As seen on
Hiking Georgia's Caucasus Mountains
Georgia & Armenia
From
This trip supports
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Esential info
- Packing list
Grade:
Intermediate
Type:
Activity
Duration:
9 Nights
4 - 12
Group size
Leaders
Tour Highlights
- Hike through the spectacular Caucasus Mountains region
- Admire glaciers, snow-capped peaks and dramatic waterfalls
- Enjoy delicious traditional lunches and dinners with local families
- Hike through the Martvili Canyon
- Explore the fascinating historic troglodyte settlement of Uplistsikhe
- Explore the beautiful city of Tbilisi and immerse yourself in Georgian's history, culture, art and delicious food
Combine Georgia's rich culture with incredible hiking opportunities on this small group tour
In 10 days discover the very best of Georgia. Your trip begins in the vibrant capital of Tbilisi before heading towards the breathtaking Greater Caucasus for a series of adventures hiking across the beautiful landscapes. On this tour you will taste traditional Georgian wine, enjoy delicious traditional meals hosted by local families and admire one spectacular view after another.
(Available as a small group tour or tailor-made holiday)
If you would like to learn more about what to expect from a visit to Georgia, read our Journal post here.
Day 1: Arrival in Tbilisi
Flights
Transfer
Boutique Hotel
With group members arriving throughout the afternoon, evening and night, today is a 'free' day for you to arrive, be transferred to the start hotel, and to shake off any travel fatigue and get your bearings. Your adventure starts in earnest, tomorrow, after breakfast - so please book flights / transportation that will get you to Tbilisi in time for Breakfast at the latest!
If you are able to arrive earlier in the day, please feel free to ask us for guidance on how to spend this free day, where to eat and what to visit (or to try to save for the tour). We are on hand to help!
Accommodation: Hotel Zeg
Day 2: Tbilisi
Breakfast
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
Welcome to Georgia!
After breakfast, today you can enjoy a guided tour of Tbilisi. We will begin at Metekhi church which dates back to the 13th century and offers wonderful views of Tbilisi Old Town. Explore the winding, narrow streets and admire a blend of modern and traditional architecture. Our tour continues from above, with a cable car experience offering panoramic views of the city. It drops us off at the Narikala Fortress, known as the Mother Fortress of Tbilisi, one of the oldest and most important buildings of the city. Descending from the Fortress we will pass the historical sulphur bath quarter - Tbilisi has hot springs running under the city and has a number of thermal baths.
Tonight you will have the chance to experience one of Tbilisi’s many delicious restaurants. Make sure to try khachapuri, a boat-shaped bread filled with butter, cheese and egg.
Accommodation: Hotel Zeg
Day 3: Zugdidi & Becho
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Guest house
After breakfast we will head to the railway station to catch a train to Zugdidi. Located in Western Georgia, it is the biggest city in the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region and a gateway to the beautiful mountains of Svaneti. We will enjoy true Georgian hospitality at a late lunch with a local family.
With energy restored, we can now head to Svaneti to visit the Greater Caucasus, the mountain range which offers breathtaking dramatic views and is the natural land border to Russia. Svaneti is home to snow-covered glaciers, towers from the Middle Ages and beautiful waterfalls and lakes. We will stay in a family-run hotel in the village of Becho, located at the foot of Ushba Mountain (4700m).
Accommodation: Family Hotel in Becho
Day 4: Ushba Waterfalls & Mestia
Transfer
Breakfast
Packed Lunch
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
Today we will get to witness the spectacular natural scenery of the Greater Caucasus. After breakfast we will drive to the village of Shikhra which will be the starting point for our walk to the waterfalls of Ushba. Hike through the forest along the Dolra River before getting your first view of the waterfalls, with several cascades of water flowing downwards side by side on the mountain slope creating an unforgettable panorama. From here we have the option to visit the base or head to the top to get spectacular views of the valley.
After our visit we will return to Becho before continuing our adventure to Mestia, the main town of Svaneti and our base for the next few nights.
Hiking options:
Military Base: Stage 1 (easy)/ walking time: 2-3 hrs totally; ↑↓ 250 m; 8 km.
1st waterfall: Stage 2 (medium)/ walking time: 4-5 hrs totally; ↑↓ 550 m; 10 km.
