Transcaucasian Trail Hike Georgia

If you are arriving at the airport, 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: Clocks Hotel or similar ...more ...less

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 are both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Then drive to visit the town of Gori, en route visit a local winery to learn more about Georgian wine-making, taste wines and enjoy a home-made lunch. Continue onto the Uplistsikhe Cave Town (1st millennium BC), which is where the Great Silk Road used to pass. This is an old and interesting complex with dwelling quarters, wine-cellars, bakeries and a three-nave basilica church hewn out in rock. 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
Driving: 4hrs

In the morning we visit UNESCO World Heritage listed Bagrati Monastery and enjoy some free time at the Kutaisi farmer's market. Then we continue our way to the village of Gordi 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 3000m-5000m 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
Hiking: 1.5hrs (iron steps & pathways)
Driving: 6-7hrs (on very bumpy roads)

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 smaller waterfall, or optional hike up to the higher waterfall 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 in Mestia (45 mins drive). Note: the length of today's walk will depend on the fitness of the group.
Hiking: smaller waterfall - 4-5hrs; 16km; 450m ascent/descent
Hiking: higher waterfall - 6-7hrs; 21km; 1050m ascent/descent
Overnight: Mestia local guesthouse

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 (shared bathroom facilities)

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.Tetnuldi (4800m), the green fields 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 Tetnuldi 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 (shared bathroom facilities)

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 (5201m). As the walk to Ushguli isn't very long (4 hours) we also have the option to walk up the steep hill to Queen Tamar's Tower. Rest of the afternoon free at leisure to explore Ushguli; or visit Lamaria Church (10th century A.D) which is the best example of Svaneti and church architecture with ancient frescoes and prominent examples of iconography.
Hiking: ~4-5hrs; 13km; 440m ascent; 175m descent (excluding Queen Tamar's Tower)
Overnight: Ushguli local guesthouse

Today we will follow the Enguri River towards the base 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 have a picnic lunch and spend time here to appreciate the grand scale and sheer natural beauty of the views of Shkhara and the Shkhara Glacier, before we head back to Ushguli. Then we will transfer by 4x4 vehicles to our Mestia guesthouse (1.5hrs drive).
Hiking: ~4hrs; 10km; 320m ascent/descent
Overnight: Mestia local guesthouse

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: Clocks Hotel or similar

This morning after breakfast you will be provided with a transfer to the airport where the trip concludes.