Here the mountains do not tolerate fuss. Here the air cuts through the density like a knife through authentic chanakhi. Trekking in Georgia has long evolved from a sports hobby into a full-fledged cultural-geographical practice. In just one day, boots dig into glaciers, dust, moss, and volcanic rocks. No region repeats another — climate, terrain, altitude, and even vegetation change as abruptly as toasts at a table in Tbilisi.
Trekking in Georgia: Top Places
These are impressive locations that attract tourists from different parts of the country. Explore them to choose the most suitable route.
Svaneti: Ancient Land Breathing with Slopes
Svaneti uses every peak as a challenge. Trekking here includes routes connecting Ushguli and Mestia — two settlements where 12th-century stone towers still watch over tourists. The length of the classic route is about 58 km, with an average duration of 4–5 days. The trail passes through the Chhatvali Pass (2,720 m), crosses glacier fields, and leads to the Shdugra waterfalls.
The geological profile of the route changes: from forest trails to alpine meadows and glacial moraines. From July to September, the path remains fully accessible; at other times, mountaineering equipment is required. Altitude adaptation on the Zugdidi-Mestia section is mandatory.
Tusheti: Dusty Roads and Sky at Shoulder Level
Trekking in Tusheti minimally uses infrastructure but maximizes impressions. The most popular route is Omalo-Shatili. The length is 75 km, 5–6 days, with an altitude difference of 1,200 m. The path goes through the Atsunta Pass (3,431 m), includes sections with river crossings, rocky switchbacks, and juniper thickets.
There are no hostels or campsites on the trail — overnight stays are only possible in tents or with shepherds. Logistics require planning: the season is from late June to September. When the season ends, the passes are officially closed.
Racha: An Alternative That Reveals Itself Gradually
Trekking in Racha is not actively advertised. But everyone who embarks on the Shovi-Utsera-Gelati route returns with footage worthy of a national geographic museum. Its length is 63 km. Altitude reaches up to 2,800 m. It includes mountain lakes, glaciers, birch forests, and rare alpine plants.
The region uses silence as magnetism: instead of crowds, there is the silence of gorges; instead of signposts, conversations with shepherds. It’s easy to encounter a Caucasian snow goat or a golden eagle here. The landscape is regularly intersected by karst funnels and mineralized springs.
Borjomi: Pine Extreme and the Smell of Pine Needles
Trekking in Borjomi is not just about forests but also logistics. The main route — Borjomi-Abastumani — covers a national park of 850 km². The journey takes 3–4 days, with a length of 54 km. Extensive forested areas alternate with open rocky plateaus. Altitudes range from 800 to 2,200 m.
The route utilizes a system of tourist shelters. Tourist services have designated stops every 12–15 km. The trail passes by the Likani River and several mineral springs. The best period is late May to early October.
Routes with a View of Eternity: Trekking around Kazbegi
Trekking in Georgia is incomplete without Kazbegi — a symbol. The path from Stepantsminda to Gergeti Church and further to the glacier is a mandatory ritual. The total length is 20 km. Altitude difference up to 1,000 m. It leads through coniferous forests and open valleys to the foot of Mount Kazbek (5,047 m).
Beginners actively use this route, with every kilometer revealing panoramas capable of replacing ten psychologists. Overnight stays in tents and guesthouses are available on the trail. Alpine training is necessary in winter.
Summing Up: Best Trekking Places in Georgia
The Caucasus country is a true paradise for mountain and hiking enthusiasts. Here, each route reveals a unique landscape: from glaciers and lakes to subtropical forests and shepherd villages.
A list of trekking must-do routes:
- Mestia-Ushguli (Svaneti) — medium difficulty, towers, glaciers, valleys.
- Omalo-Shatili (Tusheti-Khevsureti) — high level of difficulty, wild trails, shepherd villages.
- Kazbegi-Gergeti Glacier — easy route with open panoramas.
- Borjomi-Abastumani — pine forest, infrastructure, safe landscape.
- Shovi-Utsera (Racha) — low population, lakes, hidden exoticism.
- Chuberi Lakes (Svaneti-Megrelia) — route with lakes, cliffs, lack of communication.
- Lagodekhi National Park — subtropics, waterfalls, mixed forests.
Each of these directions utilizes its natural and climatic features. This allows choosing a route based on physical fitness, interests, and time.
Nature Shaping the Route
The nature of Georgia dictates the style of movement: aggressive in Svaneti, along the ridge, meditative in Racha, through fir forests. Yaks graze in the valleys, snow goats in the mountains, and crystal-clear water in the lakes. Each region uses a unique set of terrains — from lava plateaus to grassy peaks.
The forests of Borjomi maintain humidity above 80% in summer, while the temperature remains between 22–25°C. The Tobaarchkhili Lakes rise to an altitude of 2,650 m and retain ice until June. In Dartlo (Tusheti), the temperature drops to +5°C even in August.
Trekking in Georgia: Beautiful Routes
Picturesque trekking trails utilize not only natural aesthetics but also engineering expertise. Trails wind along the edges of gorges, rivers, and waterfalls, leading to glaciers and viewpoints. One such trail is the Sadzele Pass in Kazbegi National Park. The path traverses different zones: shrub, alpine, glacial. Length — 27 km, altitude gain — 1,300 m.
Another route is in the Truso Gorge: thermal springs, ruined towers, and stone formations create a Martian-like landscape impression. The path is at an altitude of 2,000 m and remains accessible almost year-round. September offers particularly comfortable temperatures — around +17°C with minimal humidity.
Choosing a Route Based on Goals
To ensure that the journey delights rather than tires, it is important to consider not only the landscapes but also the actual conditions. In Georgia, trekking is a flexible format: the route can be tailored to experience, season, and mood.
The choice of trail depends on several criteria:
- Terrain type: rocky, forested, lakeside;
- Physical fitness: from 12 km per day to 25 km with an elevation gain of over 1,000 m;
- Seasonality: from June to September, most routes are accessible, outside this period — limited;
- Infrastructure: availability of shelters, stores, parking;
- Weather conditions: pass accessibility, snow presence, precipitation levels.
Choosing a route impacts not only safety but also experiences. Trekking in Georgia offers the opportunity to vary the intensity and richness — from light hiking trails to challenging multi-day expeditions.
Trekking in Georgia: Conclusions
Trekking in Georgia turns routes into experiences. Here, Wi-Fi is not needed — just a gaze directed at the pass. The mountains do not forgive, but they reward. Regions do not repeat, but they connect with a unified rhythm — the rhythm of trails, steps, and breath at altitude. Each path is not just a kilometer. It’s a step towards silence, where nature speaks louder than words.
