Overview
- Traverse the most scenic trekking route in Georgia’s Eastern High Caucasus
- Enjoy this Georgia tour with ease — no heavy packs, 4x4 and horse support
- Explore exclusive Tusheti, open only half the year
- Experience Mount Kazbek’s grandeur and hike the Gergeti Glacier
- Discover Georgian heritage at Gergeti Trinity Church and Anatori necropolis
- Marvel at the “Georgian Dolomites” and vivid Abudelauri lakes
- Conclude your Georgia travel at UNESCO sites: Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli
Set off on an 8-day Georgia trekking tour through the Eastern High Caucasus — a more accessible yet equally mesmerizing alternative to the Svaneti region. Begin in vibrant Tbilisi and travel into the heart of Georgia’s towering mountains, with no need to carry heavy loads. All your personal items and camping equipment are transported by 4x4 vehicles, and in Tusheti, by sturdy horses.
Feel the distinctive atmosphere of Tusheti, a secluded region open only half the year, offering an exclusive glimpse into one of Georgia’s most unspoiled areas. Hike across diverse landscapes, from the picturesque Kvakhidi meadows to the storied ruins at Shatili, revealing fresh wonders at every turn.
Heading down toward Shatili, explore the dramatic Mutso fortress and the intriguing Anatori necropolis. You’ll then continue to the impressive Chaukhi massif, sometimes called the “Georgian Dolomites,” passing the vibrant Abudelauri lakes along the way.
Standing at 5,047 meters (16,558 ft), Mount Kazbek is the ultimate highlight of this Georgia hiking trip. Approach the magnificent Gergeti Glacier and visit the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church, a treasured symbol of Georgian heritage and one of the country’s most photographed landmarks.
The journey closes with a final hike toward the Gergeti Glacier and a meaningful day of cultural discoveries, including the Georgievsk Monument, the UNESCO-listed Jvari Monastery, and Svetitskhoveli. This unique Georgia travel adventure combines convenience with the raw beauty of mountain life, leaving you with unforgettable vistas and serene moments long after your trek ends!
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Itinerary
- Journey to Tusheti and Exploration of Omalo
- Pirikita Range Trek
- Girevi to Kvakhidi Meadows Hike
- Crossing the Atsunta Pass
- Khidotanis Ridge to Shatili via Mutso
- From Roshka to Juta Village
- Gergeti Trinity Church, Glacier Trek, and Mt. Kazbek Views
- Descending from the High Mountains and Sightseeing Return to Tbilisi
Journey to Tusheti and Exploration of Omalo
Begin your Georgia trip with a transfer from Tbilisi to the quaint village of Alvani, where you can enjoy a local lunch. Next, travel by four-wheel-drive vehicles to Tusheti, ascending the narrow road to the Abano Pass at 2,900 m (9,514 ft) and soaking in stunning valley views that set the tone for your mountainous Georgia travel experience. Upon arriving in Omalo, the largest village in Tusheti, the afternoon is devoted to exploring the medieval Keselo fortresses, silent witnesses to the region’s rich history. Your first day concludes with a hands-on “Khinkali” cooking class and dinner — a genuine taste of Georgian cuisine. Accommodation is arranged in a welcoming guest house in Omalo, blending comfort and Tushetian hospitality as you begin your trekking adventure.
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Pirikita Range Trek
Continuing your Georgia trekking adventure, you depart from Omalo on Day 2, heading northeast through rugged mountainous terrain toward Gometsari. Here, participants can explore the area’s natural beauty and traditional architecture, immersing themselves in the essence of Tusheti’s landscape on this Georgia travel experience. The next stage leads to Bochorna, perched at about 2,345 meters (7,694 feet), recognized as one of the highest inhabited villages in Europe. Its lofty altitude rewards you with magnificent mountain vistas and a distinct atmosphere.
Moving on, a 4x4 journey takes you to the Pirikita Ridge, arriving in the picturesque village of Dartlo. Dartlo is renowned for medieval Christian crypts, battle towers, residential castles, and an archaeological area. A standout site here is Ghele Meadow, home to the Sabcheo monument — a traditional court setting. Participants will also see the Kwavlo combat tower and the fascinating village sanctuary in Dano.
Hiking from Dano back to Dartlo offers more time to appreciate this region’s cultural and historical significance. A final 4x4 transfer carries you from Dartlo to Girevi, passing through the scenic surroundings to reach Parsma village. Dinner and overnight in Ghirevi bring this day of Georgia hiking and cultural exploration to a satisfying close.
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Girevi to Kvakhidi Meadows Hike
An early start in Girevi, the last inhabited village in this valley, sets the tone for a day of immersive Georgia trekking. After a hearty breakfast and obtaining necessary permits from the local border post, you embark on a two-day off-grid segment — the most remote part of this Georgia travel experience with no cellular coverage. During this time, trekkers fully embrace wilderness hiking, sleeping in tents surrounded by untouched nature. Horses carry all essential gear, adding an authentic dimension to your Georgia trip, while any unneeded luggage travels by vehicle to the village of Mutso for later pickup.
The hike begins right from Girevi, crossing the hauntingly beautiful, abandoned settlement of Chontio, and meandering through alpine meadows and river gorges. Spanning 16 km (10 mi), the trail features an elevation gain of 920 m (3,018 ft) and a descent of 530 m (1,739 ft). This challenging yet captivating route promises breathtaking vistas of Georgia’s high mountain landscapes.
