trekking on the Caucasus - the Republic of Georgia --- 11 days, tour starts and ends in Tbilisi;

Tour involves 8 days trekking, 4 to 8 hours a day, and camping for 6 nights. Trekking grade is moderate, and moderate to challenging on certain trails - days 6 & 7 are the most challenging. The tour is led by an experienced mountain guide, and at least one assistant to accompany the group during the trek.

Trek starts in Kazbegi, one of the popular trekking areas in the entire Caucasus, with a highest summit of 5047 m (Mount Kazbek). Adventure continues on to the spectacular Chaukhi Mountains where we cross the pass to Khevsureti province. Maximum altitude on this trip is 3430 meters (~11250 ft).


day 1 - Tbilisi --- Full day city tour of Tbilisi the Old Town, Metekhi Temple, and Abanotubani, a district famous for the sulfur baths with Asian style buildings. We also visit the Narikala citadel, main fortress of Tbilisi. We continue on to the Sioni Cathedral, Georgian State Museum, and Georgian Fine Arts Museum where some very fine examples of Georgian art are kept. We also walk Rustaveli Avenue, main street of Tbilisi.

day 2 - Tbilisi - Mtskheta - Kazbegi --- Today we drive to Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia dating back to the 2nd millennium BC. Mtskheta was the capital of Georgian Kingdom of Iberia from 500 BC to 500 AD. Georgians accepted Christianity here in this town, at the beginning of 4th century. The town and its monuments are included in the Unesco list of World's Cultural Heritages.
After a visit to Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, we continue our tour along the Aragvi river valley and the Georgian military highway, and by crossing the Jvari Pass at 2380 m, we arrive in the Kazbegi region.
Then we walk to Gergeti Trinity Church, located on a hill (2100m) overlooking the area, and with an excellent view of Mt. Kazbek. Due to legend, Prometheus was chained on mount Kazbek.

day 3 - Kazbegi --- We spend the day in and around Kazbegi, and take an easy walk to a gorge north, in Dariali Canyon. We aim to reach the foot of Gveleti Glacier on the slopes of Mt. Kazbek. We do about 5 to 6 hours trekking before we return to Kazbegi.

day 4 - Kazbegi - Chaukhi Mountains --- In the morning we drive to village Juta (2150m), located in the Sno Valley, 20 km southeast of Kazbegi. We walk two hours to our campsite on Chaukhi Mountains. Chaukhi has several summits, and the highest is Mt. Chaukhi (3842m). North face of this mountain provides challenging rock climbing options. After setting our camp (2650m) we trek for a couple of hours to get to know the area.

day 5 - Chaukhi Mountains - Roshka Valley --- We have an uphill trek on a not so difficult path to Chaukhi Pass at 3430 m. We descend on steep slopes to Khevsureti province leaving the Chaukhi Mountains behind. We camp (2600m) and relax after a longer trek (7 - 9 hours). Those who wish can visit the legendary lake of Abudelauri at the foot of the mountain.

day 6 - Roshka Valley - Gudani --- This is a long and challenging day. We trek down the valley with a short stop at Roshka village where we usually purchase fresh food for lunch. We continue to trek east to Khevsuretian village of Gudani where we camp (1900 m).

day 7 - Gudani - Chanchakhi Valley --- Another strenuous trek; starts as we cross the Datvis Jvari pass at 2680 m, and then a lower pass, to Pirikita Khevsureti. The view from the mountain is amazing. After crossing the Chanchakhi pass we camp in the valley. Around 8 to 9 hours trekking, the camp is at 2300 m.

day 8 - Chanchakhi Valley - Ardoti --- We trek downhill via medieval village of Khakhabo. We descend on a narrow path to Andaki river valley, and camp here on the river bank (1800m). We also visit Ardoti village dating back to the 8th century AD.

day 9 - Ardoti - Shatili --- Today we have a 20km trek to Shatili (5 to 6 hours) along river Andaki narrow gorge. On the way we visit Mutso fortress located on the hillside. Only a third of the structure survived, but it is still impressive.
The citadel of Shatili village in Arguni river valley is from the 9th century. The area has always been an important strategic point, defending northern boundries of Georgia.

day 10 - Shatili - Tbilisi --- Morning is free in Shatili. In the afternoon we drive to Tbilisi, along the Aragvi river valley.

day 11 --- Tour is over after breakfast.