In summary
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Sports
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Duration12 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationEurope / Georgia
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions2184 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
We set off through the Svaneti region , in the heart of the highest mountains of the Caucasus. Our hikes reveal diverse and contrasting landscapes, ranging from vast green pastures to peaks reaching 5,000 meters. We pass through typical Caucasian villages and their iconic watchtowers.
Our journey begins in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia . We head northwest towards Svaneti. Along the way, we stop at Borjomi National Park to begin our first hike in a magnificent, unspoiled forest. We take advantage of our stop to visit Kutaisi, a city rich in historical monuments , some of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
We finally reach Svaneti, where the main part of our journey begins: a 6-day trek through the Caucasus Mountains . The route is magnificent, and we are awestruck by the diverse landscapes that unfold before us: sparkling glaciers, flower-filled plains, verdant valleys, coniferous forests, and small waterfalls . We gain altitude as we explore the village of Ushguli, one of the highest in Europe. Throughout our trek, we enjoy breathtaking views of the iconic peaks of the Caucasus , including Mount Shkara (5,193 meters), Mount Tetnuldi (4,858 meters), Mount Ushba (4,710 meters), and many others!
The highlights
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A 6-day trek at the foot of the highest peaks of the Caucasus
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Varied landscapes: typical villages, pastures, glaciers...
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Visiting the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Mtskheta and Kutaisi.
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Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
For those wishing to hike for up to 6 hours a day and/or cover an elevation gain of 600 to 800 meters, both on and off-trail. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in a sporting activity once a week, hike regularly, and are in very good physical condition.
In figures
Autre
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average daily elevation gain: 812 m
- Average daily descent: 529 m
Management
During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Languages spoken:
French
English
French
English
Supervisor
Supervisor
Program
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Flight to Tbilisi (custom flight not included, please contact us)
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Individual arrival in Tbilisi. Transfer* on your own to your hotel in Tbilisi. Check-in. Meals at your own expense. If you arrive late, the meeting and briefing with your guide will take place the following morning at breakfast. *Airport-hotel transfer included if you booked your flights with us. We can, of course, arrange your flight and airport pick-up if you wish; please contact us.Day 1 -
KOUTAISSI - MAZERI
- Transportation 04h30 - 240km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The morning is dedicated to exploring Kutaisi, Georgia's second-largest city. We begin with Bagrati Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A symbol of Kutaisi, it towers over the city. We discover the rich history of this building, a prime example of medieval Georgian architecture. Next, we visit the Gelati Monastery complex, a symbol of the Golden Age of medieval Georgia. In its heyday, this monastery was also a center of science and education. Just before lunch, we take a stroll through the covered market. We wander among the vast stalls of fruits and vegetables, chatting with vendors selling chacha (a local liqueur) and churchkhela (a confection made with dried fruit and grape juice). The market is the perfect place to observe the local way of life. After a busy morning, we have lunch at a restaurant in the city center, then set off for the mountainous region of Svaneti, located in the northwest of the country in the heart of the Caucasus Mountains. The road initially heads west, crossing the plains of Colchis where all sorts of fruit trees grow (orange, lemon, hazelnut, kiwi, etc.). Upon arriving in Zugdidi, we turn north towards the mountains. We take a beautiful, winding road that follows the Inguri River, which originates on the glaciers of Svaneti. We gradually gain altitude. A few kilometers before reaching Mazeri, we catch sight of the majestic Mount Ushba, nicknamed "the Matterhorn of the Caucasus," which rises to 4,710 meters. We arrive in Mazeri in the late afternoon, the starting point of our trek.Day 2 -
MAZERI - GULI PASS - KORULDI LAKES - MESTIA.
- Transportation 00h25 - 11km
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Positive elevation gain 1600 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We set off on our 6-day trek in the heart of the Svaneti region. For this first day, we head towards Mestia via the Guli Pass and the Koruldi Lakes. We leave the village of Mazeri and enter the Gulichala Valley. We cross the abandoned village of Gul. Gradually, we gain altitude. A little further on, we pass a few sheepfolds, then the trail becomes steeper. Following a zigzag path, we reach the Guli Pass, which peaks at almost 3,000 meters. We have a breathtaking view of Mount Ushba! After this magnificent sight, we descend through the pastures towards the Koruldi Lakes. We enjoy the stunning panorama of the high Caucasian peaks. For those who wish, you can hike to Mestia (an additional 3 hours), otherwise, a 4x4 will be waiting for us at the foot of the lake and will take us to our hotel.Day 3 -
TBILISI - MSKHETA - OUPLISTSIKHE - KUTAISSI.
