Lodge-Based Adventures and Thriving Cultures
Hiking Georgia’s Caucasus Mountains
Overview
Our lodge-to-lodge hiking journey in the rugged Caucasus brings us into a hidden mountain realm: Tusheti National Park, with its untamed alpine beauty, mighty snow-capped peaks, and slate-roofed villages guarded by 17th century watchtowers. Two of these mountain villages have UNESCO “living museum” status for their cultural heritage. At our village guesthouses, traditional dinner feasts are a cherished Georgian 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 winemaking tradition. Join us for an amazing “insider” experience of the thriving cultures and soaring landscapes of the Caucasus.
Arrive: Tbilisi, Georgia
Depart: Tbilisi, Georgia
Highlights
- Hike in the untouched alpine landscapes of the Tusheti and Kazbegi mountains
- Be welcomed like long-lost friends in family-run guesthouses
- Savor traditional Georgian feasts with villagers, including lamb roasts and wild trout, complemented by local wines
- Hikes by day, basic lodges at night—no camping!
- Visit Tbilisi’s World Heritage-listed Georgian Orthodox churches
- Learn how European, Asian, and Middle Eastern influences melded to shape Georgia’s unique culture
Itinerary
Ancient Tbilisi has been the center of governance in Georgia for 1,500 years. Our walking explorations include Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi’s favorite strolling promenade, lined with quaint shops.
Our Trip Leader grew up in the Tusheti Mountains 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 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 region, we’ll taste the wines in Eka’s own 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
This trip is rated Level 4, Moderate to Strenuous, according to our trip grading system. On most days, we hike 6 to 7 hours hours on rocky trails with some ascents and descents, and occasionally we may have to ford a river on foot or by horseback.
Average Hiking Day
- 7-9 miles
- 6-7 hours
Challenge Day
- Day 5: 10 miles, 7 miles, 1,470' ascent/2,510' descent
Our hikes are through alpine meadows, remote valleys, and traditional highland villages. Routes follow dirt paths, shepherd trails, with steady ascents and descents on rocky terrain.
To get the most out of this trip, we recommend you make a special effort to be in good physical condition. Daily brisk walking and/or regular hiking (or using a stair-climbing machine at your gym) are excellent preparatory exercises.
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 trip provided a unique opportunity to explore this fascinating country and hike in the unspoiled Caucacus Mountains."
Paul F.
Hudson, NY
"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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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.