Walking Georgia's Caucasus Mountains

One of Europe's oldest capitals, Tbilisi is said to have been founded in 458, having known many masters over the years. At the heart of the city, the Old Town with it's narrow, winding streets is dominated by the ruins of the old fortress and the symbolic figure of Georgia rising high on the ridge above it.

Here in the Old Town, you'll find the colourful domed 17th century baths fed by naturally hot sulphur water, alongside Metekhi Palace of the Georgian Kings. Perched high above the city on a cliff, from Metekhi Palace, you'll experience one of the city's most breath-taking views.

Newer parts of the city lie beneath Mount Mtatsminda, accessible by a funicular rail line. Around Mtatsminda Park, you can enjoy an abundance of restaurants and cafes built in the style known as Tbilisi Modern, recognisable by buildings decked with facades and painted entrance halls, each of which is ready to tell its own emotional story.

You stay at Hotel Makmani.

hotel details

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Hotel Makmani, Tbilisi

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Just a 5 minute walk from Freedom Square, this boutique accommodation sits within the historic Old Town of Tbilisi. Makmani Hotel was once a family home to the Jangavadze family, with it's history dating back to 1847.

Now fully restored, they attract guests from all over the world with their Georgian hospitality and central location; within 10 minutes walk you'll find yourself surrounded by the attractions that Tbilisi is famous for. Offering a daily continental breakfast of local produce, guests can also enjoy the private garden.

Room upgrades: Upgrade to a superior double/twin room or junior suite with terrace/balcony


Extra nights: Please contact us for details.

With so much on offer in this still relatively unknown city, it's hard to know where to begin! Rustaveli Avenue is the main street in Tbilisi, with many historic buildings such as the Parliament of Georgia, the Opera House, the National Gallery, Rustaveli Theatre, the Modern Art Museum, the National Library, and Kashveti Church; this is a great place to start.

Easily explored on foot, we recommend visiting Meiden Bazaar within the Old Town. This ancient district of Tbilisi has been known as the main bazaar since time immemorial, not only in Georgia, but in all the Caucasus. As you wander around Meidani, you'll be able to soak in beautiful views of local landmarks such as Rike Park and the Mtkvari, Metekhi Bridge, Metekhi Church, and the looming silhouette of Narikala Fortress overhead.

For a moment of tranquillity within the city, Tbilisi Botanical Garden is four centuries old boasting lush greenery of more than 3,500 species of plants, water-lily filled ponds and the picturesque Tsavkisistskali Waterfall, where a wooden bridge made in 1898 presents an unparalleled view of the Botanical Garden.

After a day exploring the fascinating capital city, now is the time to venture further into the Caucasus Mountains. Although the drive is long (3.5hrs direct), we have broken this up with interesting places to stop along the way.

First you arrive at the ancient capital and religious centre of Georgia - Mtskheta. Here, you can visit the 6th century Jvari Monastery and 11th century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral where the Robe of Christ is buried; both of these are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Further along the Georgian military highway, you stop to visit the 17th century Ananuri architectural complex where the carvings on the churches are one of the best samples of Georgian art. The remainder of the drive is very scenic through high Caucasus mountains before you arrive in Stepantsminda within Kazbegi National Park.

Stepantsminda is a historic town at 1,740m high, located on one of the oldest crossroads between Europe and Asia. Full of intrigue, it's not known when Stepantsminda was founded, although a treasure hoard from the 6th-5th centuries BCE was discovered here. Settle into your accommodation for the next few nights, with Kazbegi Peak (Mkinvartsveri) acting as a spectacular backdrop at an impressive 5,054m high.

You stay at Hotel Intourist.

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Hotel Intourist, Stepantsminda

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Hairdryer

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TV

Minibar

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Tea/coffee

Nestled in the mountain townlet of Stepantsminda, Hotel Intourist offers comfortable rooms and a fantastic service within a spectacular setting. Guests can enjoy the panoramic views from the large terrace and gardens, with more opportunities to relax in the library, restaurant and bars.

The hotel is of historical importance, first operating 60 years ago as part of the “Intourist” chain before closing in the 1990s. In 2021, the hotel was given a new lease of life, upgrading all facilities whilst keeping its historical name and appearance. The wooden façade blends flawlessly with the beautiful forest scenery overlooking the Kazbegi mountains.

