Svaneti Snowshoeing

Equipment & Checklist

A winter snowshoeing trip to the Georgian mountains in Svaneti is a unique and thrilling adventure. During the winter months (February to March), the average temperature in the mountains is around -5°C (23°F), although it can drop below -20°C (-4°F) on colder days.

For your winter snowshoeing trip, it is essential to pack warm clothing made from insulating materials such as down or synthetic fill. This includes a winter coat, insulated pants, hat, gloves, and warm socks. It's also important to wear multiple layers, so you can easily adjust to changing temperatures.

Remember to check the weather forecast before your trip and pack accordingly, as conditions in the mountains can be extreme and unpredictable. Enjoy your winter snowshoeing adventure in Svaneti!

Here's a comprehensive checklist for your winter snowshoeing trip to Svaneti:

• Winter coat with synthetic or down fill
• Insulated pants
• Warm hat and gloves
• Warm socks
• Multiple layers of clothing (long-sleeve shirts, thermal underwear, etc.)
• Waterproof and windproof pants and jacket
• Sturdy and waterproof snow boots
• Waterproof Gaiters
• Snowshoes and poles (provided by Georgia.to)
• Balaclava or face mask (if you are sensitive to cold)
• Sun protection (sunblock, sunglasses)
• Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)
• Medications (if you require any)
• Cash and credit cards
• Camera and charger
• Travel adapter (if necessary)
• First-aid kit
• Maps and a guidebook (optional)

Accommodation

The accommodations in this tour offer a unique blend of traditional character and modern conveniences, with the majority of nights spent in locally-run hotels or home-stays with shared facilities, and a few nights in good and clean 2-3 star city hotels with private facilities. Both types of accommodations, whether in family-run establishments or city hotels, are clean, good, and centrally located to maximize your time for exploring the sights. If a hotel name is marked with "* or similar," it means a similar hotel of equivalent or higher class may be provided based on tour dates, group size, and hotel availability. The itinerary section of the program description will specify the exact type of accommodation for each day.

Meals

Eating is an integral part of travel, and with Georgia.to, you will have the opportunity to savor the delicious cuisine that Georgia has to offer. While breakfast is included, some lunches and dinners may be held at local restaurants, giving you the flexibility to choose where, what, and with whom you want to eat. Although meals are not typically included in the trip price, food is generally inexpensive, with an average cost of 10-15 euros per person for dinner or lunch, including drinks. However, our group often eats together to allow for a diverse taste of dishes and for the enjoyment of each other's company, though this is not a requirement.

Food Arrengements During the Snowshoeing Part

During the winter hike on snowshoes in the Svaneti mountains, meals are typically organized as picnic-style lunches and hearty, home-cooked dinners at local families. The exact menu may vary depending on the day, but common options for lunch include sandwiches, fruits, nuts, and snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day. For dinner, you will enjoy traditional, warm and filling dishes made by the local families. Water is provided to keep you hydrated. If you have specific dietary requirements, please let your travel assistant know and they will do their best to accommodate them.

Transport

In this tour, all transportation is private and tailored to your group's needs. Depending on the size of the group, transportation options can range from a car, a mini-van, or a minibus. In areas with challenging road conditions, a 4x4 vehicle may be used to ensure a safe and comfortable journey. With private transport, you will have the flexibility to customize your itinerary and move around at your own pace.

Luggage Transportation During the Hike

During your hiking journey in the mountains, you'll be able to travel light with just your personal belongings. To ensure that your luggage is safe and secure, it will be transferred from one overnight point to the next by a reliable 4x4 vehicle. This means that you can focus on enjoying your hike and taking in the stunning mountain scenery, without having to worry about carrying your luggage. Rest assured that your luggage will be waiting for you at your next accommodation, so you can freshen up and relax after a day of hiking.

Guides

Our group tour leaders are the most experienced and knowledgeable individuals with excellent English language skills. If the common language of the group is different, we can provide guides in other foreign languages by coordinating with our travel assistant team. The guide will be available to the group for the entire duration of the trip, and their exact availability is marked in the Itinerary section of the program for each day. Please refer to the Itinerary section to know how long the guide will be available on each day.

