Trekking in Georgia Country: Top 16 Hikes & Trails

Between Europe and Asia, Georgia is truly a hiking paradise (although even some of the most avid hikers have yet to discover its wonders). Simply put, it offers an unparalleled blend of natural beauty and cultural riches. 

From lush forests to snow-capped mountains that pierce the sky, Georgia’s landscapes are breathtakingly diverse. As you explore its varied terrain, you'll encounter abundant stunning vistas with a rich cultural heritage, including ancient monasteries and villages that seem frozen in older times dotting the trails. 

Whether you're a keen trekker or just a casual explorer, many of Georgiaa’s hiking destinations promise a novel experience you’re bound to remember for years to come. In this article, we’ll do our best to help you discover the best hikes in Georgia, where all paths lead to excitement and adventure.

What You Need to Know About Trekking in Georgia

Hiking culture in Georgia is thriving. Simply put, the country offers some of the most rewarding hiking experiences in the world right now for several compelling reasons. 

Firstly, it boasts a wide variety of hiking trails, catering to all skill levels, from simple walks through valleys to challenging (and even dangerous) ascents into the mountains. 

Secondly, what truly sets the hiking trails in Georgia apart from those elsewhere are the unspoiled nature and tranquility. You’re not likely to encounter large groups of people on most of the trails here, even during peak season. And even on the more popular ones, the crowds will be considerably less than on most well-advertised European routes. Even though the trails in Georgia may lack extensive man-made infrastructure, this only enhances the sense of adventure, allowing hikers to truly connect with the wild and near-untouched nature.

Best Time for Hiking in Georgia

The best time of year for hiking in Georgia is from late spring to early fall. During this period, the conditions are generally favorable for hiking across the country of Georgia. 

In May and June, temperatures are mild, and the chances of precipitation are low to moderate in the more mountainous areas, making it ideal for both low- and high-altitude hikes. 

July and August bring warmer weather but the chances of precipitation remain low. These months are particularly suitable for exploring mountainous regions as the temperatures are comparatively mild and cool. On the flip side, in these peak summer months, conditions may get unbearably hot in the low-lying valleys, so make sure to check the weather forecast and plan your trekking accordingly - no need to risk heatstroke. 

September and October are also popular months due to the cooler temperatures and colorful fall scenery. Late fall is something of a dark horse, as during this period the temperatures may turn cool rather quickly, and the chances of precipitation are higher, making otherwise easy trails significantly more challenging. 

Winter hiking in Georgia isn’t for novices, especially in mountainous regions. Trekking at this time of year is best suited for experienced hikers with proper equipment, and even they might find it challenging, with snow and ice making the trails tricky to navigate. Some of the higher areas, such as Tusheti, become outright inaccessible due to weather conditions during the winter months. 

Top Hiking Trails in Kazbegi Region: Gergeti Glacier, Juta, Truso Valley

The Kazbegi region is often the first choice for visiting hikers, partly because Stepantsminda, the main settlement in the region, is relatively easy to reach from Tbilisi, and partly because it offers hikes of all difficulties, each with their own unique charm. 

The Truso Valley hike is among the easiest of these, requiring a round trip of around 4-6 hours from Stepantsminda and back. This relatively flat trail leads you through a valley known for its colorful mineral springs, ancient towers, and historic remains. From late spring to early fall, when the weather is mild and there’s a low chance of precipitation, it’s fit for even the greenest hikers.

Next is the Juta hike, a moderately challenging route that begins in the village of Juta itself, about a 40-minute drive from Stepantsminda. The hike leads through the Chaukhi Pass and demands a round trip of 6-8 hours. Chaukhi, often called the "Georgian Dolomites" is an impressive seven-pronged stone massif towering over the valley. This trail is best enjoyed from late spring through summer, although more experienced hikers traverse it all the way through late fall. 

Finally, the Gergeti Glacier hike is the most demanding of Kazbegi’s hiking trails, taking an 8-10 hour round trip from Stepantsminda. Leading through alpine trails with rocky terrain, the trek ascends towards Gergeti Glacier, offering close-up views of Mount Kazbek and the surrounding peaks. Mid-summer to early fall is considered the best time of year for this stunning but tough route.

Top Hiking Trails in Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park

Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park is a favorite among both local and visiting hikers due to the sheer variety of trails it offers.

The easiest and shortest of these is the Borjom-Kharagauli National Park Information Trail, a 3 kilometer loop that takes about 90 minutes to complete. Starting from the park’s administration building, this trail leads through an easy road passing by St. Nino’s Church and offering panoramic views over the Borjomi spa resort. It’s one of the few treks easily accessible all-year-round even for inexperienced hikers. 

