Georgia

Trekking in the Greater Caucasus Mountains

Price

1,495 USD

Duration

5 Days

Level

moderate-challenging

Date

July 21, 2023

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Overview Itinerary Details What’s Included Get Inspired

5 days

1,495 USD / 455 KWD / 5,525 AED / 5,685 SAR

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Overview

Georgia is a small country perched on the crossroads between Europe and Asia. Its history reflects the influence and diversity of the civilizations that passed from its land. Despite its proximity to the Black Sea, it is mostly known for its mountains, as they recently became a popular destination for hikers the world over, thanks to the pristine landscapes and variety of trails that can satisfy any adventurous traveler.

This trip is an introduction to Georgia’s beauty, as it offers you the opportunity to explore in just a few days the best of the Caucasus Mountains while hiking on charming trails and camping in spectacular sites. A rafting adventure and a tour around Tbilisi’s old town perfectly complement this itinerary, leaving you with a sense of joy and accomplishment that only Georgia can inspire.

Trip Highlights:
Get ready to...

Discover Georgia’s untouched natural landscape: a paradise for hikers around the world.
Enjoy breathtaking views of mountain lakes, waterfalls, rivers, and alpine meadows.
Raft on the Pshavis Aragvi River surrounded by stunning views.
Visit the Ananuri Castle and the Gergeti Trinity Church.
Explore the old city of Tbilisi.

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Activities: backpacking, camping, cultural sightseeing, hiking/trekking, nature watching

Itinerary Details

Day 1 (21st July 2023): Arrival in Tbilisi

Upon your arrival at Tbilisi International Airport, you will be welcomed by a Rahhalah representative, and you will be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of your day exploring the beautiful capital of Georgia at your own pace, until the group reassembles in the evening for a briefing meeting. Accommodation: City Avenue Hotel (4*) or similar

Day 2 (22nd July 2023): Ananuri Castle – Stepantsminda – Gergeti Trinity Church – Chaukhi Massif (B, L, D)

After breakfast, you will check-out from the hotel and head towards the Ananuri castle: the epicenter of numerous battles in the 13th century, and a popular attraction today thanks to its unique architecture and location. You will then continue driving towards Stepantsminda, one of the most beautiful destinations in Georgia. Until the 21st century, this small town on the mountains was called Kazbegi, after the famous, Georgian writer Alexander Kazbegi who was born there in 1848. After a backpack lunch, you will hike to the 14th-century Gergeti Trinity Church, perched at an altitude of 2,180 m. Its isolated location on top of a steep mountain surrounded by the vastness of nature has made it a symbol for Georgia. The 18th-century Georgian author Vakhushti Batonishvili wrote that in times of danger, precious relics from Mtskheta, including Saint Nino's Cross were brought to this church for safekeeping. Even though it stopped operating as a church during the Soviet era, it remained a popular tourist destination thanks to the stunning views of Mt. Kazbek one can enjoy from the top. Upon your return from the church, you will take the cars again to drive to Juta, the highest mountain village in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti Region (at 2,250 m). From there, you will begin your hike to the base of the Chaukhi Massif, where you will camp for the night. Total driving time: approx. 4 hours (175 km). Hiking to Gergeti Trinity church: 7 km (3 hours - roundtrip) – Altitude: 2,170m. Hiking from Juta to Chaukhi Massif: 8 km (3-4 hours). Elevation: 600 meters (from 2160 to 2860 m). Accommodation: Camping in a tent.

Day 3 (23rd July 2023): By the beautiful Abudelauri Lakes (B, L, D)

After an early breakfast, you begin your hike towards the direction of Roshka village. The path takes you deep into the Greater Caucasus Mountains, through alpine meadows, the Chaukhi Pass (3,338 m), and the majestic White, Blue and Green lakes of Abudelaurebi. The Abudelauri Lakes are situated at an altitude of 2,500 m in the alpine zones that stretch at the foot of the Chiukhi Massif. Their most striking characteristic is their color that differs from one to the other, despite their proximity: one (near your camping site) is plain green; the second is of a stunning blue shade; the last one is milk-white because of the glacier’s reflections. Hike from Chaukhi Massif to Abudelauri: 12 km (7-8 hours). Elevation gain/loss: ↑800m ↓600m. Accommodation: Camping in a tent.

