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Slackpacking Georgia

Destination: dahlonega, georgia, | activities: hiking and slackpacking.

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The Appalachian Trail truly has mythic status and for many of us, hiking it is a dream. But then we look at the reality of it and find the prospect of carrying a 40-50 pound pack on our back and sleeping on the ground rather daunting. Solution? Slackpacking! We cover the same distance as backpackers, but at the end of the day we return to comfortable beds, hot showers, and freshly-prepared meals, to help inspire our traverse of the Georgia section. We cover significant mileage on this trip so it still requires being in excellent shape.

• Hiking the entire Georgia section of the Appalachian Trail
• Returning to a comfortable bed and hot shower at the end of every day
• Enjoying sumptuous meals (that you don't have to cook!)
• Luxuriating in the foliage of northern Georgia
• Carrying only what you need for the day on your back

Departures and Prices

• 1 - 2 AGC hosts based on group size
• Eight nights lodging in a beautiful vacation home shared by the group
• All meals from dinner on Saturday through breakfast the following Sunday with the exception of one dinner
• All transportation within Georgia including round trip transport to/from either the North Springs station of the Marta and/or the Atlanta airport as well as all daily shuttles

What's not included: Travel to and from Atlanta, alcoholic beverages, optional guide gratuities and travel insurance.

Trip Documents

This trip is rated a 5 because it involves hiking from 7 to 16 miles a day (see the itinerary for daily mileage) and requires being in excellent physical condition. There is one opportunity on the last day of hiking to make that day's mileage a bit less, otherwise, mileage will be as listed in the itinerary. The lodge you will be staying at is both large and beautiful so taking a day off is always an option. Trips that are rated 5 require a high degree of fitness. Adding some specific conditioning such as strength training, endurance training, and longer aerobic workouts is both highly recommended and necessary. If you have any questions about your fitness level, please contact the office. Rating: 1 2 3 4 [5] .

This is a hiking trip on the first section of the legendary Appalachian Trail. You will be hiking in the mountains with constant elevation gain and loss on a trail that is rocky at times. On most days there is little time (or energy) at the end of the day for other activities, except a midweek afternoon trip into the delightful small town of Dahlonega for browsing and dinner.

We will spend eight nights in Dahlonega, GA at two neighboring properties: The Retreat on the Ridge and the Rice Ridge Farm House . The main house has 7 bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms. Rooming options include: 3 Double occupancy rooms (each with one bed and one rollaway bed) and 2 Single bedrooms with shared bathrooms. The Rice Ridge Farm House has two Single rooms and two bathrooms. Please note that the Rice Ridge Farm House is a separate structure and involves a short walk to get to the main house. The properties are seven miles north of downtown Dahlonega with spectacular panoramic views, a saltwater pool, and two fire pits. The room type can be selected at registration.

Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests.

Meet at Atlanta Airport, Introductions and Trip Briefing, Welcome Dinner

Hike springer mountain to horse gap, hike horse gap to woody gap, hike woody gap to neels gap, hike neels gap to hogpen gap, visit dahlonega, hike hogpen gap to unicoi gap, hike unicoi gap to dicks creek gap, hike dicks creek gap to bly gap, farewell appalachian trail, *these are the unfiltered reviews of women who have been on this trip in answer to the question "what made this trip special for you". we take reviews very seriously and often tweak itineraries based on feedback. please feel free to contact us about any questions you have..

Fantastic group of women. Excellent accommodations and food. Unforgettable adventure.

The friends that I made on this trip made it special for me – already planning another AT adventure together!

Everything was so well organized. The women on the trip bonded really well. I think I made friends for life on this trip.

We are relatively new hikers, and the Tali and Jody were extremely helpful.

The energy on this southernmost section of the trail was really evident. What a great opportunity to hike it! I loved being under the canopy of such massive trees and hearing so many different birds. The rhododendrons were giant and the mountain laurel and wild azaleas so beautiful in bloom. A treat to hike an entire state section with a fun group of women! We were from different generations and locations brought close together through a shared and determined goal!

The positivity of the whole group- guides and guests!

It was great to hike the whole Georgia AT and the other ladies were great.

Several things. 1. The personal touch. I have taken many trips and have never had a guide call me before the trip. It was so nice and helpful! 2. The guides were excellent. I really appreciated that 2 of them had done all or a portion of the AT as well as their overall hiking knowledge. 3. The accommodations were excellent. Couldn't ask for a more beautiful setting. Loved that we were able to spread out between "The Barn" and the main house. 4. The weather! Although AGC had no control over this, were lucked out with lower than normal temperatures and humidity for late May/early June in Georgia as well as no rain! 5. The participants. What a great group of ladies. Looking forward to my next AGC trip.

Like minded participants and hike leaders who wanted to do long miles

Conversation with sensational women that I'd never met before. Great food and loved the terrain of the AT. First time visiting Georgia.

The trip was well organized and there was plenty of good food

Group dynamics and organized leadership were awesome.

The guides were amazing. I experienced awful car sickness the first day in the van and they bent over backwards to make the week work so that I got many miles in and was able to hike with the group after all. I’m so appreciative towards them. This was my second trip with AGC and I continue to be impressed with them. I will be looking at next year to plan my next trip with them soon!

I really enjoyed the beautiful time of year this trip took place. The temperatures were perfect! The views from the house, changing leaves, sun rises, sunsets and beautiful full moon nights are definitely memories I will keep forever. I feel like we all got along really well. I enjoyed meeting up with old friends and making new. The guides took great care of us and we always had plenty of good food. Being on the trail in the cool temperatures of the morning with the smell of fall all around me gave my soul a boost.

Great group of people. Our guides rolled with some hiccups which resulted in adjustments to the schedule but we completed all hiking segments by the end of the week.

The company of other women that share appreciation of the out doors and hiking

I set completing this section of the AT as a goal a year ago. I loved everything about the trip.

The guides planned and managed the trip thoroughly. Each hike was very challenging but not impossible, and the guides figured out breaks and pacing perfectly, adjusting well to conditions like snakes and thunderstorms. The guides communicated well--giving us lots of information in advance and talking through the days with us as peers rather than charges. I very much appreciated their consistent tone of respect and can-do. I also appreciated all they did for us, making truly decadent (but also healthy) meals even when they had long days too. I liked having the evenings to relax and prepare for the next day.

It was a great group of women, great guides and challenging hikes

As usual, a fabulous group of women. Every aspect of the trip planned and delivered by the guides.

Having a worry free, safe week with no big decisions while spending all day outside with a great group of women

AGC not only took care of the required logistics -- transports to/from the airport, to/from the trail each day, lodging, meals -- they did everything that could possibly be done to make our experience wonderful. Meals and snacks were abundant and varied every day and different every day and consistently delicious. Our guides were with us every step of the way on the stunningly beautiful Appalachian Trail. They filtered water for us on the trail so we didn't run out. They helped us with blisters, packs, advice on efficiently using poles and climbing hills . . . and all the things we didn't know we didn't know. And they made us feel like we were meant to be there and they were happy to be sharing the experience with us.

The care and encouragement of the guides was beyond my wildest hopes and dreams. The trip was incredibly well organized and logistics went with few hitches. The other women were interesting, funny, generous and inspiring.

The group gelled very well together. The guides' enthusiasm and their overall knowledge of hiking, specifically the AT in GA, supported everyone along their personal journeys.

The chance to get away, be in nature and not be in charge or have to think about anything! :)

beautiful north Georgia mountain hiking

Chance to meet and interact with such a diverse group of women; achievement of a personal goal; learning new hiking tips and skills; opportunity for together AND alone time; incredible sunrise view from lodge

Great hiking, interesting women to talk to, comfortable lodging, fabulous food and excellent guides.

Great house, great food, and great hiking.

Excellent trip! The guides were fantastic, food was delicious, and the participants were great. I would recommend that you provide a massage therapist to come into the house on the half day, for those that would like a massage. One of the other participants found a great one! I also had a massage with her, and would greatly recommend her. "The Art of Healing". 833-239-6744. or 404-9441922. I think her name was Edie

The trip and the guides were fabulous - I would rate the trip 4 1/2 if I could because of accommodation issues (see below).

Excellent. All details were mapped out ahead of time and the plan was executed on schedule.

Not enough superlatives to describe how wonderful this trip was. Claire and Gina were amazing, so capable, tireless and fun. They made the experience incredible.

Top notch badass guides Claire and Gina!!

Well planned and organized. Great team of guides, tasty food, and beautiful accommodations. Trail sections were carefully selected for mileage and elevation each day.

Over shot my expectations. The trail was challenging every day - but allowed for an experience beyond my imagination. Great people and amazing views and memories to go along with them. Loved Dahlonega and that 'rest day' made for a nice reprieve and something to look forward to.

Actually better than I hoped. The lodging was very peaceful and the group instantly bonded.

The accomodations were unbelieveable! Having a 'dip pool' each night for our feet was really amazing.

I loved hiking all day. The accommodations were great. Our guides were terrific. The food was delicious.

Wonderful food, well matched with other hikers, paced well, guides were excellent and took great care of us.

The guides, Leigh and Gina, are top notch. Very professional, kind, attentive, and non-judgmental.

The guides, accommodations, food and the trail. It was awesome

The guides were phenomenal, and the place we stayed was breathtaking. I didn't expect such amazing meals and the feeling of being cared for all week.

The only thing that I would have changed is the 16 mile day for the 6.7. Wed. we had good weather when the 6.7 mile day was scheduled and rain and cold for the 16 miles day.

Great guides

This trip is incredible. Highlights: 1. Hiking the entire GA section of the AT (please have more trips where we complete an entire section on the AT!) 2. The leaders are awesome--I don't know how they do it! 3. AGC draws a wonderful group of women. I left this trip and the last one inspired by their stories and everything they have accomplished. 4. I loved that each day was a challenge but one I could complete. I had such a sense of accomplishment at the end of each day.

Over the top wonderful guides; very very challenging; wonderful food; great lodging-although a long ride to some trail heads (a price I am willing to pay for slackpackinh); good group

Since this was my first trip with AGC I wasn't sure what to expect. I found everything completely organized, which of course made me feel safe with my decision, and I actually completed the AT in Georgia!!!!! For me the highlight was the hardest day - just that I walked 16.7 miles is amazing. Would I do that day again? NO! LOL

The thrill of completing my most challenging hike ever, the entire Georgia section of the AT (80 miles in 7 days, 20k ft elevation gain, 20k loss) in the quiet, cool autumn beauty of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest with a terrific group of AGC women and AGC guide team. Thank you thank you thank you!

The trip, the accommodations, the guides, the food, the shuttling, the teamwork and camaraderie all exceeded my expectations. The weather was challenging, and the trail itself was much more up and down than I expected.

I have done multiple day hikes in the Grand Canyon so felt prepared for this trip. It was harder than I expected with a quicker pace than I anticipated.

The entire trip from beginning to end. A personal highlight was reaching Springer Mountain and the North Carolina border. Another personal highlight was hiking 16.5 miles in one day.

I never in a million years expected that the group of ladies we hiked with would come together so well. What a fun group

The trip met all of my expectations and my expectations were very high. Fabulous guides! Great group of ladies.

Positive attitudes of leaders and all participants

Scenery, good food, pleasant accommodations, great guides

I developed an affection for the AT I hadn’t experienced before, even though I have hiked on it before. I also liked all the laughing we did! It was a great group.

Well organized. Great accommodations and meals prepared by the guides were spectacular in the evenings and on the trail. Guides were knowledgeable and never tired! Amazing!

The guides, hostile, other women, and the beauty of the AT trail.

I really enjoyed getting to know the other women. They were encouraging, funny and strong.

highlights - first class service on the trails and at the residence. Both guides were extraordinary in their expertise, calm approach, detail oriented, caring, delivering to everyone a sense of belonging and wellness. They were gentle minded and truly experienced and resourceful and prepared.

Hiking the last 12 miles of the AT in North Georgia!

When I signed up for the trip, I had some reservations about my ability to complete a 4/5 hiking adventure. With Leigh leading the hike, I felt safe and confident that I was up to the challenge. Completing the entire 80 miles to the NC border was a very exciting moment! The fall colors were spectacular!!! The upbeat, positive energy of the group of ladies, and their wonderful sense of humor, made it an enjoyable group adventure. The Hostel was clean, warm, inviting and felt like home away from home. The food was fresh, delicious, healthy and plentiful. I feel very blessed to have been a part of this experience.

Went to hike and that's what we did.

Awesome trip! Great group of women, great guides, great everything. The only suggestion I would have for improvement would be to make the hiking poles mandatory (rather than just highly recommended). I bought them at the last minute and wouldn't have been able to make the hike without them. And please mention in the brochure that a washing machine is available, I would have brought less clothes if I had known that.

The beautiful scenery we experienced was a highlight for sure. Every day contained breathtaking views and peaceful forest paths. I wanted difficult hikes and each day was challenging but not overly so. I also enjoyed meeting and spending time with the other women from all over the world. The food we ate surprised me - it was well above the standard I was expecting. Leigh and Karen are great cooks. The hostel was also nicer that I was expecting. It was exceptionally clean and much more spacious than anticipated.

• Where do we eat? The guides will be cooking breakfasts and most dinners in the vacation home. Before you leave in the morning the guides will put out lunch 'fixings' and you'll take a packed lunch. You'll go out for one dinner where you can order off the menu; other nights you'll relax in the lodge and have dinner there.
• What dietary preferences or restrictions can you accommodate on this trip? If we know well in advance, we can accommodate vegetarian, lactose-free, and gluten-sensitive diets. We cannot guarantee a completely gluten-free diet and we cannot provide a kitchen guaranteed to be free of cross-contamination. If you are vegan, we ask that you bring some additional protein bars; and if you are gluten-sensitive, please bring some gluten-free snacks. If you have severe allergies, Celiac disease and/or other significant dietary restrictions, please call the office before you register.
• I will be coming by myself. Do I need to pay a single supplement? You only need to pay a single supplement if you want to guarantee you have your own room. Otherwise you'll be randomly assigned to one of the remaining rooms.

Email: [email protected]

Address: 409 Mason Ct., Suite 127, Fort Collins, CO 80524

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Above the Clouds Hostel

in North Georgia

SLACKPACKING THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL IN GEORGIA

Introduction, Intermediate, and Advanced Slackpacking Reserve your spot with a $300 deposit.

