8-day Kazbegi and Kakheti Hiking Tour8 Days | Tbilisi, Kazbegi, Truso Valley, Juta Valley, Aragvi River, Telavi, Lagodekhi, Birtvisi Canyon

Kazbegi and Kakheti Hiking Tour takes you through beautiful Georgian cities graced with historic churches and charming remote villages in the shadow of the Caucasus Mountains, whose breathtaking views and pleasant hiking trails leave many speechless. A fascinating cultural heritage blends with Georgia’s diversified landscapes on this 8-day jaunt through Tbilisi, Kazbegi, Ananuri, Telavi and Kakheti Wine Region.
This private, tailor-made journey is filled with adventurous things to do in Georgia, including river rafting and hikes to Ninoskhevi and Gveleti Waterfalls, Zakagori Fortress, Birtvisi Canyon and one of the most exquisite spots in Georgia, Juta Valley. For intermediate to advanced riders, this tour also offers a horseback riding opportunity in Juta Valley.

Tour itinerary:

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Day 1: Tbilisi

Arrive at Tbilisi International Airport and meet your driver for transfer to the hotel, where check-in begins at noon. Your guide will meet you at the hotel for one of the most popular outdoor activities in Tbilisi, a city walking tour. Begin at Metekhi Church and continue to Monument of Vakhtang Gorgasali, legendary founder of Tbilisi. Visit Narikala Fortress to enjoy amazing city views before walking to the historical district of Sulphur bathhouses, passing the only mosque in Tbilisi on the way. Breathe in the living past as you stroll the narrow streets of Shardeni. Visit Sioni Cathedral, Anchiskhati Basilica and the clock tower of the famous Rezo Gabriadze Theatre before crossing the Bridge of Peace to Rike Park. Free time for remainder of the day. Overnight at the hotel in Tbilisi.

Day 2: Tbilisi – Jvari – Ananuri – Kazbegi

Meet your guide and driver to begin your journey from Tbilisi to Kazbegi. Stop at Jvari Church, a masterpiece of the Early Middle Ages which overlooks the Aragvi and Mtkvari Rivers. Continue to Svetitskhoveli, the main cathedral in Mtskheta, before proceeding north on the Georgian Military Highway toward the Russian border. Your next stop is Ananuri Complex, former residence of the Argveti Dukes. The site features 16th-17th century churches and towers which overlook Zhinvali Reservoir. We will then drive over Cross Pass and make a short stop at the Soviet-era People’s Friendship Arch, a mountain viewpoint overlooking a deep gorge of the Greater Caucasus. The final destination for the day is Kazbegi, a small town with views of Mount Kazbek (Mkinvari), which at 5054 meters is the seventh-highest peak in the Caucasus. Visit Gergeti Trinity Church. Overnight at the hotel in Kazbegi.

Day 3: Hiking in Truso Valley

After breakfast, drive to the village of Kvemo Okrokana in Truso Valley. Hike up to the ruins of Zakagori Fortress to enjoy spectacular views of the valley, including remarkable travertine formations, ancient towers and old houses. Return to Kazbegi. Overnight at the hotel in Kazbegi.
Duration of hike: 6-7 hours, 20-22 km
Difficulty level: average

Day 4: Kazbegi – Juta Valley – Kazbegi

After breakfast, drive deeper into the mountains from Kazbegi to Juta on a narrow road through the spectacular Sno Valley. Arrive to Juta (2150m), a quaint village which awaits adventurous travelers. Start with an intensive hike on a steep ascent (~30 min) before continuing your trek in the valley for 2-3 hours. Enjoy stunning views and photos opps with beautiful mountain backdrops at an elevation of 2500 meters above sea level. Depart Juta and return to Kazbegi. Overnight at the hotel in Kazbegi.
Optional Activities:
~ Horseback riding in Juta (please let us know in advance)
~ Hike to Gveleti Waterfalls via a narrow path through gorgeous mountain scenery
Gveleti Small Waterfall: 770m/30 minutes
Gveleti Great Waterfall: 940 m/35 minutes

Day 5: Kazbegi – Aragvi River rafting – Telavi

Check out of the hotel after breakfast and head southeast to Kakheti Region, Georgia’s cradle of wine. Stop for a rafting tour on the Aragvi River, which is rated as a grade 2 difficulty (suitable for beginners but still thrilling enough for experienced kayakers). You will receive a 30-minute training session before beginning your rafting adventure. Continue by car to Telavi, where you will have a short walk through its charming old streets and a photo stop at the Monument to Erekle II. Overnight at the hotel in Telavi.

Day 6: Telavi – Lagodekhi hiking – Tbilisi

After breakfast, head to Lagodekhi Protected Areas. Beginning at the Gurgeniani Information Center, follow the Ninoskhevi River as you hike a narrow path. This beautiful route is suitable for adventurous travellers and is dotted with rare plants such as Lagodekhian gentiana and snowdrop, Julia purusula, bladdernut, wing nut, chestnut and Georgian oak. Waiting for you at the end of the hike is the 40-meter high Ninoskhevi Waterfall, believed to be one of the most beautiful falls in Georgia. Drive to Tbilisi. Overnight at the hotel in Tbilisi.
Duration of hike: 5-6 hours, 16 km
Difficulty level: average

Day 7: Tbilisi – Birtvisi Canyon – Tbilisi

In the morning, your guide and driver will meet you at the hotel. Drive into the countryside for about an hour until you reach Birtvisi Canyon. Begin your hike from the village of Tbisi, taking a quick ascent up a wooded ridge before descending through a narrow canyon to a forested valley. In about 1.5 hours you will reach a campground and take a short rest before following a small river between the canyons, at the end of which are the ruins of a hidden castle. To reach the last fortress, climb a gradual ascent between giant boulders for about 30 minutes, scrambling on all fours in some places on this challenging terrain. At the top, you will be rewarded with a Cappadocian-style landscape of rock formations. Hike back to Tbisi village and drive to Tbilisi. Overnight at the hotel in Tbilisi.
Duration of hike: 5-6 hours
Difficulty level: moderate to strenuous

Day 8: Tbilisi – Departure

Check out of the hotel by noon and transfer to the airport for departure. End of Kazbegi and Kakheti Hiking Tour.

Price includes:

All transfers (1-2 pax by sedan, 3-4 pax by Mercedes Vito or similar, 5-10 pax by Mercedes Sprinter passenger van);
Accommodation based on double/twin room sharing, breakfasts included;
Sightseeing tour program with English-speaking guide;
Entrance tickets to sights as per itinerary;
Mineral water;
Rafting on day 5.