The Footprint Trail is a more moderate option in this area. A 13 kilometer hike that takes around 6 hours, it’s a great trail to tackle for newbies in summer, and for those with a bit more experience at any time of year. The trail begins in the Likani River Valley and ends in the Kvabiskhevi Valley.

A couple of multi-day hiking trails are also available for more experienced trekkers. The first of these is Nikoloz Romanov’s Trail, covering 43 kilometers. The traditional schedule for the route is spread out over three days. This trail passes through the Lomismta Mountains (including Lomi St. Giorgi’s Church).

The most challenging of the routes is the St. Andrew Trail, a 54 kilometer hike that traditionally spans four days. This demanding hike takes you through mixed coniferous forests, alpine valleys, and up to the peak of Sametskhvareo Mountain (2,642 m).

Tip: Any multi-day hike in Georgia is better enjoyed (and safer) with an experienced guide.

Top Hiking Trails in Lagodekhi Protected Areas

Lagodekhi Protected Areas offer two standout trails, each catering to different levels of hikers. 

The Gurgeniani Waterfall Trail is a 4-hour round trip and perfect for hikers of any background. This trail leads through untouched dense forests to the stunning Gurgeniani Waterfall, formed by the Ninoskhevi River, cascading down from a height of approximately 40 meters (about 130 ft). All in all, it’s an accessible and thoroughly rewarding half-day hike. 

Yet, experienced hikers are likely to find the Black Rock Lake Trail more interesting. It’s a challenging 38-kilometer loop, taking 2-3 days. This trail winds through compact forests, leading to the breathtaking Black Rock Lake at an altitude of 2,800 meters. Both trails are best explored from late spring to early fall.

Top Hiking Trails in the Svaneti Region: Koruldi Lakes, Mt. Shkhara, Chalaadi Glacier

It would be no exaggeration to say that, over the last few years, Svaneti has become something of a darling among more intrepid and informed hikers. Few truly know what it has to offer yet, but those who do find it particularly charming. One of Georgia’s mountainous regions, it is known for moody weather and complicated terrain. Nevertheless, Svaneti has something to offer both inexperienced and advanced hikers.

The Chalaadi Glacier trail is the easiest among the Svaneti hiking trails, taking around 4-5 hours in a round trip from Mestia. This moderate hike follows the Mestiachala River and leads to the impressive Chalaadi Glacier between towering peaks. It's suitable for most hikers and is best enjoyed from late spring through early fall.

The Shkhara Glacier trail is another excellent choice, best suited for moderately experienced hikers. Starting in Ushguli and ending at the base of Mount Shkhara, Georgia’s highest peak, the trail offers views of Shkhara Glacier and the surrounding mountains. The 16-kilometer roundtrip trek takes about 7 hours. 

Note: More experienced hikers may be inclined to go a bit further. Do not attempt to go beyond Shkhara’s base without an experienced guide. 

Another noteworthy one is the Koruldi Lakes trail, a moderately challenging hike that takes about 6-8 hours on a round trip from Mestia. This trail gives hikers panoramic views of the Greater Caucasus, including the iconic Mount Ushba, with the Koruldi Lakes themselves at an altitude of 2,850 meters. The lakes are easiest to access from early summer to early fall.

Finally, the Mestia to Ushguli trail is a multi-day trek that spans approximately 58 kilometers, typically completed in 4-5 days. This trail steers hikers through several picturesque Svan villages, offering a deep dive into the region’s unique culture and stunning mountain vistas. The trail itself is moderately difficult, but a test of endurance, so it’s only really advisable for those who already have some multi-day hiking experience.

Top Hiking Trails in Tusheti: Diklo, Parsma, Shatili

Easily the remotest and hardest-to-access Georgian region (the only connecting road to here, the Abano Pass, is open only from late spring to early fall), Tusheti has some of the most picturesque and least-explored trails in the land.

The hike from Omalo to Diklo is considered the easiest. Even then, it’s a 16-kilometer round trip taking about 6 hours, so having some endurance is still a must. Starting from Omalo, the trail leads through the rustic Shenako village, ending at the historic Diklo Fortress, with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.

Ghele to Parsma is a trail somewhat less known, but it’s worthy of more hype than it currently gets. Moderately challenging, the trail starts in Ghele (8 kilometers from Omalo) and goes through the scenic Pirikiti Valley, covering about 20 kilometers round trip. The trek passes through remote villages like Chesho and Parsma, with views on Tusheti’s centuries-old stone towers.

But the king among Tusheti hiking trails is the Omalo to Shatili (Khevsureti) route. One of the most demanding of all Georgian trails, it spans about 70 kilometers and takes 4-6 days. The trail crosses the Abano Pass and leads through historic villages (many of them abandoned), ending up in the neighboring Khevsureti region. A word of warning: this is a challenging trek even for experienced hikers, and shouldn’t ever be attempted without an experienced guide.