Transcaucasian Trail Hike Georgia

Home  ›  Experiences  ›  Activity  ›  Active  ›  Walking and Trekking  ›  Transcaucasian Trail Hike Georgia
enquire now 10 Days From NZD $3,190 pp twinshare
 Terms & Conditions apply

A breath-taking hike through a diverse range of cultural and natural landscapes.

This is an adventure into scenic, mysterious and fascinating lands. Explore the enthralling cities of Tbilisi and Kutaisi, three thousand year old Mtskheta and the ancient cave town of Uplistsikhe. Visit the Jvari church (6th century) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century), both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Travel to Svaneti, a region boasting the highest mountains and glaciers. View the impressive Mt.Tetnuli (4,800m.) and ascend Chkhutnieri Pass (2730m). Walk to the village of Ushguli (2200m), the highest permanently inhabited village in Europe and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Delight in the scenic panoramas of mountains, rivers and glaciers that await you in historic Georgia. This trip combines with our Transcaucasian Trail Hike Armenia as part two of our extended Transcaucasian Trail Hike.

Highlights

  • Traverse sections of the Georgian Transcaucasian Trail
  • Combines with Transcaucasian Trail Hike Armenia
  • Hike in the stunningly rugged and remote Svaneti region
  • Walk to Ushguli village, the highest permanently inhabited village in Europe
  • Explore Mtskheta, the ancient capital & religious centre of Georgia
  • View permanent glaciers, Mt.Tetnuli & ascend the Chkhutnieri Pass
  • Marvel at endless UNESCO listed sites such as Jvari church & Svetitskhoveli Cathedral

Itinerary

Day 1 Join Tbilisi, Georgia
If you are arriving at the airport today, you will be met and transferred to your group hotel. If you have just completed the Transcaucasian Trail Hike Armenia, you will receive instruction on where to meet the group later. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Resting on the banks of the Mtkvari River with a stunning mountainous backdrop, Tbilisi has been the site of human settlement since 4000BC. With a charming blend of natural beauty and delightfully crumbling art nouveau architecture, this city is sure to captivate. This evening you will meet your group and the guide will provide a trip briefing after which you will all enjoy a welcome meal. Overnight: Mukhrantubani Hotel or similar

Day 2 Tbilisi to Mtskheta, Gori, Uplistsikhe & Kutaisi
We drive to visit the ancient 3000 year old capital and religious centre of Georgia, Mtskheta to see its historical sites. Jvari church (6th century) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century) where the Robe of Christ is buried. Both Jvari and Svetitskhoveli are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Then drive to visit the town of Gori and its historical place: Uplistsikhe Cave Town (1st millennium BC). Uplistsikhe is the place where the Great Silk Road used to pass. This is an old and interesting complex with dwelling quarters, wine-cellars, bakeries, a three-nave basilica church hewn out in rock and even an antic theatre. Afterwards we continue towards the western part of Georgia. In the evening we arrive in Kutaisi, the second largest city in the country. Overnight: Kutaisi local guesthouse

Day 3 Kutaisi – Okatse Canyon – Becho
In the morning we visit UNESCO World Heritage listed Bagrati Monastery and enjoy some free time at Kutaisi farmer’s market. Then we continue our way to the village of Gorditosee and “Okatse” Canyon, which offers marvelous views. Then it’s time to get ready for the most exciting part of your trip, a journey to Svaneti. Situated on the southern slopes of the central Caucasus Mountains and surrounded by 3-5,000m snow capped peaks, Svaneti is the highest inhabited area in the Caucasus. Four of the ten highest mountains of the Caucasus are in the region. Overnight: Becho local guesthouse

Day 4 Shikhra Village to Ushba Glacier Hike
Today amazing adventures are in store. First, we will drive to Shikhra village. From there we will set out on foot to the waterfalls of Ushba. A muddy forest will be followed by a noisy river, whose mouth is at Ushba glacier. Not too long after this waterfalls will come in to view, several cascades of water flowing downwards side by side on the mountain slope creating an unforgettable panorama. We will enjoy a picnic lunch today. We could go to the base of the large water fall or head up to the top and gaze down from above at the picturesque Dolra River Valley. Upon returning home pleasantly tired, we will be treated to the most delectable Svanetian dishes. Note: the length of today’s walk will depend on the fitness of the group. Hiking: first waterfall – 4-5hrs; 16km; 450m ascent/descent Hiking: third waterfall – 6-7hrs; 21km; 1050m ascent/descent Overnight: Mestia local guesthouse