By evening, you arrive at the serene Kvakhidi meadows at 2,600 m (8,530 ft). Here, under a canopy of majestic peaks, you camp for the night and immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance of nature — the perfect way to cap off a day of true wilderness hiking on your Georgia tour.
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Crossing the Atsunta Pass
This day of your Georgian trekking adventure is both the most stunning and challenging. Covering 16.8 km (10.4 mi), you gain 1,405 m (4,610 ft) in elevation and descend 1,168 m (3,832 ft). The morning begins by crossing multiple rivers, paving the way for the ascent toward Atsunta Pass. As you travel upward through meadows and rugged shale slopes, the pass provides an epic viewpoint showcasing the grandeur of both Tusheti and Khevsureti.
Descending onto the Khidotanis ridge reveals sweeping landscapes framed by Mt. Tebulo (4,492 m / 14,739 ft), the highest peak in Tusheti. Your day ends with setting up camp on the ridge, where a star-filled sky and the majestic Georgian mountains complete this memorable segment of your Georgia hiking trip.
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Khidotanis Ridge to Shatili via Mutso
Day five transitions you from the remote wilderness of your Georgia trekking experience back to more accessible terrain. Covering about 10 km (6.2 mi), the route begins on Khidotanis Ridge with a modest climb of 280 m (919 ft) and a descent of 1,360 m (4,462 ft) into the Khonischala valley. The path leads to the storied Mutso fortress, an imposing example of medieval Georgian fortifications — and the endpoint of this remote hiking segment.
At Mutso, the group meets with the driver and retrieves any stored luggage, marking a return to the conveniences of modern Georgia tour. From there, 4x4 vehicles ferry you onward, stopping to visit the evocative Anatori necropolis (the “Houses of the Dead”), a fascinating glimpse into old Georgian burial customs and local legend.
Arriving in Shatili, famed for its unique stone architecture and fortified towers, you can relax and reflect on the day’s diverse adventures. Dinner and overnight at the Shatili guesthouse offer a comfortable conclusion to another remarkable leg of your Georgia trip.
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From Roshka to Juta Village
After breakfast in Shatili, you transfer to Roshka, where a picturesque Georgia hiking route begins toward Juta. Along the trail, you’ll encounter the towering Chaukhi massif, often called the “Georgian Dolomites” for its dramatic rock formations. En route, pass by the vivid Abudelauri lakes, including the Blue Lake, celebrated for its striking color. The highlight is crossing Sadzele Pass at 3,068 m (10,065 ft), a natural division between the Khevi and Khevsureti regions, offering stunning panoramic views. This day of your Georgia trekking concludes in the charming village of Juta, known for its rustic setting and majestic mountain backdrop. Overnight at the Fifth Season hotel provides comfort and rejuvenation in the heart of the Caucasus.
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Gergeti Trinity Church, Glacier Trek, and Mt. Kazbek Views
Begin your day with a scenic drive from Juta to Stepantsminda, a highlight of your Georgia hike. A 4x4 vehicle carries you up to the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church, perched high on a mountain ridge. Dating back to the 14th century, this sacred site serves as a symbol of Georgian Christianity and offers awe-inspiring views of Mt. Kazbek (5,047 m / 16,558 ft).
After admiring the church’s historic significance, set off on a memorable Georgia trekking route toward the Gergeti Glacier for an up-close encounter with the region’s glacial wonders and a striking perspective of one of the tallest peaks in the Caucasus. Alti Hut provides an optional lunch stop, allowing you to dine amid the dramatic mountain scenery (meal not included).
Return to Gergeti Trinity Church, where your driver awaits to bring you back down to Stepantsminda. The evening is yours to explore or relax, savoring local cuisine for dinner on your own. Overnight in Stepantsminda offers a comfortable conclusion to a day filled with unforgettable Mt. Kazbek views and cultural insights on this Caucasus travel adventure.
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Descending from the High Mountains and Sightseeing Return to Tbilisi
On the final day of your Georgia hiking, descend from the high Caucasus back to Tbilisi, stopping at significant cultural and historical landmarks along the way. The day begins at the Georgievsk Monument, also known as the “Friendship” Arc, a memorial built in the 1980s to symbolize Georgian-Russian relations. Continuing along the Georgian Military Highway, you will cross the Jvari Pass (approximately 2,379 m / 7,815 ft), one of Georgia’s highest, offering spectacular mountain vistas.
Next, pause in Gudauri — a famed ski resort where you can savor one last glimpse of the Caucasus peaks before visiting the 13th-century Ananuri fortress, a UNESCO Tentative Site perched by the Aragvi River. Traveling onward, the Zhinvali Reservoir provides a tranquil waterside view.
Further down, visit the 6th-century Jvari Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that opens up sweeping panoramas and insights into Georgia’s rich religious heritage. The tour concludes with a stop at the majestic Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, another UNESCO gem renowned for its architectural grandeur and historical importance.
Upon arriving in Tbilisi, you may choose to explore the downtown area on your own or opt for a convenient drop-off at your hotel — the perfect close to this memorable Georgia tour.
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Our tour program's list of attractions is a guide, not exhaustive. Unlisted sites may be visited, and listed ones might be viewed from a distance. Conditions like operating hours, weather, or local rules may affect access. Thank you for your understanding.
