Snowshoe Tour in Georgia
Awareness of Georgia is growing day by day around the world. The association with this country is probably different for everyone. Some people remember wine when they mention Georgia, some people name Tbilisi unconditionally, others may be attracted by ancient history or wildlife. Surrounded by mountains, Georgia is beautiful and impressive not only during the active tourist season, but also in the winter with less visitors. The snow-covered mountainous regions are extremely beautiful and fill us with positive emotions. As we walk on the snow shoe trails, sometimes a beautiful and invisible space unfolds before our eyes, sometimes we find ourselves in a white-clad evergreen forest, and periodically we see the glorious peaks of the Caucasus. Snow and hiking seekers, it is time to prepare warm clothes, hike the snow-covered trails and discover a dreamlike winter in Georgia.
Great elements of this tour
Gergeti Trinity Church (2,170 m.)
With its special location and centuries-old history, it really represents the face of Georgia. From here we can enjoy beautiful views of Stepantsminda and the Great Caucasus Mountains.
Gudauri Ski Resort (2,200 m.)
Located on the southern slopes of the Great Caucasus Mountain Range, Gudauri is a popular holiday destination for Georgians and foreigners alike. It is already an alpine zone disposing of the beauty of the huge mountains.
Explore Svaneti in Winter
Svaneti is a landscape of high snow-capped peaks, forested hills, and spectacular valleys.There is something about the region that makes you feel as if time has stood still.
Day 1: Arrival
Arrive in Tbilisi and transfer to the hotel.
Day 2: Tbilisi
After a late breakfast, we start our Tbilisi sightseeing tour to get acquainted with the city. Walking through the historical part of the city and enjoying the unique combination of cultures.
Meandering through the narrow streets of the city we will come-across various religious buildings: Churches, Synagogues, Mosques, Wooden houses built in the 19th century with colourful balconies, sulphur baths, the Narikala fortress.
Next, we take in the Georgian National Museum, where a great many intricate Georgian treasures are preserved. To finish up this introduction to the city we peruse Rustaveli Avenue which is the main central boulevard.
The rest of the day is left for exploring Tbilisi further, tasting wine in one of the many wine-bars, and getting acquainted with Georgian cuisine in one of the many great restaurants in the city centre.
Day 3: Tbilisi - Gudauri - Kobi - Stepantsminda
In the morning we follow the Georgian Military Road, which is one of the most spectacular routes in Georgia.
After the short break in Gudauri, we will use the cable car and enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the snow-capped mountains. From the gondolas, there is a really amazing view of the great Caucasus.
Transport is waiting for us in Kobi, which will take us to Stepantsminda, famous for the Great Caucasus.
In the afternoon we will have a hike to Elia Monastery (special snow boots are required).
The third day of the trip ends in Stepantsminda, surrounded by mountains.
Day 4: Stepantsminda - Gergeti - Stepantsminda
In the morning we start walking towards Gergeti Trinity Church through the beautiful valleys and forests (special snow boots are required).
With its unique location and centuries-old history, it really represents the face of Georgia.
After our walking tour, we visit a local family for lunch and taste authentic cuisine typical for the region.
We will attend a felt-making master class for lunch. The old technology of the wool and felt-making process is well preserved in the mountains.
We finish this day of the trip in snow-covered Stepantsminda.
↑ ↓ 435m, 4 hours, special snow boots required).
Day 5: Stepantsminda - Kobi - Gudauri - Tbilisi
After breakfast, we leave Stepantsminda and drive to Kobi. This time we use a cable car to get from Kobi to Gudauri. Transport awaits us in Gudauri, which takes us to Tbilisi.
In the afternoon we have free time in Tbilisi, which we may use for relaxing or getting to know the capital even better.
We will gather for dinner and taste traditional Georgian dishes.
Day 6: Tbilisi - Zugdidi - Becho
Today we leave for Zugdidi by train. In the afternoon we arrive in Zugdidi and get ready for a special part of our journey.
