Hike from the mountains to the sea of underrated Georgia
The mountains of Georgia are a picture-perfect hiker’s paradise that few have discovered. Take the Trekking the Caucasus Range to the Black Sea tour to discover mountaintops, oceans, and everything in between! This active tour leads you across the high Goderdzi, Chkhuntieri, and Latipari passes. You’ll hike blow the Dashbashi waterfalls, stand at the foot of the imposing Mt. Ushba, and stroll the botanical gardens near Batumi. Dip your feet into the Black Sea, sleep in remote mountain guesthouses, and cross rivers by horseback on this diverse experience.
In addition to alpine treks, the Trekking the Caucasus Range to the Black Sea tour exposes you to the vibrant cultural profile of Georgia. A country at the centre of several different ancient civilizations and trade routes, you’ll walk through fortresses from the 9th century and stroll cobblestoned streets in pastel-washed ancient cities. For a perfect trekking tour with a cultural twist in Georgia, the Trekking the Caucasus Range to the Black Sea tour is the one!
Highlights of the Trekking the Caucasus Range to the Black Sea
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Trekking the Caucasus Range to the Black Sea
Day 1 Arrival
Welcome to Tbilisi! Georgia is off the beaten path for many travellers, but you’re one of the lucky ones who gets to discover its lush rolling hills and splendid mountain scenery.
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
Day 2 Walking Tour of Tbilisi
Tbilisi was a lucrative crossroads for the Silk Road and has long since been a point of connection for different cultures. 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. You’ll smell the sulphur baths before you arrive at them!
You’ll have free time in the afternoon to meander as you please, lingering to admire the buildings or the pretty river splitting the city.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Tbilisi
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Waterfall Hike and Cave Town Exploration
After breakfast, head out towards the Lower Caucasus Region, where you’ll enjoy a short hike to a scenic waterfall tracing its way down Dashbashi Canyon. Savour a picnic lunch next to Paravani Lake, then hop back in the car en route to Vardzia.
Vardzia boasts a famous 12th-century Cave Town, built in the Golden Age of Georgia under the careful eye of Queen Tamara. Explore this ancient monastery site carved into the hillside, marvelling at the faded wall paintings predating the Ottoman Empire.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Vardzia
Distance: 1.5 hours, 150m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 4 Tmogvi Fortress and Rabati Castle
History buffs and hikers alike will love today! Head out in the morning on a hike to the Tmogvi Fortress, a ruined fortress and medieval town first mentioned in sources from the 9th century. This grand fortress was a former defensive stronghold along a trade route.
Next, you’ll be heading to the Rabati Castle, a gorgeous white and gold restored castle complex originally built in the 9th century. Snap photos to your heart’s content and then head to Akhaltsikhe for the night.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Akhaltsikhe
Distance: 4 hours, 400m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 5 Jeep Tour to the Black Sea
Begin the morning by getting whisked towards the Black Sea in a Jeep. Stop for a short hike around Green Lake, a pretty spot to explore. You’ll crest Goderdzi Pass to reach the coastline at the city of Batumi, where stunning architecture meets the dramatic wide blue water. Soak up the sun on this idyllic stretch of sand, then head to a local’s house for lunch (or enjoy a picnic depending on the time of year).
You’ll spend the night in Batumi, so sunset watching over the ocean is an absolute must.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Batumi
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 6 Mtirala National Park Waterfall Hike
After breakfast in Batumi, you’ll be driven to Mtirala National Park, an impossibly lush forest filled with jewel-blue streams and jungle-style rope bridges. You’ll hike to the Tsablnari Waterfall, a 28-metre tall cascade surrounded by bright green foliage.
You’ll have a hard time leaving the park, but eventually, it’ll be time to head back to Batumi. Spend the afternoon enjoying a walking tour of the city followed by free time to explore as you please.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Batumi
Distance: 2 hours, 100m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Botanical Gardens and Glaciers
Missing the greenery from yesterday? Soak up the beauty of the botanical gardens near Batumi this morning. The view of the flowers blends right into the view of the sea- picture-perfect!
After your morning at the gardens, you’ll drive to the Upper Svaneti region, known for its watchtowers and glaciers. Enjoy the rest of the day here and then settle in for the evening.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Mazeri/Betcho
Distance: 1.5-hour walk
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 8 Ushba Waterfalls Hike
Do waterfall hikes ever get old? We think not. Hike to the waterfalls that thunder around the base of Mount Ushba this morning, letting the fresh mist cool your face as you appreciate this stunning place.
You’ll transfer to Mestia for the night, where you’ll get comfy at a local guesthouse.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Mestia
Distance: 4-5 hours, 650m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 9 Trekking Day at Chalaadi Glacier
Today is the first of four trekking days leading you to the village of Ushguli. You’ll hit the road to Mulakhi village, traversing gorgeous valleys. Come face to face with the Chalaadi Glacier, a pristine mountain valley where a glacier is flanked by jagged peaks.
You’ll head to Mulakhi for dinner and a night in a welcoming guesthouse.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Mulakhi
Distance: 4-5 hours, 500m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 10 Trekking from Mulakhi to Adishi
You’ll spend today trekking through mountaintop villages, crossing through the forest, and hiking high passes. Enjoy incredible views of the Chaneri Glacier, Mount Ushba (4700m, 15,419ft), and Mount Laila (4010m, 13,156ft). Get that camera ready!
Your day’s journey ends in Adishi, a charming mountain settlement. Kick back in a local guesthouse and get some rest.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Adishi
Distance: 4-5 hours, 930m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 11 Hike the Chkhuntieri Pass to Iprali Village
Get ready for sky-high views today. You’ll be trekking over the Chkuntieri Pass (2720m, 8923ft). Along the way, cross a river on horseback, feeling like you’re in an adventure film.
