Wild Georgia
Tailor Made Itinerary
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13 Days From £2,495
Overview
Located on the northern slopes of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, Tusheti is a remote part of the country accessed only by one dirt track. The area is now recognised as a protected landscape and is managed by the
Located on the northern slopes of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, Tusheti is a remote part of the country accessed only by one dirt track. The area is now recognised as a protected landscape and is managed by the Tushetian people. Tusheti is peppered by tiny pretty villages, turquoise lakes and primal forests, creating one of the best parts of Europe for walking and horse riding. The Tusheti region is famed for its cheese so make sure to sample some as you hike from village to village.
The journey begins on the banks of the Mtkvari River, in Georgia’s charming capital, Tbilisi. Head out along the Georgian Military Highway to Stepantsminda in Kazbegi National Park and the slopes of Mount Chaukhebi, where you will enjoy a hike amongst the breathtaking Caucasus landscapes to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gergeti Trinity Church home to the most impressive collection of church frescoes in the country. Next drive to Juta, the starting point of your Tusheti walking adventure.
Over the course of the following days you’ll visit remote mountain villages, hike the Atsunta Pass, learn the myth surrounding the many towers dotted around the region, meet the shepherds that make the famous Tusheti cheese, share a meal with your charming village guesthouse hosts and wild camp next to picturesque rivers and villages. The walking journey will end in the village of Omalo, the centre of the Tusheti region. Then drive to your final destination, Tbilisi, visiting the cave town of David Gareja and spending a night in Telavi along the way.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore more remote parts of Kazbegi National Park and visit one of the highest villages in Europe
- Enjoy wild camping in some of the region’s most spectacular scenery
- Trek the beautiful Tusheti National Park, home to remote villages and medieval fortified dwellings
- Marvel at the different coloured Abudelauri Lakes - one green, one blue and one white
- Meet with local rural communities and sample delicious homemade cuisine
- Visit the 6th century David Gareja, with its painted caves and dramatic views across to Azerbaijan
ITINERARY
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
DAY 1: ARRIVE TBILISI
DAY 1: ARRIVE TBILISI
On arrival into Tbilisi you will be greeted by your Wild Frontiers representative and transferred directly to your hotel for check in.
DAY 2: TBILISI - STEPANTSMINDA - JUTA
DAY 2: TBILISI - STEPANTSMINDA - JUTA
This morning you will drive up the famous Georgian Military Highway to Stepantsminda in the Kazbegi region. Stop on the way at the Ananuri architectural complex. Built in the 17th century, the two churches and the fortress overlook the Zhinvali water reservoir. Arrive in Stepantsminda for your first and short walk up to the 14th century Gergeti Trinity Church. Take in your surroundings as the walk back to the village of Juta, where you will camp nearby.
DAY 3: JUTA - SADZELE PASS - ROSHKA
DAY 3: JUTA - SADZELE PASS - ROSHKA
Leave Juta village, you will climb Abudelauri Pass and be rewarded with an amazing panorama of the Caucasus. Then descend to the colourful Abudelauri Lakes; one green, one blue and one white. The glacial lakes are crystal clear and the surrounding Chaukhi Mountains make it the ideal destination for a picnic. From the lakes, walk to the village of Roshka, one of the highest villages in Europe, for your overnight camp.
DAY 4: ROSHKA - SHATILI - MUTSO - ARDOTI
DAY 4: ROSHKA - SHATILI - MUTSO - ARDOTI
Today will be spent exploring some of the villages of this fascinating region, including Mutso and Ardoti. Mutso is located on a rocky mountain on the right bank of the Andakistskali River and it is home to approximately 30 medieval fortified dwelling units, now abandoned, whereas Ardoti village, located above the Andaki River, is home to the Ardoti fortress, which was one of the strongest fortifications to confront attacks in the area.
DAY 5: ARDOTI - ATSUNTA PASS
DAY 5: ARDOTI - ATSUNTA PASS
Another full day of hiking. Following breakfast, your hike will take you through alpine forest and along a river to the foot of the Atsunta Pass.
DAY 6: ATSUNTA PASS - KHAKHIDA
DAY 6: ATSUNTA PASS - KHAKHIDA
Hike along a zig-zag route through the Atsunta Pass, an impressive mountain pass speckled with colourful wild flowers and river bridges. The difficult climb will ascend 900 metres to reach the pass, but it will be well worth it. Here you will have a picnic lunch before descending into the Tusheti National Park. After a long day of hiking, arrange your tent for the night beside the village of Khakhida.
