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The Eastern Caucasus Trek                                         Email for detailed information
Maximum Altitude: 3430 metres
Trek Grade: C
Duration: 2 weeks
Season: Late June-Mid September

This is probably one of the most spectacular mountain treks in the entire Caucasus. It is designed to visit beautiful highlands of Georgia-Tusheti and Khevsureti provinces famous for their ancient cultures and unspoiled nature.

From Tbilisi we drive to town Telavi, provincial centre of Kakheti, where we visit historical places, including the Alaverdi Cathedral 11th c, with the highest dome in Georgia.
We continue our trip driving to Tusheti Province in 4WD vehicles crossing the Abano Pass (2940m). The mountain road being steep and rough. Along the way we pass wonderful scenery and dense pine forests.
We camp in village Omalo (2050m.) and make a day  walk to a beautiful village of Shenako. We trek along the Pirikita Alazani gorge to the village Dartlo (1850m). Our camp is on the bank of the river. The village with its ancient towers creates a spectacular landscape. We walk up the picturesque Pirikita Alazani Gorge to village Parsma (1960m), along a wide path through alpine meadows along the river and then up grassy slopes with some scree sections. On the way to Parsma we have views of Mt. Komito 4261m. We pass some uninhabited villages with original monuments of mountain architecture, beautifully situated on the steep slopes.
We head toward the Atsunta Pass up grassy slopes and camp at the foot of the pass. Tiring crossing of the Atsunta Pass (3430m.) with scree slopes takes us into the Khevsureti Province. The pass provides breathtaking views of the mountains: Tebulo 4495m and Diklo 4285m. Descending the slopes covered with Caucasian rhododendron we trek into the river Andaki Gorge.

Ardoti, in the river Andaki Valley,  is the first Khevsureti`s village which we meet. The ruins of the only Orthodox Church in Khevsureti lie in this village, 14th-15th c. On the way to Shatili, we explore the famous Mutso Fortress, situated on steep slopes of a rocky mountain.
Untouched by the outside world, people living in this stunning environment have preserved their ancient cultures and traditions. Here we are privileged to witness their way of life.
The last point of our expedition is a medieval village-fortress Shatili (1400m) in the river Arguni Valley. The fortress dates back to the 10th-12th centuries. In Shatili we overnight at family houses. Here our trek comes to the end. Crossing Datvis Jvari Pass (2676m.), the Main Caucasian Range, we drive to Tbilisi.

                              
Trip Grade
This is an adventurous mountain trek to some of the wildest parts of the Caucasus. The route takes us to areas far from modern communications and transportation. Any active person in good physical condition should easily cope with this trek. The trek will involve 4 to 7 hours a day on normal trails, but some days may be demanding. When crossing the Atsunta Pass /3430m/ we will come across quite steep scree slopes. It is preferable that you have previous camping and walking experience but not essential.
 
 

Outline Itinerary 
Day 1.  Arrive Tbilisi. Transfer airport-city. Hotel.
Day 2.  Tbilisi. Half day sightseeing. Hotel.
Day 3. Drive to town Telavi, Kakheti Province. Excursion. Night in Telavi.
Day 4. Drive to village Omalo, Tusheti Province. Cross the Abano Pass (2950m). Night in Omalo.
Day 5-12  Trekking in Tusheti and Khevsureti provinces.
Day 13.  Drive from village Shatili to Tbilisi. Hotel.
Day 14. Tbilisi. Spare day. Hotel.
Day 15. Departure from Tbilisi.