Once you reach Iprali, settle in at the guesthouse and watch the stars come out overhead.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Iprali
Distance: 6 hours, 650m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 12 Hike to Georgia’s Highest Permanent Settlement
You’ll quite literally reach new heights today as you hike to Ushguli, one of the highest permanent settlements in Europe and the highest in Georgia. You’ll be arriving at the foot of Shkhara (5202m, 17,066ft), one of Georgia’s most impressive peaks. Marvel at the great mountain before you, a sight you’ll certainly look back on in coming years.
Once you arrive, you have the option to head out on another hike if you’ve still got some gas left in the tank. You’ll hike to Tamara Tower before hitting the hay in a guesthouse in Ushguli.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Ushguli
Distance: 4 hours, 445m elevation gain (optional extension adds 2 hours, 200m elevation gain)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 13 Latipari Pass Hike and Sagaro Pass Off-Roading
After breakfast, hit the trails to climb Latipari Pass. Savour the alpine views, then hop in an off-road vehicle to cross Sagaro Pass to the town of Lentekhi. You’ll spend the night here in a hotel, so enjoy the amenities here you’ve spent a few days without. You’ll feel brand-new!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lentekhi
Distance: 4-5 hours, 630m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 14 Forest Drive and Winery Tour
Get a chance to rest your legs and enjoy new sides of Georgia today as you cruise through the Racha region, replete with dense forests. After your adventure through the trees, you’ll enjoy a wine tasting at a local family-run winery. Sufficiently sampled, stroll through the Nikortsminda Monastery.
Next, you’ll take a quick flight to Natakhtari. Savour your last evening in Georgia, perhaps swinging by some of the wine bars in the Old Town. (Note: If required for any reason, you can also drive back to Tbilisi today.)
Overnight Location: Hotel in Tbilisi
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Day 15 Departure
All too soon, it’s time to leave Georgia. After 15 days of trekking through the country’s best corners, you’ll be dropped off at the airport to head home. Nakhvamdis!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Trekking the Caucasus Range to the Black Sea Price and Dates
This guided tour in Georgia is run as a private tour for your group and the price depends on the number of participants.
The prices below are per person sharing a double or a triple room:
- Guided groups of 2: $2,575 USD per person
Please note that the pricing might change depending on the size of your group
Book NowAccommodation on the Trekking the Caucasus Range to the Black Sea Tour
This tour is based in hotels and guesthouses. Hotels on this trip are 3-4 star and offer basic or modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. Guesthouses are rustic and may have shared rooms and bathrooms. Hotel upgrades are available if you’d prefer more luxurious accommodations; these upgrades range from $13 USD to $120 USD in price for each hotel.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy and guesthouse rooms may be dormitory-style. You can pay a supplement of $232 USD to have a private room in a hotel where possible (note that single rooms are only available in certain accommodations on this tour). Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel Gureli in Tbilisi ★★★
You'll love the friendly staff and great location of this comfortable, modern hotel. Just outside of Old Town, you'll have easy access to restaurants.
Valodia’s Cottages Guesthouse in Vardzia
This guesthouse is situated in a nice valley near the river. The rooms are simple but offer everything you need to unwind. Enjoy ingredients grown right on the property in your meals and admire the flower gardens just outside the windows.
Hotel Tiflis in Akhaltsikhe ★★★★
Hotel Tiflis will make you feel like you’re spending the night in a castle with grand staircases, fancy furnishings, and dramatic rooms. It’s mere steps from the top cultural attractions in the area.
Bloom Hotel in Batumi ★★★
Bloom Hotel is new and stylish, boasting brick-walled modern rooms, extra-long beds, and blackout curtains for a cozy stay. Enjoy mountain views and cocktails on their rooftop terrace.
Baba Nikolozi Guesthouse in Mazeri/Betcho
Sitting at the foot of a gorgeous peak, this mountain guesthouse couldn’t be in a better spot. The accommodations are simple, but you’ll love the no-frills mountain environment and the camaraderie in the halls.
Seti Guesthouse in Mestia
Settle into the shared lounge, garden, and guest areas at this quaint guesthouse. You’re a quick trip away from museums, restaurants, and more.
Guesthouse in Mulakhi
You’ll enjoy a welcoming guesthouse in Mulakhi, where you’ll be able to meet travellers from all over the world.
Guesthouse in Adishi
After several days of trekking, a guesthouse in Adishi will be your welcome retreat for the evening.
Guesthouse in Iprali
Feeling a thousand miles away from the hustle and bustle of your regular life, soak up the atmosphere in Iprali after a day of exploration.
Villa Lileo Ushguli Guesthouse in Ushguli
Rest up in clean, comfortable beds after enjoying a traditional dinner cooked by your hosts at this local guesthouse.
Hotel Gureli in Tbilisi ★★★
You'll love the friendly staff and great location of this comfortable, modern hotel. Just outside of Old Town, you'll have easy access to restaurants.
What’s Included in the Trekking the Caucasus Range to the Black Sea Tour?
Meals
14 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 7 dinners are included on this tour. ½ litre of water per person per day is included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 14 nights are included. Accommodations before or after the tour are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for you and your luggage is included throughout the tour, including transfers to and from the airport. Your domestic flight from Ambrolauri to Natakhtari is included.
Also Included
- English-speaking guide (French guides also available)
- Horses for river crossing
- 1 wine tasting
- Entrance fees to described locations
- All excursions and activities according to the itinerary
Not included
- Flights aside from domestic flight between Ambrolauri and Natakhtari
- 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
Frequently Asked Questions about Trekking the Caucasus Range to the Black Sea
MeetinGeorgia offers quality service that includes package tours as well as particular services (such as transport services, guides, etc.) for both, groups and individual tourists.
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