2nd waterfall: Stage 3 (hard)/ walking time: 6-7 hrs totally; ↑↓ 1100 m; 12 km
Accommodation: Family Hotel in Mestia
Day 5: Mulakhi
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
Guest house
This morning we drive to the village of Mulakhi to enjoy a hike around the area which offers beautiful views from any way you look. Walk past wild mountain meadows and spot its famous ancient towers which are dotted across the landscape.
Walking time: 4-5 hrs. 14 km. ↑320 m. ↓500 m.
Return to Mestia for dinner at the family-run hotel.
Accommodation: Family Hotel in Mestia
Day 6: Koruldi Lake
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
Guest house
After breakfast we will take 4WD cars to Jvari Point (2170m) and start our walk to Koruldi Lake. On the way, enjoy views of countless summits and glaciers, as well as the gigantic mountains arising out of each other: Tetnuldi (4,800 m.), Laila (4,008 m.), Chatini (4,012 m.), Banguriani (3,838 m.). On arrival at the beautiful mountain lakes, admire the spectacular 360 degree panorama view of the Greater Caucasus.
From Mestia to Jvari point: 30 min. driving time 9 km. From Jvari point to Koruldi lakes: 3-4 hrs. totally; ↑↓ 600 m. 8 km.
Later, we will descend back to Jvari Point for the return journey to Mestia where a hearty dinner will be served.
Accommodation: Family Hotel in Mestia
Day 7: Ushguli
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Guest house
This morning, we drive to the highest permanent village in Europe - Ushguli (2200m). Ushguli and generally the whole Upper Svaneti region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is famous for its abundance of watchtowers. We will visit the 12th century complex of Lamaria and wander the twisting ancient alleys between houses. Our adventure continues, driving towards Mt. Shkhara where we will walk to the foot of the mountain.
After our morning activity we will return to Ushguli for a well-deserved traditional Georgian lunch, hosted by a local family. Enjoy a delicious meal and have some time to interact with your hosts learning about life in Georgia and the family recipes that have been served! Later, return to Mestia to relax for the evening.
Accommodation: Family Hotel in Mestia
Day 8: Martvili Canyon & Kutaisi
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
This morning we leave Mestia and drive to Martvili to visit the Martvili Canyon. Enjoy a walking trail of the gorge before having the option to take a boat along the Abasha River into the canyon itself.
Later we will drive to Kutaisi, the second largest city in Georgia. The remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy and you can visit some of the many sites including Bagrati Cathedral, a beautiful, historic cathedral which offers wonderful views of the city.
Tonight dinner is served at the family-run hotel.
Accommodation: Family Hotel in Kutaisi
Day 9: Gori, the Uplistsikhe troglodyte settlement, Kaspi, Mtskheta & Tbilisi
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
This morning we drive to Gori and visit the Uplistsikhe troglodyte settlement. It dates back to the 1st millennium BC and is the place where the Great Silk Road used to pass. It is a fascinating complex with a number of structures cut from rock including dwelling quarters, wine cellars, bakeries, a three-nave basilica church and even an ancient amphitheatre.
After our visit, we will drive to Tbilisi but on the way make a stop in Kaspi. No trip to Georgia would be complete without tasting delicious Georgian wine. Visit a local wine cellar and learn about the history of wine making, with deep-rooted traditions being continued by the younger generations. The method of wine-making in Georgia is inscribed in the UNESCO intangible heritage list.
After sampling the local wines we will continue to the ancient capital and religious centre of Georgia - Mtskheta - and enjoy a tour of its historical sights including Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral both UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Our adventure concludes back in Tbilisi where you will have a final night in this wonderful city.
Accommodation: Hotel Brim
Day 10: Departure day
Flights
Transfer
Breakfast
Today your adventure in Georgia comes to an end. It's time to return home, rejuvenated!
Adventure Optional Extras
Single Room Supplement
Single rooms are available on a first come, first served basis, however, due to the nature of the accommodation we are using on this adventure, there are nights where single rooms are not possible, so the supplement price reflects this. We will charge on a pro-rata basis if a single room is not available to book for part of the trip where it would have been possible.
Private Transfer - One Way Arrival (1 to 2 people)
If your flight schedules do not align with our group transfers (please refer to the essential info page for more information), you will need to arrange private transfers. Note that these transfers are one-way, so if you require them for both arrival and departure, please select two. After booking, you will be prompted to complete a travel information form where you can provide us with your exact flight times and details. This will enable us to organise your private transfers accordingly. Please note that private transfers may be subject to availability.
