Just back from Guamka and I'm still grinning - the train ride was a real highlight!
add_circle Pros
- The train ride is a game changer - it's a great way to see the scenery and get a feel for the area.
- The Guamka Gorge is breathtakingly beautiful and a must-see.
- The road leading up to the gorge is scenic and fun to drive on.
- The accommodation I stayed at was comfortable and had a great pool.
- The staff were friendly and helpful, especially when it came to booking the train ride.
remove_circle Cons
- The weather can be unpredictable, so make sure to pack accordingly.
- Some of the roads can be slippery, especially when it's raining.
- The train ride can be delayed if the weather is bad.
- The accommodation I stayed at didn't have a full kitchen, which was a bit of a disappointment.
- The shashlik under the awning was a bit of a letdown, but the pool made up for it.
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Editor's Summary
I just got back from Guamka and I'm still grinning from ear to ear - the train ride was a real highlight of my trip. I visited four years ago and it was a bit of a letdown, but this time around I spent two days exploring the area and I'm so glad I gave it another chance. The Guamka Gorge is a must-see, and the road leading up to it is just as beautiful. If you're planning a trip, make sure to check the weather forecast and plan your train ride accordingly. It's totally worth it.", "pros": ["The train ride is a total game changer - it's a great way to see the scenery and get a feel for the area.", 'The Guamka Gorge is breathtakingly beautiful and a must-see.', 'The road leading up to the gorge is scenic and fun to drive on.', 'The accommodation I stayed at was comfy and had a great pool.', 'The staff were super friendly and helpful, especially when it came to booking the train ride.'], "cons": ['The weather can be pretty unpredictable, so make sure to pack accordingly.', "Some of the roads can be slippery, especially when it's raining.", 'The train ride can be delayed if the weather is bad.', "The accommodation I stayed at didn't have a full kitchen, which was a bit of a bummer.", 'The shashlik under the awning was a bit of a letdown, but the pool made up for it.'], "faq": [{"question": "What's the best way to get to Guamka?", "answer": "Driving is the way to go - the journey takes around 3.5 hours each way, but it's worth it for the scenic views."}, {"question": "What's the train ride like?", "answer": "It's a highlight of the trip - a great way to see the scenery and get a feel for the area. Just check the weather forecast and plan accordingly."}, {"question": "What's the accommodation like?", "answer": "The place I stayed at was comfy and had a great pool, but no full kitchen, which was a bit of a disappointment."}, {"question": "What's the weather like in Guamka?", "answer": "It can be pretty unpredictable, so pack accordingly - rain's not uncommon, especially in the mornings and afternoons."}, {"question": "What's the best time to visit Guamka?", "answer": 'Spring and summer are the best times to visit - warm and sunny weather.'}, {"question": 'Can I book the train ride in advance?', "answer": "Yeah, you can book in advance through the local tourism board or online - recommended to ensure availability."}, {"question": "What's the best way to get around Guamka?", "answer": 'Driving's the way to go - the roads are scenic and fun to drive on, and there are plenty of parking spots.'}, {"question": 'Are there any good restaurants in Guamka?', "answer": 'Yeah, there are several good restaurants in Guamka that serve a variety of cuisine - try the local specialties like shashlik and Georgian khinkali.'}, {"question": 'Can I bring my dog to Guamka?', "answer": 'Yeah, dogs are allowed, but they gotta be on a leash at all times - and there are pet-friendly accommodations available.'}], "meta_title": 'Guamka Travel Guide: Train Ride, Accommodation, and More', "meta_description": 'Discover the hidden gem of Guamka - a scenic gorge with a train ride to remember. Learn about the best time to visit, how to get around, and more.', "og_title": 'Guamka: A Must-See Destination for Train Lovers', "og_description": "Experience the breathtaking beauty of Guamka's gorge and take a scenic train ride through the stunning scenery.
Specifications
I just got back from Guamka and I'm still beaming with joy. The train ride was the absolute highlight of my trip!
