GEORGIA, OFF THE BEATEN PATH HIKING IN SVANETI - (JULY 12 - 22)

This is a TOUGH trip which is best suited to fit, experienced and well-equipped hikers.

Challenging and spectacular off the beaten path hiking in Georgia’s Svaneti region!

Nights - 10. Cost - £859.

Our trip will start in the charming capital city of Tbilisi, where we have time to explore its cobblestoned old town full of handsome churches and winding streets lined with old balconied houses, quirky shops and fun bars. The city brims with history and has a dramatic setting on hillsides either side of the Mtkvari river.

From here we make our way by train and private transfer towards the mysterious snow-capped Caucasus mountains of the Svaneti region in north-western Georgia, a medieval mountain hideaway with spectacular scenery, charming villages, great food and hospitable people.

Long isolated from the outside world, Svaneti is as beautiful as it is remote. Upper Svaneti, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its medieval watchtowers and is the home of the self-sufficient Svan people, whose traditions and culture have survived for thousands of years, thanks to the region’s remoteness.

Our plan is to explore some of the less trodden, but even more beautiful, trails of the Svaneti mountains. Hikes will be carefully chosen by our experienced local guide, selected after years of exploring Svaneti's mountains and represent the best trails and scenery of the area. These will include unique mountain routes that are not marked and often off-trail and pathless.

These excellent and challenging routes take us over diverse terrain and offer magnificent views over the majestic Caucasus range. Apart from hiking, we will be able to learn about the history, culture and geography of the region from our knowledgeable English-speaking guide.

ACCOMMODATION:

In Tbilisi (2 nights at the start and 1 night at the end) we will stay in twin rooms in a 3-star hotel.

In Svaneti we will stay in local guesthouses (twin/triple triple rooms) in the Svaneti hub of Mestia (3 nights) and in two charming, more off the beaten track villages (2 + 2 nights).

DIFFICULTY:

Most hikes on this trip will be strenuous and challenging, with significant ascents and descents each day (see itinerary), so you will need to have a very good level of fitness, be surefooted and comfortable hiking on rough, uneven and steep ground for long distances. All hikes are day hikes so you will only need to carry a day pack but will have to have good all-weather gear.

We recommend this true "off the beaten path" hiking adventure only for fit, experienced and intrepid hikers!

ITINERARY:

Sat 12/07 - Arrival in Tbilisi
Sun 13/07 - Free day to explore Tbilisi
Mon 14/07 - Train to Zugdidi (6hr), transfer to Lakhushdi (3hr)
Tue 15/07 - Hike to Shdughra waterfalls/Ushba glacier (17/22km, 500/1100m ascent/descent)
Wed 16/07 - Hike from Mazeri to Mestia (20km, 1500m ascent, 1700m descent)
Thu 17/07 - Hike Zuruldi ridge 17km, 950m ascent/descent, less if cable car works)
Fri 18/07 - Visit the famous Ushguli village and hike ridge near village (800m ascent/descent)
Sat 19/07 - Transfer to Cholashi, hike in the mountains above Cholashi (1200m ascent/descent)
Sun 20/07 - Hike in the mountains above Zhabeshi (1500m ascent/descent)
Mon 21/07 - Transfer to Zugdidi (3hr), train to Tbilisi (6hr)
Tue 22/07 - Trip finish

Hikes are subject to change due to weather and other factors.

INCLUDED:

• 10 nights accommodation: 3 nights hotel in Tbilisi (twin share rooms) and 7 nights in mountain village guesthouses (twin/triple rooms)
• 9 breakfasts, 7 lunch packs, 7 dinners
• Local English speaking guide
• Trip organiser
• All transfers & luggage transfers (one bag of 15kg max) during the trip (except airport transfers)
• Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law 1992

NOT INCLUDED:

• Any other meals not specified
• Flights and airport transfers (see below)
• Return train tickets from Tbilisi to Zugdidi (about £20)
• Travel Insurance

FLIGHTS:

Recommended flights with Easyjet from London Luton:

Outbound - Saturday 12 July
Easyjet EZY2649
Departs 13:40 LTN London Luton
Arrives 21:40 TBS Tbilisi

Return - Tuesday 22 July
Easyjet EZY2650
Departs 19:55 TBS Tbilisi
Arrives 22:15 LTN London Luton

It will be easy to get to/from our Tbilisi hotel by taxi.

HOW TO BOOK A PLACE:

To confirm your place on this trip please send payment through online banking and use GEORGIA as your payment reference. Your RSVP is not enough to reserve a space on this trip. The account details are:

Account Name: EPIC ADVENTURE CLUB LTD
Sort Code: 08-92-50
Account Number: 63235003

Please email [email protected] as soon as you send payment so that we can confirm everything with you. Thanks! :)