Transcaucasian Trail Hike Georgia

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

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
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. (D)

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. (B, L, D)

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 marvellous 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. (B, L, D)

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. (B, L, D)

Day 5 Mulakhi Village to Adishi Hike
After breakfast we drive 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. (B, L, D)

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 colors, 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. (B, L, D)

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, and where you get the view of the highest mountain in Georgia, Mt. Shkhara (5068m). As the walk to Ushguli isn’t very long we also have the option to walk up the hill to Queen Tamar`s Tower and then return to Ushguli. (B, L, D)

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 send 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. (B, L, D)

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. (B, L, D)

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

Inclusions

8 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 8 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
English speaking local guides
Mountain guide days 4-8
Local sightseeing & entrance fees to monuments as listed in itinerary
Internal transport by private vehicle
Group medical kit

WEX-THG

Images courtesy of WorldExpeditions

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Transcaucasian Trail Hike Georgia

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

Highlights

Itinerary

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