Trek The Republic of Georgia
Trek through some of Europe’s highest peaks, exploring the medieval towers and rich heritage of ancient Svaneti villages. 7 days. 5 days off work.
This trek will take you back in time; this historical region of Georgia is brimming with ancient villages which have retained their culture and heritage for years. Trek through some of Europe’s highest peaks; passing breathtaking glaciers and stunning waterfalls on your way through the villages with their iconic Svan towers and culture-rich churches. Your medieval adventure includes:
- 4 days trekking
- 2 days of transfers and exploration
- 7 nights guesthouse accommodation
- Local, certified English-speaking guide and driver
- All meals
- Airport transfers
- All local transfers
- 4x4 vehicle support throughout (including luggage transfers)
Perfect for:
Beginners and experienced trekkers alike. If you seek adventure in a landscape that hasn’t seen many travelers, this is for you.
Need To Know
The following are not included in the trip price:
- Flights to/from Kutaisi
- Refreshments/beverages
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Tips for your guides (optional)
This trip runs with a group minimum of 4 and maximum of 12.
Sure can! A lot of people do, and it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
The terrain on the trails is mixed from easy trekking paths to rough rock strewn climbs close to the Glaciers. Good trekking boots are recommended.
Georgia is a very safe country to travel in especially when in a group with a guide. The people are generally friendly and welcoming to foreign travellers. For up to the minute information please check your Embassy’s website.
There is a short transfer to the start of the hike on almost every day to ensure you can start your hike with a stunning new scenery each day.
Brief overview of transfers each day:
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Day 1 includes a transfer from the airport to your accommodation in Kutaisi.
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Day 2 is your longest transfer day (Kutaisi to Mestia), however, it will be broken down into smaller sections with several interesting stops in between.
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Day 3 starts with a short transfer before hiking to the guesthouse.
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Only on day 4, you start trekking straight from the guesthouse and then trek all the way to the next guesthouse.
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Day 5 has a transfer to Ushguli as the road is quite long and not a pleasant trek. In the afternoon, the trek is out and back from the guesthouse.
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Day 6 involves a transfer from Ushguli to Becho and the start of the trek, the return trek also has a short transfer at the end.
This trek is great for beginners and experienced trekkers alike. It’s classed as a moderate trek so we recommend a good fitness level to make the most of your trip. There is 4x4 vehicle support throughout so you can leave your main luggage/rucksack in the vehicle and only need carry day packs while trekking.
Food is a delicious mix of local “Svan” and national Georgian cuisine, cooked with fresh produce grown or reared by the guesthouse owners. Georgian cuisine is world renowned for its mix of east and west flavors, aromas and colors. It can be slightly spicy and consists mainly of meat, vegetables, cheese and fruit. There are plenty of traditional dishes without meat so vegetarians can be well catered for. Lunches will be picnic style in the wilderness.
- Backpack (also available to hire)
- Day bag
- Down/fleece jacket
- Hiking gear
- Waterproof wear inc. boots
- Warm hat
- Peaked cap
- Gloves
- Warm socks
- Water bottle
- Headlamp
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Backpack rain cover
- Quick-dry towel
- Camera
- Trekking pole (also available to hire)
- Shorts
- Energy/protein bars
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Got a question not covered here? Contact the host.
Location
Georgia lies between the Black and Caspian sea, at the border between Europe and Asia. Also known as “Gem of the Caucasus”, it occupies the southern reaches of this 1100 km long mountains range. It really doesn’t matter whether you prefer to explore its remote, medieval villages or undertake long treks in the wilderness, Georgia is a trekkers paradise. Development of tourism in Georgia has previously been hampered by wars and instability, but thankfully those days have long passed and the country is quickly opening up to the world.
Svaneti is an ancient land locked in the Caucasus mountain range, so remote that it was never tamed by any ruler. Picturesque villages amidst some of Europe’s highest snow-covered peaks, towering over alpine meadows - a superb backdrop to the many walking trails.
Start point
Kutaisi International Airport - 00:30
There is one direct flight from London Luton to Kutaisi International Airport (KUT). Your host will be waiting for your in the arrivals area, and be ready to transfer you to a nearby guesthouse.
Finish point
Kutaisi International Airport- 11:30
At the end of your adventure, you will be dropped back at Kutaisi International Airport (KUT) at 11:30 in time to catch the return flight at 13:15.
What to Expect
Sunday: Arrive in Kutaisi
Arriving at Kutaisi International Airport late at night, you’ll appreciate your transfer waiting to collect you to take you straight to the nearby guesthouse where you will stay for the night. Get settled and rest well in preparation for the days ahead.
Monday: Drive to Svaneti
After breakfast you’ll be collected from your guesthouse and taken to Mestia in the heart of Svaneti. As you journey into the mountains of this unspoiled land, you’ll take rest breaks at a local market; stop for a traditional lunch of Khachapuri, (cheese bread - indulge in the calories on this occasion, it’s all good fuel for the adventure ahead); and visit the second highest arch dam in the world – The Enguri Dam. When you arrive in Mestia, you’ll have time to truly get to know the place before retiring to your room at a local guesthouse where you will spend the evening.
4-hour drive
Tuesday: Trek to Adishi
After a short drive to Jabeshi (1650m), you’re ready to start your trek to the ancient village of Adishi.
