Mountain Journey Into the Heart of Georgia

Trekking in the Caucasus

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Be among the first outsiders ever to trek on this special route! Our challenging trek spans the rugged peaks of the Caucasus as we hike from west to east across three separate cultural regions—Kazbegi, Khevsureti, and beautiful Tusheti, an ancient region with a rich heritage and fantastic villages to explore. Along the way, we are warmly welcomed as we visit stone-built villages lost in time, hike past shepherds’ camps, explore ancient watchtowers, and meet the keepers of some of Europe’s most distinctive mountain cultures. Mountain ponies carry our gear on this high alpine journey. We begin and end in Tbilisi, the Georgian capital, with its domed churches and tree-lined boulevards.

Below is an Itinerary-in-Brief. To view a complete Detailed Itinerary, Download Full Itinerary or Email our Area Specialist

Itinerary-in-Brief

Days 1-2
Tbilisi, Georgia / Mtskheta

In this cosmopolitan city founded 1,500 years ago, we discover the teahouses and pepper-pot roofed churches as well as the wares of Tbilisi’s famous traditional bakeries. We also visit Mtskheta, the ancient capital and center of the Georgian Orthodox Church.

Days 3-6
Kazbegi / Shatili / Khevsureti

We begin our trek with a hike into the rugged landscape of the traditional Khevsur people. Although our hiking elevations are moderate, the hiking is quite challenging. There are almost no trails, so we hike cross-country through boulder-strewn meadows, sometimes knee-deep in wildflowers or following animal tracks. There are also streams to cross, which we accomplish by rock hopping or hiking right through the water. Pack ponies carry our gear, and we have a small camp staff, with dinners served in a large communal dining tent. We spend one memorable night at a guest house in the 10th century village-citadel of Shatili, a spectacular World Heritage Site. The town’s thick granite defensive walls and mighty towers kept invaders at bay for centuries. We also hike through the ancient tower town of Mutso (6,000'), perched high on a mountain. It is the last village in Khevsureti before we enter the Tusheti region. There is a saying in Georgia that “guests come from God.” Georgians are always ready to break out into songs, poems, and a round of toasts to welcome and celebrate their guests. Everywhere we go, we will enjoy evenings of celebration and feasting.

Days 7-11
Tusheti / Shenako

A tough hike over Atsunta Pass (11,300') brings us into the rolling hills and wildflower meadows of Tusheti, one of the most beautiful regions of Georgia. Here we hike on relatively flat terrain in a culturally rich region with fantastic villages to explore. En route we visit charming Shenako, a village on a beautiful plateau between three valleys, accessible only on foot until last year when a bridge was built over the river. Many of the village houses here are more than 400 years old, built of stacked slate and adorned with fantastic wood carvings.

Days 12-14
Sighnaghi / Tbilisi

We head back to Tbilisi by jeep on mountain backroads. Our drive is a real adventure, crossing a barely perceptible track across rugged, rocky terrain. En route, we overnight at the delightful 18th century hilltop town of Sighnaghi, set in the heart of Georgian wine country. After a final day to enjoy Tbilisi, we depart on Day 14.

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Tour Costs $4495 (8-10 members) $4795 (6-7 members) Single supplement: $775 *Prices are for 2008 dates only **Airfare is not included in Tour Cost unless indicated

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