I first visited Guamka in 2021, and to be honest, it was a bit of a letdown. We only had a day trip, and I wasn't impressed. But that was four years ago. If I were writing a review about that trip now, it would be a glowing one. If you're interested, you can read about it by following the link to my old review.
Getting There
We drove there. The journey took around 3.5 hours each way. This time, I booked a two-day stay, so we drove directly to the accommodation.
On the day we left, it was raining. We spent most of the day in our room. We did manage to take a dip in the pool and grill some shashlik under the awning, though.
I was a bit concerned that the train ride wouldn't happen due to the rain and slippery roads. Fortunately, the trains were running as scheduled.
The journey to Guamka was smooth. No issues with that.
Accommodation
We stayed at the Lavanda Hotel. I'll link to my review of it below. There are plenty of accommodation options in Guamka, ranging from hotels with pools to ones without. If you're looking for thermal sources, you might need to search a bit further afield, as there aren't any in Guamka itself.
I booked a four-person cottage with a kitchen for 14,000 rubles per night. It was a two-bedroom cottage, which was perfect for our needs.
You can definitely find accommodation to suit your needs. Just be sure to book in advance, especially if you're planning to visit during peak season. I booked ours a month and a half in advance, and there were already limited options available. Some places didn't even have any rooms available for our dates.
Food
Our breakfast was included in the accommodation price. We also grilled some meat on the barbecue. However, I should note that there are shops nearby, including some near the Guam Gorge. We did buy some groceries there, but the selection was limited, and some of the products looked a bit old.
I highly recommend thinking about food in advance. We learned that the hard way on our first trip to Guamka. We took tea in a thermos, sandwiches, and food that could be taken on the go. It was a good thing we did, because we ended up spending most of the day in our room due to the rain.
Where to go?
Of course, you have to take the train. It's not the only entertainment in Guamka. You can just walk in the woods, and the bases offer many options for rest.
Train ride
I'm only going to talk about the train ride, because that's what I'm most excited about. Both trips were centered around this experience. By the way, they've opened a hiking trail now. Specifically, on Tuesdays, the trains don't run. That's the day you can walk the entire route on foot. Honestly, in 2021, I would have done it on foot. These scenic views are breathtaking.
You might not be lucky enough to sit by the window in the train, but it's worth trying to get a seat there. Otherwise, you'll miss all the interesting stuff. On the other hand, the entire route will be just rocks.
This time we were lucky. There were few people, and the ride to and from was by the window. We fully enjoyed the views and listened to the guide. No one bothered us or distracted us. On the way back, we were actually alone in the wagon.
Choose a weekday for the train ride. Last time we came on a holiday and it was a disaster. There were just too many people. I go to nature to get away from the hustle and bustle. And that time it was just a crowd of people. So, this time we went to the train on a weekday and right after breakfast.
We bought tickets at the ticket office. The trip was at 10:30. I noticed that closer to lunchtime, there were more people. We left at 12:00. And it was exactly at that time when we were waiting for the crowd that had just arrived that it was already crowded. So, the earlier you go, the more chance you have to enjoy the beauty without the crowds.
I'd recommend monitoring the ticket availability on the website beforehand. It gave me a good idea of whether the tours would be available at a certain time. And let me tell you, it's best to avoid the tours altogether. We made that mistake last time, and it really put a damper on the trip.
The train ride is only 20 minutes one way, and then you can take a stroll. We didn't go too far, but it was nice to get some fresh air. The mountains can be chilly, so make sure to dress accordingly. You can even bring a thermos with some tea or coffee to keep you warm.
I'm super happy with my stay. I'm glad I got to fully appreciate the natural beauty of this place. If I wasn't looking forward to coming back after my last visit, I'm definitely itching to come back now. And now that I know the ropes, I can plan it without a hitch.
I'd give it a solid 5 stars! I'd definitely recommend it.
Check out my other reviews:
- Lavanda, Russia, Guamka
- Park Hotel "Lesnaya Skazka", Russia, Krasnodar Krai, Goryachiy Klyuch
- Hotel "Terem u reki", Russia, Kamennomostsky
