None of our hikes are technical. You don’t need climbing gear or experience, just regular walking fitness and good shoes. Here are the real numbers.
Kazbegi
- Gergeti Trinity Church: about 3 hours round trip, ~400m up. Steady path through forest and meadow.
- Juta to Tina Lake: 3 to 4 hours, ~400m up, highest point about 2,550m. Some rocky sections near the lake.
- Truso Valley: 5 to 6 hours, gentle gradient but long. The longest day on our Kazbegi tours.
- Khada Gorge: about 3 hours, gentle.
Svaneti
- Shdugra Waterfall: about 10km round trip, ~400m up.
- Mulakhi Valley: 4 to 5 hours, 400 to 500m of climbing and descent.
- Chubedishi (Ushguli): 3 to 4 hours, 300 to 500m up.
- Chalaadi Glacier: 5 to 8km, 200 to 300m up, rocky near the glacier.
What fitness do you need?
If you can walk 3 to 4 hours with breaks, up and down hills, you’ll enjoy the shorter tours. For the 4 to 5 day Kazbegi tours and Svaneti, the challenge is doing it several days in a row, so some walking practice before you come helps. The guide always sets the pace for the slowest person in the group.
Altitude
Our hikes stay below about 2,600m. Most people feel fine; take it slowly on the first day and drink plenty of water.
What to bring
- Broken-in hiking shoes with grip
- Layers and a waterproof jacket (weather changes fast)
- Sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- A small daypack and water bottle
- Travel insurance that covers hiking
Weather can move or shorten a hike. Your guide decides on the day, and swaps in a safe alternative when needed.