Hike Through the Caucasus

After a late breakfast, we start our Tbilisi sightseeing tour to get acquainted with the city. Walking through the historical part of the city and enjoying the unique combination of cultures.

Meandering through the narrow streets of the city we will come-across various religious buildings: Churches, Synagogues, Mosques, Wooden houses built in the 19th century with colourful balconies, sulphur baths, the Narikala fortress.

Next, we take in the Georgian National Museum, where a great many intricate Georgian treasures are preserved. To finish up this introduction to the city we peruse Rustaveli Avenue which is the main central boulevard.

The rest of the day is left for exploring Tbilisi further, tasting wine in one of the many wine-bars, and getting acquainted with Georgian cuisine in one of the many great restaurants in the city centre.

In the morning we will follow the Georgian Military Road, which is one of the most spectacular routes in Georgia.

On the way, we will stop at the colourful Zhinvali Reservoir and visit the beautiful Ananuri complex.

After arriving in Stepantsminda, we walk to Gergeti Trinity Church. With it’s special location and centuries-old history, it really represents the face of Georgia.

The green slopes decorated with mountain flowers and the great Caucasus leave an unforgettable impression on the visitor.

The third day of the journey ends in Stepantsminda.

(↑↓435m, 3-4 hours, 7km).

In the morning we drive through the beautiful Sno Valley to the village of Juta (2165 m). With narrow roads go deeper into the mountain valley where the exotic small village of Juta awaits us.

A village far apart by modern chaos and the accelerated rhythm of life is an earthly paradise.

From Juta we go through the green meadows to the mountain Chaukhebi (3842 m.). Here we stop at a small, blue mountain lake and then continue to Tetu Peak (3210 m.) from where we look over the Great Caucasus Mountains.

At the end of the day, we will stay at the foot of Chaukhebi mountain.

(↑1250m ↓ 1020m 7-8 hours, 13km).

The sound of the rapid currents of the mountain river leads us to the Chaukhebi Pass. The closer we get to the Chaukhebi Pass (3330 m.) along the steep path, the wider amazing panorama of the Great Caucasus unfolds in front of us and the environment gets more mystical.

From the pass, we go to the colourful lakes of Abudelauri. The blue, green, and white lake fascinates and enchants all visitors.

Our camp is located near the village of Roshka, where the rocky trail runs and makes today’s trip more interesting.

(↑1050m  ↓ 1500m, 8-9 hours,  16km).

Today’s hiking route is relatively simple. As soon as we pass the village and follow the narrow path we will find ourselves in the beautiful meadows, from where extraordinary views unfold before our eyes.

We will also cross the forest, go to the river bank and through the forest, we will reach one of the villages.

Here we can taste real village goods, natural honey, sour and other types of dairy products.

(↑270m ↓ 650m, 3-4 hours, 7km).

This day is very impressive and special as we climb to an altitude of 3000 meters. From this height there are amazing views: you can see Tebulo mountain (4492 m.), Chaukhebi massif (3842 m.), and Datvijvari pass (2676 m.).

From the road we will also see the ancient towers, we will pass by sacred places and icons.

In the evening we will camp near the village of Kistan.

(↑1350m. ↓ 1100m. 8-9 hours, 14km).

Today, more or less, we will travel by transport and visit two exceptionally beautiful and important villages, Shatili and Mutso.

First, we visit Shatili – a fortified village, which is a surprisingly harmonious architectural ensemble with its old towers.

Later, we travel to Mutso, whose ancient, abandoned towers and crypts take us back in time. The village is located on an elevated spot and from here an unforgettable view overlooks the entire valley.

In the afternoon we walk to the village of Ardoti.

The eighth day of the trip ends in Ardoti.

(↑300m ↓ 150m, 2-3 hours, 7km).

Today, one of the most difficult, but at the same time, impressive and adventurous days of travel awaits us. A steep path leads to the Atsunta mountain ridge.

Near the ridge, we camp at 2960 meters – this is a really magical place where you will often see mountain eagles, and below you can see high ridges surrounded by clouds.

(↑700m  ↓ 1200m, 6-7 hours, 12km).

Today we reach the highest point of the journey. The highest point is Atsunta Pass (3520 m.) which we cross over.

From the pass we see the glacier of Kazbegi (5047 m.), Chaukhebi (3842 m.), on the other side appear Makratela ridge and Alazani gorge.

From the pass, we go down on a steep path and find ourselves in a beautiful valley with lots of flocks of sheep in the summer. It is beautiful to see a flock of sheep lying on the green slopes.

(↑1300m ↓ 100m, 5-6 hours, 12km).

Today will also be full of unforgettable impressions. Our trail follows the Khevsureti ridge, which is the Russian-Georgian border.

On the way we meet large flocks of sheep, pass abandoned villages, will see the old Tushetian towers scattered on the slopes, and will reach Girevi.

Girevi is the last settlement in Tusheti, where only a few families stay during the summer. Getting to know the local life is especially interesting for foreigners.

(↑400m  ↓ 750m, 5-6 hours, 15km).

Today we walk to the beautiful villages of Tusheti.

At first, we visit Parsma, where besides the ancient Tush towers and the church, we will also be fascinated by the local icons that were left in the towers centuries ago.

Then we will see Chesho, Dano, and Kvavlo, where we also see lots of towers and holy places.

Finally, we arrive in Dartlo, which is a real pearl of Tush architecture. Tush towers and balconies on the slope leave no one indifferent.

The village of Dartlo is located in the Tusheti protected area at 1830 meters above sea level. Dartlo architectural complex includes castle towers, akldama-cathedrals, and a church. 

(↑600m. ↓850m, 5-6 hours, 19km).

Today’s route leads to the ancient village of Diklo, where only a few families live, even in summer.

From the village you can see the mossy castle and the old Diklo, which is associated with many legends. The few surviving castles blend artistically with rural nature.

Slopes covered with cedars, poppies and chamomiles, slate-roofed houses, and old castle-towers add the magnificent beauty of Tusheti villages. Such a variety of flowers is rare around the world.

At the end of the day, we will stay at the guesthouse of the village Diklo, where we will be treated to a delicious dinner.

(↑1200m  ↓ 900m, 7-8 hours, 16km).

We drive from Diklo to the village of Shenako. The village on the hill immediately fascinates us with its typical Tush towers and houses. 

Then we will leave behind the flower-embroidered fields, bluish-green mountains, rocky outcrops and arrive in the historical city of Telavi.

At the end of the day, we will take a walk through the central streets of the city, which have recently been restored. While walking we will see the local architecture and feel the full soul of this city.

In the morning we visit Telavi agricultural market.  Various products are placed on open shelves: seasonal ripe fruits, healthy vegetables, colorful spices, cheeses, fresh meats, beaded garlic, or walnuts.

Then we visit a family winery in one of the villages near Telavi, where we taste natural wines made in an amphora by the traditional method.

The Georgian traditional method of making wine has the status of a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Site.

We will return to the capital – Tbilisi, pleasantly obscured by wine.

We will spend the last evening of the trip in Tbilisi.

Transfer to the airport and departure.