Trek the Caucasus Mountains in Georgia
Hike among the craggy snow-capped peaks and deep gorges of the Greater Caucasus, through ancient hamlets to dazzling glaciers
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with local, professional, English-speaking guidesHotel & Guesthouse
2 nights in a hotel and 5 nights in local guesthousesMeals
All breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 dinnersTransfers
Both airport transfers and travel between locationsLuggage transfer
4x4 vehicle support throughoutSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 12 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
What's it like?
Take on sections of the pioneering Transcaucasian Trail, all the way to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ushguli
Explore the majestic alpine scenery of ancient Upper Svaneti, one of the wildest and most remote regions of Georgia
Tuck into hearty mountain food to fuel your hikes through the Caucasus and sample natural wines, Georgian-style
Key Information
Day 1
Kutaisi
Touch down at Kutaisi International Airport where your host will be waiting to take you straight to a nearby hotel. Get settled and then rest up in preparation for the challenge ahead.
Day 2
Into the mountains
Driving
Time for a road trip through this little-visited land, stopping for a traditional lunch of khachapuri (delicious cheese bread) in a local market. The winding mountain road will pass by the second-highest arch dam in the world, the Enguri Dam, where you can pause for a leg stretch. Continue on to the small town of Mestia where you’ll have time to explore, be sure to grab a drink in the old town square.
Day 3
Hit the trail to Adishi
Hiking
After a short drive to Jabeshi, trek through the meadows and forests beneath beautiful Mount Tetnuldi (4858m). Make the most of the picturesque backdrop by stopping for a picnic lunch and then continue on to the ancient village of Adishi. You’ll know you’ve arrived when the trail descends offering magnificent views over its medieval monuments and iconic Svan towers.
Day 4
Crossing the Chkhutnieri Pass (2722m)
Hiking
Fuel up on a giant homemade breakfast ready for another magnificent day of trekking. Following the trail towards the Adishi Glacier, you'll cross the Adishichala River with horses and then begin the uphill journey to the Chkhutnieri Pass (2722m). From the top of the pass you can enjoy stunning views of the Caucasus mountains and glaciers. Descend down to the historical village of Khalde, arriving at your guesthouse mid to late afternoon for some downtime before dinner.
Day 5
Ushguli
Hiking
Sit back and relax for a while as you take a scenic drive to the historic UNESCO-listed settlement of Ushguli (2000m). Explore the ancient sites of this once clan-led land and after lunch hike through the valley to the Shkhara Glacier and look down on the green slopes climbing up to a snow-covered peak. Head back to Ushguli and spend another night in a local guesthouse.
Day 6
Ushba Waterfalls
Hiking
Start the day with another traditional, homemade breakfast (khachapuri, anyone?) and then drive to the little village of Becho and the start of today’s trek. Take a tranquil stroll through the woodland, then, when the trees break open at the foot of Mount Ushba (4700m), you'll clamber up to the dramatic Ushba waterfalls. From here you can also enjoy stunning views of the Laila mountain range and Dolra Valley, before heading back to your guesthouse in Becho for the night.
Day 7
Kutaisi return
Enjoy a more relaxed start to the day before driving back to Kutaisi, arriving at around 15:00. Explore the city at leisure – walk the cobbled streets to the Bagrati Cathedral, get lost in the largest, liveliest and most colourful indoor produce market in Georgia, or just stroll around the city, taking in the culture and architecture. When you're ready, return to your hotel and indulge in a last Georgian meal of dumplings and natural wines to bring your trip to a suitable end.
Day 8
All good things must come to an end
Time to say your goodbyes! Head back to Kutaisi Airport in time for your journey home.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6 – Day 7
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 8
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Food will be a delicious mix of local Svan and Georgian national cuisine, cooked using produce grown or reared by the guesthouse owners themselves. Georgian cuisine is world-renowned for its mix of eastern and Western flavours, aromas and colours and is slightly spicy and usually based on meat, vegetables, cheese and fruit. There are also plenty of traditional dishes without meat, so vegetarians and vegans will be well catered for. Lunches will be picnic-style, out in the wilderness.
What is the accommodation like?
Kutaisi City
You'll stay in a 3-star hotel in the centre of Kutaisi located in the best part of the city, with the Colchis Fountain, Bagrati Cathedral and Kutaisi State Historical Museum all within walking distance. There is free WiFi and continental and buffet breakfast options are available each morning.
Upgrades
If you are arriving in Kutaisi in the early hours of the morning on Day 1, there is an "Early Check-In" option for the hotel which you can request (subject to availability) via your booking.
In the mountains
You'll stay in well-regarded guesthouses in Mestia, Adishi, Ushguli and the small village of Becho. Accommodation will be in clean and comfortable twin-share rooms, with friendly and welcoming hosts and usually a magnificent breakfast in the morning that you'll want to write home about.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked on request for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please include this request at the time of booking. Private room upgrades are subject to availability, and although typically not an issue at the hotel in Kutaisi at the beginning and end of the trip, private rooms are more limited in the guesthouses. Your host will confirm the private room availability with you in your booking.