Extreme Physical Activity Disclaimer: Our trips require extreme physical endurance. While we will cater to your abilities, it is recommended that a training regime be implemented prior to arrival.

Extreme Weather Disclaimer: It can get cold and wet in them there hills.

HOSTEL DETAILS – applicable to all trips

All trips are maximum 8 people. Above the Clouds Hostel has two private rooms each with a queen bed, one bunk room with 6 bunks, and one bunk room with 4 bunks. Most bunks are built in with privacy curtains. Private rooms are available for an additional fee. If you would like a private room, please use the appropriate link with your trip choice.

Experience Hiker Hostel Life – Our slackpacking trips occur during the South Bound (SOBO) hiker season. It is possible we will have hikers staying at the hostel who are finishing up their thru hikes from Maine to Georgia. This experience will enable you to see first hand not only what it takes to hike Georgia, but the AT in its entirety.

What’s NOT included – Travel to and from Atlanta, trip insurance, alcohol, dinner/lunches in town, and optional guide gratuity.

Introduction to Appalachian Trail Slackpacking

This is a 3 day hiking trip starting at Springer Mountain and will end at Neel Gap for a 10 mile a day average. It’s perfect for a long weekend of hiking while enjoying Long Creek Falls and the summit of Springer Mountain, the start or finish for so many who are on the journey that is the Appalachian Trail. You will spend each night at Above the Clouds hostel where you will enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner (except when we stop in town), hot showers, comfortable beds, excellent WIFI, laundry facility, knowledgeable host, guides and shuttle drivers and an amazing community setting.

ITINERARY for Introduction to Appalachian Trail Slackpacking

DAY 1 Meet North Springs Marta Station, Sandy Springs Georgia at 3:00 pm.

Take shuttle ride to Above the Clouds hostel. Parking is also available at Above the Clouds if you are driving. We can also accommodate other shuttle arrangements with advanced notice. Trip orientation and welcome dinner.

DAY 2 Coffee and breakfast and then on to Springer Mountain. After summiting Springer Mountain, we will hike 5.4 miles to Long Creek Falls and end our day at Hightower Gap. We will then head back to Above the Clouds Hostel for a hot shower and dinner.

DAY 3 Hightower Gap to Woody Gap – We’ll start our second day of hiking where we finished off day 1. We will climb Sassafras Mountain, cross Justus and Blackwell Creeks, enjoy the view from Ram Rock and finish our hike at Woody Gap. We will then head back to Above the Clouds Hostel for a hot shower then step out to a local restaurant for dinner.

DAY 4 Woody Gap to Neel Gap – We will wake up before the sunrises and climb Preacher’s Rock to enjoy a beautiful mountain sunrise. We will continue on and finish our day at the world famous Mountain Crossing at Neel Gap. We will then head back to Above the Clouds Hostel for a hot shower and either depart for home or spend the night and depart the following morning.

INTRODUCTION TRIP 2024 and 2025 DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICING To reserve, click the dates of your slackpacking trip below!

Intro Bunk – $900 Per Person

Intro Private Room – $1100 for one person, $2000 for two*

IMPORTANT: $300 deposit required. Click here to read deposit and payment policies for the slackpacking trips.

2024 Trip Dates

Reserve a spot for 9/19/24 – 9/22/ 24

Reserve a spot for 10/31/24 – 11/3/2 4

2025 Trip Dates

Reserve a spot for 9/18/25 – 9/2 1/25

Reserve a spot for 10/23/25 – 10/26 /25

Reserve a spot for 10/30/25 – 11 /2/25

* Private rooms are maximum of two people. EACH PERSON must pay the $300 deposit using the appropriate link above

Intermediate Appalachian Trail Slackpacking

Spend 5 days hiking the Appalachian trail, fully supported, starting at Springer Mountain Georgia. You will spend each night at Above the Clouds hostel where you will enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner (except when we stop in town), hot showers, comfortable beds, excellent WIFI, laundry facility, knowledgeable host, guides and shuttle drivers and an amazing community setting.

Hiking a lot, eating a lot, laughing a lot and maybe just a little bit of crying!

ITINERARY for Intermediate Appalachian Trail Slackpacking

Flexible Itinerary: Within the hiking community there is a popular saying. In fact, it is so popular that we even came up with an acronym for it (HYOH), which stands for hike your own hike. At Above the Clouds we believe strongly in this mantra. Because of this the itinerary for this trip will be catered to the individual. While we will have a set itinerary, we can easily modify it to individual preference based on desire and ability. We want you to have a good time and enjoy nature, not be stressed out about how many miles you are hiking.

Meet North Springs Marta Station, Sandy Springs Georgia at 3:00 pm.

Springer Mountain to Hightower Gap

Every morning starts with coffee and breakfast at 7:00 am. Today we will arrive at Springer Mountain at approximately 9:00 am. By 10:00 am on day one you will start your journey where so many have before. How far will you make it? That is up to you. After taking in the significance of Springer Mountain you will hike 4.4 miles north where we will have lunch next to a beautiful trout stream. After lunch you will hike one mile north to Long Creek Falls and contemplate whether you want to stand under the waterfall. Why? Because there will be no one there to stop you! Ultimately you will decide it is a little too cold for that and you will continue hiking north for 3.2 miles and end the hiking day at Hightower Gap after completing 9.5 miles. Shuttle back to Above the Clouds for a hot shower and dinner.

Hightower Gap to Woody Gap

Today you will climb Sassafras Mountain. Because you will be slackpacking you will not have to say that Sassafras kicked your ass. Total hike for the day 12 miles then back to Above the Clouds for a hot shower and dinner.

Woody Gap to Neel Gap

Wake up before the sun comes up and do a short night hike to Preacher’s Rock to watch the sunrise. Then you will climb the highest point on the AT in Georgia, Blood Mountain, Elevation 4,442 feet. Finish at the iconic Neel Gap with an opportunity to shop at Mountain Crossing. 10.8 total miles for the day then back to Above the Clouds.

Neel Gap to Hogpen Gap

Today we have a short day ending at Hogpen Gap in time for an early dinner at a local restaurant. Total miles – 7.0.

Hogpen Gap to Unicoi Gap

Your last day of hiking will be 14 miles ending at Unicoi Gap for a total of 52 miles of Georgia. We will celebrate in the quaint little town of Helen, GA with dinner and laughter (laughter not mandatory).

Farewell Breakfast then depart for North Springs Marta station 8:30 am. We can accommodate other shuttle arrangements with advanced notice.

INTERMEDIATE TRIP DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICING To reserve, click the dates of your slackpacking trip below!

Intermediate Bunk – $1400 Per Person

Intermediate Private Room – $1700 one person, $3100 for two**

Reserve a spot for 10/19/24 – 10/25 /24

Reserve a spot for 10/11/25 – 10/1 7/25

** Private rooms are maximum of two people. EACH PERSON  must pay the $300 deposit using the appropriate link above.

Advanced Slackpacking – All of Georgia in 7 days

You will notice that with our three and five-day slackpacking trip itinerary we highlight stopping at waterfalls, enjoying the views and hiking your won hike. There will be no such talk in this itinerary. The reason for that is simple – hiking all the Appalachian Trail that runs through the state of Georgia in seven days is a physical and mental feat that will require your full attention.

This trip includes the approach trail starting at Amicalola Falls State Park and ending at Deep Gap North Carolina which is approximately 93.8 miles of hiking in seven days. If you finish this trip and it doesn’t kill you, you will undoubtable know whether you have what it takes to hike the entire Appalachian Trail.

You will spend each night at Above the Clouds hostel where you will enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner (except when we stop in town), hot showers, comfortable beds, excellent WIFI, laundry facility, knowledgeable host, guides and shuttle drivers and an amazing community setting. We will be your support team just as if you were a professional athlete. We say this because that is the type of focus that is required by you and us to make your trip a successful one.

If this does not sound like the challenge you are looking for, but you would still like to slackpack Georgia supported we encourage you to sign up for our Introduction to the Appalachian Trail trips or contact us to discuss your objectives. We are not trying to discourage you in anyway, but as the support team coach it is our job to tell you that this will be one of the toughest yet most satisfying things you have ever done in your life.

ITINERARY for Advanced Slackpacking – All of Georgia in 7 days

Meet North Springs Marta Station, Sandy Springs Georgia 3:00 pm

Take shuttle ride to Above the Clouds hostel. Parking is also available at Above the Clouds if you are driving. We can also accommodate other shuttle arrangements with advanced notice. Trip Orientation and welcome dinner.

Amicalola Falls to Three Forks. Day one of hiking starts off with the approach trail and the summit of Springer Mountain ending at the beautiful trout springs of Three Forks then head back to Above the Clouds for shower and dinner. 13 miles

Three Forks to Woody Gap. Quick stop at Long Creek Falls. Then Climb Sassafras. Cross two creeks, go up a hill, go down a hill, and end at Woody Gap then back to Above the Clouds for shower and dinner. 16.0 miles

Woody Gap to Neel Gap. Wake up before the sun comes up and do a short night hike to Preacher’s Rock to watch the sunrise. Then you will climb the highest point on the AT in Georgia, Blood Mountain, Elevation 4,442 feet. Finish at the iconic Neel Gap with an opportunity to shop at Mountain Crossing then back to Above the Clouds for shower and dinner. 10.8 miles

Neel to Hogpen Gap. Today we have a short day ending at Hogpen Gap in time for a early dinner at a local restaurant. 7.0 miles

Hogpen Gap to Unicoi Gap. Is it just me or are there a lot of flat places during this stretch? Oh, wait it’s mega downhill at the end. 14 miles then back to Above the Clouds for shower and dinner.

Unicoi Gap to Dicks Creek Gap. This seems like the longest day yet. They told me about Tray Mountain, but no one told me about Kelly Knob! Finish at Dick’s Creek. Stop in Hiawassee for dinner. 16.7 miles

Dicks Creek Gap to Deep Gap NC. Victory is yours! Reach the state line. Take pictures at the iconic twisted oak of Bly Gap and then finish at Deep Gap North Carolina. Stop in Hiawassee for dinner. 16 miles

Wake up late, eat breakfast, laugh, cry, smile and then go home.

ADVANCED TRIP DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICING To reserve, click the dates of your slackpacking trip below!

Advanced Bunk – $1800 Per Person

Advanced Private Room – $2200 one person, $4000 for two**

Reserve a spot for 9/6/24 – 9/14 /24

Reserve a spot for 10/4/24 – 1 0/12/24

Reserve a spot for 9/26/25 – 10/4/2 5

*** Private rooms are maximum of two people. EACH PERSON must pay the $300 deposit using the appropriate link above.

SOME PACKING RECOMMENDATIONS

Keep in mind that we have laundry facilities at Above the Clouds. With that in mind we do not recommend bringing more than three days’ worth of clothes. The weather in the mountains can be unpredictable. No matter the time of year you should plan for potentially wet and cold conditions. While hiking we recommend clothing that will dry out quickly. We also recommend thinking in layers.

If you have been planning a thru hike and you want to bring your backpack to do a shakedown hike, we think that would be awesome and we would love to help get you dialed in. However, we do provide your daypack, as well as water bottles, snacks, and lunch. Leaving you with your clothes, electronics/phone/phone charger, personal items and anything else you think you may need.

We do recommend bringing two pair of comfortable hiking shoes, as opposed to uncomfortable hiking shoes, which we strongly discourage. We also prefer trail runners. You will also want to have a phone charger for your day pack. Other than that, we trust that you will pack accordingly.

Don’t see your date? Call us to book a fully supported solo or custom group trip.

Check us out on Facebook @Abovethecloudshostel or on Instagram @Atchostel

Hostel 706-747-1022 or Cell 678-983-0954

1487 State Highway 60 Suches, GA 30572

• United States
• Backpacking

Looking for the best backpacking in Georgia? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Georgia. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

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Camp Caucasus team is thoroughly committed to excellence. 

Your happy trip with no hassle is our job.

We are Georgia's first tour operator to make self-guided walking tours in Georgia  

Enjoy nature and listen to an exclusive audio guide with historical and cultural insights while you walk at your own pace and we arrange everything for you.

DATES DON'T FIT YOU? CHOOSE SELF-GUIDED TOUR

Book a self-guided walking tour! It's a worry-free travel experience. You walk and enjoy the sights and sounds unencumbered while we organize and arrange everything for you. Choose your own dates and hike in beautiful mountains at your own pace and photo stops. 

SELF-GUIDED WALKING TOURS

WHY SELF-GUIDED WALKING TOURS?

Because you are getting an authentic experience with the freedom to explore at your own pace on a meticulously planned route for you to have a worry-free vacation. You can learn more about it in the article.

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Burnsville, NC

Cumberland island backpacking, guided backpacking trip march 2025, tba.

Join Snakeroot for a spring backpacking trip through the premier barrier island of the southeast. We'll spend 5-days exploring the forests, beaches, and natural history of Cumberland Island’s 10,000 acre wilderness area. Proceeds from the trips support the work of  Wild Cumberland , the non-profit dedicated to protecting Cumberland’s wilderness and ecology.

No backpacking experience is needed, but you must be able to hike up to 10 miles in a day (flat terrain!), carry a 25-30 lbs pack, sleep on the ground (mediated by a sleeping pad), and negotiate life with biting insects. Cumberland’s maritime forests are dominated by majestic live oaks draped in resurrection ferns and Spanish moss. The forests are alive with birds, frogs, reptiles, wild horses and armadillos. The undeveloped coastline is rich with shells and sea life. On day 3 we'll meet  Carol Ruckdeschel , the woman who has committed her life to defending this wilderness gem of the Georgia coast, and a lifelong student of Cumberland’s natural history.

We'll teach you the basics of leave no trace wilderness backpacking and about the natural history of Cumberland's maritime forest.

Price: $1000/adult*, $750/youth (12-17 years, must be accompanied) 

Fee includes food, ferry, camping permits, payment to guides, and donation to Wild Cumberland.

*These are suggested prices, we encourage guests to pay on a sliding scale, $750-$1200, and we ask you to make a $100-200+ donation to  Wild Cumberland . 

