Transcaucasian Trail Hike Georgia

4.7Based on

Guided and Escorted

Carbon neutral

11 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

12 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Tbilisi, Georgia

Ends

Tbilisi, Georgia

Highlights

Traverse sections of the Transcaucasian Trail through the soaring Greater Caucasus Mountains

Walk to Ushguli, a remote UNESCO village and Europe’s highest permanently inhabited settlement (2,200m/7218ft).

Explore Uplistsikhe, an extraordinary 3,000-year-old cave town once a vital Silk Road trading hub

Savour home-cooked Georgian feasts, sample regional wine, and experience the warmth of traditional Svan hospitality

Behold the mighty peaks of Mt Tetnuldi (4,858m/15,938ft) and Mt Shkhara (5,201m/17,060ft) as you hike beneath towering glaciers and over high passes

Spend two nights in Georgia’s eclectic capital, Tbilisi - with its Old Town lanes, ancient sulphur baths, carved wooden balconies, and the Narikala Fortress

Itinerary

Adventure into the scenic, mysterious and fascinating lands of Georgia. This 11-day guided group hike traces the second stage of the Transcaucasian Trail, immersing you in the wild beauty and rich traditions of Georgia’s Svaneti region.
Your journey begins in Georgia’s eclectic capital, Tbilisi, where Persian, Ottoman and Soviet influences collide with bold modern design, vibrant cafés and natural wine bars. Enjoy a guided exploration of the city’s historic heart and the comfort of your 4-star hotel, where you’ll return to unwind at the end of the trip.
Head west to explore UNESCO-listed cathedrals, the ancient cave town of Uplistsikhe, and a family-run winery where you’ll enjoy a home-cooked lunch and taste Georgia’s legendary qvevri wines. Walk the dramatic limestone cliffs of Okatse Canyon before heading into the rugged Greater Caucasus Mountains.
Over five days of hiking, follow remote trails through glacier-fed valleys, alpine meadows and traditional Svan villages. Stay in characterful guesthouses and experience Georgia’s warm hospitality. Climb to scenic passes with breathtaking views of the country’s highest peaks, explore Ushguli, the highest permanently inhabited village in Europe, and reach the spectacular Shkhara Glacier.
With all meals included, you’ll enjoy plentiful Georgian fare even on the trail, from fresh vegetables and local cheeses to generous picnic spreads that reflect the country’s rich culinary traditions. Whether taken on its own or as part of the full Transcaucasian Trail Hike, this is a rewarding and culturally rich trek through one of Europe’s most awe-inspiring mountain regions.

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

Meals:Dinner

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