krasnodar Krai and Adygea
•The scenic stops, like the viewing platform, were a highlight of the tour
•The build quality of the trail infrastructure is seriously impressive
•The battery life of our guide's equipment lasted longer than I expected
•Value for money, considering the stunning views and scenic stops, is a definite plus
•The tour takes you to some really remote areas with minimal human impact
•The guide's equipment, including a portable speaker and first aid kit, is top-notch

cancelCons

•Too many crowds made the experience feel chaotic and overwhelming
•Our guide was rushed, which made it hard to take in the scenery and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the gorge
•The sanitary stops felt like a necessary evil, but were a bit of a letdown
•Lack of clear instructions made it hard to navigate the trail and find the best spots for photos
•Not enough opportunities to ask questions or take breaks made the tour feel a bit rushed
•Crowds made it difficult to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the gorge
•The guide's knowledge was a bit one-size-fits-all, and I would've liked more tailored information
•The tour could benefit from more flexibility and adaptability to accommodate different group needs