This trip has been rated as Moderate
This trek is great for beginners and experienced trekkers alike. It’s classed as moderate, so we'd recommend a good fitness level to make the most of it. Some days are long with steep sections so being used to walking back-to-back days is essential. You only need to carry a daypack each day, as the rest of your luggage will be transferred by vehicle. The terrain on the trail is mixed and ranges from easy paths to rough, rock-strewn climbs as you get closer to the glaciers. Good trekking boots are recommended.
The average temperature during summer in Georgia typically ranges from 25-35°C in the lower valleys. However, up on the plateaus and high in the mountains it will be colder, especially when exposed to the wind. For every 1000m of ascent, the temperature can be expected to drop by approximately 6.5°C. Mountain climates are notoriously unpredictable so it is essential to bring wet weather gear and layers to adjust your temperature as required. At night temperatures can drop down to 5°C. Dry sunny days are common (sunscreen/sun-protection is important) and rain at this time of year is rare but can happen.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Kutaisi International Airport
Arrive any time on Day 1
Ends
Kutaisi International Airport
Depart any time on Day 8
Transfers
You can arrive into Kutaisi any time you like on Day 1 and depart at any time on Day 8.
Provided you have supplied your arrival and departure details in advance, your host will provide arrival and departure transfers to coincide with your flights. However, it is also very easy to get a taxi from the airport to your hotel. It costs around £5/$8USD and it takes 25 minutes. If you are arriving in Kutaisi in the early hours of the morning on Day 1, there is an "Early Check-In" option for the hotel which you can request (subject to availability) via your booking.
Travel options
There are flights to Kutaisi International Airport (KUT) from all over Europe. Alternatively, you can fly to Tbilisi International Airport instead and your host can arrange a transfer to Kutaisi which takes around 4 hours. Please ask your host for prices.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
- Soft overnight duffel bag or rucksack (for your main luggage)
- Daypack (20-30 litres)
- Waterproof liner for kitbag or rucksack / drybags
CLOTHES
- Lightweight down jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Breathable wicking layers
- Fleece jacket or similar
- Thermals (merino best) (for Sept trips only)
- Warm hat
- Gloves
- Buff or neckscarf
- Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts
- T-shirts
- Underwear and socks
- Swimwear
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Sleepwear
- Hiking boots (worn-in)
- Sandals for evenings
OTHER
- Universal travel plug adapter
- Power bank or solar charger
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel insurance documents
- Ear plugs
- Insect repellent
- Suncream
- Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
- Toilet kit (toilet paper, biodegradable bags to carry paper out to dispose of)
- Quick-dry towel
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Headtorch or torch
- Reusable water bottle x1 litre (or x2)
- Hiking poles (optional but highly recommended)
Optional Private Room Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade
… Per Person
Pre/post trip accommodation - single room
Payable Before Departure
Pre/post trip accommodation - single room
… Per Night
Pre/post trip accommodation - twin/double room
Payable Before Departure
Pre/post trip accommodation - twin/double room
… Per Night
Kutaisi Hotel Early Check-In (Single Room)
Payable Before Departure
Kutaisi Hotel Early Check-In (Single Room)
…
Kutaisi Hotel Early Check-In (Twin/Double Room)
Payable Before Departure
Kutaisi Hotel Early Check-In (Twin/Double Room)
…
Private Transfer Tbilisi Airport to Kutaisi
Payable Before Departure
Private Transfer Tbilisi Airport to Kutaisi
… Per Person
Very special experience
Georgia is a lovely place with interesting history, rich culture, generous people, and amazing food (and tasty local wine!) The Svaneti region is so beautiful and a great destination for hiking. Our accommodation was charming and we were spoiled with tons of food every day. I was lucky to get a diverse yet wondeful group of people to share this experience with. Big big thank you to our guides, Levani and Nugo, who were not just helpful and flexible, but also empathetic and fun to be around! See you soon again Georgia!! :)
Spectacular Trip!
The Svaneti region is outstanding - the scenery is so beautiful!
The local guides, Levani and Nugzar, were amazing, always making sure that we were happy, had everything we needed, while enjoying beautiful hikes and time well spent in Georgia!
The group was excellent and we all had an amazing time. Would definitely come back to Georgia!
Hiking trip of a lifetime
This trip takes you right into the heart of Svaneti, one of the most beautiful regions of the world. The nature is amazing, our group was fantastic, and our guides were outstanding - always being helpful, responsible, and very eager to answer questions and tell us everything about Georgia. The organisation of the trip was flawless, and the Georgian food is out of this world. Please note that some of the accommodation is quite basic (shared bathrooms even if you've upgraded to a private room). Fitnesswise you'll get most out of this trip if you're in general good shape - but it's not technically challenging, and the guides were always there to help. This trip should be on every hiker's bucket list.
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