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Peregrine Travel Centre

Georgia: Trekking the Transcaucasian Trail

Georgia: Trekking the Transcaucasian Trail

From $ 2,845 AUD

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Description

Take on this incredible, nine-day trekking adventure through Georgia’s Caucasus Mountains. Warm up with a hike from Kojori to Tbilisi, then head to the Svaneti region. Trek to Chaaladi Glacier in Mestia, then take on the Transcaucasian Trail to Ushguli along forest paths and cow tracks, over mountain passes and viewpoints, across meadows and streams and through villages, meeting locals along the way. At the end of each day, you can enjoy well-deserved, home-cooked feasts while learning about the Svans people. This is an adventure mixed with rewarding challenges, sweeping mountain views, hospitable local culture and lasting memories.

Trip Name
Georgia: Trekking the Transcaucasian Trail
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
9
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Trek from Mestia to Ushguli – one of the most classic sections of the 3000 km (1864 mi) Transcaucasian Trail. This sustainable trail is still being developed in the Great Caucasus Mountains, across three countries and over 150 communities.
  • Take in the stunning natural scenery along the way, moving from snow-capped summits to open alpine meadows, through dense forests and to massive glaciers.
  • See the region’s unique tower houses, dotted across the mountain valleys and visit Ushguli – a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the highest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe.
  • Spend nights in the quiet mountains in local homestays and guesthouses. Local, home-cooked meals and warm hospitality are a great way to reset after spending all day on your feet!
  • Trek hassle-free as your luggage is transferred to your destination every day and packed lunch is provided, leaving you with only your day pack and walking poles, so you can focus on soaking up the challenge.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and may be on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk., There is a chance of potential changes to the itinerary due to heavy rain, flooding and snow at higher elevations, which often affect roads and bridges, making travel difficult or impossible (particularly in remote areas). Your tour leader will advise of the revised itinerary in such unexpected situations.

