Programme Information
Caucasus - Georgia Trek

The Georgian language and alphabet are unique and one of the oldest in the world. The origins of Georgian writing go back to the seventh century B.C. Echoes of Georgia's past ring out in Homer's hexameters, in the chronicles of Strabon's and Pompey's times.
Since the beginning of the fourth century, the religion in Georgia is Christian Orthodox , though in the mountains we can meet some traditions unchanged since BC. Before the Perestroika Georgia was one of the richest countries in the former USSR. It was the favourite place for any kind of tourism. Now, after several years of upheaval it is once again gaining its stability and returning to hold its position as a tourist centre.

The icy mountains of Caucasus and warm shores of Black Sea, hospitality and traditions, ancient Kolkhida and myths, art and folk songs - this is Georgia with its majestic past and present. When you travel in Georgia - you travel in back time!

During this two week expedition our route takes us through the wildest parts of Georgia visiting its beautiful highlands - the Tushketi and Khevsureti - part of the Main Caucasus Ridge, where, because of the altitude (from 1400m to 3430m) the temperature changes from +25C (afternoon) to below 0C (night).

The trip starts with a short excursion to the town of Telavi in the Kakheti region. After driving to Omalo along a fantastic mountain road, past deep gorges with white-waterfalls, we start our trek by walking along the Prikita Alazani Gorge river with its forested slopes. On the way we can enjoy exploring medieval villages and ancient monuments.

We cross the Atsunta Pass (3430m) into the Khevsureti - a forgotten wilderness where traditions have remained unchanged for many centuries. Walking through the Andaki Gorge we will end our trek in the medieval village-citadel of Shatili and reeeturn to Tiblisi.

Accommodation and food
All food and accommodation is included in the trip cost. Accommodation is based on double occupancy for both hotels and tents. We use good quality hotels. The trek food is supplemented by local food from villages (cheese, milk, meat) along the way. Both in hotels or camping we use lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. We try to cater for vegetarians but we cannot provide the same standard as expected in the West. We suggest that vegetarians take their own protein supplement if this is likely to cause a problem.

Whatever your diet we recommend that you bring with you a small selection of "goodies" - chocolates, nuts etc. which you are particularly fond of for the occasions when you need extra energy.

Transport
Depending on the group size we use a bus or minibus. On the section in the vicinity of Omalo settlement (about 60km) we require a 4WD vehicle since the track is steep and rough.

Weather, equipment and clothing
Mountain weather is variable. In the valleys it is possible for daytime temperatures to rise to over 25C. At night, especially at the highest campsites, it will be cooler and frosts are likely. Rain and summer storms and snowfall on the passes could be encountered at any time. Good waterproofs and warm clothes are necessary. If you are already a hiker or backpacker you will probably have much of the clothing and equipment required.

A ski-stick can be useful. Major items are good, water-proof walking boots and a three season sleeping bag and mat. A 60 litre rucksack should be adequate; it is wise to consider carefully the items you wish to carry on the trek. You will not need to carry all of your belongings on the trek; some of the items not needed on trek can be left in Tbilisi.

A detailed equipment list will be sent with confirmation of booking.

Health matters and documents
No vaccinations are required for entry in Georgia. We will apply for a group visa and will send the appropriate forms on receipt of your booking form.

Outline Itinerary:
The following itinerary is intended as a working guide only and it is subject to variation as a result of such changes as airline schedules, local conditions, weather and governmental restrictions. We reserve the right to alter (lengthen or shorten) the trek at any time if necessary. Many of the cautions we customarily issue with our treks in the Third World equally apply to the former Soviet Union. GMT + 4

