| 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. |
|
| 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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