Email  [email protected]  

or text/phone  828-675-8218  to book.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How strenuous will it be? We will be walking outside for several hours each day; the hikes will be doable for anyone who is moderately fit. It's the mountains, so the terrain is inevitably hilly. Each full day will entail 6-8 miles of hiking, with up to 1500’ of elevation gain (and loss). The pace will be moderate, since we will stop frequently to observe and learn about the natural wonders of the Southern Appalachians. If you are familiar with Road Scholar's Activity Level system, these weekends would rank as "Outdoor: Spirited."
• What should I bring? Once registered, you will receive a detailed packing list, but essentially, you'll want clothes that are practical and comfortable. You can expect to get water on your feet and dirt on your clothes.
• What about the weather? We will be outside in the weather all weekend, so you should be prepared for rainy in the 50s or sunny in the 80s. The woods are amazing in all sorts of weather, and spring is a fantastic time to be in the mountains. Typical daytime temps are 60s and 70s, and 40s at night.
• What about transportation? Plan to arrive at the Celo Inn on Friday evening. All sites we will visit are within 45 minutes of the Inn; driving will be limited to no more than 90 minutes each day. We will carpool or use a van, details will be worked out once everyone is registered.
• What about foraging? Will we learn about wild edibles? At Snakeroot, we are firm believers in an “eat something wild everyday” ethos. We will certainly incorporate some wild foods into our Saturday evening meal. Eating wild plants, animals, and fungi is an important way to connect to nature and deepen our relationship with other species. However, we also believe that wild plants and fungi should be appreciated for what they offer to the world in beauty, in complexity, and for each species' essential role in an intricate and coherent ecosystem. If you ask, we will tell you what is safe to taste and we will instruct you on ethical harvesting techniques; but learning about edible plants is generally not the focus of a Snakeroot tour. Stay tuned for a summer-time retreat that will be more focused on foraging (especially mushrooms).
• What about fireflies? Will we see blue ghosts? We'll probably only see glowworms (firefly larvae) in April, but the May weekend falls in what is typically the heart of firefly season. At least one night walk is included in the weekend, and there may be opportunities to sign up for extra nights as well.

Your experience may include incredible vistas, gentle cascades, waterfalls, ancient forests, crystal clear mountain streams, the Appalachian Trail, hidden trails, old home sites or relics & ruins of the Dahlonega/North Georgia Gold Rush. Outback Guide Service will strive to provide quality experiences and adventures for all of our guests.

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Home » Europe » Georgia » Backpacking Guide

Backpacking Georgia Travel Guide 2024

I’ll be the first to admit: backpacking Georgia was never something that I’d seriously considered. I’d only heard about Georgia in passing while researching the mountains of Europe. At the time, Georgia appeared to be a mysterious little country, hidden away in the forgotten valleys of the Caucasus.

It wasn’t until I found some cheap flights to Tbilisi (yep, I’ll go anywhere if I can save a buck) that I decided to give Georgia a shot…

Turns out, backpacking through Georgia is an absolute blast.

The Georgian landscape is utterly breathtaking, full of lush forests and the most epic mountains. The food will melt your heart (and probably block your arteries) and the wine is damn grade-A.

Best of all, the people are some of the warmest that I’ve ever met.

I came to Georgia to “check out Tbilisi for a bit” – and ended up spending well over two months in the country, completely losing my heart in Georgia’s most remote mountains and historical alleyways.

Planning a backpacking trip to Georgia? Follow along – I’ll reveal all the best secrets of this wonderful little country.

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

Why Go Backpacking in Georgia?

Georgia is a relatively small country but it packs a BUNCH of goodies in its small space. Slightly dilapidated but extensive transportation networks guarantee that you’ll be able to see a lot even on a short trip.

I’d personally recommend spending at least a week in Georgia. But honestly – why not just plan that trip for two months?

Obviously, you’ve heard of Georgia’s mountains, and they’re truly something to sing odes about. Kazbegi , the mountain region closest to Tbilisi , is an easy weekend getaway, whereas Svaneti is home to the most majestic peaks in the country. Georgia has some of the best hiking I’ve ever experienced and I’ve clambered up my fair share of hillsides.

On top of that, there’s a whole variety of other awesome stuff. Lounge on black sand beaches on the Black Sea, go wine tasting in the Kakheti region, or discover the mishmash of history that the many crossing influences have left on the country – the Ottomans, Soviets, and even the EU.

But more than anything, Georgia is simply lovely. This is a country that absolutely kicked my ass, from blisters in my feet to lost wallets and broken hearts, and I still find myself dreaming about it on a regular basis.

I remember watching the sun set over the clay-coloured bathhouse district of Tbilisi from a tall balcony with a glass of sweet red wine in hand and feeling the most intense happiness. I think about eating fifty-cent khinkali (yea, that’s a thing) with my future best friend and taking all my Tinder dates meandering by the side of the river running through the city.

Georgia is absolutely magical and one of the best places I’ve ever travelled to.

Still not convinced? Fine. Backpacking in Georgia is also super fucking cheap. Packing your backpack yet, ya cheapskate?

Best Itineraries for Backpacking Georgia

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Now that I’ve charmed you into falling in love with this country, let’s see where your backpacking Georgia trip will take you. Here are three itineraries for backpacking Georgia for those in a rush to backpackers who are ready to explore this fantastic land through and through.

7-Day Travel Itinerary for Georgia

Tbilisi is the starting point of this journey. As the capital, it’s pretty much the best entry to the country. You’ll likely be in and out of there as you travel around Georgia.

Explore Old Tbilisi, the Holy Trinity Cathedral, and The Chronicles of Georgia. Make a day trip out to the David Gareja Monastery – passing through sleepy Udabno – before moving on.

Travel to north Georgia to the Kazbegi region for a weekend of epic mountains – pack some decent hiking boots ! The best place to stay is Stepantsminda ; you can walk straight from the village to Gergeti Trinity Church, the most famous landmark in all of Georgia.

Next, go back to Tbilisi to catch a train west to Batumi . Lounge on the beach all day, and then try the local favourite:  khachapuri. 

Oh wait, that’s just bread, cheese, and egg; that won’t help much with the food coma. Oh well! Too late now.

15-Day Travel Itinerary for Georgia

This 2-week itinerary to Georgia starts on the coast at Batumi . Chillax as much as you need since next you’re headed to Georgia’s mountains!

Take a minibus up to Mestia , your gateway to incredible hikes around the Svaneti region. If you’ve got the time (and wanna skip the next step in the itinerary), do the 4-day hike between Mestia and Ushguli for a truly epic experience.

You can take a short 40-minute flight to Tbilisi from Mestia. Alternatively, travel the land route and make a stop at Kutaisi before ending up in the capital.

Spend a few days in Tbilisi before prepping your gut for all the wine. Travel east to Telavi , the heart of the Georgian wine region Kakheti.

From there, it’s easy to take a day trip (or overnight) to the absolutely adorable town of Sighnaghi . The romantic setting is especially great for couples travelling together .

From there, you can travel overland onwards to Azerbaijan or return to Tbilisi to travel out.

1-Month Travel Itinerary for Georgia

Do the whole damn thing!

Seriously, Georgia’s one of those countries where you want to spend as much time as possible. Scramble across the entire country as you sample all the local flavours: the mountains, the wine, the culture, everything!

Tbilisi will likely be your axis point since it’s the central point for all transportation routes in the country. So start there – then traverse up north to explore the Kazbegi region.

After a couple of days in the mountains, return through Tbilisi and head east. Stop for a night in Gori , the birthplace of Stalin, for a taste of Soviet history.

Next up: Borjomi , the locals’ favourite spot for rest and relaxation. Continue to Batumi for world-class parties , then up north to Svaneti.

That’s the west of the country; now get back to Tbilisi to explore the east.

Stop by in Sighnaghi before ending up in Telavi . Next, avid hikers will wanna check out the most remote part of Georgia: the Tusheti national park, with the village of Omalo at its centre.

And that wraps up our itinerary of Georgia; return to Tbilisi for further adventures.

Want to save money on accommodation?

We got you. For reals.

Right-o, off to explore the best places to visit in Georgia then. Tbilisi might be the main haunt and the first point of impact for a lot of travellers to Georgia.

If you’re only visiting the capital – you’re missing out compadre. Let’s see what the top places to see in Georgia are. (Don’t worry, Tbilisi is still included!)

Backpacking Tbilisi

The capital of Georgia is the one place every backpacker goes to, and for a good reason: visiting Tbilisi is an unmissable experience. Tbilisi sightseeing is full of beautiful architecture, delicious food, and a plethora of fun things to do.

The best places in Tbilisi include the rustic and historic quarter of Old Tbilisi with its terraced neighbourhoods and thermal baths. Take the cable car overlooking Old Tbilisi to Narikala Fortress – a ruined relic from the times of the Persians – which offers sweeping views of the city.

Among the pretty places to visit in Tbilisi , you’ll find the National Botanic Garden of Tbilisi, a retreat complete with waterfalls and man-made glades.

But Tbilisi is not all old things. The areas on the riverside are rife with modern architecture; the Bridge of Peace, the Music Hall, and the Tbilisi Public Service Hall are some of Tbilisi’s most famous buildings.

Rike Park is a great place to glimpse some outdoor art and cuddle the street doggos of Tbilisi, which are vaccinated and neutered by the city – and love tourists.

Make sure to also explore Avlabari and Marjanishvili, the districts on the other side of the river. Both are full of cute cafés, great food and beautiful streets, and it’s a little less touristy than the Old Town.

There you’ll also find the Holy Trinity Church, a real landmark of the city. Some of the best places to stay in Tbilisi are also on this side of the river.

Best Day Trips from Tbilisi:

Tbilisi is a great base for explorations around the area. Here are some of the most popular day trips from Tbilisi:

• Mtskheta : One of the oldest towns in Georgia is home to a few important monasteries, including Jvari Monastery with beautiful views over the town.
• David Gareja & Udabno : David Gareja Monastery is one of the best monasteries to visit in Georgia but since it sits flush with the Azeri border, it’s not always accessible. If headed there, makes sure to stop by at the sleepy village of Udabno, too!
• Gori & Uplistsikhe Caves : Stalin’s hometown complete with a Stalin Museum, combined with a detour to the old cave town of Uplistsikhe.

Backpacking Batumi

Located on the Black Sea, Batumi is quickly becoming one of the most upscale destinations in Georgia.

Clubs have become packed with foreign party animals. You can spot famous DJs regularly at the clubs during peak season. No wonder Batumi is known as the Sin City of Georgia.

I’ve heard a lot of Tbilisi-sided tourists talk smack about Batumi. And sure, some might think it’s overrated; it’s pretty small, after all, and has very little of the old town charm as Tbilisi does.

But I swear there’s something in the air here; Batumi is just super fucking fun. I had an amazing time here, and I’m sure you will too!

Batumi is full of quirky, weird architecture. (Even their McDonald’s looks like a weird, futuristic spaceship).

Check out the Georgian Alphabet monument , a huge tower decorated with the Georgian letters, and the strange high-rise with a miniature Ferris Wheel inserted into it. (The multimillion project was never finished and is on sale, in case you were looking for a cool but unpractical house in Batumi.) It’s also worth seeing the Ali and Nino statue in the harbour which is a homage to the book Ali and Nino , an epic love story spanning through the Caucasian nations.

And if all else fails, pose yourself by the fountain in the port at 7 p.m., when the fountain spews out chacha, Georgian hard booze. If that doesn’t get the party started, nothing will!

Other than that, there’s not much in the city itself even though the Botanical Garden is worth a peek. Most tourists come here for the beaches but the ones in Batumi itself are stony and not great. Rather, head out of town for Ureci, Gonio, or Kvariati for awesome black-sand beaches.

Backpacking Kazbegi

A couple of hours north of Tbilisi is one of Georgia’s highest and most beautiful mountains: Kazbek. The Kazbegi region is the best entry-level destination for beginner hikers in Georgia. Even if you’re not much of a walker, it’s a dope weekend away.

The main village in the area is called Stepantsminda . There are others where you could base yourself in, but this one’s the best with the closest proximity to the best day hikes around the area.

The one unmissable sight in Kazbegi is the Holy Trinity Church, AKA Gergeti Trinity Church . You’ve definitely seen pictures of it – the classic Georgian church’s silhouette against the imposing Caucasian mountain adorns literally.

Every guidebook cover and postcard of Georgia has it. It’s a relatively easy 45-minute walk from the town; adventurous hikers can walk all the way up to the Gergeti Glacier.

Another easy, great hike is 20 minutes north of town to the Gveleti Waterfall . There are also more hikes around the nearby town of Juta, but you’ll want to spend a couple of more days in the area to really tap into those.

Gudauri is another village in the region, mostly favoured by ski tourists in the winter. That’s right – you can also ski in Georgia. And if you’re feeling extra wild, you can book a paragliding tour for some adrenaline-inducing views of the Kazbeg valley!

This is a great region to add to your itinerary if you’re planning to do a little road trip in Georgia as well.

Backpacking Kakheti

Wine is a huge part of Georgian culture. And I mean, HUGE.

Georgians claim to be the first true winemakers of the world. You’ll run into little statues of gryphons everywhere – this mythical beast is said to have brought wine grapes to the country.

There are several wine-producing regions in the country, but Kakheti has to be one of the best, if not the top of the list. Set among sprawling hills dotted by ancient castles and monasteries, Kakheti could rival Tuscany, Bordeaux, or any of the world’s more famous wine regions.

Telavi is the region’s capital and a great place to start your wine tours. The town is pretty small but has some basic hostels so it can be a good place to meet backpackers or even find a travel buddy . There’s some street art to be glimpsed, and probably the second-best examples of iconic Georgian lace wooden terraces after Tbilisi.

Check out King Erekle II Palace and pay a visit to The Giant Plane Tree , a 600-year-old giant that is said to grant the wishes of those that visit it. It’s also worth making the trip to the nearby Tsinandali Estate where a Georgian military man and poet Alexander Chavchavadze lived – and where the first bottle of saperavi wine was corked.

Another notable town in the area is the hyper-romantic Sighnaghi . There are no hostels but there are plenty of cheap guest houses, and it’s potentially the prettiest town in Georgia. If you only have time to visit either Telavi or Sighnaghi, I’d recommend the latter.

Backpacking Kutaisi

I’ll be honest with you: I’d skip Kutaisi, if I were you. It’s boring, unremarkable, and totally overrated . It’s mostly great for exploring things around it that are also unremarkable.

It can be a good way to break up a journey between Tbilisi and Mestia though. It won’t kill you to spend a night there.

