Hiking Tour of the Greater Caucasus Mountains
Explore Georgia’s impossibly scenic Caucasus Mountains on foot
Guided
Hiking Tour of the Greater Caucasus Mountains Overview
There’s mountain scenery fit for a fairytale in Georgia, and the Hiking Tour of the Greater Caucasus Mountains is an unforgettable journey into these pristine scenes. On this easygoing hiking tour, you’ll trek to hilltop monasteries impossibly perched among the summits, where traders, religious leaders, and adventurers have passed by for millennia. Rest under thundering waterfalls, where the border of Russia sits just nearby. Hike in the shadow of might Mount Kazbek, spellbound by the unbelievable scenery.
Between active outings, you’ll soak up the culture and food scene of Georgia. Tour electric Tbilisi, where a mishmash of cultures have created energy like no other over thousands upon thousands of years. Sip wine at family-run wineries and enjoy cable car rides up to ski resorts. The Hiking Tour of the Greater Caucasus Mountains is the ideal exploration of Georgia’s outdoors, suitable for the beginner or intermediate hiker but sure to enchant all who join!
Trip highlights
Hike to hilltop monasteries older than time, perched right among imposing mountain peaks.
Trek to rushing waterfalls hidden inside verdant forests, where you’ll dance on the border with Russia.
Sip wine between hikes at a locally-run winery surrounded by picturesque mountain views.
Follow in the footsteps of fabled Greek gods, traders, smugglers, and royalty as you explore fortresses and villages.
Day By Day Itinerary
Welcome to Tbilisi! This bohemian, busy city is the perfect gateway to the rest of Georgia.
You’ll be transferred to your hotel in Old Town for the evening, so find a cozy spot for dinner or feel free to roam about this 5th-century city.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Tbilisi
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- None
Overnight Location: Hotel in Tbilisi
- Distance:
- Flexible
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Begin your first full day with a tour of the old Georgian capital of Mtskheta, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the centre of the Iberian Kingdom. As the birthplace of Christianity in Georgia, Mtskheta is still known as the spiritual centre of the country and has stunning churches to explore. While leaving the area, take the Old Georgian Military Highway to an impressive fortified church in Ananuri.
Your next stop is Gudari, a ski resort, where you’ll be whisked up by cable car to the Kobi ski area. Enjoy the views as you head towards the Juta settlement by offroad vehicle, ending the day with a short but steep hike to your guesthouse.
- Overnight Location:
- Guesthouse in Juta
- Distance:
- Flexible
- Meals:
- Breakfast
After breakfast, begin hiking towards Mount Chaukhi, a jagged-topped mountain that rises dramatically out of the green earth. You won’t want to take your eyes off this unique summit, but the day’s just begun!
Upon arriving at Stepantsminda, take a moment to appreciate Mount Kazbek (5054m, 16,581ft) watching over you. According to ancient Greek mythology, Prometheus was here when he decided to steal the god’s fire. You’ll head off on another short hike to the Gveleti Waterfalls, toeing the border with Russia.
- Overnight Location:
- Guesthouse in Stepantsminda
- Distance:
- 4-4.5 hours, 600m elevation gain
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Today’s scenes will seem straight out of a storybook. You’ll hike up to the Gergeti Monastery, perched alone atop a hill surrounded by mountains. Right on Mount Kazbek (5054m, 16,581ft), this monastery feels a world away from everything else.
Continue on to the Gergeti Glacier, where a perfect viewpoint over the mountains awaits. Snap plenty of photos before heading back to Stepantsminda.
- Overnight Location:
- Guesthouse in Stepantsminda
- Distance:
- 7 hours, 1020m elevation gain
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch
Begin today with a visit to the Uplistsikhe Cave Town. This ancient settlement and fortress was built right into the rock of the hillside and presided over the Silk Road many years ago. Next to Uplistsikhe is Ateni Village, where you’ll enjoy a wine tasting at a small family-run winery.
Sufficiently sampled, head back to Tbilisi for your last evening. Make it count!
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Tbilisi
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- Breakfast
What a week it’s been! After breakfast and packing up, it’s off to the airport or wherever you’re heading to next.
- Overnight Location:
- None
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Tour Map
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Inclusions
Included
- 7 breakfasts and 1 lunch are included on this tour. ½ litre of water per person per day is included, as is your wine tasting.
- Accommodations for 6 nights are included. Accommodations before or after the tour are not included but can be added as a supplement.
- Transportation for you and your luggage is included throughout the tour, including transfers to and from the airport.
- English-speaking guide
- Entrance fees to described locations
- All excursions and activities according to the itinerary
- Wine tasting
Not included
- Flights
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
- Travel insurance
- Visas if required
- Anything not mentioned as included
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Any optional excursions or activities
Reviews
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
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FAQ
We rate this tour as a 3/5. You should be completing a couple of hikes, most of which will be about 3 or 4 hours in length, with one longer hiking day. Elevation gain is moderate and no technical knowledge is required. Active travellers will be able to get the most out of this tour.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
7 breakfasts and 1 lunch are included. ½ litre of water per person per day is also included, as is your wine tasting.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your Travel Insurance.
You can fly into Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) where you will be picked up to begin the tour.
Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.
The tour ends with you being driven back to Tbilisi. You will be taken to Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) to depart.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
The best time to travel to Georgia for this tour is the summertime (July and August) when the weather in the mountains is at its warmest.
Why book Hiking Tour of the Greater Caucasus Mountains with 10 Adventures?
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Packed with Inclusions
Accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - all taken care of so you can focus on making memories.
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