This morning, you'll be transferred to the start of your walk (approx. 45mins), driving through the spectacular Sno Valley to the remote village of Juta at 2,200m, deep within the mountains. Known for its alpine scenery, ferocious river, and wildflower meadows, this old village still surprises visitors with its preserved ancient way of life. Surrounded by incredible mountains, it's completely cut off from the rest of the country for six months of the year - certainly a unique discovery!

Your walk brings you to the foot of Mt. Chaukhebi (2,580m) where you climb steadily through beautiful nature, rewarded by views of the picturesque peak. This seven-pronged stone massif, fondly known as the Georgian Dolomites, towers over the valley, providing a dramatic backdrop for your walk. Return on foot to Juta before transferring back to your accommodation in Stepantsminda.

Today, you walk through beautiful valleys and woodland to Gergeti Trinity Church at 2,170m high. Weather permitting, you may catch a glimpse of one of the highest glaciers in the Caucasus - Mount Kazbegi (5,047m).

You have the option to extend your walk by heading towards Sabertse glacier, otherwise you return to Stepantsminda where you'll be transferred to the dramatic Dariali gorge (approx. 20mins). Here, you'll find Gveleti Waterfalls descending into the fondly named 'lake of love' alongside the stunning Dariali Monastery. The monastery is always open to visitors where they have a beautiful library, cheese production, and unique wine cellar. From here, there is an exceptional view of the river and its valley, along with the impressive mountains. You will be transferred back to your accommodation in Stepantsminda (approx. 20mins).

Leaving Stepantsminda behind, you're transferred to the start of your walk in the Truso Valley (approx. 45mins). Walking through the quiet nature of the lesser-visited Truso Gorge, you'll see remote villages dotted with ancient towers and desolated houses, all acting as a reminder of the tough life its inhabitants have faced, and the incredible resilience of the remaining residents.

Just a stone's throw from the Georgian military highway, yet nestled amid lush greenery, Truso Gorge now opens its secrets to the world. The valley's beauty unfolds in a vibrant palette, courtesy of over 60 mineral springs. Iron-rich waters burst from the earth, leaving artistic traces of reddish-brown on the terrain whilst creating a striking contrast to the bright blue sky.

After your Truso exploration, you're transferred to the mountain retreat of Gudauri (approx. 1hr). Primarily a winter ski resort, Gudauri acts as a fantastic base for walkers during the warmer months.

You stay at Hotel Marco Polo.

hotel details

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Hotel Marco Polo, Gudauri

Visa

Pool

Hairdryer

TV

Minibar

Surrounded by the mighty Caucasus Mountains, Hotel Marco Polo is primarily a ski resort, yet acts as a fantastic base for walkers during the warmer months. Guests have complimentary access to the wellness centre equipped with a heated indoor pool, sauna, hot tub, and sun terrace.

A variety of authentic and international dishes are served in the hotel's signature restaurant, Soliko, where indoor and outdoor seating is available. Extra activities such as bowling and indoor tennis can also be found on site.

Room upgrades: Upgrade to a superior double/twin room or junior suite

Today's walk brings you to Khada Gorge with breath-taking views of the valley and beautiful fields of wildflowers. Part of the Kazbegi National Park, Khada Valley brings together exceptional biodiversity, precious cultural and archaeological heritage, and mountainous villages which have preserved rich traditions and historical lifestyles.

Sixty towers were originally built to defend the road between Northern & Southern Caucasus, some still remain alongside waterfalls of mineral spring water. With its beautiful fortress, intriguing mountain shapes, streams and wild flowers, Khada is one of the most enchanting places. Once your walk is complete, you'll be transferred back to Tbilisi (approx. 2hrs 15mins), for your last night in Georgia.

You stay at Hotel Makmani.

hotel details







Hotel Makmani, Tbilisi

Shops

Visa

Hairdryer

WiFi

TV

Minibar

Aircon

Safe

Just a 5 minute walk from Freedom Square, this boutique accommodation sits within the historic Old Town of Tbilisi. Makmani Hotel was once a family home to the Jangavadze family, with it's history dating back to 1847.

Now fully restored, they attract guests from all over the world with their Georgian hospitality and central location; within 10 minutes walk you'll find yourself surrounded by the attractions that Tbilisi is famous for. Offering a daily continental breakfast of local produce, guests can also enjoy the private garden.

Room upgrades: Upgrade to a superior double/twin room or junior suite with terrace/balcony


Extra nights: Please contact us for details.

Add extra nights to discover more of Tbilisi or depart for your flight home.