Drive to Svaneti, which is distinguished by towering villages harmoniously combined with huge mountains and cliffs, important samples of Georgian architecture, characteristic frescoes, centuries-old culture, sharply expressed individualism make an indelible impression on the visitor.
This area is especially interesting for nature lovers with alpine meadows and lakes, cliffs, peaks, waterfalls, and a variety of endemic flowers.
On the way to Svaneti we will stop at the big and colourful reservoir of Enguri.
At the end of the day, we will stay in the village of Becho.
Day 7: Becho - Lemeli - Becho
Today our hiking route starts in Svaneti. The first day spent in Svaneti prepares us for an amazing adventure. In the morning we start walking towards Ushba Mountain (2200 m.). (Special snow boots are required).
On the way, we enjoy amazing landscapes. At the end of the day, the pleasantly tired will be rewarded with delicious Svanetian dishes.
(↑ ↓ 850m, 5-6 hours, 13km, special snow boots required).
Day 8: Becho - Chalaadi Glacier - Mestia
This morning we say goodbye to our warm and friendly hosts in Becho and after a short drive, we start walking in the direction of Chalaadi Glacier (special snow boots are required).
On the way, we pass a beautiful valley and forest. In a few hours, we will see the impressive Chalaadi glacier.
We continue to walk and reach an altitude of 2070 meters above sea level. We return by the same hiking route.
In the afternoon we stay in Mestia, which is developed as a regional center compared to the villages of Svaneti, although the centuries-old towers retain it’s old look here.
(↑ ↓ 380m, 3-4 hours, 7km, special snow boots required).
Day 9: Mestia - Ushguli
Today we travel to Ushguli (2200 m.), one of the highest villages in Europe, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After arriving in Ushguli we start walking towards Queen Tamar Tower (special snow boots are required) which proudly overlooks this amazing village.
The beauty of Ushguli and the whole of Georgia is Shkhara Glacier (5068 m.), which is the highest mountain in Georgia. Shkhara Glacier is huge eternal ice that is a very impressive sight.
After climbing Queen Tamar tower, we stay in the magnificent Ushguli.
(↓ ↓ 360m. 3-4 hours, 7km, special snow boots required).
Day 10: Ushguli - Mulakhi - Mestia
This morning we say goodbye to the magical Ushguli and drive to the village of Lakhiri. We start the hike from the village (special snow boots are required).
In a few hours we will walk through the beautiful meadows and forests, pass the villages of Lakhiri and Mulakhi and in the evening we stay in Mestia.
(↑ 400m ↓ 650 m 5-6 hours, 12km, special snow boots required).
Day 11: Mestia - Mt. Zuruldi - Mestia
In the morning we will start walking in the direction of Mestia (special snow boots are required).
On the way, there are amazing views of the Caucasus peaks: Shkhara Mountain (5068 m), Tetnuldi Mountain (4717 m), Ushba Mountain (4700 m), Shkhelda Mountain (3800 m).
Finally, we will reach Zuruldi cable car station and return to Mestia by cable car.
To get better acquainted with the local culture, we can visit the Svaneti Historical-Ethnographic Museum, which fully presents the ethnocultural heritage of this region.
At the end of the day, we can spend it quietly and enjoy the night views of Mestia. I
In the evenings the towers of Mestia are lit and beautiful to see.
(↑ 650m ↓ 50m 3-4 hours, 7km, special snow boots required).
Day 12: Mestia - Tbilisi
This morning our trip to the marvelous Svaneti ends. In the morning we take the road to Tbilisi.
We will need eight hours to cover the distance from Mestia to Tbilisi.
At the end of the day we stay in Tbilisi.
Day 13: Departure
Transfer to the airport and departure.
Tour dates available on application by contacting Benchmark Travel.
Speak to Benchmark Travel today by calling 01422 847 847 or fill out our enquiry form by clicking here.