1. Fly from Heathrow to Tbilisi.
2. Transfer to the hotel. After breakfast there will be a city tour of the old town of Tblisi. After lunch, free time to relax or sightsee. After dinner, there will be a trek briefing
3. After an early breakfast we transfer to Telavi, 4 hrs. On the way we will visit the Shuamta Monastery, 7th-8thC. This monastery is in very picturesque, forested surroundings and has a very rich history. We will lunch by the monastery in the forest on shashlik, fruits, vegetables, wine before going on to the hotel "Intourist". In the afternoon we will visit several places of interest starting with a short excursion to "Batonistsikhe" - the former residence of the Kakhetinian tsars. Tsar Irakli 2 was born there. This is followed by visits to the ethnographical museum, the Alaverdi monastery, 11thC, with the highest dome in Georgia, the Ikalto Monastery, 9thC, and finally return to the hotel for dinner.
4. After breakfast we depart in a 4WD for Tusheti; the mountain road being steep and rough. Along the way we pass wonderful scenery and dense pine forests. We lunch near the waterfalls called "Torgvas Abano", 2 hr, and then cross the Main Caucasian Ridge over the Didgverdi Pass, 2700 m, and down to the mountainous Tusheti, and the settlement Omalo. 5 hrs. Camp by Omalo at the altitude of 2050m in a meadow surrounded by the forest. Dinner.
5. A day of easy walking. After breakfast we walk to Omalo for a short visit to its ancient fortress, Kesalo, 12th-13thC settlement. Then a walk in the surrounding mixed forest. Dinner and night in the camp.
6. The trek starts after an early breakfast. Walk down a steep path to cross the river Pirikita Alazani over a wooden hanging bridge then up a track out of the forest and on to the settlement Shenako, 2050m; 2 hrs walk. Shenako is on a gentle slope and is famous with its ancient architecture and old farm-yard and Christian Church 13th -14thC - one of a few in the highland regions of Georgia After a short stop in the settlement, we follow a track along the foot of the ridge to the village of Diklo, 2100 m; 1,5-2 hrs, with lunch on the way Diklo is in the alpine zone and is the last inhabited point in the gorge. A mountain path leads to Dagestan from here. Camp not far from the village. A walk in the surroundings and visit to the village for those who wish. Dinner.
7. We walk along a narrow path to the Diklo Pass, 2560m, through alpine meadows, 3 hrs. Crossing the pass we have a short break and then descend to the Pirikita Alazani gorge, 1.5hrs. Our campsite is not far from the tributary of the river Pirikita Alazani, 2080m, where we have a late lunch. Relax before dinner.
8. We trek along the Pirikita Alazani gorge to the village of Dartlo. The two sides of the gorge have very different vegetation. The slopes on the right side of the gorge are grassy and on the left hand are covered by the rich pine tree forests, 4 hrs. Our camp is on the bank of the river, 1850m. A visit to the village after lunch. The village with its ancient towers creates a wonderful landscape.
9. We walk up the Pirikita Alazani Gorge to a village, Parsma, along a wide path through alpine meadows along the river and then up grassy slopes with some scree sections. We continue past old and uninhabited villages with guard towers, among them Chontio and Girevi. In summer some houses are used by shepherds, 5hrs. After a short stopover to view the most preserved towers we have lunch in Chontio. The village Parsma is the last inhabited point in this part of the gorge with a few families living here. Our campsite is at 1960 m.
10. Continuing down the Pirikita Alazani, the path becomes narrower and better We lunch before leaving the gorge and heading towards the Atsunta Pass up grassy slopes. Camp, 2550m, near a shepherd's hut - Salamura, 5-6 hrs walk. There is a wonderful view of the mountains.
11. We ascend the Atsunta Pass. At first the path is good over grassy slopes but then becomes stony over some scree slopes. As we descend the Pass the path is rather steep over fine wet scree with some open schists. Lower down the slope becomes gentler and covered by bigger stones, 5-6 hrs walk. After a short stop for a quick lunch we continue down to the campsite, 1-1.5 hrs, at 2700m in an alpine meadow.
12. We continue down the Andaki Gorge, over grassy slopes covered with the thickets of the Caucasian Rhododendron, to the river Andaki. Our campsite is down river at the confluence of the rivers Andaki and Chanchakhi,3 hrs, 1800m. We have lunch at the campsite. After lunch those who wish can visit Ardoti, the first Khevsureti's village which we meet. The old and ruined houses stand close to the new ones of the same design built by the young people who came back to the land of their ancestors. The ruins of the only orthodox church in Khevsureti lie in this village, 14th-15thC.
13. Explore the Chanchakhi Gorge, the river Chanchakhi is fast flowing with rapids and waterfalls; then walk to the settlement at Lower Khakhabo. After stopping to meet the local people. we continue on to a wonderful view of Mt. Tebulo and to the settlement at Upper Khakhabo at its foot, 2150 m. The old tower-type houses were built from local rocks and are very picturesque. Continuing further we stop for lunch by the remains of an old avalanche, before returning to camp.
14. We continue down the Andaki gorge past Ardoti to Mutso, 1.5 hr walk. There is a fortress opposite the village, once used by all the neighbouring villages for defence. We will make a short detour to view the fortress before having lunch by the river. Our last campsite is further down on the river bank near Shatili. Here we will meet our transport.
15. After breakfast we drive to Tiblisi, crossing the Datvis Jvari Pass, 2500m. Dinner and night at the hotel.
16. Our trip ends after breakfast when we drive to the airport for our return flight.

 

Out Friday depart LHR 2205, arrive Tblisi 0650.
Return Saturday depart Tblisi 1200, arrive LHR 1335

Included:
Flights, all accommodation, meals and transport within Georgia. Staff includes: local guide, cook, horses to carry all communal equipment and any of your equipment you do not wish to carry.

Not Included:
Visas, airport taxes, insurance, tips and personal spending money

On the trip you will require a small amount of money for personal expenses, usually less than $150. The holiday time will be spent mainly on the trek with limited opportunities for spending, but during or after trek you will see a rich selection of handmade woollen goods and other souvenir, some being quite expensive.