Tusheti and Mount Kazbek Remote Hiking Tour
Hike the remote Tusheti region, discovering Georgia’s culture and history along the way
Guided
Tusheti and Mount Kazbek Remote Hiking Tour Overview
Every hiker should have Georgia on their must-see list, and the Tusheti and Mount Kazbek Remote Hiking Tour is the ideal introduction to this country that combines natural beauty with deep history. Hike in the untamed Tusheti region, climbing to the foot of imposing Mount Kazbek. You’ll trek to hilltop monasteries, hidden jewel-toned lakes, and unbelievably serene forests. Resting your legs, ride horses up steep alpine passes and cruise in Jeeps on adventurous roads. There’s no dull moment here!
Between each exhilarating expedition, you’ll spend moments entrenched in the storied history of Georgia, a country that long served as a meeting point for different cultures. Drink local wine made the same way it was made 8000 years ago and walk through fortresses predating Christ. For a tour that feels truly far-flung, the Tusheti and Mount Kazbek Remote Hiking Tour is a can’t-miss!
Trip highlights
Embark on hikes in Georgia’s wild mountain playground, the Tusheti region.
Ride on horseback to remote lakes of impossible shades of blue.
Sample local wine, walk museums, and discover castles and fortresses thousands of years old.
Soak up the quiet beauty of Georgia’s unspoiled, vast natural landscapes from sky-high viewpoints.
Day By Day Itinerary
Welcome to Tbilisi! 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
Tbilisi was a lucrative crossroads for the Silk Road and has long since been a city where different cultures come together. Explore this beautiful mix of architecture, cuisine, and energy as you enjoy a guided walking tour of the city today. Stroll the narrow streets, see the Metekhi Church, and wander through several important districts. Dare a dip in the soothing sulphur baths, then snap photos from the panoramic Mt. Mtatsminda viewpoint.
You’ll have free time in the afternoon to meander as you please, lingering to admire the pastel-washed buildings or the river splitting the city.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Tbilisi
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Take a walk into Georgia’s storied past today, visiting the old Georgian capital of Mtskehta, the UNESCO-recognized hub of the country between the 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD. Then, trace the old Silk Road en route to the ancient cave town of Uplistsikhe, where an Iron Age town built into the rock has remained semi-standing.
Stops to the Old Georgian Military Road and the Ananuri Fortified Complex provide greater historical context before you arrive at a town at the foot of Mount Kazbek for the night.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Stepantsminda
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Ready to hit the trail? Start the day with an off-road drive to the Juta settlement, where you’ll begin hiking towards the fantastic Mt. Chaukhi. Soak up the sights!
On your way back to Stepantsminda, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a short hike to the Gveleti Waterfalls. You’ll be toeing the border with Russia as you cool off in the mist.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Stepantsminda
- Distance:
- 3-3.5 hours, 400m elevation gain (optional hike adds 1 hour and 200m elevation gain)
- Meals:
- Breakfast
After breakfast, start towards the Gergeti Monastery, perched below the summit of Mount Kazbek 2170 metres high. After marvelling at the views here, continue towards the glacier near the viewpoint at Betlemi Cross. You won’t want to descend, but eventually, it’ll be time to hike back down to Stepantsminda.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Stepantsminda
- Distance:
- 7 hours, 920m elevation gain
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch
Take a break from hiking today-one you’ll definitely like! Visit the Kakheti wine region to learn about 8000 years of winemaking tradition, recognized in different ways by UNESCO and the Guinness Book of World Records. You have the option to enjoy a non-included cable car ride before spending some time with a local family, who will show you how they make “quervi,” a clay vessel used in their traditional winemaking process. Of course, a tasting is included!
Perhaps a bit tipsy, head to Telavi for the night.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Telavi
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- Breakfast
This morning, you’ll drive to the Alaverdi Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a green-topped stone cathedral perched upon a hill. It looks like something out of a storybook, and it’s been well-preserved since the 6th century.
Next, you’ll embark on an exciting Jeep tour to Omalo, cruising through the remote and unspoiled Tusheti Region. Stop for photos between thrilling stretches of trail as you approach the Keselo fort and museum. After wandering the museum, check into your guesthouse for the evening.
- Overnight Location:
- Guesthouse in Omalo
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Early in the morning, you’ll be driven to the gorgeous village of Shenako, filled with old watchtowers and picturesque in its architecture and scenery. Walk through Shenako to reach Diklo, the next village over. A Jeep will shuttle you back to Omalo after you’ve had time to grab a coffee or pastry.
In the afternoon, you’ll have time to go horseback riding around the area. If you’d prefer to do the entire day’s route on horseback, this can be arranged for a modest additional fee.
- Overnight Location:
- Guesthouse in Omalo
- Distance:
- 3 hours, 150m elevation gain
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Begin today with a transfer to Kumelaurta. From here, you’ll set out through the idyllic forest and across wildflower-dotted meadows to Oreti Lake, a round turquoise lagoon surrounded by rolling green hills.
You once again have the option to complete today’s hike by horseback for a small additional fee, a nice option for those less interested in the steeper ascents required today.
- Overnight Location:
- Guesthouse in Omalo
- Distance:
- 7-8 hours, 1000m elevation gain
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
After an unbelievable day yesterday, spend today reminiscing as you’re driven back to Tbilisi. The rest of the day is yours to do as you please, perhaps stopping in at one of the wine bars on the narrow cobbled streets of the Old Town.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Tbilisi
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- Breakfast
After 11 unforgettable days in Georgia, it’s time to head back home. You’ll be taken to the airport to depart.
- Overnight Location:
- None
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Tour Map
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Inclusions
Included
- 10 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners are included. ½ litre of water per day per person is also included.
- Accommodations for 10 nights are included. Accommodations before and 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 and transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
- English-speaking guide
- Wine tasting
- Entrance fees where required
- All excursions and activities according to the itinerary
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
- Horseback riding extensions
- Cable car ride
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 a 3/5. Hikes are either 3-4 hours or 7 hours in length on average, so fit hikers will be able to get the most out of this tour. That being said, there is horse assistance available for longer hikes and plenty of rest days on the tour. No technical expertise is required.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
10 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners are included. ½ litre of water per day per person is also included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover horseback riding and 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. You can also request a French guide if you’d prefer.
The tour ends in Tbilisi. A private transfer will take you 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 between the beginning of July and early September when the weather in the mountains is at its warmest.
Why book Tusheti and Mount Kazbek Remote Hiking Tour with 10 Adventures?
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