Ultimate 15-Day Georgia Mountain Tour: Tusheti to Svaneti Adventure

Welcome to Georgia! Upon arrival at Tbilisi International Airport (TBS), your private driver will meet you at the arrivals hall and transfer you directly to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure to rest, explore the vibrant streets of the capital, and save your energy before our epic Georgia mountain tour begins.

• Activities: Airport private transfer & Hotel check-in
• Stay: Hotel Cherry Garden, Tbilisi
• Meals: —

Explore the cultural and historical heart of Georgia. We begin with a walking tour of Old Tbilisi, including the Narikala Fortress, the ancient Sulfur Baths District, Metekhi Church, and the modern Bridge of Peace. In the afternoon, we drive to the ancient capital, Mtskheta, to explore its UNESCO World Heritage sites: the grand Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and the hilltop Jvari Monastery.

• Activities: Guided city walking tour • UNESCO cultural sightseeing
• Stay: Hotel Cherry Garden, Tbilisi
• Meals: Breakfast
• Elevation: 450 m (Tbilisi) → 650 m (Jvari Monastery)
• Driving Distance: 50 km

Your high-mountain adventure officially begins. We drive through the wine valleys of Kakheti, stopping at the majestic Alaverdi Monastery. From here, we transition to specialized 4x4 vehicles to conquer the spectacular Abano Pass (2,856 m) — the highest drivable road in the Caucasus, offering jaw-dropping views and marking the true start of the wilderness phase on this Georgia mountain tour. Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch en route before arriving in Omalo.

• Activities: 4x4 mountain pass expedition • Monastic heritage visit
• Stay: Guesthouse Mgzavri, Upper Omalo
• Meals: Breakfast • Lunch (Picnic) • Dinner
• Elevation: 450 m (Tbilisi) → 2,856 m (Abano Pass) → 1,880 m (Upper Omalo)
• Driving Distance: 220 km (approx. 6-7 hours)

Morning 4x4 transfer to Bochorna, one of Europe's highest permanently inhabited villages. From there, we embark on a dramatic hike along the panoramic Unagira Ridge, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the Tushetian gorges. This spectacular ridge walk is a key trekking highlight of our comprehensive Georgia mountain tour. Before descending back to Omalo, we explore the historic Keselo Towers protecting the old village.

• Activities: High-altitude ridge trekking • Keselo Towers history tour
• Stay: Guesthouse Mgzavri, Upper Omalo
• Meals: Breakfast • Lunch (Packed) • Dinner
• Elevation: 1,880 m → 2,345 m (Bochorna) → 2,950 m (Unagira Ridge) → 1,880 m (Omalo)
• Walking Distance: 14 km
• Driving Distance: 25 km

Today, our Georgia mountain tour takes a scenic trekking turn. We transfer to Kumelaurta village to begin our alpine hike to Lake Oreti, a stunning hidden gem sitting at 2,600 meters. Along the way, we pass through deep valleys, meet local shepherds, and enjoy a peaceful picnic by the pristine waters before descending.

• Activities: High-altitude lake trekking • Shepherd culture encounter
• Stay: Guesthouse Mgzavri, Upper Omalo
• Meals: Breakfast • Lunch (Picnic) • Dinner
• Elevation: 1,880 m → 1,500 m (Kumelaurta) → 2,600 m (Oreti Lake) → 1,880 m (Omalo)
• Walking Distance: 16 km
• Driving Distance: 15 km

Explore the remote valleys of Tusheti by off-road vehicle. We traverse the rugged river paths to visit the picture-perfect medieval stone villages of Dartlo, Parsma, and Girevi. Discover ancient defensive towers, hidden pagan-christian sanctuaries (khatis), and the unique architectural heritage of these isolated alpine communities that make this Georgia mountain tour so unique.

• Activities: 4x4 valley exploration • Medieval village walking tours
• Stay: Guesthouse Mgzavri, Upper Omalo
• Meals: Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
• Elevation: 1,880 m → 1,800 m (Dartlo) → 1,880 m (Girevi)
• Driving Distance: 65 km (Off-road)

We say goodbye to Tusheti and descend the Abano Pass. Heading north toward the dramatic Jvari Pass, we drive along the legendary Georgian Military Road. Along the way, we explore the turquoise Jinvali Reservoir, the medieval Ananuri Fortress, and stop at the Gudauri Friendship Panorama for a scenic cable car ride over the deep valleys as we transition to the next stage of our adventure-filled Georgia mountain tour. Arrive in Stepantsminda (Kazbegi).

• Activities: Off-road mountain descent • Cultural sightseeing • Gudauri Cable Car ride
• Stay: Guesthouse Diana, Kazbegi
• Meals: Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
• Elevation: 1,880 m → 2,856 m (Abano Pass) → 2,395 m (Jvari Pass) → 1,740 m (Kazbegi)
• Driving Distance: 290 km (approx. 7-8 hours)

In the morning, we visit the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church (2,100 m), standing proudly against the backdrop of the massive, snow-capped Mount Kazbek (5,054 m). Next, our Georgia mountain tour continues as we drive to the remote village of Juta and hike toward the dramatic Chaukhebi Massif, famously known as the "Georgian Dolomites" due to its sharp, majestic peaks.

