Georgia: Trekking the Transcaucasian Trail

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).

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.

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.

Today marks the start of your Trans-Caucasian 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.