- Transportation 04h35 - 250km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Early in the morning, we set off westward. Along the way, we visit several of Georgia's must-see cultural sites. We begin with Mskheta, the former capital of Georgia. It's a picturesque little city with an incredibly rich history and culture, which is why it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The grand 11th-century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and the 12th-century Samtavro Church are among the city's notable landmarks. We also visit Jvari, a magnificent 6th-century monastery overlooking Mskheta. After lunch, we continue our journey to the cave city of Uplistsikhe, or "City of God," one of the oldest human settlements in the Caucasus. This ancient trading city, with its 700 caves carved into the cliffside, was a strategic stop on the Silk Road during the Middle Ages. We discovered around a hundred caves still visible, as well as several remains dating back to the Bronze Age: those of the first theater in Georgia, a temple, and the "Royal Hall" of Queen Tamar. We continued on to Kutaisi, in western Georgia. Arriving in the late afternoon, we met up with our hosts for the night.Day 4 -
MESTIA - ZHABESHI
- Activity Autre
- Positive elevation gain 670 m
- Negative elevation 450 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We walk towards Zhabeshi. We first pass wooden chalets, used for the winter season in Mestia. Then, the scenery changes and we walk under hazelnut trees before the path becomes steeper. We climb into a pine forest and continue our walk through pastures to reach the highest point of the day where we enjoy a superb view of the valley and Mount Tetnuldi (4,858 m). We also have a beautiful view of Mount Ouchba (4,710 m). We enjoy this lovely spectacle and then descend towards Zhabeshi. We cross large meadows where cows graze peacefully. We pass through several small villages typical of the region where there are still stone houses and watchtowers, characteristic of this area. We reach the Mulkhra River, which we cross to arrive at our guesthouse.Day 5 -
ZHABESHI - ADISHI.
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 900 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Our third day of trekking takes us to an altitude of 2,500 meters at the Tetnuldi ski resort. The ascent is fairly steady, passing through forests and pastures overlooking the village of Zhabeshi. As we walk, we enjoy splendid views of the Caucasus mountain range and its snow-capped peaks: Tetnuldi, Oushba... We have a picnic at the resort, then descend leisurely along a balcony trail through meadows bursting with wildflowers, especially in summer. The landscape suddenly opens up to the Adischala Valley. We overlook the small village of Adishi, seemingly lost in the middle of nowhere, at an altitude of 2,100 meters. About ten families live in this village year-round. This is our stop for the night.Day 6 -
ADISHI - CHIKHUTNIER PASS - IPRALI
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 900 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We continue our trek towards Iprali. It's a long day, but without any technical difficulties. We begin our day by walking along the Adishi River for about 6 km. Along the way, we may encounter herds of horses and cows. Depending on the water level, we cross the river on foot or horseback, then begin our ascent towards the Chikhutneri Pass. The trail climbs steadily through rhododendron bushes. Gradually, the view opens up to Mount Tetnuldi and the Adishi Glacier. We have a picnic lunch at the pass, admiring the panoramic view of the glaciers. Then, we descend through the pastures to Kalde and then Iprali, where we spend the night.Day 7 -
IPRALI - OUSHGULI.
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 650 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
An easy day hike leads to the village of Oushguli. We ascend the Ingouri Valley along a scenic trail that winds through vast flowery meadows and small coniferous forests. As we walk, we enjoy views of Mount Tetnuldi and the Shkhara massif. In the late afternoon, we arrive in this small village, the highest in Europe, inhabited year-round, where we discover its numerous Svanetian towers that served as fortifications during the reign of Queen Tamar. It lies at the foot of one of the highest peaks in the Caucasus, Shkhara (5,193m), which we can admire in the background. Dinner and overnight stay with a local family.Day 8 -
OUSHGULI - CHKARA GLACIER - MESTIA
- Transportation 01h30 - 45km
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 9h
- Positive elevation gain 960 m
- Negative elevation 950 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This morning, we're going on a beautiful hike that offers splendid views of the Chkara massif and the village of Oushguli. From the village, we follow a trail that climbs quite steeply at first, then becomes more gradual as we reach the Lamaliale ridge. We arrive at a small summit reaching approximately 2,900 meters in altitude, facing the giants of the Caucasus massif, from Tetnuldi Peak to Georgia's highest peak, Chkara. We'll have a picnic lunch at the summit. For those who wish, it's possible to extend the hike by following the ridge towards the glaciers. The return journey takes us back to Oushguli (part of the return trip can be made in a 4x4, which will be waiting for us in the valley). In Oushguli, we'll visit the Lamaria Church, located on a nearby hill. Inside, we discover murals damaged by time, immersing us in the history of this monument. We then return to our vehicles and drive to Mestia. Overnight in Mestia.Day 9 -
MESTIA – CHALAADI – ZUGDIDI – TRAIN – TBILISI
- Transportation 03h30 - 136km
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Positive elevation gain 200 m
- Negative elevation 200 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
In the morning, we take a short 2-hour hike in the Chalaati Gorge. A 4x4 vehicle then takes us to the small wooden suspension bridge over the Mestiatchala River. Here, at an altitude of 1,650 meters, our adventure begins. We cross the bridge and enter the alpine forest. Passing through the forest, we reach the Chalaati Glacier (at 1,820 meters), the source of the Chalaati River. Lunch in Mestia, followed by a drive to Zugdidi train station. Train from Zugdidi to Tbilisi. Dinner at your leisure and overnight in Tbilisi.Day 10 -
TBILISI - DAVID GAREDJA
- Transportation 03h30 - 200km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
In the morning, we depart directly for the Kakheti region, located in the east of the country. We visit the David Gareja Monastery complex, a must-see and certainly the most impressive site in Georgia. It is situated in a steppe desert on the border between Georgia and Azerbaijan. We return to Tbilisi and have lunch in the city. After lunch, we explore the Georgian capital on foot, located on the banks of the Kura River. We stroll through the cobblestone streets of the old town, admiring its varied architecture, a symbol of the former Persian and Russian dominations. Above the city rises the Narikala Fortress, dating back to the 4th century. Tbilisi surprises us with the diversity of its buildings, from Orthodox churches and Art Nouveau buildings to small houses with wooden balconies. We visit the Metekhi Church and the famous sulfur baths. Dinner is at your leisure.Day 11 -
Return flight from Tbilisi (custom flight not included, please contact us)
- Transportation 00h30 - 20km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
End of stay after breakfast in Tbilisi. Transfer* to the airport at your leisure, according to your flight schedule. *Airport transfer included if you booked your flights with us.Day 12
Note
- Depending on weather and operational conditions, your tour guide reserves the right to modify the itinerary for your safety and that of the group. Walking times are approximate and may vary depending on several factors: participants' walking ability, weather conditions, terrain, group size, etc. Transfer times may also vary as they depend on road conditions and traffic, as well as the size of the vehicle used.
