Lodge-Based Hiking in the Republic of Georgia
Hiker’s Journey to the Caucasus
Overview
Our adventure with extraordinary Trip Leader Eka Tchvritidze brings us into a realm where, in Eka's words, “the mountains meet heaven.” In wild Tusheti National Park, with its untamed alpine beauty and ancient stone towers, our lodge-to-lodge hikes bring us to slate-roofed villages guarded by 17th century watchtowers. Two of the villages have UNESCO “living museum” status for their cultural heritage, and at our guesthouses, feasting is a cherished tradition and way of life—we'll be welcomed with songs, poems, and hearty toasts! Descending to the Kakheti region, we'll discover Georgia's age-old wine-making tradition and taste a delightful cuisine with influences from Eastern Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Join us for an amazing experience of the thriving cultures and soaring landscapes of the Caucasus.
Arrive: Tbilisi, Georgia
Depart: Tbilisi, Georgia
Highlights
- Hike in the alpine landscapes of the Tusheti and Kazbegi mountains
- Be welcomed like long-lost friends in family-run guesthouses
- Savor traditional Georgian feasts with the villagers, including lamb roasts and wild trout with local wines
- Hikes by day, basic lodges at night—no camping!
- Learn how European, Asian, and Middle Eastern influences melded together to shape the unique culture
Itinerary
An ancient hillside city of balconies and cobbled streets, Tbilisi has been the center of governance in Georgia for 1,500 years. Our walking explorations include the 4th century Narikala Fortress overlooking the Old Town and charming Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi's favorite strolling promenade, lined with quaint shops.
In Georgia's green Tusheti Mountains, we are greeted in mountain hamlets where medieval watchtowers stand tall. Our Trip Leader grew up here in the village of Shenako, which has UNESCO “living history” status, and her extended family still lives here—we'll be warmly welcomed. One of our hikes brings us across Sanare Pass (6,270'), visiting three remote villages en route. The highest hike takes us over Nakaicho Pass (9,514'), which connects the wild terrain of the Tusheti, Pirikity, and Gometsari valleys. The Tusheti region, with its semi-nomadic herding heritage, is still largely untouched by the 21st century, and we'll stay in simple, family-run guesthouses and hotels where we'll enjoy supras—nightly Georgian feasts around long communal tables led by a tamada (toastmaster). Get ready to drink wine out of goat horns, toast to life, and dance!
In Kakheti, Georgia's foremost wine area, we'll taste the wines in Eka's lovely vineyard, set in one of the world's oldest wine-growing regions. In the Kazbegi Mountains, our final hike brings us up to the iconic 14th century Gergeti Trinity Church, perched on a ridge below snow-capped Mt. Kazbek (16,512'). Depart on Day 11 via Tbilisi.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
The hiking on this trip is rated Level 4, Moderate to Strenuous, according to our trip grading system. On most days, we hike 4-7 hours on rocky trails with some ascents and descents, and occasionally we may have to ford a river on foot or by horseback.
Review Trip Level Details
The climate in Tusheti is pleasantly warm in the summer, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s in the daytime, and nights dipping into the 60s. But as is always the case in the mountains, the weather can turn bad suddenly, so you should carry rain gear in case of sudden rainstorms.
Some of our overnights are in local guesthouses, which have shared bathroom facilities. Clean, comfortable, and extremely friendly, they typify the culture and traditions of the Tushetians, and offer a fabulous base from which to explore this astonishing region.
Please note: previous horseback experience is not necessary. Eka often hikes with her horses, who carry the luggage, and will be there to help if you wish to ford a river by horseback. On some days, you can elect not to do the entire hike: you can either drive to our village destination and do a short hike in the area, or hike part of the way toward the village.
Client Testimonials
"This trip is excellent for people who like adventure, good food, real unspoiled nature, and people."
Alla M.
North Kingstown, RI
"Georgia is a real hidden gem for anyone who wants magnificent scenery, great food, wonderful wine, and history off of the beaten path of tourism. I can't recommend it highly enough for someone looking for a unique adventure."
Bill B.
Portland, OR
"This was a truly beautiful adventure! So unique and such an incredible opportunity to explore this beautiful and little-known country along with its delicious food and warm and welcoming people. One of our very favorite trips!"
Cathy S.
Charlotte, NC
"What a fabulous trip! The Tusheti mountains are beyond beautiful. The food, the wine, the mountains, the people—all was wonderful!"
Kat C.
Albuquerque, NM
"We were surprised and delighted with the variety of activities, the beauty of the countryside, and the amazing food."
Katy S.
Denver, CO
"A fascinating trip! I recommend it anyone who has an aversion to tourist crowds, but loves dramatic scenery and hiking."
Leslie S.
Berkeley, CA
"This was a fantastic opportunity to explore a part of the world with so much history and natural beauty that many people don't get to see."
Suzanne and Brady M.
Friendswood, TX
"A spectacular adventure, and Georgia is a hidden gem!"
Tom G.
Baltimore, MD
"What an extraordinary adventure of beauty, fabulous fruits and vegetables, vast fields of springtime flowers, steep mountains with impressive relief, and immersion in an evolving culture influenced by East, West, Africa, and the Middle East!"
Victoria T.
Mill Valley, CA
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Book your trip today
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.