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trekking on the Caucasus Mountains, Republic of Georgia
Trek starts in Kazbegi, one of the popular trekking and climbing areas in the entire Caucasus, with a highest summit of 5047 m., Mount Kazbek. Adventure continues to the spectacular Chaukhi Mountains where we cross the pass to Khevsureti province. Deep and narrow gorges, snow covered peaks, and traditional villages with a distinct architecture make Khevsureti an attractive region. Our trek ends at Shatili village. Maximum altitude on this trip is 3430 meters (~11,250 ft.).
The 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 tracks. We cross two high mountain passes gaining altitude around 900 meters. When crossing the Chaukhi Pass, we descend on a steep but not so difficult path. Days 6 & 7 are the most challenging.
Season is between July & September. The tour is led by an experienced mountain guide who speaks English. We also involve at least one assistant to accompany the group during the trek.
itinerary details
day 1 - Tbilisi --- Full day city tour of Tbilisi the Old Town, Metekhi Temple (12th c.), and Abanotubani, district famous for the sulfur baths with Asian style buildings. We also visit the Narikala citadel, main fortress of Tbilisi, from where we have a great panorama of the city. We continue our tour with the Sioni Cathedral of the 11th c., 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 B.C. Mtskheta was the capital of Georgian Kingdom of Iberia during 500 BC to 500AD. Here Georgians accepted Christianity at the beginning of 4th century. The town and the architectural monuments are included in the Unesco list of World's Cultural Heritages. We visit Jvari Monastery (6th c.). and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.
We continue our tour along the river Aragvi Valley and Georgian military highway, and by crossing the Jvari Pass at 2380 m. we arrive in the Kazbegi region. After free time to relax we walk to Gergeti Trinity Church, located situated on a hill (2100m) overlooking the area, and with an excellent view of Mt. Kazbek. According to the 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 from Kazbegi in Dariali Canyon. We aim to reach the foot of Gveleti Glacier on the slopes of Mt. Kazbek. We have 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 in Chaukhi Mountains. Chaukhi has several summits, the highest is Mt. Chaukhi (3842m). North face of this mountain is one of the challenging rock climbing destinations on the Caucasus. 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 metres. 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 one 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 metres, 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 meters.
day 8 - Chanchakhi Valley - Ardoti --- We trek downhill via medieval village of Khakhabo. On a narrow path we descend to Andaki river valley and camp. We visit Ardoti village dating back to 8th century AD. Our camp is on the river bank (1800m).
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, crossing Datvis Jvari Pass and along the Aragvi river valley one more time.
day 11 --- Tour is over after breakfast.
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