GEORGIA HIGHLANDS

Adventure Tours

This is one of the best trekking itineraries in Georgia taking us to some of the most remote inaccessible mountain areas of the country. From Tbilisi we get to Tusheti by driving across one of the high mountain road passes in the Caucasus. Tusheti is a fascinating mountainous province, situated on the northern slopes of the Eastern part of the Main Caucasian Mountain Range. Very few tourists have visited Tusheti due to its remoteness. Medieval villages Dartlo and Parsma are some of the undisputed highlights of Georgia. Because of the severe conditions in winter, most local people usually leave Tusheti and come down to the valleys. In spring they again come up to their homes and work hard, running the cattle and making cheese.

The scenery is spectacular; The nature zones include dense forests, alpine meadows with endemic flowers and higher up there are snow capped mountains among which Diklo, Komito and Tebulo are some of the highest summits of the Eastern Caucasus. The villages are nestled in deep valleys and are very picturesque with their stone architecture. From Tusheti we cross Atsunta Pass at 3430m down to Khevsureti province, where we trek through narrow gorges and visit medieval villages Ardoti, Mutso and Shatili the most famous fortified villages in Georgia. During the trek we stay in tents and village houses. Horses carry most of the group and personal luggage and we trek light.

The itinerary involves generally from 4 to 8 hours treks a day on normal paths, including crossing mountain pass with some steep slope but not on difficult terrain. Previous walking experience and good physical shape is essential.

Trip facts:

Tour Code: GHL

Max. altitude on trek: 3430 metres.

Trek grading: Moderate.

Duration: 13 days  (Trekking days: 6)

Accommodation: Hotel, Guesthouse, village houses, Camping.

Best season: July - September

Culture & Discovery Tours

Scheduled Trips

National Parks

Skiing Holidays

Outline Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive Tbilisil. Day 2: Full day city tour of Tbilisi. Day 3: Excursion to David Gareji Monastery. Continue to Kakheti province. Overnight in Telavi. Day 4: Depart for Tusheti Province by 4x4 car. Cross the Caucasian Main Range over Abano Pass at 2960m. down to village Shenako (1850m). Day 5: Trek to Dartlo (6 7 hrs). Visit the village. Camp (1850m). Day 6: Trek to village Parsma (4 hrs) along Pirikita Alazani Valley. Camp at 1960m. Day 7: We take 7 hours trek to our campsite (2500m). Day 8: Cross the Atsunta Pass (3430m) down to Khevsureti Province (7 - 8 hrs). Camp (2800m). Day 9: Trek down alpine meadows to river Andaki valley and camp near the medieval village of Ardoti (1800m). Visit the village and explore the valley. Day 10: Trek 20km (6 hours) to village Shatili. On the way visit Mutso Fortress. We reach Shatili and visit its famous fortress. Camp or night at a private house. Day 11: Drive to Tbilisi via the Datvis Jvari Pass. On the way excursion in Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia. Day 12: Free day in Tbilisi. Day 13: End of the tour.

Accommodation:

-       - 4 nights in Tbilisi at a comfortable 3 star centrally located hotel.

-       - 1 night in Telavi at a private house. Bathroom is shared.

-       - 2 nights in Tusheti province (villages Shenako and Dartlo) at a simple village house. Bathroom is shared.

-       - 1 night in Shatili at a simple tower of Middle Ages. Bathroom is shared.

-       - 4 night in tents.

Meals:

-       As specified in the itinerary: B – breakfast, L – lunch, D – dinner.

Guiding and the Staff:

-       - An English speaking mountain guide throughout the tour.

-       - Experienced cook for adventure tours.

-       - Local assistants on trek.

-       - Excursion guide on city tour.

Transportation:

-       - Depending on the group size we use the following transport: for transfers to/from the mountainous areas: 4x4 car or a minibus. For city tour in Tbilisi we use comfortable car, minibus or a bus.

-       - Airport transfer included.

Group support and equipment:

-       - Horses to carry all group and personal equipment on trek.

-       - Tents (2 – 3 persons share a tent).

-       - Kitchen facilities and stoves.

-       - Dining tent; portable tables & camp chairs.

-       - Plate, cup, spoon, fork, etc…

Entrance fees:

-       - All entrance fees to the sites and museums.

The Price Does Not Include:

-       - Other services, meals or alcoholic drinks unless specified in the itinerary.

-       - Tips and extras in the hotels.

-       - Personal clothing and equipment (sleeping bag and mat, boots, etc.)

-       - Any insurance.

Important Notes:

- Single room accommodation in the village houses is possible but limited according to the availability.

Single tent can be provided upon request. Extra charge for a single tent is: EUR 30.

 - Please, limit your personal luggage on trek to max. 20 kilograms in order to allow horses to carry your luggage.

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