Kutaisi is the current legislative centre of Georgia. It’s a more traditional foil to the electric Tbilisi and booming Batumi. The city has served as the capital of several former kingdoms and is full of culture and history.

The Bagrati Cathedral is the best thing to see in the city. The church itself is very similar to all the other churches in Georgia – nothing special there. But the view from the cathedral grounds is pretty good.

You can visit the nearby Prometheus Cave, which is a great geological show if you’ve never seen stalactites or stalagmites before.

Nearby Okatse Canyon and Sataplia Nature Reserve are also worth the visit for the outdoorsy types although the biggest hiking enthusiasts are probably not gonna find satisfactory hikes around here.

One of Georgia’s greatest religious complexes, Gelati Monastery, is also located very close to the city.

Backpacking Svaneti

Home to Georgia’s highest inhabited settlements, the Svaneti region is an ark preserving some of the country’s most precious histories and natural wonders. If you ask me, this is the absolute best mountain area in Georgia!

The road there is slow and winding and takes 9 hours on a minibus from Tbilisi. You can pretty easily fly there, too. The trip is cheap and only takes about 40 minutes.

The area is best known for its old, stone defence towers that have kept these remote mountain communities protected for centuries. Some of the towns are even UNESCO-protected.

The main town here is called Mestia which is also the only place with a bank and the most options for guest houses and hotels. I’d recommend basing yourself here for the hills and awesome hikes.

The best hike is the four-day trek between Mestia and Ushguli which is reasonably easy even for beginner hikers. You can stay in guesthouses along the way with beds and food so you don’t need to lug around camping gear . The endpoint, Ushguli, is possibly the most famous small village in Georgia!

Backpacking Borjomi

Borjomi is a small town in the Samstkhe-Javakheti region southwest of Tbilisi. It’s a very popular weekend getaway for local Georgians, known best as a relaxing spa town.

(If you’re already in Georgia and wonder where you’ve seen the name – Borjomi is a popular brand of bottled water in Georgia.)

Borjomi is pretty much the only hiking area in southern Georgia and it’s actually open all year round. (Try snow-shoeing in the winter!) You can take several short walks around the town, but the best way to really explore the national park is on one of its multi-day hikes.

The trails in general are well-marked and easy to hike so they’re ideal for even softcore hikers. Some of the most popular (and gorgeous!) trails are St. Andrew’s Trail and the Panorama Trail.

While you’re based in the area, you should also take a day trip to Vardzia, a 12th-century monastery built into rock and caves.

Off the Beaten Path Travel in Georgia

Fun fact: did you know that Georgia has a desert and that there is (miraculously) a single settlement with a hostel there? Yes, Udabno exists! Once a defence against Azerbaijani invaders, Udabno  now serves as the primary layover between Tbilisi and one of Georgia’s most magnificent religious complexes, David Gareja Monastery.

Most people just pass through on a day trip from Tbilisi but it might be worth an overnight stay for the experience!

Avid hikers have two more remote mountain areas to explore. Racha is next to Svaneti and has very similar landscapes, just with way less infrastructure and tourists.

My favourite is Tusheti National Park. Rolling greens hills punctuated by charming villages that seem out-of-time.

This is the most remote area of Georgia and there’s pretty much just one way in: a dangerous, winding mountain road with jaw-dropping views that’s only open for a few months every summer. Once you survive the ride, you’ll be rewarded with mountain communities, delicious food, and awesome, uncrowded hikes.

Georgia also has some contested areas. South Ossetia is definitely out of limits but you could visit Abkhazia – that is, if your visa application goes through. Mine never did 🙁

Abkhazia is legally a part of Georgia but occupied by Russia, and it’s safe enough to visit.  See the capital Sukhumi  which is supposed to be an absolute treasure trove for urban explorers. Check out beach towns  Gagra  and  New Athos,  and the beautiful  Ritsa Lake  where you can visit Stalin’s old summer house. 

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

Now that you know WHERE to go, let’s look at some fun stuff to DO in Georgia. Here are some highlights of the best things to do in Georgia, including a few of my favourite activities.

1. Go Trekking in the Caucasus Mountains

The Georgian landscape is jaw-dropping. Imagine snow-caps even in the height of summer, glaciers and waterfalls, bright green pastures with grazing herds of horses, and colourful alpine flowers to lead your way.

There is great trekking in the Caucasus all over – but Georgia is the best of the three countries to explore. If you’re short on time, hit Kazbegi; if you want to experience the best hikes, go to Svaneti; if you want to avoid crowds, hike Tusheti or Racha.

2. Sip Wine in Sighnaghi

Georgia is a cradle of winemaking – literally, as the country claims to be the oldest winemaker in the world. The best wine region in Georgia is Kakheti, and there’s no better place in the region to try local vintages than the ultra-romantic town of Sighnaghi.

3. Take a Cooking Course

Even if you’re not blessed with culinary talents, Georgian staples are extremely easy to make. Take a cooking course so that you can take the art of khinkali, khachapuri, and lobiani with you back home. No better souvenir than that!

4. Stay with a Local

Georgian people are some of the friendliest that I’ve met! Stay in a local guest house, or, if you’re lucky, find an awesome Couchsurfing host. If you’re hitchhiking, is not unusual to get invited to a family dinner with your driver.

5. Visit a Monastery

Georgia was one of the first countries in the world to make Christianity their official religion, and it still shows: over 80% of Georgians are Eastern Orthodox Christian. And everywhere you turn, boom – there’s a church.

Backpacking Georgia wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a cathedral or monastery. Religious sites are scattered throughout the country; seeing them all is an adventure in itself.

6. Check out Batumi’s Weird Architecture

The Black Sea is famous for its raucous lifestyle, and Batumi is Georgia’s party capital. Most tourists come here just to party it up.My favourite part of the city is its strange architecture, from a suspiciously phallic alphabet building to a high-rise with an embedded Ferris Wheel .

7. Soak in Sulphur Springs

Tbilisi’s name comes from the old Georgian word for hot water. Would you guess what the city is built on? An afternoon soak in Tbilisi’s famous sulphur springs is a stinky but relaxing experience and one of the best things to do in Tbilisi.

8. Visit the Old Capital

Mtskheta is one of the oldest towns in Georgia and its old capital. The tiny village is an excellent place to check out some important monasteries and shop for great wines. It’s only located some 20 minutes from Tbilisi, so it’s extremely easy to visit on a day trip.

9. Explore Tbilisi

There are a million ways to get lost in Tbilisi! Go explore all the little alleyways and see what you can find.

Maybe find a glass of delicious kindzmarauli here? Maybe you’ll uncover the hidden motifs painted in Tbilisi’s many churches? See what turns up.

10. Explore Georgia’s Soviet History

The few decades Georgia spent under Soviet leadership left its marks on the country, and now there’s plenty to explore. Check out the strange Bank of Georgia building and the Chronicles of Georgia monument, and take a day trip to Rustavi – a town full of supremely grey Soviet architecture.

One of the most unique things to do in Tbilisi is to visit Stalin’s underground printing house . There’s a bit of a translation barrier though – better bring a local friend from point 4 with you.

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As Georgia is still clawing its way to the broader backpacker map. You might find it a little, uh, lacking in backpacker accommodation.

Tbilisi, as your probable first point of contact, has the best offering. There are heaps of wonderful hostels in Tbilisi, making it pretty difficult to pick your favourite. (Except for me – my favourite is Fabrika ’cause that place is amazeballs.)

Other than that, there are just a handful of backpacker hostels around Georgia. You’ll find one or two in the most popular destinations like Kutaisi, Batumi, Stepantsminda, and Mestia, but elsewhere, not so much.

While most hostels in Tbilisi are pretty much business as usual, most of the others I stayed in around Georgia were very basic. Fun, though, and crazy cheap – in Telavi, I paid just $3 for a dorm bed.

Just a tip: the best way to find dorm rooms and hostel-type accommodation is not always through Hostelworld but on Booking.com . I found that lots of hostels in Georgia didn’t actually call themselves as such.

If you’re not feeling super-basic hostel beds and sharing rooms, Georgia has tons of options on offer. Pretty much everywhere you’ll be able to find a room in a local guesthouse for cheaper than a dorm bed would find while backpacking Europe . Affordable, private, and with the added benefit of meeting the lovely Georgian families that run these places (and often cook up a totally delicious meal to go with your room).

When it comes to comfort, Georgia hasn’t quite caught up to the lifestyles of the rich and fancy. You can certainly find some modern lodgings (especially in Tbilisi) but they usually come with a more Western-European pricetag. The affordable backpacker accommodation in Tbilisi is usually a little run down with decorations straight from your grandma’s living room.

Old? Yeah, sure.

Charming? Totally.

The Best Places to Stay in Georgia

Whether you’re looking for a cool-ass Airbnb or cheap backpacker hostels in Georgia, I’ve gotchu, boo! Here are some of the best places to stay on a budget trip to Georgia.

Backpacking Georgia is very cheap. It’s actually easily one of the cheapest countries in Europe . Here are some rough ideas about what Georgia travel costs to expect.

Hostels will cost no more than $10-$15 in Tbilisi, and you can find some at even 7 or 8 bucks. In smaller cities, a dorm bed can go as low as $3 – no joke.

Mountain guest houses, including full room and board, will cost around $20-$25 in the more popular routes like the famous Mestia-Ushguli trail. Elsewhere, it’s definitely not out of the question to get a private room for $10-15 USD.

Camping is also free just so long as you do it in an inconspicuous place and not on someone’s property. Most mountain guest houses will charge $5 for a tent but there’s plenty of free space outside of the village.

Eating out is also very inexpensive. It can even cheaper than shopping at the market! You can buy khinkali for as low as $.25 and a full meal including a drink for around $5-$10.

This is one part of the budget you should keep an eye on. It’s easy to find ultra-cheap meals around Georgia but it’s ALSO easy to splurge your budget in touristy restaurants and copious glasses of wine. (Speaking from experience!)

Transport is also very affordable in Georgia. Long distance travel via marshrutka should cost very little to even the most far flung destination. For example, the minivan from Tbilisi to Mestia, which takes almost 10 hours, only costs $16.

City travel within Tbilisi is super cheap – one trip on the bus or the metro is less than 20 cents.

The real dirtbags can hitchhike their way around the country, which comes totally  gratis .

Drink in Georgia is cheap but it’s not so cheap that you could guzzle down endless amounts of spirits without your wallet suffering at all. Partying is definitely affordable here, though. What did it for me was the wine – a glass in a restaurant can run up $2-3 USD, and although this is very cheap, it’s gonna add up as the night goes on.

Things to do in Georgia can be almost free, or run up a bit of a price tag, depending what you do and how. Many travellers on a time crunch end up taking tours which may cost a little bit. Museum entrances, horseback rides and trips to monasteries do cost a little.

Luckily, there are no entrance fees to national parks and hiking trails, and most attractions in Georgia are also free to see.

In a word, Georgia is very cheap . With some sacrifices, it’s not impossible to spend as little as $10 USD per day. Why suffer, though, when you can eat amazing food for a modicum amount of money? I ate out once a day while backpacking Georgia and ended up spending no more than $20/day for everything.

A Daily Budget in Georgia

So, what kind of a lifestyle are you looking to lead on your trip? Here are some examples of a Georgia travel budget.

Money in Georgia

The official currency of Georgia is the Lari. Find out how much your money is worth today by using the up-to-date converter below.

ATMs are found in every urban area of Georgia. In the more remote areas, you might struggle to find a cashpoint. In Tusheti, there are no ATMs at all. In Mestia in Svaneti, there is one ATM in town but while I was there, it ran out of cash for a couple of days… Lol.

In Tbilisi, card is accepted in most places but in more rural areas, carry cash. Haggling  here isn’t as prevalent as in the Middle East, but you can still talk down the locals a dollar or two here and there.

For all matters of finance and accounting on the road, The Broke Backpacker strongly recommends Wise – The Artist Formerly Known as Transferwise! The fastest and  cheapest way to internationally transfer money  between bank accounts, hold funds, and even pay for goods, Wise is a 100% FREE platform with considerably lower fees than Paypal or traditional banks.

But the real question is… is it better than Western Union? Yes, it most certainly is.

Travel Tips – Georgia on a Budget

To keep your spending to an absolute minimum whilst backpacking Georgia, I recommend sticking to the basic rules of budget adventuring…. Here are some Georgia travel tips to keep your budget in check.

• Hitchhike:  In Georgia, it is easy to thumb a ride. Hitchhiking is an ace way to keep your transport costs down.
• Camp:  With plenty of gorgeous natural places to camp, Georgia is a great place to air out your trusty backpacking tent . You can often pitch a tent for much cheaper than staying in a guesthouse or for free altogether.
• Surf a couch.   Couchsurfing is a fantastic way to get to know locals and local life while saving money! Tbilisi has a pretty vibrant Couchsurfing scene and you can also meet people at the many meet-ups and hangouts in the city.
• Eat local food:  You can get khinkali for as low as a quarter. There are also many buffet-style eateries around where you can get a big, filling meal for just a few bucks. If your Georgia travel budget is very tight, it’s worth taking a good portable stove .
• Pack a travel water bottle and save money every day!

Why You Should Travel to Georgia with a Water Bottle

Plastic washes up on even the most pristine beaches… so do your part and keep the Big Blue beautiful.

You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you might as well be part of the solution and not the problem. When you travel to some of the world’s most remote places, you come to realise the full extent of the plastic problem. And I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveller .

Plus, now you won’t be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor a turtle’s life again.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

Georgia does have all four seasons. Technically, you can visit any time of the year, but spoiler alert: the best times to go are summer and early autumn.

Summer : I spent most of my time in Tbilisi in the peak of summer, from June to August. This is the hottest time of the year with temperatures going up to +30 degrees. I personally loved this but a lot of others seem to find it “stifling” or whatever.

On the other hand, it’s peak time – pun intended – to head to the mountains which will be cooler but not cold – perfect hiking weather.

On the other other hand, summer is the busiest tourist season which might mean higher prices and more people.

Autumn : Autumn can be an AWESOME to visit Georgia. It’s generally the best time for hikers since mountains will be decked in reds and oranges, and all trails will definitely be free of snow.

The grape harvest is also in full swing so a visit to one of the many wineries could include a hands-on demonstration of how the wine is preserved.

Winter : Winter months are a spectacular time for backpacking Georgia, as the mountains are fresh with powder and the ski slopes are open. If you’re coming for the hikes, then come back in the spring.