Private Transfer - One Way Departure (1 to 2 people)
If your flight schedules do not align with our group transfers (please refer to the essential info page for more information), you will need to arrange private transfers. Note that these transfers are one-way, so if you require them for both arrival and departure, please select two. After booking, you will be prompted to complete a travel information form where you can provide us with your exact flight times and details. This will enable us to organise your private transfers accordingly. Please note that private transfers may be subject to availability.
Pre/Post Tour night for 2 people B&B
Stay at at Hotel Zeg (pre tour) or Hotel Brim (post tour) or similar, on a bed and breakfast basis. Please note that if this hotel is unavailable, we may need to book an alternative property, so the rate provided is an estimate only.
Pre/Post Tour night for 1 person B&B
Stay at at Hotel Zeg (pre tour) or Hotel Brim (post tour) or similar, on a bed and breakfast basis. Please note that if this hotel is unavailable, we may need to book an alternative property, so the rate provided is an estimate only.
Plant an additional 15 trees for your adventure
Carbon Compensation is not the perfect solution, and it is important to first reduce our carbon emissions as much as we can, yet trees remain an excellent natural technology to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to slow global warming.
For every client and guide who attends a YellowWood Adventure, we donate £30 to our partner charity WeForest to plant 15 trees to (over) compensate for the carbon footprint of the tour.
We also invite our clients to match this with an optional additional £30 for another 15 trees to be planted to help compensate for the carbon footprint of their international flights.
WeForest run many tree planting and tree maintenance projects such as this seedling nursery in the Amhara region of Ethiopia, the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil and many other projects in other countries including Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania & India.
Click Here to find out more about their amazing projects around the world.
Not Included
- Flights
- Insurance (compulsory)
- Transfers outside our group transfer timings
- Visas
Contents
Accommodation
We fully believe in, and practice, Responsible Tourism, using hotels run by locals. The accommodation on this adventure is comfortable and welcoming hotel accommodation offering rooms with ensuite facilities. We put time and effort into building our relationship with accommodation suppliers to ensure you have a great trip.
We choose accommodation based on cleanliness, comfort, safety, proximity to our route (to avoid unnecessary extra travel) and a warm client welcome, as well as reliability in their service to us. Wherever we can we will choose smaller, more characterful, individual hotels, but in areas where tourism is still developing, or in remote areas (like the mountains), we may not have a wide range of options. An aspect of our adventures is to escape the ‘trappings’ of modern Western lifestyles and to experience new things with are exciting and memorable and reflects the countries we are visiting.
Facilities
Unless you have booked a single room (where they are available) and paid the single room supplement for those nights, you will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender).
Guiding & Your Group
Supporting you on your holiday will be a local, English-speaking, qualified guide who knows the area like the back of their hand, as well as the history & heritage of the area!
We work jointly with our Georgian Tour Operator partners both before and during your adventure to ensure that they understand your needs and the standard that YellowWood Adventures expects. We believe that it is a very important positive aspect of Responsible Tourism, to employ the expertise of reliable and suitably qualified local suppliers, as well as offering you a much more informative and authentic experience.
Your Group
Your group will be any number from our minimum group size of 4, up to a maximum of 12 fellow travellers. This number works really well with the ratio of guides, and ensures the optimum level of service to you during your adventure.
We get clients booking alone, as couples and in small groups of friends. If you have a group of friends or family who are interested in having their own customised trip, then please let us know and we can cost it for you.
Am I Fit Enough?
Your itinerary involves hiking at altitude. You will encounter some rough terrain, with steeper gradients. The paths are generally defined but may be narrow and rocky at times. You will be walking for up to 4-5 hours / day, and on some consecutive days.
To get the most of out of this adventure, you need to be a regular walker with experience of walking in the mountains, and be in good physical condition.
Any hiking is undertaken at the natural pace of the group, with regular stops for photos, snacks etc. Walking boots that have already been worn in are essential on this adventure.
You will be carrying just a day pack with camera, spare layers and a bottle of water.
For convenience, peace of mind, and to reduce the purchase of single use plastic water bottles, we highly recommend your bring a filtration water bottle.
Training
As with all active holidays, the fitter you are, the more you can relax and enjoy the stunning route, and the better you can cope with challenges such as the outside elements.
You are advised to get into a regular walking & / or running pattern before the trip as convenient.
