Hidden Trails of Georgia
This is a trip to really unique and the most beautiful parts of Georgia – Khevsureti and Tusheti provinces. Of all the regions of Georgia, these are the most ecologically unspoiled and still unexplored by travelers due to poor roads. These ancient settlements are known for their medieval watchtowers, still preserved rituals and customs, fascinating views of snowcaped mountains, alpine meadows, roaring rivers and waterfalls. Unique textiles of Kevsurs & Tushetians are famous for beautifully embroidered stars and crosses symbolizing the sun - the cult of ancient Georgia.
This tour will introduce the history, culture and traditions of the people who managed to preserve its national originality, religion and culture, who often fought to maintain their independence over the centuries.
The tour starts with sightseeing tour of Tbilisi and continues via Mtskheta,- an ancient capital of Georgia, to Khevsureti province and its center – medieval tower-city of Shatili. Then trek through remote villages and over Atsunta Pass 3431 m to Tusheti province, which was effectively autonomous as a tribal democracy till 17th century.
The first vehicle in this area was seen only in 1982, till nowadays the road is blocked by snow for 7-8 months a year and there is no electricity. Most of Tushetians lead nomadic way of life and move to Kakheti lowlands in winter. However few families stay there year around and you will have a fantastic opportunity to share the table with this brave people – who strongly follow a great and ancient tradition of Georgia - the guest is ‘a gift from God.
Better to see it once with your own eyes then hear about it a hundred times!
DRAFT ITINERARYDay 1 - Arrival
Day 2 - Tbilisi sightseeing tour
Day 3 - Depart for Khevsureti province via Datvisjvari Pass. Arrive in Shatili
Day 4 - Trek to Khonischala
Day 5 - Full day trek over Atsunta Pass 3431 m
Day 6 - Trek via villages Chontio, Girevi and Parsma to Chesho
Day 7 - Exploration of Chesho area
Day 8 - Continue trek toward village Chigo via Dartlo
Day 9 - Climb up the Sonekhi Pass at 2497 m. Descent to the village Shenako via Diklo
Day 10 - Exploration of Shenako area
Day 11 - Trek to village Omalo. Continue to Shtrolta for overnight
Day 12 - 4X4 journey over the Abano Pass 2926 m to Telavi
Day 13 - Sightseeing around Telavi. Drive to Tbilisi
Day 14 - Tbilisi Free day
Day 15 - Departure
GENERALThis is Expedition-stile program provides package service BB/HB in Tbilisi, FB in countryside.
Accommodation & Meals:hotel/BB (2 nights), HB (2 nights), guesthouse FB (1 night), village houses FB (5 nights), camp FB (4 nights) as listed in the detailed program.
Mode of travel: coach/FWD/on foot.
Tour Staff & Support: Explore Leader, driver (s), assistant, cook and some local guides.
Group size: up to 15 participants (please ask for details in case of larger group).
This tour will introduce the history, culture and traditions of the people who managed to preserve its national originality, religion and culture, who often fought to maintain their independence over the centuries.
The tour starts with sightseeing tour of Tbilisi and continues via Mtskheta,- an ancient capital of Georgia, to Khevsureti province and its center – medieval tower-city of Shatili. Then trek through remote villages and over Atsunta Pass 3431 m to Tusheti province, which was effectively autonomous as a tribal democracy till 17th century.
The first vehicle in this area was seen only in 1982, till nowadays the road is blocked by snow for 7-8 months a year and there is no electricity. Most of Tushetians lead nomadic way of life and move to Kakheti lowlands in winter. However few families stay there year around and you will have a fantastic opportunity to share the table with this brave people – who strongly follow a great and ancient tradition of Georgia - the guest is ‘a gift from God.
Better to see it once with your own eyes then hear about it a hundred times!
DRAFT ITINERARYDay 1 - Arrival
Day 2 - Tbilisi sightseeing tour
Day 3 - Depart for Khevsureti province via Datvisjvari Pass. Arrive in Shatili
Day 4 - Trek to Khonischala
Day 5 - Full day trek over Atsunta Pass 3431 m
Day 6 - Trek via villages Chontio, Girevi and Parsma to Chesho
Day 7 - Exploration of Chesho area
Day 8 - Continue trek toward village Chigo via Dartlo
Day 9 - Climb up the Sonekhi Pass at 2497 m. Descent to the village Shenako via Diklo
Day 10 - Exploration of Shenako area
Day 11 - Trek to village Omalo. Continue to Shtrolta for overnight
Day 12 - 4X4 journey over the Abano Pass 2926 m to Telavi
Day 13 - Sightseeing around Telavi. Drive to Tbilisi
Day 14 - Tbilisi Free day
Day 15 - Departure
GENERALThis is Expedition-stile program provides package service BB/HB in Tbilisi, FB in countryside.
Accommodation & Meals:hotel/BB (2 nights), HB (2 nights), guesthouse FB (1 night), village houses FB (5 nights), camp FB (4 nights) as listed in the detailed program.
Mode of travel: coach/FWD/on foot.
Tour Staff & Support: Explore Leader, driver (s), assistant, cook and some local guides.
Group size: up to 15 participants (please ask for details in case of larger group).
SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Tbilisi City Tour: State Museum of history and art– treasuries of Georgia, Old Town;
Narikala Fortress 4th century; Metekhi church 13th century; Anchiskhati basilica 6th century;
Sulfur bathes; Sioni Cathedral; Old Synagogue;
Mtskheta – an ancient capital of Georgia/UNESCO World Heritage Site/;
Georgian Military Highway;
Shatili – village museum;
Mutso Towers;
Atsunta Pass at 3431 m;
Girevi, Parsma, Chesho, , Shtrolta, Diklo, Dartlo and Omalo villages of Tusheti province
Sonekhi Pass at 2497 m
Telavi –historical city in Kakheti province;
Alaverdi Cathedral11th century
Ananury & Gremi architectural complexes 16-17th centuries with frescos;
Tsinandali house museum and wine cellar of 19th centuries
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