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During these two weeks the expedition route takes us through the wildest parts of Georgia visiting its beautiful highlands - Tusheti and Khevsureti - the parts of the Main Caucasus Ridge. The trip starts with a excursion in the capital of Georgia Tbilisi. After driving along a fantastic mountain road to the village Shenako, passing deep gorges with white-waterfalls, we start the trek by walking along the Pirikita Alazani Gorge River with its forested slopes. On the way we will enjoy exploring medieval villages and ancient monuments. We cross the Atsunta Pass (3430m) into the Khevsureti - a lost wilderness where traditions have remained the same for centuries. Walking through the Andaki gorge we will end our trek in the medieval village-citadel Shatili and then return to Tbilisi.

 

Georgia is situated on the historic and geographic threshold between Europe and Asia. The capital of Georgia is Tbilisi. The country itself is not very big with the population of 5.5 million people and occupies the area of 69,500 square km. The highest mountains are Shkhara (5068m) and Kazbek (5047m). See Mt. Kazbek climb.

Georgia is a country of great beauty and diversity. The Europe's highest mountain chain - Caucasus, extending from the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea, separates Georgia from Russia. Spectacular landscapes range from the Black Sea subtropics to snowy peaks and from thick forests to semi-deserts. The main part of Georgia is located on the south side of the Greater Caucasus range resulting in a sunny and warm climate.

 

This is primarily camping trip with some nights in hotels and locals' houses. The majority of walking is on good mountain paths. The hardest and the longest day (8-9 hours walking) of the trek is the day when we cross Atsunta Pass. Here the path gets narrow and sometimes almost disappears. Crossing Atsunta Pass involves walking on quite steep slopes. Some parts of the route lie on narrow, rough mountain tracks. Most of the streams we cross by bridges, but there are few small streams to be crossed without bridges. An average day involves about 5-6 hours walk. The trek is suitable for any normally fit and healthy person used to trekking. The total trek is 11 days walking. Horses will carry the all the luggage allowing us to walk only with a daypack. GRADES

 

Depending on the group size we use a bus or minibus. On the part in the vicinity of Shenako village (about 100 km) we require a 4WD vehicle since the track is steep and rough.

 

Mountain weather is variable. In the valleys day temperatures may rise over 20°C. At the highest campsites, nights will be cooler and frosts are likely. An extra fleece jacket is recommended for the evenings after the sunsets. Rain and summer storms and snowfall on the passes could be encountered any time. On the other hand, in towns, afternoon temperatures often rise above 30°C. Horses will carry all communal equipment and most of your main luggage; a strong, soft bag is easier than a framed rucksack for the horses to carry. Good waterproofs and warm clothes are necessary. A ski stick can be useful throughout the trek so we recommend that you take one. A telescopic one is particularly good. Major items are good, waterproof walking boots and a three-season sleeping bag and mat. A 35 liter rucksack should be adequate. If you are already a hiker or backpacker you will probably have much of the clothing and the equipment required.  You will not need to take all of your belongings on the trek; some of the items that you do not need on trek can be left in Tbilisi. A detailed equipment list will be sent with confirmation of booking.

 

No vaccinations are required to entry Georgia. We will apply for a group visa and will send the appropriate forms on receipt of your booking form.