Accommodation
- Days 1 to 11
On this trip we use a variety of accommodations:
- Hotels: in town we use hotels (standard equivalent to 2 or 3* French). We sleep in double rooms with private bathrooms.
- Homestay: We stay with locals in rooms for 2 or 3 people, depending on the house. Bathrooms are shared, and hot water is available. Despite the more basic amenities, these encounters with our hosts allow us to experience the warm hospitality of Georgia.
- In bed and breakfasts: double rooms with generally private bathrooms and toilets. Bedding is provided by the families. Meals are home-cooked and very good.
Access
Departure
Tbilissi
Day 1
End of stay
Tbilissi
Day 12
- 10h00
Go to the starting point
The nearest airport isAéroport de Tbilissi
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Price details
The price includes
- The accommodations as indicated in the itinerary
- Full board except for the meals not included in the program
- Land transport
- The excursions detailed in the trip itinerary
- Entry to the sites mentioned in the program
- Supervision by a French-speaking tour guide
- The service of local assistant guides for certain hikes.
The price does not include
- Registration fees (from age 12): €18 per person
- Return flight to Tbilisi (custom flight, please contact us)
- Air taxes
- Airport-hotel transfers on the first and last day (unless you booked the flights with us).
- The contribution to carbon neutrality for your trip to Georgia (if you fly with us): €5 per person
Options
- Flight booking + airport transfer : CHF86.91 / person
- Extra night before stay - Double room : CHF73.18 / unit
- Extra night before stay - Single room : CHF54.89 / unit
- Additional night after stay - Double room : CHF73.18 / unit
- Additional night after stay - Single room : CHF54.89 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- Moistened "Calinette" type towels.
- Plastic bags for waterproofing your belongings.
- Notepad.
- Walking sticks.
- A toiletry bag and bath towel.
- Sunscreen cream (face and lips).
- Headlamp, with batteries.
- A water bottle with a minimum capacity of 1 litre, lightweight and insulated.
- Pocket knife, preferably multi-purpose.
- Toilet paper + lighter.
Clothing to bring
Clothing, from head to toe:
- Trekking shoes. They are a trekker's best friend. They must possess three qualities: sturdiness, good foot and ankle support (high-tops), and waterproofing. Choose shoes with non-slip, lug soles that are relatively rigid; they must grip the terrain well. Vibram soles have a long-standing reputation; opt for them if you have the choice.
- Light shoes (tennis shoes) or sandals for when passing through towns, villages or in the evening.
- Socks.
- Trekking and travel trousers.
- Shorts and light clothing for summer.
- A warm sweater or fleece is ideal for evenings at altitude. Fleece has the advantage of being durable, warm, lightweight, quick-drying, and soft to the touch. The most suitable fibers, well-known to mountaineers, are Polartec, Carline, and Ulfrotté.
- Mountain jacket for mountain hiking. The most effective jackets against wind and rain are made of Gore-tex or Micropore, a "breathable" material that allows for rapid wicking of perspiration.
- Rain cape (in case of a storm).
- Hat against the sun.
- Good sunglasses.
They traveled with us
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Decathlon Travel Partner
The Paulin team
4.4/5
(1440 reviews)
• 453 stays
For over 30 years, our local partner has been designing adventure walking trips around the world. Specializing in small-group treks, they cater to both casual hikers and seasoned trekkers seeking unspoiled natural environments and a return to the essentials. Their key strength? They own their own agencies in over 30 countries, guaranteeing complete trip creation from start to finish, without intermediaries. This direct, on-the-ground expertise ensures memorable active experiences and total freedom amidst breathtaking landscapes.
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