7-Day Trekking from Tusheti to Khevsureti via Atsunta Pass

This 7-days trek- Trekking from Tusheti to Khevsureti is probably the most stunning trail you can imagine. Our journey takes us through Greater Caucasus mountains, characterized by alpine meadows, snow-covered peaks, pine trees and medieval villages. We follow a car road in Tusheti and visit the stone villages of Dartlo, Kvavlo, Parsma and Girevi. Afterwards, we will take a shepherd trail into the Caucasus mountains and hike into the wilderness for 3 days. There is no hut, no humans except hikers. We will cross the Atsunta pass at 3400m, and descend into another region- Khevsureti. Here the pathway becomes easier and in several kilometres follows the car road. We visit spectacular villages of Mutso and Shatili with stone towers and houses. Both defensive medieval complexes were built on the Rocky Mountains and offers picturesque views of the narrow gorges. Here we end our trekking tour and return to Tbilisi by a comfortable transport.

Itinerary

Day 1: Tbilisi - Alvani – Omalo

Stop At: Omalo, Omalo, Kakheti Region
We will meet you at your hotel and drive to Kakheti region. We follow a mountainous pass and cross it at an elevation of 2850m. After 6 hours driving, we arrive and explore Omalo & Keselo Towers.
Duration: 10 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at a guesthouse in Omalo.

Day 2: Omalo-Dartlo-Kvavlo

Stop At: Dartlo, Dartlo, Kakheti Region
Tusheti is roughly divided into two parts: Pirikiti’s Alazani river ravine and Gometsari Alazani river. In the morning, we hike to village Dartlo in Pirikiti Tusheti valley. It has been recently renovated and is a typical village of Tusheti with medieval stone houses and defensive buildings. From Dartlo, we are hiking to village Kvavlo, a village of mostly ruined towers and houses overlooking Alazani river and surrounding mountains are worthy to visit. One way hiking requires to cover 3.2 km, ascending is 400 (from 1 833 to 2 182) and one way takes around 2 hours to finish.


Duration: 10 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at a guesthouse in Dartlo.

Day 3: Kvavlo-Chesho – Parsma-Girevi

Stop At: Girevi, Girevi, Kakheti Region
In the morning, we continue our journey in Tusheti. We follow upstream the Pirikiti Alazani river and its narrow gorge. At first, we visit villages of Chesho and Parsma with beautiful houses and stone towers. Afterward, we are taking a narrow walking path and reach the village Girevi.


Duration: 10 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at a guesthouse in Girevi.

Day 4: Girevi-Kvakhidi

Stop At: Atsunta Pass, Georgia
After breakfast, we start the most difficult part of our trekking tour. We follow the narrow gorge above the Girevi, cross small mountainous rivers, ruined village Chontio and stop near Kvakhidi. This place is in open green fields, alpine meadows, and rock stones. Here we set up tents and have a dinner.

Duration: 10 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnights in Tents.

Day 5: Kvakhidi- Khidotani ridge

Stop At: Atsunta Pass, Georgia
In the early morning, we start hiking up to the highest point of our trip. We reach Atsunta Pass at the elevation of 3431 meters above the sea level. Here we stop for snacks and enjoy panoramic views of surrounding alpine meadows and mountains. Then, we descend into the Khidotani ridge and stop in the open alpine meadow for camping.


Duration: 10 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight in tents

Day 6: Khidotani ridge to Mutso and Shatili

Stop At: Shatili, Shatili, Mtskheta-Mtianeti Region
After breakfast in the stunning nature, we hike down to the narrow gorge and reach the first inhabitant place in Khevsureti. After passing village Khone, we walk to the Mutso village, which is now largely abandoned but still amazes visitors with its beautiful surrounding scenery, towers, and architectural type. Recently, Mutso fortress complex has been renovated. We take a detour and hike for 2 km to Mutso fortress. Near Mutso, our transport with our driver will wait for us. From here, we drive to the village Shatili.


Duration: 10 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at guesthouses in Shatili.

Day 7: Shatili -Tbilisi

Stop At: Tbilisi, Tbilisi
In the morning, we take a walking tour around Shatili which is a unique medieval-type complex. It unites defensive towers with fortified dwellings. All complex was built as a single village with small and narrow streets and common defense walls. All buildings were built by only using stone and mortar. Shatili was the guardian of the northeastern outskirts of Georgia. Afterward. We drive to Tbilisi. On our way, we visit Lebaiskari tower, cross Datvijvari Pass ( 2900m) and arrive in Tbilisi. Here our trekking adventure ends.


Duration: 10 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
No accommodation included on this day.