Considered the most dramatic and impressive region of the entire Caucasus, hiking in Svaneti is arguably the finest in Europe, if not the world. From the Cross Peak directly above Mestia you can see the magnificent twin peaks of Mt Ushba (4710 metres), the snow pyramid of Mt Tetnuldi (4974 metres), the beginnings of Georgia's highest mountain, Mt Shkhara (5068 metres), with Mt Elbruz, Europe's biggest (5642 metres) lurking just behind Ushba. Here you are truly in the heart of the mountains, and the feeling of being here is indescribable.

 

Svaneti is known for its superb house-towers, most dating back to the 12/13th centuries, which spring up from the rocky valley floor like miniature castles. Drive round the corner into Latali village and be struck by the sight of a dozen tall towers reaching into the sky like stone fingers. With such a strong architectural presence it is no surprise that Mestia Museum is a treasure trove of exquisite icons and artefacts gathered from Svaneti's many remote churches and villages, preserved in this natural mountain fortress from centuries of pillagers..

Although not concealed by high passes, Racha is one of Georgia's remotest areas. Again high in the mountains, the road-in is a marvel, taking you past large lakes and beautifully decorated churches (like Nikortsminda). Once there, the hiking is quite fabulous and nature very much undisturbed.

 

While difficult to reach in the winter, in the summer it is an incredible place for camping and hiking.

 

Rachans have a particular reputation for fierceness and extreme pride, but are also known for the closeness of their friendships. Many of the best chefs in Georgia come from Racha, and their food is superlative even by Georgian standards.

 

The Church of St. Nicholar is of particular note for the quality of its stone carvings and reliefs is extraordinary and are very well preserved. Their primary theme is also unusual in that it is the return of Christ on Judgment day. Fantastic chimerical animals such as griffins and winged horses and lions also predominate, and reveal the lingering power of the pagan belief system.

Known as the Georgian Shangri-La, Tusheti is an unforgettable remote mountain valley. Hidden behind a 3000 metre pass in the northeast corner of Georgia right up against the Daghestan border, Tusheti is one of Georgia's great secrets. With the road only open three or four months a year its high mountain plateaus and valleys are dotted with villages marked out by their own distinctive stone towers - as at Omalo. Recently designated as a National Park, Tusheti welcomes visitors who enjoy the traditional Caucasian home stay - in which you are invited in as one of the family.

 

If you are seeking a trip to one of the worlds most unvisited locales, trekking here is guaranteed to tread new ground, for centuries few have come here.

 

Don't miss the Pagan era Pyramid...

Hardly less remote than Tusheti, Khevsureti is also cut off from civilisation all winter. Home to a fabulous tradition of tunic-making and embroidery, the Khevsur people, like the Tushes, are gentle and hospitable. Shatili, the capital of Khevsureti is a splendid fortified village crowded round a rock in which the walls of houses combine to form a defensive citadel.

 

Accessible only from the Georgian Military Highway, the primary route through the Greater Caucasus, Khevsureti is the home of many legends. So many traditions are said to begin here, from the ancient cult of the ram, to that of friendship and the rites of hospitality .

Bakuriani is situated in 29 km from Borjomi at 1700-2000 m above the sea level in the sub-tropical zone. The snow blanket remains for 4-5 months but in the summer the aroma of the coniferous trees and other climatic factors create ideal conditions for rest and recreation.

 

It is a paradise for ski-lovers and an internationally important winter sports centre, which meets Olympic standards. Many international athletes come here to practice their skills. It is also a superb venue for children to take their first steps in winter sports, ideal for families and popular among the young generations. Ropeways, ski-jumps, ski-tracks, cross-country skiing, horse-rides, horse-drawn sledges, and snowmobile - all can be found in Bakuriani. The surrounding mountains offer numerous possibilities for both challenging and scenic mountain mobile trips as for example up and down Kohkta Gora (2,150 m. above the sea level) or the road from Bakuriani to Tabatskuri Lake via Tskhra-Tskaro Pass (2,454 m. long distance). Enjoy riding through peaceful countryside and seeing spectacular views.

 

If you like flying, this is one of the most attractive sites in Georgia. The microclimate is very favourable for air sports. The view from above is stunning with amazing panoramic views of a world seemingly untouched by man.

 

One of the most interesting places to visit in Bakuriani is the Botanical Garden. Its rich collection of plant specimens represents interesting examples of Alpine and Sub-Alpine vegetation. There are about 1500 species of plants here. The territory covers 17 hectares.

 

If you have a passion for extreme sports, are not afraid of a fast mountain river, and if you like to feel an adrenalin rush - for you rafting on the river Mtkvari will be a real test. The dizzy speed of the river, the cool waves, picturesque banks and splendid sceneries of the Borjomi gorge is a favourite with Georgian adventurers.

 

Kazbegi is Georgia's most famous and picturesque mountain. It is the second tallest in Europe, with its peak at 5033 metres. Its white peak, known as the bride because it resembles a wedding veil, can be seen for hundreds of kilometres in either direction. Kazbegi is so huge it has fully seven different large glaciers descending down from its summit. Eagles and vultures constantly circle in the sky around it and in one hike it is possible to see all three of Georgia's endemic birds.

The magical town of Stepantsminda (formerly Kazbegi) sits at the base of Mt Kazbek. Perched above it like a fairytale castle, is the Sameba ("holy trinity") monastery and bell-tower that date back to the 14th century.

Walk up to the church and experience one of Georgia's classic day hikes, switch-backing from Gergeti village, drawing ever closer to the massive extinct volcano cone of Mt Kazbek living in eternal snows above.

Around Kazbegi you can also see:

• Truso Gorge - a spectacular gorge opening up to a high altitude valley dotted with towers and springs, including a small, naturally carbonated lake.
• Jutta - the high Khevsuretian village, entrance point for the spectacular rock-climbers haven, Chaukhi mountain.
• Devdoraki - a dramatic gorge-walk leading up to one of Georgia's lower glacier tongues (at about 2500 metres).
• Gergeti Trinity church - This church complex is beautifully situated on the top of the hill nearby the township of Kazbegi, is the main chapel of the region. The bell-tower standing nearby is contemporary with the cross-domed Church of the Mother of God and creates a uniform complex together with it. Its impressive location, set before the stunning backdrop of the snow capped, 5033m high Mt. Kazbek (Mkinvartsveri), makes it a must see.