Day 1 - Tbilisi
Gamarjoba! Welcome to Georgia. Your adventure begins in Tbilisi with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, you might like to visit the Georgian National Museum to learn more about the country’s history or wander through the Dry Bridge Flea Market, full of local artwork, antiques and handicrafts. This evening, maybe head out for dinner with your fellow travellers and try some Georgian classics like khachapuri (cheese bread) or khinkali (dumplings).
Day 2 - Kutaisi
Warm up for your trekking adventure today with a scenic morning hike from Kojori down to Tbilisi – you’ll stop along the way to visit the peaceful Udzo Monastery. Perhaps take a picnic lunch or try some local snacks at Mtatsminda Park. This afternoon, you’ll take the cable car down to the city centre for sweeping views over Tbilisi, where you’ll hop on your transfer to Kutaisi.
Day 3 - Mestia
After breakfast, you’ll head toward Mestia. When you arrive, have some lunch then set out for a short hike to Chaaladi Glacier, where dramatic mountain scenery and glacial landscapes unfold around you. In the evening, unwind with a local dinner featuring traditional Svan cuisine, surrounded by the quiet atmosphere of the mountains.
Day 4 - Zhabeshi
Today marks the start of your Transcaucasian Trail trek from Mestia toward Ushguli. The route takes you through traditional Svan villages, stone towers, forests and alpine meadows. A short but steep climb takes you to a beautiful viewpoint over Tetnuldi, Gestola, Ushba, Chatini, Banguriani and the Svaneti ridge. Halfway along the trail, you’ll pass through the villages of Mulakhi before continuing to Zhabeshi, where you’ll spend the night. Have dinner with your group and soak up the warm hospitality of the region.
Day 5 - Adishi
Continue your trek through the Svaneti Mountains as you hike from Zhabeshi to Adishi. The trail winds along forest paths, old sled roads and quiet cow tracks, opening into alpine meadows rich with rhododendrons and silver birch trees. From here, you’ll get sweeping views toward Tetnuldi Ski Resort. After reaching the highest point of the day, the landscape softens into wide, open panoramas of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Along the way, you’ll cross two mountain streams, where if weather permits, you can pause for a refreshingly cold mountain rinse. As evening descends, so will you, into the remote village of Adishi, where a warm dinner and overnight stay await in the stillness of the mountains.
Day 6 - Iprari
Continue from Adishi through the wild Svaneti valleys and sweeping alpine meadows. The Adishi Glacier unfolds beside you and iconic peaks like Ushba and the Tetnuldi massif rise on the horizon. The day starts gently with around 6 km (4 mi) of easy walking, where you may come across natural mineral springs that the locals have been drinking from for generations. You’ll then reach the river crossing and safely make your way across the glacial water. From here, the trail begins its most demanding ascent, steadily climbing toward the 2722 m (8930 ft) pass. Along the way, every pause opens wider and more dramatic views over the vast Tetnuldi Glacier and the towering summits of the Greater Caucasus. After the pass, the landscape softens as you descend into the Khalde Valley and continue across open terrain toward the historic village of Khalde. The final stretch leads you to Iprari for the night.
Day 7 - Ushguli
Today is the final stretch of your Svaneti trek as you make your way to Ushguli. The trail begins gently on a quiet jeep road leading to Davberi, before shifting into forest paths, open meadows and timeless villages scattered along the valley. With every step, the landscape feels more remote and cinematic, framed by the towering peaks of the Greater Caucasus. You’ll pass through Murkmeli, Chazhashi, Chvibiani and Jibiani, where stone towers and traditional homes blend into the mountain scenery. The route gradually climbs to its highest point at around 2200 m (7218 ft) before easing into a gentle descent toward the valley floor. By afternoon, you’ll arrive in Ushguli – one of Europe’s highest continuously inhabited settlements and a UNESCO World Heritage site where time seems to slow between ancient towers and vast mountain horizons. In the afternoon, maybe visit the 12th-century Lamaria Church, known for its ancient murals, before settling in for the night.
Day 8 - Kutaisi
Leave Ushguli and begin your journey back toward Kutaisi, driving through the winding roads of Svaneti with its dramatic peaks, deep valleys and remote mountain landscapes fading behind you. As you descend from the high Caucasus, the scenery shifts from rugged alpine wilderness to softer green hills and river valleys – an unhurried farewell to one of Georgia’s most striking regions. Along the way, you’ll stop at the impressive Enguri Dam. When you arrive in Kutaisi, set out for a short orientation walk through the city with your trip leader, taking in its relaxed atmosphere and historic streets. In the evening, maybe gather for a final dinner together and share memories from the trek.
Day 9 - Kutaisi
Your trip ends today after breakfast and you’re free to leave at any time after checkout. If you’d like to extend your stay in Georgia, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time. If you wish to return to Tbilisi, there's the option of purchasing a train back to Tbilisi, including the transfer to the Kutaisi train station. Please speak to your booking agent if you are interested.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
05-06-202713-06-2027AUD $ 2,845-
19-06-202727-06-2027AUD $ 2,845-
03-07-202711-07-2027AUD $ 2,845-
17-07-202725-07-2027AUD $ 2,930-
31-07-202708-08-2027AUD $ 2,930-
14-08-202722-08-2027AUD $ 2,930-
28-08-202705-09-2027AUD $ 2,845-
11-09-202719-09-2027AUD $ 2,845-
25-09-202703-10-2027AUD $ 2,845-
03-06-202811-06-2028AUD $ 2,985-
17-06-202825-06-2028AUD $ 2,985-
01-07-202809-07-2028AUD $ 2,985-
15-07-202823-07-2028AUD $ 3,075-
29-07-202806-08-2028AUD $ 3,075-
12-08-202820-08-2028AUD $ 3,075-
26-08-202803-09-2028AUD $ 2,985-
09-09-202817-09-2028AUD $ 2,985-
23-09-202801-10-2028AUD $ 2,985-

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nights), Guesthouse (5 nights)

Transport

Private Minivan, 4WD

Map

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