Hiking Routes in Georgia

The information about hiking routes in Georgia is very helpful for those who like to hike on their own. Guided hikes are very popular, but there are also people who hike on their own in Georgia. For them, it is helpful to know what conditions the hiking trails in Georgia offer and what hiking options are available.

The hiking routes in Georgia are very diverse. In the well-known hiking regions such as Svaneti or Tusheti, most hiking trails are marked and well signposted, so that an experienced hiker can also hike alone. This also applies to Georgia’s national parks, where it is impossible to get lost.

If you are hiking alone in Georgia, you should be careful, as the paths may be washed out or overgrown and no longer visible due to rain or other natural phenomena, or the information in apps, hiking maps or hiking guides may not be correct.

Safety on the hiking trails in Georgia is very important, so if you want to hike alone, please contact a travel agency in Georgia or a mountain guide beforehand to get up-to-date information about the hiking trails in Georgia.

Svaneti

1. Koruldi Lakes

This route starts in Mestia and leads to the mountain lakes at the foot of Mount Ushba. The route is a round trip and takes 7-8 hours in total. It is suitable for experienced hikers and requires a good level of physical fitness. The route offers fantastic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys with their beautiful Swanetian villages. If you don’t want to walk, you can hire a four-wheel-drive taxi and walk half or all of the way.

2. Shdugra waterfall

the route is much easier than the Koruldi Lakes. The hike takes you through the beautiful Betscho Valley along the Lorda River and leads to Georien’s largest waterfall – Shdugra, which comes directly from the Ushba Glacier. The hike takes about 5 hours there and back, but can be shortened to 4 hours if you drive to the end of the valley. There are lovely mountain inns along the hiking route where you can enjoy hot and cold drinks.

3. Challadi glacier

This short hiking route in Svaneti is 8 kilometres from Mestia. The hike takes about 3 hours and leads to the Challadi Glacier and back. The path lies in the river bed and is therefore stony.

4.  Mestia – Ushguli Route

This classic four-day hiking route is very popular with hikers in Svaneti. It starts in Mestia and ends in Ushguli, the highest village in Europe. Along the way you visit various villages in Svaneti, spend the night there and enjoy the varied landscape of the region.

5. Hiking trail to the Shkhara Valley

The route starts in Ushguli and leads to the Shkhara glacier and back. The entire route is about 19 kilometres long and ends directly at the Shkhara Glacier. You can shorten this route by car and hike to the glacier and back in about 2-3 hours. There is a nice mountain café with food and drinks at the Enguri River.

Stepanzminda / Kazbek

1. Hike to the Trinity Monastery

The Trinity Monastery Stepnatsminda is a highlight of the region that you should definitely visit. The monastery is located at an altitude of 2200 metres and can be reached both by car and on foot. Many guests prefer to hike there, and this is a popular hiking route in Stepnatsminda. The hike there and back takes about 1.5 – 2 hours and is not difficult, so almost all guests can hike.

2. Hike to the Chuchi massif in Djuta

The 3-hour hike is suitable for those who want to hike in easier landscapes and enjoy unique beauties. The hike starts in the village of Dschuta, from where you can hike up to the massif and to Ztuck. There are some nice cafés along the route where you can rest and enjoy the mountain scenery.

3. Gveleti waterfall

Not far from the centre of Stapntsminda is the small village of Gveleti, known for its beautiful waterfall. The hike from the village to the waterfall and back takes 2 hours and is suitable for everyone.

4. Hike to the glacier

A highlight for hikers in Stepantsminda is the hike to the glacier, which is part of the route for mountaineers who want to climb Kazbeg. As a day hike, the route is a good option for those who want to enjoy an incredibly beautiful landscape and mountain atmosphere. If you have more than one day, you can continue the hike to the Meteo hut on the glacier. Spend the night there and hike back the next day.

Khevsureti

1. Abudelauri Lakes

If you are in Tbilisi and only have one day for hiking, the three beautiful lakes in Khevsureti are recommended. After a 2-hour drive, you will reach the village of Roshka, from where the hike to the lakes begins. The famous three blue, green and white lakes are well worth seeing and not very strenuous. The hike there and back takes about 4 hours and is ideal for a day hike.

2. Atsunta Pass

The 3400 metre high pass between Chechnya and Tusheti is a highlight for hikers in Georgia. Only experienced hikers who can spend the night in a tent can cross the pass. To make the hike more comfortable, we recommend hiring a packhorse and having it carry your luggage. The route is part of the famous Chewsureti – Omalo Route

Tusheti

1. Lake Oreti

This lake is located in the Tusheti National Park and is a beautiful destination for a day hike. The first section is forested and quite steep, but everything changes in the alpine zone and the path becomes easier. The route is characterised by beautiful views of the villages of Tusheti. The lake is at its most beautiful in June and July, at the end of August and September it is already dry and therefore less worth seeing.

2. Nakaicho Pass

This 3000 metre high pass lies between two valleys of Tusheti. Crossing the pass is a beautiful experience and only suitable for experienced hikers. It starts in the village of Parsma and ends in Verchovani. The route can also be travelled in the opposite direction.

3. On the Makratela Pass

The Makratela Pass is a continuation of the Nakaitscho Pass and offers breathtaking views. The route starts in the village of Beghelta Daurt on the ridge and ends at the Lugela campsite. It takes about 4-5 hours and is moderately difficult. So if you enjoy beautiful views and only have one day to enjoy them, you should try this beautiful route.

All these routes are included in our hiking tour in Tuscheti.