@Niteflyer: That's nonsense... I was there last year. The "guide" issue simply relates to the economy. If you like paying, go with a guide. If you want to relax and be alone, go without a guide.
I saw several people who went without a guide. If you have enough experience, you can save yourself a guide, in my opinion.
The tour up to the gate is nice, relaxed and you have great views. 100 m after the gate there is a plateau, from here you should bring a good level of fitness, suitable shoes and a certain affinity for climbing, otherwise it's better to turn around.