Tbilisi doesn’t get all  that  cold. Although winter clothes are definitely needed, temperatures plunge below zero and sometimes it snows. Still, total off-season travel could be fun.

Spring : Snow will linger in the mountain passes until late-June obstructing trails, so hikers will want to plan accordingly. Spring is also the wettest season with rains peaking in May.

All in all, the best seasons are the shoulder seasons surrounding the peak of summer. In  May-June and September-October,  most summer crowds are gone, and the temperature is very mild and pleasant: t-shirt weather.

What to Pack for Georgia

On every adventure, there are a few things I always add on my  backpacking packing list . These things will definitely also come in handy on your budget trip to Georgia!

Travel Security Belt

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

Microfiber Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

‘Monopoly Deal’

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Is Georgia safe? Stop worrying your little head before you even start – Georgia is very safe to travel.   Even for  solo female travellers . I traipsed through the whole country completely on my lonesome and had an epic time.

Of course, you gotta take care of all the normal travel safety precautions . Petty theft is rare. But, especially since tourism has been on a huge boom in the past few years, pickpocketing has got more common.

Due to Georgia’s proximity to Russia, their relationships have been kinda on and off for the past few… well, forever. When hiking in Tusheti, there are some areas where you’ll meet border patrols. Occasionally, there has been some tension between the two but it’s not really expected to escalate.

There are some special precautions that you should take.

LGBTQ+ travel : Being gay is not illegal in Georgia but it is a very traditional place so it’s probably best to keep a little hush about your sexuality. The few gay bars in Tbilisi are hidden, and the pride parades there have all got cancelled due to threats or led to chaotic protests.

Georgian traffic : Georgians drive like MANIACS. Look both ways twice before crossing, and keep looking.  There are a ton of imported cars, meaning many cars have the steering wheel on the right side. (They drive on the right.) You can imagine how this can make the experience even more hectic…

Protests : Avoid protests and parades in Tbilisi, especially if they’re politically tinged. They might get out of hand although this is rare.

Other than these precautions, Georgia is very safe.

Sex, Drugs, and Rock ‘n’ Roll in Georgia

Georgia has some of the best wine in the world ! In fact, it is one of the oldest countries to have cultivated the grape for wine making. Archaeologists have discovered wine making tools dating back as far as 8,000 BC.

There are nearly four hundred grape varieties native to Georgia, and most are exclusive to the country. There are no pinot noires or chardonnays sold in the Georgian wine bars. If they are, they’re for the tourists.

Local favourites include  kindzmarauli and mtsvane.  Georgian wine does tend to be on the sweeter side. If you’re into the dry stuff make sure that you clarify this with your server.

Also made from grape is chacha or grape vodka. Chacha is very similar to Italian grappa  and is preeetty rough. Especially since the best kinds a home-brewed and at a questionable alcohol content.

Tbilisi is quickly emerging as one of the leading techno scenes in Europe . Batumi has already established itself as a beacon of debauchery.

When partying, be very careful when it comes to purchasing and using drugs. Drug laws are VERY strict in Georgia.

Many drug users have faced harsh punishment from the police. Maybe wait until that trip to Amsterdam to go nuts, eh?

Dating in Georgia can be fucking awesome because Georgians are  georgeous  people (lol). I did feel like some of the men were a little too forthcoming for my comfort, and they do have a reputation for escalating things too quickly . 

Men looking for a Georgian girl will have to deal with a steely defence that most Georgian women have already perfected. Expect to hear the word “no”…a lot. Supposedly, Georgian women can play hard to get.

In Tbilisi, I met a lot of young people who spoke great English, were not as conservative as I’d expected, and, do I need to mention it again, really fucking beautiful. So get your  Tinder fingers swiping !

Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Georgia

As safe as Georgia is, you never know what lurks on the road. Did you sprain your ankle on a mountain hike? Or lose your wallet moshing too hard at a techno club (may or may not be a personal experience).

Travelling without insurance could be risky, and a savvy backpacker should consider getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure. As much as you’re trying to save money, having good insurance will easily save you money if you get in a pinch.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

There are many ways to get into the country and start backpacking in Georgia, via land or (most conveniently) air.

Buses, both large and small, frequently ply the roads that connect Georgia with Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Russia. Large commercial buses leading to Tbilisi are available in Istanbul and Baku.

These trips are hella long but very beautiful. E.g. Istanbul to Tbilisi takes more than 30 hours, but you’ll be navigating through the rugged terrain of Anatolia and entering the Caucasus in grand fashion.

There’s only one entry point from Russia to Georgia, in the Kazbegi region. This border has sometimes been closed for international tourists so if you’re planning on crossing there, triple-check that it’s possible!

You can get an overnight train to Tbilisi from Yerevan (Armenia) and Baku (Azerbaijan) .

There are three airports where you can enter and exit Georgia internationally: Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Batumi. To find the cheapest flights , you might wanna eye Kutaisi: WizzAir operates in and out of there.

Being the country’s commercial capital, Tbilisi receives the greatest amount of air traffic, and has the most options. The majority of flights into Batumi are seasonal.

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Entry Requirements for Georgia

Though Georgia is not an official member of the European Union, it still maintains strong political ties with the organization and offers very convenient travel to its citizens. Holders of an EU identification card don’t need a passport to enter Georgia.

Citizens of most other Western nations not from the EU need only a passport to start backpacking around Georgia visa-free for up to a year. Visas come either in the form of a stamp at customs or an e-Visa .

A large number of countries do require visas to gain entry to Georgia. For most of these countries, an e-Visa is sufficient, but a select few will have to visit the Georgian embassy to get a visa.

Transportation in Georgia can be quite an adventure. During my time there, I only saw a couple of modern, big buses gracing the roads: mostly you’ll be relying on small white minivans or chaotic local drivers.

In urban areas, travel has never been easier. Modern public buses can be found in the larger cities and should never cost more than a single lari .

Most buses display their routes in both English and Georgian; there is usually a brief explanation of these routes at the stop as well. Buses in Tbilisi are monitored by and registered with Google Maps so arrival and commuting times are updated live.

The most common form of public transport is by far the mini-bus – the famed marshrutka . These can get you just about anywhere, rain or shine.

Marshrutkas are cheap, rickety, and adventurous. Passengers are crammed into the van, and luggage strapped to the roof. Expect a lack of personal space, overly loud music, and reckless drivers!

You can’t book marshrutkas beforehand, you just gotta show up in good time. They have approximate departure and arrival times, but in reality they only leave when they’re full.

The destination name is usually written on a piece of paper on the windshield – but in Georgian, which doesn’t follow Latin alphabet. So, good luck!

There are larger buses in Georgia but they’re very rare, and I never took one in months of travelling there. They’re mostly used for connecting the larger cities e.g. Batumi, Tbilisi, Kutaisi.

There is an extensive railway system linking much of Georgia. Trains are best for travelling greater distances between cities, but Georgian locomotive experiences can be a mixed bag. Some routes have fast, modern locomotives while some use clunking artifacts from the days of the Soviet Union.

Either way, the tickets are cheap and the journeys are scenic. Buy the tickets at the station; you should try to arrange your seats a day or two in advance. I was never able to buy tickets online with a foreign credit card.

Fair warning: only travel Georgia by car if you’re confident that you can take on shoddy roads and crazy fellow drivers. If you’re a good driver though – or got your traffic education in the bustling streets of Southeast Asia –  a roadtrip in Georgia should be a fun experience.

Rent a car, or, if you’re even more adventurously inclined, a campervan!

Hitchhiking in Georgia

Hitchhiking in Georgia is very safe, and a great way to meet locals. Georgians love having guests: don’t be surprised if a Georgian invites you to dinner or offers you copious amounts of alcohol after giving you a lift.

Georgians do have a reputation for being overly aggressive while driving. Add to this the many refurbished foreign cars from abroad that have the wheel on the wrong side – meaning that the driver often has limited visibility. Yikes!

One time, I hitched a ride with a guy with his arm in a sling. He was very happy to zoom down the road at a very fast and furious speed one-handed.

A word for solo female travellers as well: as safe as Georgia is, I had a couple of uncomfortable experiences primarily with younger Georgian men picking me up. Maybe it was just bad luck but I’d recommend keeping your spidey senses at even higher alert than usual.

Onwards Travel from Georgia

Most backpackers only make it to Georgia. If you’re already in the area, though, why not extend your trip and go backpacking the whole Caucasus ?

The other two Caucasus countries are located south of Georgia. Armenia has similar visa regimes as Georgia, meaning that if you could travel to Georgia without a visa, you’ll likely get easily into Armenia as well. Armenia is a dreamland for offbeat hikers, and visiting Yerevan is just as awesome as visiting Tbilisi.

Azerbaijan has less to see but it’s still a cool place to check out, full of strange and beautiful things. You do need a visa to enter Azerbaijan but it’s cheap and easy to get online.

Just note that if you’re planning on travelling all over the region, it’s best to visit Azerbaijan before Armenia. The two are in ongoing conflict (note – you’ll still be safe travelling there!) and you might get questioned intensely if you’ve been in Armenia before stepping foot into Azer-B.

Another option would be to head west to Turkey . You can even get a direct bus from Tbilisi to Istanbul if your bum can take the 30-hour drive.

It is also possible to continue on to Russia through the entry point in north Georgia in Kazbegi. This is a pretty unpopular route for international backpackers but it’s possible. Make sure you double-check visa requirements and triple-check that the border is open for international travellers – entering Russia is not always the easiest task.

One more idea: Iran . This fantastic, safe, cheap destination is an amazing experience for backpackers. You do need to sort out your visa beforehand and it can be a bit of a process but it’s not too tough to secure it, and crossing from Azerbaijan or Armenia to there is fairly simple.

If you’re flying out, lots of travellers continue backpacking to Israel since you can find super cheap flights to Tel Aviv from Tbilisi.

• Backpacking Armenia travel guide
• Backpacking Azerbaijan travel guide
• Backpacking Turkey travel guide
• Backpacking Iran travel guide

Fell in love with the Caucasus and now you want to stay there longer? I really can’t blame you!

If you start looking for job opportunities in the Caucasus, you’ll soon notice it’s not exactly easy to find work as a foreigner. Both local and international companies prefer to hire Georgian employees. Even in Tbilisi – the country’s economic heart – there aren’t many positions available.

Some international companies and organisations do have locations in Tbilisi. Often the best way to find work at them is to directly contact them since vacancies might not be heavily advertised. If you want to work for a Georgian company, you need to get a  long-term visa .

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM !

Jetpac eSIMs work just like an app: you download it, pick your plan, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

The Digital Nomad Scene in Georgia

Living in Tbilisi is one of the BEST digital nomad experiences. If you’re looking for the best places in the world for digital nomads, look no further. And no, I’m not just biased! Well, not entirely.

Tbilisi for digital nomads is dope. It has great wifi, tons of nomad-friendly coffee shops and co-working spaces, heaps to do, and an affordable lifestyle. On top of that, the local nomad community is absolutely thriving.

When I was there a few years ago, the nomad scene was quite new. Now, Tbilisi constantly ranks on top of many  digital nomads’ favourite cities .

In addition, Georgia is actively encouraging digital nomads to move there. The Remote Georgia programme allows you to stay from 180 days to a year.

Or, you know, you can just get the free visa on arrival. Freelancers (yes, that includes digital nomads!) are allowed to work remotely in Georgia with just the basic tourist visa. 

There have also been initiatives that allow digital nomads to work in the same offices as Georgians to help them integrate, international events, and other accommodations to help digital nomads feel welcome. So, if you’re only taking the first steps in  becoming a digital nomad , Tbilisi could be your spot.

Teaching English in Georgia

Like I mentioned earlier, finding a job in Tbilisi can be tough – unless you want to teach English.

The Georgian government is working hard to raise the level of English spoken in the country, and English is becoming more and more important in local business. This means good opportunities for English teachers who can actually earn a pretty nice income in Tbilisi.

Make sure you have your TEFL certification before travelling. Finding a job  teaching English abroad  is much easier with the right qualifications.

Broke Backpacker readers also get a 50% discount on TEFL courses with  MyTEFL (using the code PACK50).

Volunteering in Georgia

Volunteering abroad is an amazing way to experience a culture whilst giving something back. There are loads of different volunteer projects in Georgia ranging from teaching to animal care, agriculture and hostel work – pretty much everything!

For hikers, one of the coolest opportunities to volunteer is with the folks at  The Transcaucasian Trail . This trailblazing group of trekking enthusiasts has been working tirelessly to establish and mark new trails in Georgia and Armenia. If you’re planning on some hiking already, why not help them build some trails in the process?

EU citizens won’t need a visa to volunteer in Georgia for less than 90 days, but most travellers are better off applying for a temporary resident permit.

There are many online platforms like Workaway for finding volunteer opportunities. At The Broke Backpacker, we LOVE  Worldpackers . It’s one of the best work exchange sites out there with great volunteer opportunities, a communal platform to share your experiences, and a company that actually cares about you.

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with  meaningful travel experiences.

Georgian hospitality really is some of the best in the world. Hell, a common Georgian phrase is “a guest is a gift from God” – that’s saying something!

Whether it’s welcoming visitors to their family feasts or picking up a desolate hitchhiker on the side of the road, people in the Caucasus are known to welcome travellers with open arms.

Especially in Georgia, you might get invited to a feast with a local family. Georgia has a very special toasting culture: there is a toastmaster at the table called the  tamada . This is usually an older man of the family who leads toasts throughout the dinner.

And you’re supposed to toast to  everything.  Good health? Friendship? Getting the pothole fixed on your driveway?

Raise your glasses, ladies and gentlemen. The word for cheers might be the most useful one in your Georgian lexicon:  gaumarjos!

Traditions still play a big part in everyday lives. Maybe it’s the centuries-old culture, maybe the overarching Christianity, maybe just general conservative mindsets… Outside of cities, Georgia is still pretty rural.

In large parts of Georgia, people still lead very traditional lives farming, herding sheep, and making crafts, even if tourism has somehow crept into that tapestry of old ways.

Useful Travel Phrases for Georgia

The first thing you’ll probably say when seeing the written Georgian language is “ wtf is this ?”

The Georgian alphabet is a non-Latin based system (it’s closer to Greek actually) with multiple scripts. When written, it kind of looks like a cross between Russian and Thai. I honestly think it’s a very pretty script; a woman on a walking tour I took in Tbilisi said it looked like butterflies.