This trek will take you through meadows and forests beneath the beauty of the prominent peak of Mount Tetnuldi (4858m). You’ll make the most of this picturesque backdrop by stopping for a picnic lunch (and perhaps some ‘selfie’ opportunities) before you arrive in Adishi (2040m).
You’ll know you’ve arrived in the historic village as the trail descends with a magnificent view over its medieval monuments and iconic Svan towers. You’ll rest here for the night in a local guesthouse.
Distance: 10km - Elevation gain: 850m - Duration: 6-7 hours trekking
Wednesday: Trek to Iprali
Fueled up on a homemade breakfast and ready to go; you’ll start trekking further along the valley today towards the magnificent Adishi Glacier.
Next, the spectacular Chkhutnieri pass, where you will stop for an idyllic picnic lunch amidst the views of the Caucasus.
When you reach the village of Iprali (1950m) you’ll soon recognise why it’s famous for its’ rich church-art heritage; home to tiny churches boasting thousand-year-old frescos, and the biggest and most decorated church, Nakipari Church.
Arriving at your guesthouse for the night mid-afternoon will give you plenty of time to relax and recover from your spectacular journey.
Distance: 14km - Elevation gain: 650m - Duration: 6-8 hours trekking
Thursday: Travel to Ushguli
Today you can sit back and relax for a little while as you enjoy the scenic drive to the historical settlement of Ushguli (2000m). When you arrive you can take some time to explore the ancient sites and indulge in the stunning surrounding landscape.
After lunch, it’s time to set off on a spectacular trek along the valley to the Shkhara Glacier. Take a moment to admire the mountains from this viewpoint as the indigenous green slopes climb to a snow-covered peak. Once you’ve caught your breath from both the trek and the views, you’ll head back to Ushguli for your overnight stay at a local guesthouse.
Distance: 20km - Elevation gain/loss: 300m - Duration: 5-6 hours trekking
Friday: Trek to Ushba waterfalls
After a traditional, homemade breakfast (khachapuri, anyone?) you’ll be taken to Becho to start today’s exciting trek.
As you trek through woodland, this may feel like a tranquil stroll but as the woodland breaks open at the foot of Mt. Ushba (4700m), be set for a challenge. The now more complex route, will be worth every grimace as you trek a scenic trail to the Ushba waterfalls – stunning.
Suitably in awe of nature’s wonders, you’ll head back to your guesthouse in Becho for your overnight stay.
Distance: 28km - Elevation gain:1050m - Duration: 9 hours trekking
Saturday: Explore Kutaisi
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast this morning before you head off on the scenic drive back to Kutaisi. Arriving at around 1:00pm, you’ll be well rested from the drive and ready to explore at your own leisure; you can walk the cobbled streets to the stately Bagrati Cathedral; get lost in the largest, liveliest and most colourful indoor produce market in Georgia, full of indigenous cheese, walnuts, spices, herbs, fruit, vegetables, and meat; or simply stroll around the city, ingesting the culture-rich architecture that surrounds you.
Retire to your hotel when you’re ready and perhaps indulge in a final traditional Georgian meal to see your trip to a suitable end.
4-hour drive
Sunday: Travel home
After enjoying your last traditional Georgian breakfast, it’s time to go home with tales to tell – you’ll be transferred back to Kutaisi International Airport in time for your forward journey home.
Short on time? Check out Trek Georgia in 4 days
Note: The actual itinerary and the duration of the activities are subject to change due to group abilities and preferences, weather conditions and forecasts, road conditions, etc.
Accommodation
On your first night, you will stay at the two star Hotel Rcheuli in Kutaisi city centre. This hotel offers clean and comfortable accommodation with private facilities, 24 hour reception, free WiFi, and a restaurant serving Georgian cuisine.
In Mestia, you will stay at the well-regarded Guesthouse Edelweiss - a clean and comfortable environment with private facilities and welcoming staff. Not to mention a magnificent home-cooked breakfast.
In Adishi you’ll stay at the, slightly more basic, Guesthouse Adishi. A clean and comfortable local guesthouse with shared facilities between two people.
In Ushguli you’ll be staying at one of the bet-rated guesthouses in the area - Ratiani’s Guesthouse. With clean and homely private facilities, free WiFi, on-site restaurant, and again, a traditional home-cooked breakfast you’ll want to write home about.
Your next stop is Becho House in the small village of Becho - this friendly guesthouse has clean, modern rooms with private facilities; made all the better by the mountain views from your window (or balcony if you’re lucky enough). With free WiFi and an on-site restaurant, this property has everything you need for a comfortable nights stay.
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for £150 per person for the entire trip (subject to availability). Please request this at the time of booking.
Dates & Prices
Prices include
Accommodation · Airport Transfers · Equipment · Financial Protection · Guide · Happiness Guarantee · Local Transport · Meals As Described · Happiness Guaranteed · 100% Financial Protection
Please note: Flights are NOT included and must be purchased separately.
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Optional Extras
Make your life easy. Once you have reserved your space, your host can help you arrange the extras you’ll need. Here are some guide prices which can be confirmed with you during booking.
| Additional Night Accommodation | Payable Before Departure |
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| Additional Night Accommodation | · · · |
| Single Occupancy | Payable Before Departure |
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| Single Occupancy | · · · |