Money

In Georgia, the currency is the Georgian Lari (GEL). You can exchange money at banks, exchange offices, and some hotels. Small exchange offices are omnipresent throughout Georgia and offer competitive exchange rates. Your guide will be able to advise you on the best place to exchange money, as exchange rates may vary depending on the location. You can also check the current exchange rates on www.xe.com

Bank cards are widely accepted in restaurants, hotels, and shops, but it is advisable to have some cash as a backup, in case there are issues with local ATM machines or credit cards. However, it is possible that in remote villages, bank cards may not be accepted, so it is best to have some cash on hand. The most widely accepted cards are Visa and MasterCard. We recommend exchanging only small amounts of money at a time, as exchange rates can fluctuate frequently. It is also advisable to inform your bank in advance of your travel plans to avoid any issues with international transactions.

Tipping

The Georgia.to travel team, including guides, drivers, cooks, etc., are paid a fair wage and do not expect tips. If you choose to leave a gratuity as a way of expressing your satisfaction, please note that damaged or adhesive coins or banknotes cannot be exchanged. Tips can be left at your discretion in envelopes. In restaurants, it is customary to leave 5-10% as a tip.

Health

For your health and safety, it's important to be in good health before traveling to Georgia. Consult with a doctor or travel medicine specialist for recommended vaccines and preventive measures. To prevent insect bites and follow food safety measures, it's best to drink only bottled or treated water and be mindful of what you eat.

Bring enough of your prescription medicine and ensure that it is legal in Georgia if you have a pre-existing medical condition. A basic first-aid kit, including pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, and insect repellent, is also recommended in case of minor illnesses or injuries.

While Georgia has modern medical facilities in cities like Tbilisi and Batumi, it's still wise to have travel insurance in case of unexpected medical expenses. There are no specific health requirements for this trip, but it's important to prioritize your health and safety while traveling.

Visa Requirements for Georgia

Visa requirements for Georgia for foreign citizens vary depending on the country of origin. Citizens of most countries are eligible for a visa-free entry to Georgia for stays of up to one year. However, some countries require a pre-arranged visa, which can be obtained from a Georgian embassy or consulate. It is recommended to check the specific visa requirements for your country of origin before traveling to Georgia. Here is a short list of countries with citizens that do not need a visa to enter Georgia for a stay up to one year:

EU countries, including Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, Spain, France, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, and more. Switzerland, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Israel, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico etc.

Please find the exhaustive information on the Ministry of Foreign Affaires of Georgia website: https://www.geoconsul.gov.ge/

Laundry

Laundry service is available at most of our hotels for a reasonable fee, typically around 10 euros or less per load. If you need this service, please let your guide know in advance to arrange it. During the hiking portion of the trip when staying at family hotels or home-stays, you may need to do your own laundry at times. To ensure environmental safety, we recommend bringing non-polluting/biodegradable soap for this purpose.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is not a requirement to enter Georgia, but it is highly recommended. A comprehensive travel insurance policy can provide coverage for trip cancellations, medical expenses, lost or stolen belongings, and emergency evacuation. In case of unexpected events, having travel insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection. It is important to review the coverage and terms of your travel insurance policy before departing to ensure it meets your specific needs and provides adequate protection while traveling in Georgia.

Safety and Security

Georgia is considered one of the safest countries in the world and visitors can generally feel safe while exploring the country. Crime rates, including pickpocketing, are low and tourists can move around freely without major concerns for their safety. However, as with any destination, it is always advisable to take basic safety precautions, such as keeping valuables out of sight, not carrying large amounts of cash, and being aware of one's surroundings in busy areas.

Emergency Contact

In case of any emergencies, we are available for support. During office hours (Tbilisi time), you can reach us at +995 591 257 715 for any urgent questions. Additionally, upon booking, you will be provided with a 24/7 personnel travel assistant for the duration of your trip. They will be available to assist you with any needs or concerns.