Because Georgia is a former member of the Soviet Union, speaking Russian also helps when backpacking Georgia.

Still, it’s always nice to have a phrase or two to offer when you’re travelling somewhere. Here are a few that might be useful:

• Gamardschoba –  Hello
• Nachvamdis –  Goodbye
• Dila/sagamo/game mschvidobisa –  Good morning/evening/night
• Madloba –  Thank you
• Bodischi – Excuse me
• Me mqvia…  – My name is…
• Laparakobt inglisurs?  – Do you speak English?
• P’last’ik’uri chanta ar aris  – No plastic bag
• Araris chalis gtkhovt  – No straw please
• P’last’ik’uri danachangali ar aris  – No plastic cutlery please
• Es me ar mesmis  – I don’t understand
• Es lamazia!  – (This is) beautiful!
• Ra eghireba?  – How much?

What to Eat in Georgia

Oh my god. The food. THE FOOD!!! A small trail of drool starts to run from my mouth every time I think back to the food I had in Georgia…

You might actually already be a little familiar with Georgian food since Georgian restaurants have started popping up all over the place. The food is very hearty, filling, and carb-heavy.

Streets in Georgian cities are dotted by little hole-in-the wall bakeries selling cheap, greasy goodies. Meat is baked in small clay pots together with vegetables and potatoes. At dinner tables, they’re served with different sauces, pickled condiments, and pomegranate seeds.

Georgian cuisine is not super veggie-friendly. Most of the vegetable-based dishes I found were eggplant-heavy so you might get a little sick of the aubergine by the end of your trip.

One thing to know about eating khinkali . These broth-filled dumplings are a staple in Georgian cuisine, and there’s an art to actually eating them. Grab it by the dough nub – khinkali are not eaten with utensils – and don’t eat the nub in the end. Not only because it will make you look like a total tourist but also because it’s raw dough, and messing up your stomach is not the holiday souvenir you want.

Must-Try Dishes in Georgia

Georgian food is cheap so you’ll easily be able to test out all the delicious, delicious Georgian meals.

• imeruli khachapuri –  round bread filled with Georgian cheese
• adjaruli khachapuri – “bread boat” with cheese and eggs in the middle
• khinkali –  Georgian dumpling
• lobiana – bread filled with beans
• dolma – mince and spices wrapped in vine leaves
• nigvziani badrijani – eggplant rolls filled with walnut paste
• churchkhela – nuts soaked in grape juice
• chakapuli  – lamb and cilantro stew
• shkmeruli – chicken in creamy sauce
• ojakuri – potatoes and pork stew in a clay pot
• mtsvadi  – meat skewers

A Brief History of Georgia

Lying at a geographic crossroads between Europe and Asia, Georgia has seen the rise and fall of some of the world’s greatest civilizations. Imperial Rome, the Ottomans, and the Soviet Union all touched this land. Even the legendary Jason and his fellow Argonauts had supposedly visited Georgia, when it used to be known as the Kingdom of Colchis.

Medieval Georgia was subject to many foreign invasions. Starting around the 4th century AD the Caucasian monarchs began to convert to Christianity in the midst of these intrusions. Following the expulsion of Arab powers around the 10th century, the Kingdom of Georgia was founded, and the “Golden Age of Georgia” began.

The Kingdom became a powerful entity and controlled much land between the Black and Caspian Seas. The Kingdom of Georgia lasted five hundred years until it collapsed following numerous invasions by marauding Eurasians and the Black Death.

During the latter half of the millennium, the Caucasus was caught between warring Middle Eastern powers. When the Russian Empire emerged, Georgian aristocrats saw it as a means to escape Persian and Ottoman hegemony.

Georgia sought Russian assistance on several occasions, but these efforts proved to be pointless. Persians continued abusing the region with increased ferocity while Russia did nothing to intervene, besides slowly absorbing Georgia into its own territory.

Even following the collapse of the Russian Empire, Georgia barely had a moment of freedom. Four years of the Russian Revolution, the Soviet Union took Georgia.

Unsurprisingly, life did not improve for the Georgians under Soviet rule. It wasn’t until the fall of the Soviet Union, in 1991, that Georgia was finally able to gain independence.

I don’t dare to Ctrl + F for the keyword “mountains” in this post. I think I’ve made it clear enough that Georgia has mountains, and they’re AWESOME.

The Caucasus Mountains are absolutely gorgeous. They are comparable to a not-so-distant geographic cousin, the Alps.

Both are mighty chains and offer similar attractions, but the Caucasus are higher, wilder, and offer far more enriching experiences. If you’re sick of the tangled mess of gondolas and overpriced huts, you’ll find the Caucasus a welcome change.

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

There is simply no end to trekking opportunities in these mountains. New trails are constantly being set. There’s even a movement to connect the bulk of the Greater and Lesser Caucasus – from Georgia to Armenia – via the Transcaucasian Trail (TCT).

Wild camping is allowed in Georgia and it’s easy to find a great place to camp so I would definitely recommend bringing the good ol’ tent. Popular hikes do have guesthouses so you don’t necessarily need it, but to go off the trodden trail at all, you’ll definitely need your own camping gear.

The Best Hikes in Georgia

Here are some of the best hikes in Georgia.

• Gergeti Glacier, from Stepantsminda, Kazbegi (1 day ) – A straightforward day hike from the main village at the base of Kazbegi to the lower the glacier covering its flanks.
• Chaukhi Pass, from Juta to Roshka, Kazbegi-Khevsurheti (1-2 days) – Offers spectacular views of the Chaukhi Massif, aka the “Georgian Dolomites,” and the tri-colored Abudelauri Lakes. Hikers can cover the trail in a day if starting in Juta but the walk is way better if you overnight on the trail.
• Walking from Mestia to Ushguli, Svaneti (4 days) – One of the most well-known (and best!) treks in Georgia that offers views of the highest mountains in Europe, and chances to stay in lovely local guesthouses.
• Asunto Trail from Omalo to Shatili, Tusheti (4-5 days) – Connecting Omalo (Tusheti) to Shatili (Khevsureti) involves some village lodging, but wilderness camping will be necessary at times. Bring a tent!
• Ushba Glacier, from Mazeri, Svaneti (1 day) – A great hike to the glacier of Georgia’s most uniquely shaped mountain, Ushba, that begins pleasantly and ends in a steep climb.

Is Georgia worth visiting? Is Georgia cheap?

Should you have read the whole travel guide to Georgia before skipping to this section? Yeah, probably. But in case you still had questions about backpacking Georgia, I’ve got answers.

What is the best way to travel around Georgia?

Marshrutkas for sure – the little white vans will take you everywhere! Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, hitchhiking. People are very happy to pick up backpackers. 🙂

How many days do you need to visit Georgia?

At least a week to see anything beyond Tbilisi. Ideally, you’d travel Georgia for 2-3 weeks, but there’s easily stuff to see for 1+ months.

Is Georgia safe to backpack?

Georgia is very safe! Just look both ways before crossing the street – and keep looking because people drive like absolute maniacs. Also, try to steer clear of protests. Other than that, travelling Georgia is very safe.

Is Georgia good for digital nomads?

Hell yessss. Tbilisi for digital nomads is absolutely great and one of my favourite spots, and the community there is ever-growing!

What should I see in Atlanta?

That is in Georgia, the US state. This is Georgia, the country, in case you haven’t noticed that yet. We do also have some cool posts about Georgia (the state) so go check them out. 😉

So, there we have it: the ultimate budget travel guide to Georgia!

One thing I’ve only briefly mentioned in this guide should be mentioned again now that I’m sending you off: Georgia’s sour-ish relationship with Russia. When I was in Tbilisi a few years ago, anti-Russian protests flared up around the city, including authorities using tear gas and rubber bullets to control the crowds.

I’m not saying any of this to put you off Georgia. The opposite actually, I felt completely safe there (as long as I stayed away from the protests). It does go to show, though, how viciously Georgia is emerging from its past and rocket-launching itself into modern times.

Tbilisi is not just a town of dilapidated Soviet mementoes and rickety old houses, as the ultra-modern structures and luxury hotels along the river prove. A few years ago, the new Georgian president fired basically 90% of the police forces and replaced them with new officers, basically eradicating corruption.

Traditionally, Georgia might be a conservative nation, but its masses of young people are fighting to reform the country’s antiquated attitudes. Georgia is tentatively trying to get into the EU – we’ll see if that is possible or will Russia’s feathers be too ruffled.

So, come to Georgia expecting old treasures and ancient beauty – but don’t expect a backwards place with musty attitudes. I love Georgia with all my heart; it’s easily in my top 5 countries. And if you give it a chance, you might soon feel the sweet wines and Tbilisi sunsets tugging at your heartstrings, too.

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16 Comments

How do you party in Batumi and stay out all night dancing, when all night clubs are bars are closed at night?

Secret knock-knock?

We love Georgia!

Hello Ralph!

Your blog is a hit! It has all the information I need for my Georgia trip next year. Also, kudos to your advocacy against single use plastic and environment protection. I totally agree with you and wish all people have the same mindset as you toward environment preservation. Keep up the good work!

This is an amazing blog and this information is very helpful. thanks for this blog.

It’s a great city. I wish I could see it.

This is just the information I’ve been looking for. I am planning a trip for April. This is all the budget information I need.

I’m wondering if there are some treks that we can do that time of year.

There are some treks in Georgia in April but they will most likely be in the foothills of the Caucasus. Try looking into some walks around the deserts of Udabno or the waterfalls around Kutaisi 🙂

Thanks for sharing. I am planning for a 5 day trip next week with my husband. Wish us luck!

Hope you guys had a blast!

awesome blog, really helpful! currently sitting in a georgian cafe after arriving last night and defo can use some of your advice 🙂

Amazing and complete detailed information, thanks for this wonderful articles of Georgia,

I am planning my trip to this wonderful country 🙂

You mention there are a few places for renting a campervan. Have you got names? I cant find any!

Excellent overviews – l loved Georgia – and being able to stay there for so long on a free visa. Perfect. Good, cheap wine, great food and amazing countryside and people. Just superb!

Great information, thanks!

You’re very welcome!

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• Why Georgia
• Destinations
• Things To Do
• Nature & Adventure
• Useful Info

Trekking in Georgia Country: Top 16 Hikes & Trails

• Natural Wonders
• National Parks

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.

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Georgia Trails

Georgia, located in the southeastern U.S., is comprised of five distinct geographic regions: the Coastal Plain, Piedmont, Blue Ridge, Ridge and Valley, and Appalachian Plateau.

The Coastal Plain lies along Georgia’s coast and is relatively flat, while the Piedmont is hilly and dotted with large rock outcrops and numerous streams and rivers. The Blue Ridge contains the Blue Ridge Mountains — the highest in the Appalachian Highlands — which stretch from northeast Georgia to southern Pennsylvania . Ridge and Valley features long, parallel, often forest-covered sandstone ridges overlooking wide, rolling valleys, while the Appalachian Plateau is mostly flat and sits over nearby valleys.

Georgia is home to Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the 2,184-mile-long  Appalachian National Scenic Trail , generally known as the Appalachian Trail or simply the AT, which extends to Mount Katahdin in  Maine .

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/trips-by-state/georgia-trails/benton-mackaye-trail-springer-mountain-to-three-forks-section-1/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Ditch the AT’s Crowds on the Benton MacKaye Trail"}}' > Ditch the AT’s Crowds on the Benton MacKaye Trail

This short shuttle hike explores the southernmost section of the benton mackaye trail, which links the georgia backcountry to the northern reaches of the great smoky mountains., latest in georgia trails, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/hiking-the-cohutta-wilderness-in-georgia/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "get wet in georgia's cohutta wilderness"}}'> get wet in georgia's cohutta wilderness.

It's water, water everywhere in this green forest.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/fall-hikes-in-the-eastern-u-s/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "6 Eastern Fall Hikes to Catch Epic Colors"}}'> 6 Eastern Fall Hikes to Catch Epic Colors

With its mixed hardwood forests, the east coast has some of the country's best fall leaves. See them before they're gone on these six hikes.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/weekends-eternal-summer-in-georgia/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Hiking Cumberland Island National Seashore in Georgia"}}'> Hiking Cumberland Island National Seashore in Georgia

Summer never ends on this trek through beaches and live oak forests.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/game-ranch-reopens/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Game Ranch Reopening as Wildlife Sanctuary in Gwinnett County"}}'> Game Ranch Reopening as Wildlife Sanctuary in Gwinnett County

The new Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary could open as soon as February.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/death-rainbow-falls-teen/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Teen Dies after Going over Rainbow Falls in Pisgah National Forest"}}'> Teen Dies after Going over Rainbow Falls in Pisgah National Forest

The 16-year-old is the second fatality there in two weeks and the sixth waterfall death in Western North Carolina this year.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/hike-like-a-local-in-atlanta/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Hike Like a Local in Atlanta"}}'> Hike Like a Local in Atlanta

Atlanta has plenty of nicknames, but the best one is The City in a Forest. Atlanta urban center boasts a higher density of tree cover than almost any other major city in the country—meaning quality trail time is hardly farther than your doorstep.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/rainbow-family-chattahoochee/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Thousands of Rainbow Family Members Gathering in Chattahoochee NF"}}'> Thousands of Rainbow Family Members Gathering in Chattahoochee NF

The countercultural group is holding its annual get-together near Bull Mountain.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/survives-fall-laurel/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Hiker Survives 40-Foot Fall in the Smokies"}}'> Hiker Survives 40-Foot Fall in the Smokies

The woman fell from the Laurel Falls Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/hiker-coyote-rabid-attack/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Hiker Kills Rabid Coyote that Attacked on Jones County Trail"}}'> Hiker Kills Rabid Coyote that Attacked on Jones County Trail

The coyote is the fourth confirmed case of rabies so far this year in the district.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/atl-ebike-rental-prop/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Atlanta Considers Adding E-bike Rentals"}}'> Atlanta Considers Adding E-bike Rentals

The city council's transportation committee is looking at a proposal for a dockless electric bike program.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/search-drown-elk-river/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Elk River Falls Remains Closed as Rescuers Search for Drowned Man"}}'> Elk River Falls Remains Closed as Rescuers Search for Drowned Man

