Overview
A seven day, self-guided walking holiday through the tranquil landscapes of Georgia’s Caucasus Mountains, starting at the gateway of Stepantsminda, also known as Kazbegi. Hiking in Kazbegi is an easy to moderate walking trail in terms of fitness levels, exploring far from moderate natural heritage such as Mkinvari Glacier, Chaukhi Pass and Gveleti Waterfalls. Walking in Georgia’s uplands is also an uplifting cultural experience, staying mainly in one traditional mountain hotel, eating traditional mountain fare, and taking in some of the Caucasus’ ancient heritage, including Mtskheta, the former capital and at the iconic Gergeti Holy Trinity Church, enveloped by the Caucasus and, in particular Mount Kazbek (5,054m).
- Mtskheta
- Ananuri Fortress
- Mkinvari Glacier
- Gveleti Waterfalls
- Chaukhi Pass
- Truso Valley
Click to view map
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Tbilisi
Arrive in the capital city of Tblisi and, if you have time, take in some of the cultural highlights. These include Narikala Fortress, which looms above the city, and collection of religious sites including Juma Mosque, the Great Synagogue of Tbilisi and the Fire Temple of Yazd, an ancient Zoroastrian temple. A visit to the Turkish-style bathing houses, built on the natural sulphur springs in the centre of the historic old town, is also recommended. A guided walking tour of Old Tbilisi can be added to the trip.
- Accommodation: Tbilisi View Hotel or similar in Tbilisi
- Meals included: Breakfast
Day 2: Tbilisi to Stepantsminda
Transfer from Tbilisi to Stepantsminda (3.5h). On the way, visit Mtskheta, the former capital of Georgia and Ananuri fortress.
- Accommodation: Hotel Capra or similar in Stepantsminda
- Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Day 3: Mkinvari Glacier | 16km
This morning begins with a transfer from Stepantsminda to Gergeti Trinity Church (30mins). Hike in the direction of Mount Kazbek, through Sabertse Pass, passing Altihut mountain hut until you reach Mkinvari Glacier. Return to the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church, via the same route, for a transfer back to the hotel.
- Walking for the day: 16km, 9h
- Accommodation: Hotel Capra or similar in Stepantsminda
- Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Day 4: Gveleti Waterfalls | 5km
Transfer from Stepantsminda to the start of the Gveleti Waterfalls hiking trail. The two waterfalls on the trail lie within close proximity to one another. Once visited, retrace the path back to the startingpoint of the walk for a transfer to the hotel.
- Walking for the day: 5km, 1.5h
- Accommodation: Hotel Capra or similar in Stepantsminda
- Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Day 5: Juta and Chaukhi | 9km
Transfer from Stepantsminda to the village of Juta (1h). Hike along Chaukhi Pass to a small lake before returning to Juta for a transfer.
- Walking for the day: 9km, 4h
- Accommodation: Hotel Capra or similar in Stepantsminda
- Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Day 6: Truso Valley | 21km
Transfer from Stepantsminda to the village of Kobi (30mins) and hike into Truso Valley. Head back to the starting point, for a transfer to Tbilisi (3h).
- Walking for the day: 21km, 5h
- Accommodation: Tbilisi View Hotel or similar in Tbilisi
- Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7: Departure
- Meals included: Breakfast
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation on this tour includes a mix of small, locally-owned hotels, B&Bs and traditional guesthouses. They have been carefully selected based on a variety of criteria including their location, warm hospitality, fine local food or commitment to responsible tourism. All rooms have en-suite or private bathrooms.
Click to view pictures of our default hotels
- Tbilisi View Hotel (Tbilisi)
- Hotel Capra (Stepantsminda)
Hotels are subject to availability. In the event of a particular hotel being fully booked for your chosen dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Meals
Breakfast is included (usually buffet breakfast, coffee and toast/bread/croissant), dinner is included at the accommodation in Stepantsminda.
Difficulty and terrain
While most of the walks are straightforward, this tour is rated easy-moderate due to longer, moderate hikes on some days (read more about difficulty grades).
We strongly advise you to only follow marked trails and never try to shorten the path through unknown and unmarked terrain. We will provide you with detailed road notes and maps, and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed info on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack.
When to go
This trip is available from early May until October.
The flexibility of self-guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates and you can start your trip on any date in the season. The climate in the region is continental and temperate, snow is possible even in summer.
Visa Info
UK and European citizens do not need to obtain a visa to enter Georgia. Detailed information regarding visa requirements can be found here. If a visa is required, travellers can apply for e-Visa here.
Getting there
The regions where our Georgia trips take place are safe, as they are located far from the conflict regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
Click to view travel options
By plane
Our recommended airport for this tour is Tbilisi.
By train or bus
- Tbilisi centre is easily reachable from the airport using public transport. Alternatively, airport transfers to and from Tbilisi can be added to your booking.
Inclusions
Included
- 6 nights accommodation
- 6 breakfast
- 4 dinners in Stepantsminda
- Transfer from Tbilisi to Stepantsminda
- Transfers from Stepantsminda to hiking locations and back
- All luggage transfers
- Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions and maps
- 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers
- Lunches, drinks and snacks
- Dinners not mentioned in the itinerary
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses such as phone calls, extra transfers and tips
- Any items not specifically mentioned as included in the programme
Options, extras and supplements
- If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own
- This holiday is available for solo travellers; a supplement will be charged as accommodation and luggage transfer costs are not shared (we never mix and match – solo travellers will be accommodated in single rooms)
- Extra nights in Tbilisi
- Airport transfers to and from Tbilisi airport
- Tbilisi guided walking tour
- Guide for hiking days
Gallery