Travel
Your YellowWood adventure starts in Tbilisi.
Finding flights
Flights are not included in the cost of your holiday, and whilst we are happy to help advise you, responsibility for booking the correct flights rests with you. We recommend that you use a comparison tool when searching for flights, such as skyscanner or www.momondo.co.uk.
Foreign Travel Advice
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. As the situation in our destination countries can change, please do ensure you check regularly before your adventure.
We also receive notifications direct from the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) so we are always aware of the ‘status’ in our destination countries.
Arrival
Tbilisi Airport is a fully functioning, international airport welcoming domestic flights and those from Europe. Airport services include Duty Free, ATMs and Currency Exchange. On arrival at the airport you will go through passport control to baggage reclaim and onwards to Arrivals where you will be met by a driver / guide with a YellowWood Adventures sign.
Included in the cost of your adventure is a group transfer to and from the airport.
Group transfers are only available on the official start and end dates of the trip. Arriving or departing on any other days means group transfers will not be included. If you plan to arrive before or after the adventure dates and need assistance with transfers or accommodation, please add these services when booking, or contact us directly to make the arrangements.
Once you have made a booking, you will be prompted to complete a travel information form where you can provide us with your exact flight times and details. This will enable us to organise your private transfers accordingly. Please note that private transfers may be subject to availability.
You are also welcome to book your travel independently, and we will provide clear instructions on how to meet the group at the designated time and location at the start of your trip.
Insurance
Holiday insurance is essential for all Yellow Wood Adventures. Unfortunately, anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the holiday, so please make sure you arrange cover. We recommend arranging your insurance cover when you book so that if you have problems during the run up to your holiday, and need to cancel, you are covered.
Tourists visiting Georgia are required to possess compulsory health and accident insurance, which is subject to verification upon entry at the border.
YellowWood partners with battleface as a travel insurance provider. Click here for a quote.
battleface insurance is provided in the UK by battleface Insurance Services Limited, a UK insurance intermediary authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Details provided on this webpage are for information only. Terms, conditions, exclusions, and limitations apply. Always read the description of cover contained within your policy to ensure it is suitable for your needs.
Prior to the holiday, we will ask you to send us details of your insurer, policy number, 24 hour emergency assistance contact details and the name, address, and telephone numbers of your NOK or persons to be notified in the event of an emergency.
You must ensure the travel insurance you purchase provides you with suitable cover for the entirety of your trip. Your travel insurance must include cover in the event that you have to cancel for a reason outside your control prior to departure, for any medical expenses you may incur whilst away (including repatriation in the case of medical need) and for the activities which you may participate in during your trip.
General information on Georgia
For general information on Georgia, such as climate, weather, language, social norms, food & drink etc, please have a head to our Country Specific Page packed full of information about Georgia.
Please take into consideration the time of year when you are travelling before making your final packing decisions.
Please bring a full first aid kit and any prescription medication with you. Consult your doctor regarding advice around inoculations and the prevention of disease contraction.
Receive a 15% discount off Water-to-Go filtration water-bottles to help reduce plastic waste.
Compulsory
- Passport & insurance documents
- Appropriate Visa
- US$ or £GB to exchange for local currency
- Credit / Debit card for ATMs in town
- Phone & charging cables / plugs / adaptors
- Day bag
- Money belt
- Antibiotics such as Azithromycin to stop serious traveller's diarrhoea
- First aid kit: paracetamol, rehydration sachets, antihistamine cream, ibuprofen cream, thermometer & blister kit (eg plasters & zinc oxide tape). anti-diarrhoea tables - we recommend getting hold of some Ciprofloxacin (a quinolone antibiotic) ahead of the trip. It’s great for traveller's diarrhoea
- Washbag & usual contents
- If applicable, feminine hygiene products
- Insect repellent
- Sun cream
- Hand gel
- Fully charged power pack and cables
Clothing
- Waterproof jacket - GoreTex or similar quality
- Warm jacket & fleece - even in the summer temperatures can be low in the evenings. Down or synthetic insulated jacket & light fleece recommended - they pack small too!
- Walking trousers for trekking. Soft shell fabric is ideal
- Shorts for warmer days
- Sandals or trainers - worn in please!