Day 4 (24th July 2023): Rafting on the Pshavis Aragvi River – Return to Tbilisi (B, L, D)

After a beautiful morning exploring the slopes surrounding the lakes, you will descend to the Roshka village, where you will ride the car and drive back to Tbilisi. On the way, you will stop for a thrilling rafting adventure on Aragvi: a system of rivers including the Mtiuleti White Aragvi, the Gudamakari Black Aragvi, the Khevsureti and the Pshavi Aragvi. In the upper and middle streams, Aragvi is a mountain river, and in the downstream, it becomes Vake River. In Mtskheta, from the Cross Monastery, you will also enjoy panoramic views of the two rivers – Aragvi and Mtkvari – connecting, their merging point quite distinct thanks to their different colors. The rafting adventure will take place on the Pshavis Aragvi River, led by experienced guides who will give you the necessary instructions and will equip you with life jackets and helmets. You will traverse about 15 km, enjoying currents II and III on the way. Rafting time: approx. 1.5 hrs. After lunch, you will continue towards Tbilisi, where you spend the rest of the day relaxing and exploring the city and dinner in city. Total driving time: approx. 3 hours (110 km). Hiking details: 6 km (3 hours). Elevation loss: ↓600 m. Accommodation: City Avenue Hotel (4*) or similar.

Day 5 (25th July 2023): Walking tour in old Tbilisi – Departure (B)

Tbilisi’s old town is a jewel worth exploring, and no trip to Georgia is complete without strolling in the cobblestoned alleys that reflect a long and complicated history, with periods under Persian and Russian rule. The town’s diverse architecture encompasses Eastern Orthodox churches, ornate art nouveau buildings and Soviet Modernist structures. Looming over it all are Narikala, a reconstructed 4th-century fortress, and Kartlis Deda, an iconic statue of the “Mother of Georgia.” During this walking tour, you will pass by ancient monasteries, old wooden buildings, and houses with beautiful architecture. You will take the cable-car up to the Narikala fortress, and you will stop at the sulfur baths district, exploring on the way the essence of this mountainous city and understanding why the Georgian culture has inspired so many famous writers, artists, and poets. Later, depending on your departure details, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home. Note: We recommend that your departure flights are in the evening.

Notes

This cost is based on Double Occupancy. Single Supplement amounts to 250 USD.
The cost is based on a group of min 6 people. Rahhalah reserves the right to change the price if the trip runs with fewer participants.
All services stipulated above are subject to availability at the time of booking/reservation. All prices are subject to change.
All accommodation is subject to change to a similar one depending on availability.

The Price Includes:

Transfer from and to Tbilisi Airport upon arrival and departure respectively (Day 1 and 5).
All private transportation as described in the itinerary (4X4 cars – Days 2-4).
Horses for carrying the camping gear, tents, food, and sleeping bags (Days 2-3).
Professional, English-speaking hiking guide.
2 night’s accommodation in a 4* hotel in Tbilisi (double occupancy).
2 night’s accommodation in camping tents, with tents and mattresses.
Meals as described in the itinerary: B=breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner (backpacking food during hiking).
Cook, cooking and kitchen equipment during the trekking.
Rafting on the Aragvi River (min: 4 people).
Activities as described in the itinerary.

The Price Excludes:

International airfare.
Airport taxes.
Travel and medical insurance.
Visa fees.
Cost due to an early descent.
Beverages.
Single Supplement cost.
Meals not included above.
Optional/additional activities.
Tips and gratuities.
Personal expenses.
PCR test and quarantine expenses, if needed.

Important: The itinerary and schedule are subject to change due to weather, road challenges or operating conditions. At any moment, the guide has the RIGHT to change the program for the safety and convenience of the travelers.

Also, the trip's price does not cover expenses that may occur due to conditions beyond Rahhalah's control (force
majeure). Such cases include but are not limited to extreme weather conditions, flight cancellations or delays, and natural phenomena (earthquakes, volcano eruptions, hurricanes, etc.). We, the Rahhalah team, both in our HQ and on the ground, will do our best to assist you with alternative arrangements (like new accommodation and/or transportation arrangements, revised itinerary and activities etc.), but ALL NEW COSTS incurred because of force majeure are to be covered by the traveler.

We strongly recommend that, before your departure, you purchase travel insurance that covers trip cancellation costs, loss of baggage or personal items, medical emergencies, and other unexpected circumstances that cannot be controlled by Rahhalah or any traveler.