• Activities: Church history visit • Alpine trekking in Juta Valley
• Stay: Guesthouse Diana, Kazbegi
• Meals: Breakfast • Lunch (Packed) • Dinner
• Elevation: 1,740 m → 2,100 m (Gergeti) → 2,200 m (Juta) → 2,600 m (Chaukhebi Base)
• Trek Distance: 8 km
• Driving Distance: 50 km

We travel west into the lush, emerald Racha region, often called the "Georgian Switzerland." We stop to enjoy the serene views at the massive Shaori Reservoir and visit the 11th-century Nikortsminda Cathedral, famous for its masterfully carved stone reliefs. This multi-regional variety is exactly what makes our grand Georgia mountain tour itinerary so complete. If weather permits, we hike up to the breathtaking Tskrajvari viewpoint.

• Activities: Scenic regional drive • Ecclesiastical art tour • Panoramic viewpoint hike
• Stay: Guesthouse Chateau Dio, Racha
• Meals: Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
• Elevation: 1,740 m → 1,100 m (Ambrolauri) → 1,560 m (Tskrajvari)
• Driving Distance: 240 km

We enter the high Caucasus of Svaneti via the scenic lower roads. Arrive in Ushguli, one of Europe's highest permanently inhabited settlements, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and an absolute must-see destination on this private Georgia mountain tour. Explore the ancient Lamaria Church and wander between defensive stone towers standing beneath the massive, frozen wall of the Shkhara Glacier (5,193 m).

• Activities: High-mountain 4x4 journey • UNESCO heritage exploration
• Stay: Guesthouse Riho, Ushguli
• Meals: Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
• Elevation: 1,100 m → 2,200 m (Ushguli)
• Driving Distance: 160 km (Rugged mountain roads)

Drive from Ushguli to Mestia, the cultural capital of Svaneti. We dive deep into regional history at the Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography and step inside a traditional 12th-century Margiani Tower House. Later, we take the Hatsvali cable car to the top of Zuruldi Ridge for breathtaking mountain panoramas.

• Activities: Ethnographic museum tour • Medieval tower exploration • Cable car ridge ride
• Stay: Guesthouse Sunset, Mestia
• Meals: Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
• Elevation: 2,200 m → 1,500 m (Mestia) → 2,340 m (Zuruldi Ridge)
• Driving Distance: 45 km

An active day of trekking. In the morning, we hike through deep pine forests and cross a suspension bridge to reach the massive snout of the roaring Chalaadi Glacier. In the afternoon, we drive by 4x4 up to the high-altitude Koruldi Lakes to witness the stunning reflections of Mount Ushba and surrounding peaks.

• Activities: Glacier trekking • High-altitude 4x4 lake excursion
• Stay: Guesthouse Sunset, Mestia
• Meals: Breakfast • Lunch (Packed) • Dinner
• Elevation: 1,500 m → 1,850 m (Chalaadi) → 2,740 m (Koruldi Lakes)
• Trek Distance: 6 km (Chalaadi) + 3 km (Koruldi short walk)
• Driving Distance: 40 km

We descend from the glaciated peaks into the lush, subtropical landscapes of Samegrelo. En route, we stop to marvel at the massive Enguri Dam, one of the world's highest concrete arch dams. Arrive in Martvili and enjoy a relaxed evening surrounded by Western Georgia's unique nature.

• Activities: Mountain descent drive • Mega-structure sightseeing
• Stay: Martvili Canyon Cottage, Martvili
• Meals: Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
• Elevation: 1,500 m → 200 m (Martvili)
• Driving Distance: 180 km

Explore the natural wonders of the lowlands. We visit the dramatic Kinchkha Waterfall, cascading into a deep limestone canyon. Next, we explore the mystical underground world of Prometheus Cave, filled with stalactites and stalagmites. End your day with a relaxed evening stroll through the historic streets of Kutaisi, Georgia's second capital.

• Activities: Canyon boat tour/walk • Underground cave tour • Historic city walk
• Stay: Martvili Canyon Cottage, Martvili (or Kutaisi Central Hotel)
• Meals: Breakfast • Lunch
• Elevation: 200 m → 150 m (Kutaisi)
• Driving Distance: 90 km

After breakfast, our unforgettable Georgia mountain tour comes to an end as we drive back to Tbilisi via the main highway. Enjoy some last-minute souvenir shopping at the famous Dry Bridge flea market or a short walk. Afterward, your private transfer will take you directly to Tbilisi International Airport for your departure flight home.

• Activities: Scenic highway drive • Optional souvenir shopping • Airport departure transfer
• Meals: Breakfast
• Elevation: 150 m → 450 m (Tbilisi)
• Driving Distance: 240 km

Have questions? Contact us to customize this itinerary.