- General socks / underwear
- Suitable clothes/pjs for sleeping in
- Some “smarter” outfits / evening wear
- Warm hat & gloves
Items for Hiking
- Light clothes for day time - long & short sleeved tops. Technical fabrics dry quickly in hot or wet weather when hiking
- Thermal base layers
- 20-30L rucksack with waist (& ideally chest) strap for hiking
- Walking boots - already broken in!
- Waterproof stuff sacks & liners for both day sack and kit bag) to keep kit dry
- Water-to-Go filtration water-bottle & additional storage water-bottle - ideally 2 litres per person
- Standard large rucksack or large duffel style bag are all suitable for your baggage
Optional
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat or baseball cap
- Buff or neck gaiter for cold weather / sun protection
- For women: Light scarf useful for covering neck & shoulders in respect of religious spaces
- Flask, if you enjoy hot drinks on the go
- Camera & charging cables / plug
- Purification tablets as alternative to Water Purification Bottle
- Spare ziplock bags for dirty clothes, waterproofing phones, rubbish & general organising
- Walking poles
- Lightweight waterproof trousers
- Waterproof socks
- Warm hat & gloves
- Swimming costume
- Clothing hand-washing product - biodegradable please!
- Ear plugs (in case sharing with a snorer!)
This trip supports
Need a little help?
All adventures can be tailored as private bespoke trips.
Please contact us for more information:
+44 207 846 0197
Related Adventures
Booking Process
Select dates: Choose the dates for your adventure and consider adding any extra adventures or add-ons to enhance your experience.
Check the box to agree to our Terms & Conditions.
Make Booking: Click on "Make Booking." If you're booking more than 56 days before your adventure, you'll be redirected to secure WorldPay to make your deposit. If it's 56 days or less before your adventure, you'll need to make full payment. Rest assured, your money is held securely by the Travel Trust Association.
Your booking will show as 'pending' in your YellowWood online account.
Confirmation: We'll be in touch as soon as possible to confirm your booking or discuss any availability limitations. Please refrain from booking transport or flights until we've emailed you to confirm your booking. (Note: Receipt of your booking form is not confirmation.)
Making payment: Once your booking is confirmed, we'll change the status of your final invoice from 'Pending Approval' to 'Outstanding,' indicating that it's ready for payment online.
You will receive a reminder email for your final payment 56 days before the departure date.
Feel free to contact us with any questions about your adventure or booking, we're here to help!
Grading
To help you choose the right adventure for you, we have given each itinerary a grading that relates to the level of Walking / Trekking you will experience during the trip. This grading can be found on the Yellow map on the adventure page of the website.
All of our trips involve a level of general activity so are designed for people who are in good health, enjoy the outdoors, and have a taste for adventure and some level of fitness. As will be clear from our destinations, the climate (and altitude) may be different to that which you are used to, so please take this into consideration when choosing the most suitable holiday.
Please read our Adventure Itinerary & Essential Information for more information and don't hesitate to contact us if you would like to chat through whether you have found a suitable adventure for you.
Grade 1-3: Entry Level
You need to be in good physical health to enjoy your active holiday, but you don’t need to be an experienced hiker. These itineraries offer a mix of sightseeing and easier walking for around 2-4hrs a day, with the emphasis on sights and cultural experiences.
Walks will be well marked or on defined pathways, and often around sites of interest. The expected amount of descent/ascent will depend on the landscapes of the destination, but will not exceed 400m/day, and will often be much less. Walks are at low altitude (below 3000m).
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack with water and essentials. Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have a pair of comfortable and worn in walking shoes/boots.
Grades 4-6: Intermediate
You need to have a good level of fitness and be a regular walker for these adventures, with ideally some trekking experience. You can expect to be walking for 3-6 hours per day, not including rest stops, normally on good trail paths but with some uneven surfaces at times.
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack. You may be walking in more challenging temperatures. You will generally be walking at low altitude (below 3000m) but may walk at altitudes up to 4000m. The amount of ascent could be up to 800m in a day but will frequently be less. You may walk on consecutive days.
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable clothing for this adventure.
Grades 7-9: Challenging
You need to have a good level of fitness with previous experience of trekking. Extra training before your trip will ensure that you get the most out of your adventure. Areas will be remote and terrain uneven.
Expect to walk for 5 – 8 hours a day, not including breaks, with some very steep ascents and descents. You will be walking at altitude (over 3000m but not higher than 5000m).
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable equipment/clothing for this adventure (see the packing list for your adventure).
Please check individual itineraries for details of what you will need to be carrying with you.
Get in touch
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