Established as the ‘Star of the Caucasus,’ Georgia sits between both the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. Never mind.-Never mind. Let us skip that assumption and get to the stage. The land is a haven for trekkers. And whether you want to explore medieval villages or take long wilderness treks, doesn’t matter. Let me, therefore, take this opportunity to introduce the best day treks in Georgia has to offer, in my humble view.

The tourism growth in Georgia has long been plagued by uncertainty, but the phase is over and the nation is opening itself up to the world. Nevertheless, little detail is also accessible online about the walking trails. Nobody has already placed them on the register, even more unexpectedly.

Top 10 treks in Georgia

• From Mestia to Ushguli
• From Omalo to Shatili
• Hike through Chaukhi pass
• From Svaneti to Racha
• Trek to the Black Rock Lake
• Trekking on Keli plateau
• From Tusheti to Khevsureti through Borbalo pass
• St. Andrew´s trail
• Trek to Udziro lake
• Trek to Tobavarchkhili lakes

1. From Mestia to Ushguli

The Trek links Mestia to the isolated mountain village of Ushguli, the centre of the Svaneti region. This is Georgia’s most famous tour for a good cause – it offers fantastic historical and natural views, is open and not so long. Another bonus is the chance to sleep in villages at night, and you don’t have to have a bed. 

If you do not have enough four days of trekking, you can quickly turn this walk into a much longer journey and visit fewer tourist areas of Svaneti.

2. From Omalo to Shatili

It ties Omalo and Shatili, historical hubs of the Tusheti and Khevsureti mountain regions. Not only natural sights but also some old fortifications and settlements dominated by stone towers are fascinating. 

Instead, you come to the forest where only sometimes you will find missionaries, trekkers or border guards in the populated valley. A crossing of the Atsunta pass, 3431 m long, is the highlight of the trek.

Also Read: 11 Best Things To Do On Your Trip To North Georgia: A Must Do

3. Hike through Chaukhi pass

A famous route between the village of Juta and the Khevsureti in the Kazbegi area. The nearness of the intimidating Chaukhi Massif and its 7 sharp peaks and 3338 meters high Chaukhi Pass make this area attractive. Abudelauri lakes-3 lakes in varying alpine colours (green, blue and white), are located across the pass. This sure is one of the best treks in Georgia.

You should go north and head to the towns of Arkhoti if you have more time. It is particularly worth a visit to the upper portion of this distant valley-there are pleasant gorges, waterfalls and absolute isolation. You can cross the Arkhoti Pass the next day and go back towards Juta – but this last segment has lost a great deal of appeal because the original trail was replaced by an automobile road some years ago.

4. From Svaneti to Racha

This lovely but very tough walk ends up taking you to a few of Caucasus’ most remote areas. It follows the ancient road connecting Zeskho village of Svaneti and Ghebi in Racha, but it had long been broken. It is absolutely gone, as landslides and luxuriant vegetation have ruined it today.

This path is tough. It crosses the wild valley of Tskhenistskali River on two steep mountain passes. Not for everybody! 

Also Read: Things You Should Know Before Visiting Georgia – The land of wonders

5. Trek to the Black Rock Lake

Numerous wildlife species live in the Greater Caucasus, and often their valleys are cold, lifeless. It comes from an ancient instinct to hunt local people (or more simply, wrestling) and from a long shepherd ‘s background.

You should go to Lagodeki Park, the oldest known reserve in Georgia if the wildlife is what you’re looking for. This park provides many hiking trails, including the Black Rock Lake trek. You can enter the wood, which has been restored and you will see local animals including chamois, hawks and mountain goats. Trek ends at the elevation of 2800 meters near the Black rocks lake. Also, another trail to the lake was opened in 2016 so you do not have to come back like that now.

6. Trekking on Keli plateau

Begins in the picturesque Truso valley, you can visit the volcanic Keli plateau, a stony rocky region to the west of the Georgian Military Roadway. Only a few tourists ever come here to stroll, since this place lies close to South Ossetia. A stop at the glacial lake of Kelitsadi is the highlight of the stop.

You may also visit the canyon of Mna and Suatisi, north of the valley of Truso if you want to spend extra time in the area. There are unique rock formations, waterfalls and the remarkable view of the Kazbegi Range.

7. From Tusheti to Khevsureti through Borbalo pass

An alternate, longer path between Khevsureti and Tusheti. In fact, one of the very few tracks spanning the central range of the Greater Caucasus. Once you have gone up on the Borbalo Pass, you will be ready to spend almost two days on the top of the ridge. Once you have crossed the Tushetis Alazani valley.

The path connected here ends at the Pass Datvisjvari, but this can be extended further-for another three days you can pass the main ridge until you reach Pass Roshkasghele. Another choice is to get down to Mutso and join the classic trail between Omalo and Shatili via the Chanchokist River valley.

Also read: 6 Breathtaking Treks for Aspiring Hikers

8. St. Andrew´s trail

In the Lesser mountain range is the nature reserve Borjomi-Kharagauli. It is renowned for its lush forests, biodiversity and construction of facilities as one of the biggest national parks in Georgia. The list of best treks in Georgia won’t be complete without St. Andrew’s trail.

There are nine designated paths in the park. It provides excellent views and the chance to climb up Sametskhvario, the top hill of the park. St. Andrews Trail is probably the finest of the lot. Tents are also not necessary since you can sleep for a small amount in tourist shelters.

9. Trek to Udziro lake

Udziro is potentially the best trek in Racha, a place as stunning as Svaneti, but mostly ignored by visitors due to a shortage of stone towers or facilities. It starts in Shovi village, goes up to the little lake situated at the height of 2600 m and then goes down to Glola.

This trek has beautiful mountains as the main draw. The rocks are oddly “curved.” And the ride across the lake is the ideal viewpoint to enjoy the Great Caucasus panorama.

10. Trek to Tobavarchkhili lakes

Lake Tobavarchkhili is located in the heart of Egrisi mountainous area which is divided into lowlands from the Svaneti region. You have to walk at least two days to get there, and then you can go north to Svaneti. 

There are no historic landmarks like towns, castles, but the rich climate – glacial lakes, rocky gorges, cascades, shepherds’ huts and more are more than compensating for that.

I hope you would have picked one from the list of best treks in Georgia. Need some help in curating an itinerary for your next Georgia Vacation from scratch? Destination experts from Pickyourtrail would be more than happy to assist you on this. Need more info on the destination before planning? Check out our guides page or leave a Whatsapp inquiry for more options.

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