Wild Georgia
Suggested Itinerary
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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
Suggested 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 - ANANURI - STEPANTSMINDA
DAY 2: TBILISI - ANANURI - STEPANTSMINDA
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 where this afternoon you will set off on foot to probably one of Georgia’s most famous settings, the Gergeti Trinity Church, set against the backdrop of Mount Kazbegi. The walk takes you up through beautiful woodland valleys and on to the famous 14th century church where you can enjoy some stunning views, before returning to the valley for the evening.
DAY 3: STEPANTSMINDA - JUTA - MOUNT CHAUKHEBI
DAY 3: STEPANTSMINDA - JUTA - MOUNT CHAUKHEBI
Setting off through the spectacular Sno Valley this morning, we’ll travel by road to the remote village of Juta (2165m). En route we can spot the famous Giant Stone Head Sculptures, created by local artist Merab Piranishvili to help immortalise Georgia's great poets. Cut off for six months of the year and surrounded by glorious mountain scenery, Juta provides an unforgettable glimpse into traditions and times long past. It is also the starting point for a pleasant walk to the foot of Mount Chaukhebi where you will camp tonight. The route in itself is not considered to be particularly challenging but does climb to around 2550 metres and provides some magical vistas along the way.
Walking time: Approx. 3hrs
Ascent/descent: 560m/130m
DAY 4: MOUNT CHAUKHEBI - ABUDELAURI PASS - ROSHKA
DAY 4: MOUNT CHAUKHEBI - ABUDELAURI PASS - ROSHKA
Setting off today 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.
Walking time: Approx. 7-8hrs
Ascent/descent: 800m/1200m
DAY 5: ROSHKA - SHATILI - MUTSO – ARDOTI
DAY 5: ROSHKA - SHATILI - MUTSO – ARDOTI
Today will be spent exploring some of the villages of this fascinating region by 4WD, including Shatili, located in one of the most remote corners of the Caucasus. Not accessible in winter, but still inhabited by a dozen families, this historic highland village with its fortress-like flat-roofed buildings is located close to the Chechen border, on the northern rise of the mountains, guarding the north-east corner of the country with its 60 towers. Continuing on you will explore Mutso, located on a rocky mountain on the right bank of the Andakistskali River and 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. Dinner and overnight at a camp near Ardoti.
Walking time: Approx. 3hrs
Ascent/descent: 100m/0m
DAY 6: ARDOTI - ATSUNTA PASS
DAY 6: 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.
Walking time: Approx. 6hrs
Ascent/descent: 120m/0m
DAY 7: ATSUNTA PASS - KHAKHIDA
DAY 7: 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 around 600 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.
Walking time: Approx. 6-7hrs
Ascent/descent: 600m/95m
DAY 8: KHAKHIDA – GIREVI
DAY 8: 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.
Walking time: Approx. 6hrs
Ascent/descent: 250m/650m
DAY 9: GIREVI - PARSMA – DARTLO
DAY 9: GIREVI - PARSMA – DARTLO
This morning hike to the picturesque village of Parsma, along passing Chesho, Dano and Kvavlo. Built in the middle ages, the stone towers still stand today and in Parsma the tower 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.
Walking time: Approx. 6hrs
Ascent/descent: 600m/850m
DAY 10: DARTLO – DIKLO
DAY 10: 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.
Walking time: Approx. 6.5hrs
Ascent/descent: 640m/300m
DAY 11: DIKLO - OMALO - KONDOLI - TELAVI
DAY 11: DIKLO - OMALO - KONDOLI - TELAVI
This morning you will be driven to Omalo, considered the main hub of the Tusehti region, before saying goodbye to the Greater Caucasus and setting off towards Telavi, snaking along the mountain roads, crossing over the Albano Pass, the highest drivable mountain pass in the Caucasus. Enjoy a picnic lunch en route, and eventually reach the valleys of Kakheti. Here you can visit a local wine producer and can observe the traditions and culture of the region as well as taste the wines, before ending our day in Telavi with a delicious local dinner.
DAY 12: TELAVI - TBILISI
DAY 12: TELAVI - TBILISI
Drive back to the capital this morning and enjoy a full day exploring old Tbilisi, a charming town built along the twisting valley of the Mtkvari river. Walk through narrow streets past colourful houses and patterned balconies, ancient domed sulphur baths and bustling daily markets. Take in some of the city’s most beautiful sites, before delving into the historical museum to discover why Georgia is known as the land of the Golden Fleece. Enjoy a final evening of delicious Georgian food and wine.
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.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Rusiko's Guesthouse, Telavi
Located on the top of a hill, overlooking views of Telavi and the surrounding mountains, is Rusiko’s Guesthouse. A short walk from the centre of the town, this family-run property is on a residential street with rooms to the back of the building. This is a comfortable and simple, local guesthouse where you can get a feel for Georgian culture and sample good home cooking on the terrace with vines above you and the mountains standing tall on the horizon. All of the twenty-two rooms have twin beds and private facilities. What the guesthouse lacks in luxury, it makes up with homely hospitality.
Sharden Hotel, Tbilisi
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.
Dartlo Guesthouse, Dartlo
Staying with local family run guesthouses in remote Georgian villages provides a unique insight into rural life. You can eat the home-cooked local foods, see local traditions up close, and experience Georgia's famous hospitality. Rooms and facilities are basic, the latter often shared, but this is more than made up for with the great views of the surrounding mountains.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
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
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EXPERT TEAM
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WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, 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.
Positive Impact of this Trip
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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