DAY 7: KHAKHIDA - GIREVI
DAY 7: KHAKHIDA - GIREVI
Awaken to the beautiful and undisturbed mountain scenery. The trek today brings you through more stunning scenery whilst crossing several tiny rivers and bridges to Girevi, part of the Pirikiti community and the last inhabited village in the gorge. The route will be dotted with beautiful scenery and centuries old towers. You will encounter shepherds with their sheep en route, who may offer you cheese and bread. Upon arrival in Girevi set up camp to rest before your next hike.
DAY 8: GIREVI - PARSMA - DARTLO
DAY 8: GIREVI - PARSMA - DARTLO
This morning hike to the picturesque village of Parsma. Built in the middle ages, the stone tower of Parsma still stands today and was built in a peaceful time by a Kist father-son from Bauli, like many of the towers in the region. Continue to the heritage village of Dartlo, where you will check into your guesthouse accommodation.
DAY 9: DARTLO - DIKLO
DAY 9: DARTLO - DIKLO
Dartlo is often described as a “village-museum” due to the traditional houses and buildings crafted with stone walls and slate roofs. The village includes beautiful medieval towers, wooden carved balconies and offers marvellous landscapes of the surrounding area. After spending the morning exploring the village, walk to your guesthouse in Diklo. Climb up to the Old Diklo fortress for a fantastic view of the surrounding mountains.
(B,L,D)
DAY 10: DIKLO - OMALO
DAY 10: DIKLO - OMALO
Today you will follow the Pirikita Alazni River to the village of Omalo, the centre of the Tusheti Region. You will stay in a guesthouse tonight.
DAY 11: OMALO - TELAVI
DAY 11: OMALO - TELAVI
Begin today on four-wheels as you snake through the mountain roads leaving Tusheti region behind, crossing over the Albano Pass, the highest drivable mountain pass in the Caucasus. Enjoy lunch in a restaurant on the way before arriving in Telavi. Meet your host family and get to know them over a delicious dinner.
(B,L,D)
DAY 12: TELAVI - DAVID GAREJA - TBILISI
DAY 12: TELAVI - DAVID GAREJA - TBILISI
In the morning you travel to David Gareja cave complex (6th century) located in a stark, semi-desert landscape. After seeing Lavra Monastery, you will walk up to Udabno Monastery to enjoy its wonderful painted caves and dramatic views across to Azerbaijan. You will have a picnic lunch before driving to Tbilisi for your final night in Georgia. Have a lovely final dinner in a Georgian style restaurant.
DAY 13: DEPART TBILISI
DAY 13: DEPART TBILISI
Today you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the airport in time to catch your onward flight.
(B)
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Sharden Hotel
The three-star Sharden Hotel is a turn of the century European style building, ideally located in the centre of the Old Town, and within easy reach of most places of interest. All eighteen rooms are spacious, the décor is simple and there are modern amenities to make your stay comfortable. Sharden's restaurant serves Georgian and continental cuisine in a Georgian wine cellar environment. In the summer, you can enjoy snacks from the pleasant roof terrace café and admire the view over the red roofs and turrets of Tbilisi.
Mid-Range
Good quality service and overall comfort
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT’S INCLUDED
WILD GEORGIA (13 DAYS) £2,495
MEALS
As specified in the itinerary, sampling some of the country's finest cuisine.
TRANSPORT
Private air-conditioned vehicles with experienced, dedicated drivers.
ENTRANCE FEES
Tours and admission fees, including tickets specified in the itinerary.
EXPERT TEAM
Licensed English-speaking guides and a support team available 24/7.
ACCOMMODATION
As specified in the itinerary, using some of our favourite local properties.
ACCOMMODATION
Ultra - The best of the best, the ultimate indulgence
Luxury - Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium - Excellent standards without the big price tag
Mid-Range - Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple - No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places
CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS
If you book international flights through Wild Frontiers.
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
START PLANNING YOUR TRIP
Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.
WHEN TO GO
WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
Expert travel consultants
Up-to-date knowledge and advice from our experienced consultants on the best places to stay, things to do and regions to visit to make your holiday the trip of a lifetime.
EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
We use experienced local guides to help bring the sights to life, introduce you to local characters and ensure you get under the skin of your destination.
HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Natalie
Natalie is our Causcaus expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Natalie by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258