A man died in the Pisgah National Forest waterfall last Sunday, but currents have prevented officials from recovering his body.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/new-trails-forsyth-county/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "New Trails Debut in Forsyth County"}}'> New Trails Debut in Forsyth County

Lanierland and Matt Community Parks opened brand-new paths this month.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/bear-cub-for-science/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Bear Cub Killed on I-75 to Become a School Project"}}'> Bear Cub Killed on I-75 to Become a School Project

Students will bury the carcass, then reconstruct the skeleton.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/7-missing-hikers-found-ga/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "7 Missing Hikers Found in Cohutta Wilderness"}}'> 7 Missing Hikers Found in Cohutta Wilderness

A Georgia DNR helicopter spotted the group on Monday.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/synchronous-fireflies-smokies-lottery/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Smokies' Synchronous Firefly Lottery Opens Friday"}}'> Smokies' Synchronous Firefly Lottery Opens Friday

Apply now for the chance to see the famous natural phenomenon this June.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/rabies-warning-ga/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Wildlife Experts: Prevent Rabies, Leave Animals Alone"}}'> Wildlife Experts: Prevent Rabies, Leave Animals Alone

The advice comes after last year's rabies outbreak in northwest Georgia.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/emory-new-bike-path/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Emory Opens New Bike & Pedestrian Trail"}}'> Emory Opens New Bike & Pedestrian Trail

The PATH connects Clairmont campus with Mason Mill Park.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/mtn-bike-cherokee/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Mountain Bike Shop Opening in the Smokies"}}'> Mountain Bike Shop Opening in the Smokies

The popularity of the new Fire Mountain Trail System drew Motion Makers Bicycle Shop to Cherokee, NC.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/whale-study-sharks/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Biologists' Whale Study Thwarted by Hungry Sharks"}}'> Biologists' Whale Study Thwarted by Hungry Sharks

Georgia Wildlife scientists hoped to study a humpback whale found dead off the coast last month, but a pack of sharks had other plans.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/millions-conservation-tax-senate/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Plan to Divert Millions to Conservation Clears State Senate"}}'> Plan to Divert Millions to Conservation Clears State Senate

Georgia's proposal would earmark a portion of sales tax on outdoor gear to funding trails, parks, and other open spaces.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/loch-ness-ga-shark/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": ""Loch Ness" Monster of Georgia Found on Wolf Island Beach"}}'> "Loch Ness" Monster of Georgia Found on Wolf Island Beach

The carcass looked prehistoric, but biologists say it was probably a decomposing basking shark.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/nonprofit-naturalist-101/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Georgia Coast Nonprofit Kicks Off Naturalist 101 Series"}}'> Georgia Coast Nonprofit Kicks Off Naturalist 101 Series

The monthly educational programs feature a lecture and a field trip.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/atlanta-beltline-southside/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Atlanta Buys Land for Southside Trail, Expanding the BeltLine"}}'> Atlanta Buys Land for Southside Trail, Expanding the BeltLine

The $25.8 million deal will connect the Eastside and Westside Trails, forming a continuous linear park.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/missing-hiker-kennesaw/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Hiker Still Missing Near Kennesaw Mountain"}}'> Hiker Still Missing Near Kennesaw Mountain

Searchers found the 25-year-old man's car with his keys and backpack still in it.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/namesake-ga-state-parks/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Meet the Namesakes of Two Georgia Parks"}}'> Meet the Namesakes of Two Georgia Parks

Learn the stories behind Victoria Bryant and Laura S. Walker State Parks.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/sales-tax-to-conservation/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Proposed Amendment Would Funnel Sales Tax to Conservation"}}'> Proposed Amendment Would Funnel Sales Tax to Conservation

Advocates estimate the measure would raise $20 million per year.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/smokies-at-thru-hike-crowds/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Great Smoky Mts NP Readies for Overcrowding in Thru-Hike Season"}}'> Great Smoky Mts NP Readies for Overcrowding in Thru-Hike Season

Last year the park hosted a record-breaking number of Appalachian Trail hikers.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/georgia-waterfall-death-catawba/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Georgia Man Killed in Fall off Waterfall"}}'> Georgia Man Killed in Fall off Waterfall

The 37-year-old was hiking at North Carolina's Upper Catawba Falls for a bachelor party.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/atlanta-top-5-dayhikes/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Atlanta's Top 5 Dayhikes"}}'> Atlanta's Top 5 Dayhikes

The best local trails, as selected by BACKPACKER Local scout Stan Gentry.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/endangered-whales-jekyll/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Nine Endangered Whales Pass Jekyll Island"}}'> Nine Endangered Whales Pass Jekyll Island

The group of migrating North Atlantic Right whales was the largest spotted in years.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/paddle-ga-new-rivers/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "This Year's Paddle Georgia Event Highlights New Water Trails"}}'> This Year's Paddle Georgia Event Highlights New Water Trails

The weeklong trip will chart the Yellow and Ocmulgee Rivers.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/peregrines-tallulah-gorge/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Pair of Peregrine Falcons Return to Tallulah Gorge"}}'> Pair of Peregrine Falcons Return to Tallulah Gorge

The raptors are still rare in natural settings after DDT and egg collecting wiped them out on the East Coast.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/license-plate-bees-ga/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "New License Plate Would Benefit Bees"}}'> New License Plate Would Benefit Bees

A bill before state legislators now would create a new funding source to help Georgia pollinators.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/rename-skidaway-island/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "State Senators Move to Rename Runaway Negro Creek"}}'> State Senators Move to Rename Runaway Negro Creek

Lawmakers voted to advance a bill to change the Skidaway Island waterway to Freedom Creek.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/audubon-status-atl-path/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Atlanta Trail Gains Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary Status"}}'> Atlanta Trail Gains Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary Status

Native landscaping helped earn part of PATH400 the bird-friendly certification.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/bird-migration-changing-atl/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Birds' Migration Patterns are Changing, One Birder Notes"}}'> Birds' Migration Patterns are Changing, One Birder Notes

In Savannah, wintering goldfinches are rare while Baltimore orioles are moving in.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/safari-park-ga/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Safari Park Could Be Coming to Georgia"}}'> Safari Park Could Be Coming to Georgia

The 500-acre, drive- and walk-through zoo would be about an hour east of Atlanta.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/amendment-gear-sales-tax/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Amendment Would Dedicate Gear Sales Tax to Conservation"}}'> Amendment Would Dedicate Gear Sales Tax to Conservation

The proposal would set aside $40 million per year for acquiring and maintaining public lands in Georgia.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/teen-ga-waterfall-site/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Meet the Roswell Teen Behind Georgia's Waterfall Website"}}'> Meet the Roswell Teen Behind Georgia's Waterfall Website

The 16-year-old also plans to start a nature group and self-publish a guidebook.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/squirrel-census-atlanta/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Atlanta's Squirrel Census Goes National"}}'> Atlanta's Squirrel Census Goes National

The quirky citizen wildlife study heads to New York City next fall.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/40-million-ga-parks/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "New Bill Would Give $40 Million to Parks Each Year"}}'> New Bill Would Give $40 Million to Parks Each Year

A proposed state constitutional amendment would establish a conservation fund for Georgia.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/rei-taps-biz-software/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "REI Taps Atlanta-Based Company for Business Software"}}'> REI Taps Atlanta-Based Company for Business Software

The outdoor giant just incorporated an Aptos Company management suite nationwide.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/coyote-advocacy-group/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Atlanta Group Stands Up for Urban Coyotes"}}'> Atlanta Group Stands Up for Urban Coyotes

The Atlanta Coyote Project, which studies the wily canine, opposes Georgia's coyote-hunting contest.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/release-larger-trout-ga/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Officials Asking Anglers to Release Larger Trout"}}'> Officials Asking Anglers to Release Larger Trout

Unusually cold waters along the Georgia coast prompted the request to protect state trout populations.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/remember-hiker-murder-case/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Key Figures Remember Hiker's Murder Case 10 Years Later"}}'> Key Figures Remember Hiker's Murder Case 10 Years Later

The 2008 abduction and killing of Meredith Emerson still haunts investigators and lawyers.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/supreme-court-water-fight/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Supreme Court Hears Arguments in Georgia-Florida Water Fight"}}'> Supreme Court Hears Arguments in Georgia-Florida Water Fight

The justices seemed to be siding with Florida over water use in the Chattahoochee and Flint Rivers.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/georgia-snail-extinct/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Georgia Freshwater Snail Declared Extinct"}}'> Georgia Freshwater Snail Declared Extinct

Biologists blame groundwater withdrawal and pollution for the demise of the beaverpond marstonia snail.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/new-years-resolutions-ga/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Keep Your New Year's Resolutions in  Georgia Parks"}}'> Keep Your New Year's Resolutions in  Georgia Parks

These nature getaways will help you with your 2018 #fitnessgoals.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/polar-plunge-lake-lanier/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Tough Jumpers Kick Off 2018 with Polar Plunge"}}'> Tough Jumpers Kick Off 2018 with Polar Plunge

The annual Lake Lanier challenge attracted 41 swimmers.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/dunwoody-expands-nature/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Dunwoody Nature Center Family Program Expanding in 2018"}}'> Dunwoody Nature Center Family Program Expanding in 2018

The "First Saturdays" program will feature monthly activities in partnership with Northside Hospital.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/questions-gatlinburg-fire/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Questions Remain in Last Year's Gatlinburg Wildfire"}}'> Questions Remain in Last Year's Gatlinburg Wildfire

Unknowns in the deadly Tennessee blaze from November 2016 include windspeed and the fate of the teens suspected of starting the fire.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/us-natl-tick-collection/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "A Peek at the U.S. National Tick Collection"}}'> A Peek at the U.S. National Tick Collection

Georgia Southern's Statesboro Campus is home to the world's largest assortment of tick specimens.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/kennesaw-teen-antarctica/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Kennesaw Mountain Teen Heads to Antarctica"}}'> Kennesaw Mountain Teen Heads to Antarctica

Michy Ramos is the first Georgia high schooler to attend the Joint Antarctic School Expedition.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/atlanta-beltline-groundbreaking/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Next Section of Atlanta's Beltline Trail Breaking Ground Next Week"}}'> Next Section of Atlanta's Beltline Trail Breaking Ground Next Week

When completed, the Northwest Connector Trail will add 3 miles to the city's Beltline system.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/friends-school-greenway/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Atlanta's Friends School Partners Up with East Decatur Greenway"}}'> Atlanta's Friends School Partners Up with East Decatur Greenway

Students gain outdoor learning opportunities on the walking trail.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/secrets-fall-fishing/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Secrets to Fall & Winter Fishing"}}'> Secrets to Fall & Winter Fishing

Get ready to land largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie in Georgia lakes.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/nantahala-new-fires-creek/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Nantahala National Forest Gains Prized New Acreage"}}'> Nantahala National Forest Gains Prized New Acreage

Private landowners sold the Fires Creek land parcel this month, protecting a sensitive watershed and preserving a popular trail.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/unicoi-new-range/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Unicoi State Park Debuts New Archery & Gun Range"}}'> Unicoi State Park Debuts New Archery & Gun Range

The 15,000-square-foot range joins the park's zipline, paddleboarding area, and mountain biking trails.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/state-parks-post-thanks/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "State Parks Hosting a Slew of Post-Thanksgiving Hikes"}}'> State Parks Hosting a Slew of Post-Thanksgiving Hikes

You have plenty of choices of places to walk off your dinner on guided hikes in Tennessee and Georgia.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/georgia-most-popular/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "And Georgia's Most Popular National Park Is…"}}'> And Georgia's Most Popular National Park Is…

More than 2.7 million people flocked to this wild reserve in 2016.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/rare-bobcat-jekyll/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Rare Bobcat Rescued, Released on Jekyll Island"}}'> Rare Bobcat Rescued, Released on Jekyll Island

The cat made a full recovery after hikers discovered it partially paralyzed on the sand.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/new-collision-tool/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "New Tool Tracks Most Dangerous Places for Cyclists, Pedestrians"}}'> New Tool Tracks Most Dangerous Places for Cyclists, Pedestrians

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's tracker pinpoints car collisions in Atlanta.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/eight-autumn-hikes-georgia/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Eight Picks for Autumn Hikes"}}'> Eight Picks for Autumn Hikes

From Civil War sites to cascading waterfalls, North Georgia is full of great fall hiking options.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/tnc-nasa-atlanta/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "NASA Models to Help With Atlanta Reforestation, Water Supply"}}'> NASA Models to Help With Atlanta Reforestation, Water Supply

NASA is joining with The Nature Conservancy's North American Cities program to prioritize greenspace in Atlanta.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/tree-climbing-panola/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Intro to Tree Climbing"}}'> Intro to Tree Climbing

Check out BACKPACKER Contributors and Editors's author page.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/table-rock-pinnacle-hike/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Hike: Table Rock and Pinnacle Mtn."}}'> Hike: Table Rock and Pinnacle Mtn.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/georgia-glamping/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "six georgia glamping destinations"}}'> six georgia glamping destinations.

A roundup of places to stay for the "adventurous indoorsman."

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/hardigree-rendezous/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Hardigree Fall Rendezvous Features Knifemaking, Survival, and More"}}'> Hardigree Fall Rendezvous Features Knifemaking, Survival, and More

The annual festival at the Hardigree Wildlife Sanctuary brings together outdoorspeople of all stripes.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/cumberland-cancel/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "UPDATE: Cumberland Island Cancels Permits Thru October 11"}}'> UPDATE: Cumberland Island Cancels Permits Thru October 11

Thanks to Tropical Storm Irma, all camping reservations for Cumberland are null and void until mid October.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/atlanta-edible-plant-hike/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Edible Plant Hike"}}'> Edible Plant Hike

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/horse-mountain-rescue/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "two hikers rescued from horse mountain"}}'> two hikers rescued from horse mountain.

After leaving their campsite at Table Rock, hikers lost sight of trail and called 911 at 1:30 am.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/atlanta-fall-colors/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Six Top Trails for Fall Foliage"}}'> Six Top Trails for Fall Foliage

With brilliant fall colors on deck, here are six ways to get your foliage fix near Atlanta.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/bear-bag-art/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Art of the Bear Bag Hang"}}'> Art of the Bear Bag Hang

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/intro-to-tree-climbing-atlanta/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "intro to tree climbing"}}'> intro to tree climbing, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/atlantic-sturgeon/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "endangered atlantic sturgeon get new protection"}}'> endangered atlantic sturgeon get new protection.

