Transcaucasian Trail Hike Georgia
10 Days Starting in Tbilisi and ending in
Visiting: Falkland Islands, Armenia
Tour Overview
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
Itinerary
Day 1 : Join Tbilisi, 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
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 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
Day 3 : Kutaisi - Okatse Canyon - Becho
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)
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 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
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 (shared bathroom facilities)
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.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)
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 (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
Day 8 : Hike To Shkhara Glacier, Drive To Mestia
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
Day 9 : Drive From 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: Clocks 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.
What's Included
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9 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 9 dinners
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Accommodation in comfortable hotels on a twin-share basis in cities
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Small family run hotels & guest houses on a twin-share basis, 2 nights on a multi-share basis
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Arrival and departure airport transfers to/from the group hotel in Tbilisi only. The airport transfers can be used on any day in conjunction with any additional Tbilisi group hotel nights booked with your reservations consultant.
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Internal transport by private vehicle
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English speaking local guides & mountain guide during trek
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Local sightseeing & entrance fees to monuments as listed in itinerary
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Group medical kit
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Meals not indicated in the itinerary
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Bottled water
Accommodation
2 nights hotel
In the city we use comfortable, centrally located 3 star hotels. In more remote rural regions, we select the best accommodation available. Many of the hotels and guesthouses in Georgia are old fashioned, family run establishments which are warm and welcoming. Some facilities can be basic but this is reflective of their location. Two nights are spent at basic lodgings which can only accommodate on a multi-share basis.
What You Carry
You will be required to carry all your luggage between hotels and transportation. On sightseeing days you will be required to carry a day pack with your camera, water proof clothing and any other personal items you may require during the day.
Grading
These adventures involve trekking for up to 6 or 8 hours a day at a steady pace. Be prepared for potential variable weather conditions. These adventure tours sometimes may visit remote areas where facilities are often basic. Many of these trips sometimes involve some basic lodging. These adventure tours will often involve long journeys and rough roads. To enjoy these adventures you will need a good level of fitness and good health, a moderately active lifestyle and have a positive attitude.
Suggested preparation: We recommend 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise three times a week, from a minimum of three months prior to your departure. This can include swimming, jogging, hard walking or cycling - good cardiovascular exercise. For treks, hill or stair walking with a 7kg daypack is also highly recommended at least once a week.
Check out our Q&As
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have offices on three continents which means your travelling companions will be just that – international and wonderfully eclectic. Part of small group travel means that although travellers come from various locations and backgrounds, you will be travelling with like-minded companions who, like you, are keen to share the experience and forge lifelong friendships.
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What about environmental impact?
We believe that adventure travel revolves around establishing a strong relationship with the people and environments in which we operate. Our responsible travel policies have been carefully developed to ensure that we minimise the impact of our presence and help to protect the regions we visit while contributing positively to the local community.
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What should I pack?
Your pre-departure documents include a detailed packing list with items that you need to bring. While most of the equipment for daily activities is included in your tour cost, some items like helmets and hiking boots are best brought from home. The pre-departure documents also include information on layering and recommended brands for various items to ensure you are fully prepared for your trip.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes. World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone on the vast majority of our trips. Our holidays are primarily on a twin share basis, so if you are joining the group as a solo traveller, we will match you with someone of your own gender. The choice is yours however; if you prefer not to share, we do offer single supplements for private occupancy.
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Are tips included in my trip price?
Tips are not included in the tour cost. Tipping is a personal thing, do not worry about how much, or when, to tip. Tipping guidelines are provided for certain destinations in our pre departure information upon booking, however the best advice will be provided by your tour leader.
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Am I suited to small-group travel?
We recognise that many of our travellers have not been on a ‘group trip’ before. Yet what our departures provide is both structure and flexibility, allowing you plenty of freedom within the framework of the itinerary. You’ll find that with our maximum group size at 16, you’ll travel in a minimal impact style with a great group of like-minded travellers.
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Can you advise which vaccinations are recommended?
While our pre-departure kit provides information on vaccinations, we suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
World Expeditions allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform world expeditions, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
World Expeditions requires a minimum deposit of 400 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of world expeditions charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.