Day 5 Mulakhi Village to Adishi Hike
After breakfast we drive for about 45 minutes to the village of Mulakhi from where we begin our walk on the slopes of Mt. Tetnuldi. Today we will ascend to approximately 2500m from where we’ can enjoy the beautiful views of glaciers and Mt.Ushba (4700m) before descending to the remote village of Adishi (2050m). This remote village is difficult for vehicles to reach and sometimes, even in the summer following rain, 4WD vehicles cannot drive the road. There are only 5-6 families living in the village and they will host us in their houses, with traditional Svanetian hospitality and food. Dinner and overnight at a local guesthouse in Adishi with very basic facilities. Note: On the occasions when our vehicles cannot access the village due to weather conditions, it may be necessary to carry an overnight bag. This night’s accommodation is basic and on a multi-share basis. Hot water is available at the guesthouse but the toilet is located in an out-building. Hiking: ~5-6hrs; 15km; 1070m ascent; 530m descent Overnight: Adishi local guesthouse (multi-share)

Day 6 Chkhutnieri Pass to Iprari Village Hike
Today one of the most significant days of our journey is ahead of us. We will begin walking in the early hours of the morning. We follow the Adishura River and make our way across the water on horseback. After several minutes the Adishi glacier will come into sight. The eternal, huge collection of ice at Mt.Tetnuli (4,800m.), the green field and the mountain flowers, the tapestry of colours, will remain forever imprinted in our memories. Soon Ushba will rise into the horizon. Those who ascend Chkhutnieri Pass (2,730m) will have the sensation that they can touch the peak of Tetnuli and clouds with their hands. We will descend down from the pass and make our way to the village of Iprari. Note: tonight’s accommodation will be in a basic but welcoming village guesthouse on a multi-share basis. Hiking: ~7-8hrs; 20km; 620m ascent; 800m descent Overnight: Iprari local guesthouse (multi-share)

Day 7 Hike to Ushguli Village
Today we walk to the village of Ushguli (2200m) the highest permanently inhabited village in Europe and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The village is most famous for its abundance of iconic watch towers and this is where you get the view of the highest mountain in Georgia, Mt. Shkhara (5068m). As the walk to Ushguli isn’t very long (4 hours) we also have the option to walk up the hill to Queen Tamar`s Tower and then return to Ushguli. Hiking: ~4-5hrs; 13km; 440m ascent; 175m descent (excluding optional walk) Overnight: Ushguli local guesthouse

Day 8 Shkhara Glacier to Mestia Hike
Today we will follow the Enguri River towards the summit of Shkhara (5,201m), the highest point of Georgia. Whilst we gaze up at the impressive mountain, we will come across various endemic fauna and flora in the meadows. Get your camera at the ready for when we reach the mighty glacier. Shkhara Glacier is a huge, permanent glacier from which the Enguri River flows. We will spend some time here to appreciate the grand scale and sheer natural beauty of the area before we hike back to Ushguli. On the way back we’ll enter Lamaria Church (10th century A.D.), which is the best example of Svaneti and church architecture. Inside, ancient frescoes and prominent examples of iconography have been preserved. Hiking: ~5-6hrs; 18km; 320m ascent/descent Overnight: Mestia local guesthouse

Day 9 Mestia to Tbilisi
Today we must leave the magnificent western mountains and return to Tbilisi by vehicle. The drive will take around 10hrs with stops along the way to stretch our legs. In the evening arrive to Tbilisi and enjoy a farewell dinner with the group. Overnight: Mukhrantubani Hotel or similar

Day 10 Tbilisi to Airport, trip concludes
This morning after breakfast you will be provided with a transfer to the airport where the trip concludes.

Inclusions

  • 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 9 dinners
  • Accommodation in comfortable hotels on a twin-share basis in cities
  • Small family run hotels & guest houses on a twin-share basis, 2 nights on a multi-share basis
  • Arrival and departure transfers on first and final day
  • Internal transport by private vehicle
  • English speaking local guides & mountain guide during trek
  • Local sightseeing & entrance fees to monuments as listed in itinerary
  • Group medical kit

WEX-THG

Images courtesy of WorldExpeditions

Related experiences


enquire now

Best of Turkey

15 Days From NZD $3,675 pp twinshare
 Small group
 Terms & Conditions apply

Get your Turkish delights on a 15-day adventure in Istanbul. This trip is a mix of ancient ruins and modern cities, Islamic mysticism and Ottoman influence, inland discoveries and coastal cruising, and everything in between! Discover Gallipoli on a guided … Continue reading →