GORGEOUS GEORGIA: HIKING ADVENTURE THROUGH THE CAUCASUS MOUNTAINS

FOR DETAILED INFORMATION WITH PICTURES OF THE TRIP CLICK HERE   

HIGHLIGHTS:

• A journey through some of the most picturesque scenery that Georgia has to offer
• Hike through the enchanting Khada Gorge, Kasari Canyon & Truso Valley
• Pass amazing waterfalls, quaint medieval villages, mineral water springs and ancient Towers

ITINERARY:

September 5th, Saturday

DEPART LONDON 

Day 1: September 6th, Sunday

ARRIVAL & TBILISI CITY TOUR

Transfer to the hotel for a rest after the night flight. Walking tour in the old city. Founded by Vakhtang Gorgasali & (capital from the 6th century). Tour includes Metekhi Church, erected on the cliff, overlooking the Mtkvari River and the famous Sulfur Baths. 

We go up by the cable car to Narikala Fortress, an ancient symbol of the city’s defence. 

Visit Meidani square & Shardeni street with it’s fashionable, cozy cafes and art galleries, pass by the Sioni Cathedral, Anchiskhati Basilica, Tbilisi Opera and Ballet theatre & Rustaveli Theatre.  Overnight in Tbilisi 

Day 2: September 7th, Monday

TBILISI-GUDAURI-KAZBEGI

Khada Gorge “THE 60 TOWERS” Hike    

We drive towards Gudauri to one of the hidden wonders of this part of Georgia and begin our hiking week in a region that has been described as calm and breathtaking, off the beaten track and less touristy, a hidden gorge below the Gudauri mountains at the edge of the Caucasus.

An area that was once a strong hold defending the road between Northern and Southern Caucasus with 60 towers. Every family in every village had their own Tower, serving as either a residential or  defensive building. Our hike takes us past a few of the Towers that remain. We then pass delightful waterfalls, medieval villages and mineral water springs.

The gorge also happens to be the legendary “dwelling” of a couple. A rock, hidden in the trees, where, according to legend, a man carried off a girl he loved and hid her there. We will have our picnic lunch at this spot. After the hike we make our way to Kazbegi.

Dinner at the guest house.

HIKE STATS

• Time: 6 hours  
• Distance:12 km
• Elevation Gain: 800m 
• Elevation loss: 400m

Overnight in Kazbegi.

Day 3: September 8th, Tuesday

KAZBEGI - GERGETI TRINITY CHURCH - KAZBEGI 

 

Trek to Gergeti Trinity Church (2170 m) our first stop on the trek to the foot of the glacier.

After some long and steep ascents, we’ll come to the pass with the stone cairn (Arsha pass 2900m) & our first view of the Gergeti glacier & Mt. Kazbek. We’ll cross several streams and reach the foot of the glacier (picnic lunch spot) & then return to Kazbegi. 

• Duration: 8h 
• Distance: 21km
• Elevation gain up to Gergeti church: 500m 
• Elevation gain up to Gergeti Glacier foot: 1552m
• Elevation loss: 1552 m  

Dinner & overnight in Kazbegi.

Day 4: September 9th, Wednesday

KAZBEGI – TRUSO VALLEY – KAZBEGI  

We drive to the entrance of Truso valley a mystical and spectacular sight and then hike along it to the source of the Tergi River (famous for its mineral water springs & white and yellow travertines). Our route then takes us to Kasari Canyon and  the abandoned village of Ketrisi.

Here we will find some of the “Towers” from the middle ages, including  Zakagari Fortress. 

We then make our way to our lunch stop at the amazing Truso lake and return to the Truso entrance to drive back to the hotel. 

• Trekking distance: 13km 
• Duration: 5h
• Elevation gain: 463m
• Elevation loss: 463m 

Dinner at guesthouse. Overnight in Kazbegi.

Day 5: September 10th, Thursday

KAZBEGI – JUTA – ABUDELAURI LAKES – KAZBEGI   

An amazing day of hiking awaits us as we begin our 7-hour trek via Juta. We’ll drive to  Juta (2220m), a small village which is an outpost of the Khevsur people and which is near the Chaukhi mountains (situated on the main ridge of the Caucasus).

We stop by the statues known as the “Georgian Easter Island” and Sno the home of the Patriarch of the Georgian Orthodox Church. Before reaching Juta, we’ll climb to the top of the Georgian defensive tower & take a walk in the quaint & rustic village of Karchuna.

From Juta, we’ll hike under the Czauchi massif, known as the Georgian Dolomites and hike to Chaukhi pass  (3300m). From here we’ll be able to reach the first of the two lakes and then in 30 mins the white lake. 

We’ll have lunch here and then return to Juta from where we’ll drive to the hotel.  

• Distance: 20km  
• Duration: 7h
• Elevation gain: 1283m
• Elevation loss:  1360m

Dinner at the guesthouse. Overnight in Kazbegi.

Day 6: September 11th, Friday

KAZBEGI – DARIALI GORGE – GVELETI WATERFALL – TBILISI  

We drive to Dariali gorge, from where we hike to Gveleti waterfall.  The hike starts at the mouth of the Gveleti valley. We follow an ancient track into the valley passing an abandoned camp, after reaching the bigger waterfall we have our picnic there. 

We plan to be at the waterfall late morning when the sun shines right into the gorge, we’ll also visit the little lake below the waterfall and then return to the cars. 

Drive to Tbilisi. Transfer to the hotel. Dinner at a local restaurant.  Overnight in Tbilisi.

• Trekking distance: 7km
• Duration: 2-3 h
• Elevation Gain: 191m
• Elevation loss: 191m

Day 7: September 12th, Saturday

Free day. Depart from Tbilisi. (Check out before 12:00)

ACCOMMODATION

Tbilisi: 3 STAR Hotel, Twin room with Ensuite bathroom

Outside Tbilisi: Guesthouses, Twin room with Ensuite bathroom   

What’s included:

• Transportation by comfortable Sprinter (8pax)
• Airport transfers for selected flights
• Breakfast on all days
• Lunch and dinner on  days mentioned: 4 dinners and 4 lunches
• 2 nights in 3-star hotel in Tbilisi (Twin room)
• 4 nights in a guesthouse in Kazbegi  (Twin room)
• English Speaking Guide throughout the trip
• Driver
• One bottle of water per person per day
• 4×4 cars on day 4 and 5

What’s excluded:

• Flight tickets      
• Insurance      
• Alcohol / Beverages     
• Lunch and Dinner not mentioned in the program 

Single Room Supplement available 

RECOMMENDED FLIGHTS

GEORGIAN AIRWAYS  

05.09.2020, 22:55 – 06:35 London Gatwick – Tbilisi 

12.09.2020, 19:25 – 21:55 Tbilisi – London Gatwick  

Flights are approx. £300 

COST:

£695  (For payment before March 5th 2020)

£795 *(For payment after March 20th 2020 and before June 5th 2020)

£895 (For payment after June 5th 2020) 

PAYMENT:

CKAC

Bank Account: 41764527

Sort code: 40 09 25 

Reference: Your name / Georgia