NOAA Fisheries designated critical habitat on seven Georgia rivers where endangered fish spawn.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/sweetwater-paddle-tours/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "A New Perspective on Sweetwater State Park: Kayaking."}}'> A New Perspective on Sweetwater State Park: Kayaking.

Sweetwater State Park is the most popular in Georgia—with 800,000 visitors—but you can still paddle your way to solitude.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/snake-bites-increase/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Snake Bites on the Rise in South"}}'> Snake Bites on the Rise in South

According to Georgia Poison Control, snake bites are up close to 50 percent this year in Georgia.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/stone-mountain-debate/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Stone Mountain Is Again an Ideological Battlefield"}}'> Stone Mountain Is Again an Ideological Battlefield

Sometimes called the Mount Rushmore of the Confederacy, the granite relief of Davis, Lee, and Jackson is the center of a charged debate.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/cloudland-canyon-waterfalls-to-west-rim/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "The Best Day Hikes in America: Cloudland Canyon Waterfalls to West Rim"}}'> The Best Day Hikes in America: Cloudland Canyon Waterfalls to West Rim

Cloudland Canyon State Park, Georgia

  678-986-5167       [email protected]

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Outdoor Adventures in the North Georgia Mountains

Join one of our Local Guides on an Outdoor Adventure in the US National Forest - Beginners to experienced outdoor adventure seekers welcomed.

Shady Creek Expeditions is a locally owned & operated Outdoor Guide Service in Clayton, GA permitted by the USFS.

Experienced Guides take you on Fully Outfitted Fly Fishing Trips on Mountain Streams including The Wild & Scenic Chattooga River.

Contact us if you are looking for an Outdoor Guide for Waterfall Hikes, Backpacking Trips, Camping Trips and Fly Fishing Trips in the NE GA Mountains.

Hiking in Georgia: Top Outdoor Adventures Awaiting You

( 3 reviews )

Discover one of the most beautiful countries on Earth!

Green valleys, unique mountain scenery, vineyards and old towns make Georgia a paradise for hikers and a great destination for adventurous travelers. Enjoy the famous Georgian hospitality while exploring magical locations and remote trails. Take a look at all our options and start planning your next trip! Explore-Share only promotes trips led by certified mountain guides.

Hiking in Georgia

Hiking in Svaneti ( 5 trips )

Hiking in the Georgian Caucasus Mountains ( 9 trips )

Hiking in Tbilisi ( 7 trips )

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FAQs : Hiking in Georgia

What should I know about Hiking Georgia?

Located in the Caucasus region of Eurasia, Georgia is an important crossroads of cultures, between Eastern Europe and Western Asia, blending the best of both worlds. The country is bordered to the north by Russia, to the southeast by Azerbaijan, to the south by Turkey and Armenia, and to the west by the Black Sea. Tibilisi is the capital and largest city in the country. With a laid-back atmosphere, fabulous cuisime, ancient wine-making tradition and friendly spirit, Georgia is unique destinations for a great trip!

Why should I choose Georgia for my Hiking adventure?

The stunning views of the Great Caucasus Mountains around Kazbegi or Svaneti, sub-tropical valleys, forests and canyons, beautiful lakes and diverse landscapes make Georgia a hiking paradise

Georgian hospitality

Georgians are considered one of the most hospitable people in the world. They are friendly, welcoming and they take hospitality to the core. They love talking to visitors and enjoy sharing their culture, food and traditions.

Rich culture

Georgia have kept their own national identity and culture intact through the years. They have received influences from Russia and Persia, making for a unique rich culture, boasting beautiful art works, architecture, choral music and dances.

What can I expect from the weather in Georgia?

The climate of Georgia is mild and rainy on the coast, while it is more arid and continental and arid in the central and eastern inland areas. In the mountainous areas it is colder. In summer climate is sunny and nice. The average temperature in Tiblisi in July is 25ºC.

Which language is predominantly spoken in Georgia?

Official languages: Georgian-Abkhazian

What currency is accepted in Georgia?

Georgian Lari (GEL)

How can I get to Georgia?

There are direct flights to Tbilisi International Airport from many european cities and from London. From many other places in the world, transit flights are offered by International airlines.

What’s the country code of Georgia?

What’s the high season for Hiking in Georgia?

May to September is the best time for a hiking trip.

What people are saying about Hiking | Georgia

Tina is a very well organised person, she is very professional and helpful and friendly. My trip with Tina was interesting and most of the impressions. I recommend Tina as an organizer and travel companion.

We had a great experience: well organized and combined trekking, gastro and wine activities - learned quite a lot in just 7 days. Tina was an exceptional guide.

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• Hiking tours

Hiking Tours

While the main focus of my web are independent hikers, some of my readers prefer package tours. I would be a fool if I had nothing to offer them, especially since several of my friends run tour companies - and pretty good ones :)

Trekking tours are organized by Welcome to Caucasus company. It's the tour agency founded by my friend Davit, who has been organizing trekking trips for over 10 years. We've been cooperating since 2017 on custom tours in Georgia for my readers and the feedback I got was very positive. So we decided to add also some organized hiking tours into the mix. We designed them together and tried our best to tweak even popular trails to provide the best possible mountain experience. Dates for 2024 summer tours have been already published.

Kazbegi/Khevsureti hiking tour      370 EUR

During this intensive 4-day tour, we will explore some of the most impressive historical and natural landmarks of Khevi region, dominated by Mt. Kazbeg. We will also cross on foot to the neighbouring Khevsureti region.

• Duration: 4 Days

Svaneti trekking tour      320 EUR

Again, we took a well-established trek, extended it and improved it as much as possible. In this case, even the “basic material” is more than solid - Mestia to Ushguli is the most famous Georgian trek, and for a good reason. It offers excellent views, passes through several traditional Svan villages's and doesn´t involve any complicated logistics.

• Duration: 5 Days

Trek to Tobavarchkhili lakes      550 EUR

One of the best alpine treks one can do in Georgia. In 7 days, you will traverse the wild Egrisi mountains and visit some of the most beautiful mountain lakes of Georgia. And the only other people you will meet will be a bunch of shepherds and a few other adventurous souls.

• Duration: 7 Days

Trek from Omalo to Shatili      850 EUR

This long, strenous trek follows the old shepherd´s path connecting Tusheti region with Khevsureti. It features beautiful mountain scenery as well as with traditional villages dominated by stone towers. During the walk, you will be supported by packhorses and a knowledgeable guide.

• Duration: 6 Days

8-Day Svaneti trekking tour      650 EUR

The ultimate version of our popular Svaneti trekking tour suitable for those who have enough time and want to truly explore the most scenic places of Svaneti region. It contains the best parts of the classic Svaneti tour and, thanks to the extra time, we were able to extend in the opposite direction and include more hikes, some of the best ones in Svaneti. Features smaller group and the transport of luggage.

• Duration: 8 Days

Racha and Svaneti trekking tour      970 EUR

During this 10-day tour, you will explore two of the most beautiful regions of Georgia - sleepy, remote Racha as well as famous Svaneti. We picked treks with the best possible scenery so there is much to look forward to :)

• Duration: 10 Days

Racha trekking tour      520 EUR

Racha is another Georgian premium hiking destination. While it's less touristic than Svaneti, its mountain scenery is just as good - steep mountains glacier and mountain lakes. Our tour will focus on region's highlights, such as Udziro lake or Notsara ridge, but we will visit also other, lesser-known, but no less impresive sites.

'Best of Georgia' tour      1450 EUR

During 12 days, we will introduce you to everything that makes Georgia a great destination - nature, architecture, food and culture. Of course, also this tour features lots of hiking, but beyond that, we squeezed in also numerous cultural sights from medieval to Soviet era, visit to the sea and exploration of Georgian cuisine crowned by the traditional Georgian feast, supra.

• Duration: 12 Days

GUIDED HIKING TOURS IN GEORGIA

Discover the hidden gems of georgia with our guided hiking tours.

Georgia is a hiker’s paradise, with its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Our guided hiking tours in Georgia offer a unique opportunity to explore this beautiful country, from its majestic mountains to its picturesque villages. With our experienced guides, you’ll discover hidden gems that you might miss on your own, and learn about the history and culture of the places you visit. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just starting out, our tours are designed to meet your needs and interests. We offer a variety of routes and difficulty levels, so you can choose the hike that’s right for you. And with our all-inclusive hiking trip packages, you don’t have to worry about a thing – we take care of everything from accommodations to meals to transportation. So come explore the beauty of Georgia with us and experience a hiking adventure like no other! 

DAY HIKES TOUR PACKAGES TREKKING TOURS

Various terain difficulty & regions, proffessional english speaking guides, guided hiking tour packages in georgia, hiking tour packages.

• Private Group

Looking for a hiking trip that combines stunning scenery, comfortable accommodation, and mouth-watering Georgian cuisine? Look no further than our lodged multi day hiking tours in Georgia! Our carefully curated routes take you on a journey through the rugged mountains and picturesque villages of this beautiful country. With modern accommodation provided each night, you can relax and recharge before embarking on another day of exploration. From breakfast to dinner, we’ve got you covered with meals that will give you the energy you need to conquer each day’s hike while giving you a taste of the local culture.

VARIOUS LOCATIONS

Historic, Nature & City

PRIVATE TRANSPORT

Transport to all locations

PROFESSIONAL GUIDES

Fluent English, GMGA Certified

ACCOMMODATION

High End Accommodations & Spa

WINE TASTING

Traditional Georgian Wine 

MEALS INCLUDED

Georgian Cuisine

MASTER CLASSES

Make Khinkali, Cheese & More

• 3 Destinations
• 5 Days 4 Nights

Hiking Tour Package in Kazbegi

Explore 3 stunning locations.

5 Days, 4 Nights

Easy – Moderate

PROFESSIONAL GUIDE

Fluent in English

Premium Lodging & Spa

TRANSPORTATION 

All Locations + Airport

GEORGIAN CUISINE

All Meals Included

Traditional Georgian Wines

Khinkali Making 

Embark on a captivating 5-day all inclusive hiking tour in Kazbegi, immersing yourself in the rugged beauty of the Caucasus Mountains. Take in the awe-inspiring views from Gergety Church, situated just beneath Kazbegi Mountain, Georgia’s third-highest peak. Traverse through the untamed wilderness of Truso Valley, discovering ancient ruins and untouched landscapes along the way. Hike through Juta Valley, with its serene streams and imposing chaukhi massif, before savoring a delightful meal at the esteemed 5th Season restaurant. Each evening, retreat to the comforts of Kazbegi Rooms, offering rejuvenating pool and spa amenities, ensuring you’re ready for the next day’s adventures. With gourmet meals, seamless transport, wine tastings, and a hands-on Khinkali Workshop included, this hiking tour promises an unforgettable fusion of exploration and luxury amidst the breathtaking scenery of Kazbegi.

• 7 Destinations
• 5 Days 4 Night

4 Region Hiking & Cultural Tour

Dive in to georgian heritage & its scenic ladscapes.

Premium Lodging

Cheese Making 

Embark on an immersive journey through 4 regions of Georgia, blending captivating hikes with cultural exploration across diverse landscapes. Begin with an enchanting hike around the Megalithic site of Shaori Fortress where ancient legends echo amidst its ruins and breathtaking views. Traverse to the legendary Vardzia, exploring its mesmerizing cave complex before indulging in local delicacies. Delve into the art of cheese making and learn about Tenili, a traditional Georgian cheese celebrated as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Visit Akhaltsikhe’s historic castle and venture on a scenic hike in Borjomi National Park, immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the region. Your adventure continues with a hike at the Queen Tamar Bridge and a culinary journey in Mtskheta, culminating in a Supra and Wine Tasting in the picturesque town of Sighnaghi. Experience the best of Georgia’s landscapes, cuisine, and heritage on this unforgettable 4-region excursion, all meticulously arranged with premium accommodations, gourmet meals, and seamless transportation included for a worry-free and indulgent experience.

GUIDED TREKKING TOURS IN GEORGIA

Multi day hiking tours.

Ready to dive deeper into the untouched wilderness of Georgia? Our guided multi-day hikes are like no other. You’ll experience breathtaking views, rugged mountains, lush valleys, historical sites, and  sleep under an  awe-inspiring canopy of stars. W ith transportation, gear, and route planning taken care of, all you need is your sense of adventure and a desire to explore. Our experienced and knowledgeable guides, fluent in English, will make sure you have a safe and enjoyable journey, sharing their love and passion for the region along the way. 

LOCAL CUISINE

Meals included

WILDERNESS CAMPING

Tents & Mountain Huts

SURVIVAL SKILLS

Learn Essential Techniques

Stunning Nature & Mountains

• MODERATE INTENSITY

GUIDED DAY HIKES IN GEORGIA

Guided day hikes.

Lace up your hiking boots and get ready to embark on an adventure like no other! Our guided day hikes in Georgia offer the perfect opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and explore some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in the country. With easy access from Tbilisi and comfortable transportation provided, you can focus on enjoying the scenery and discovering hidden gems along the way. Our knowledgeable guides will share interesting facts and insights about the places you visit, making this a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.

• MILD INTENSITY

Our guides are the heart and soul of our tours, and we take pride in having the best in the business. Fluent in English and with extensive experience leading groups of all sizes, our guides are more than just experts on the trails and terrain – they are passionate ambassadors for the culture and history of Georgia. From sharing insider tips on local cuisine to offering unique insights into the traditions of the region, our guides are dedicated to making your experience unforgettable. Trust us to lead you on an adventure you’ll never forget!

Native Georgian🇬🇪 Fluent English

With Vagabond since 2018

Native German 🇩🇪 Fluent English 

With Vagabond since 2022

Native English 🇺🇸

With Vagabond since 2019

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Backpacking Georgia (the country): itinerary, highlights and tips

Georgia – In 2018, one of the most popular Dutch television shows ‘WIDM’ was shot in Georgia (the country, not the state), which resulted in a rise of Dutch travelers to Georgia. Although I never watched WIDM, I can imagine it was easy to convince the Dutch audience with footage of Georgia’s majestic mountains, lush vineyards, unique cuisine, vibrant Tbilisi, and ancient cave cities. Last spring, I solo backpacked in Georgia for about two weeks. Most of my time I spent hiking the Caucasus in Georgia’s north. Here’s a mini guide to backpacking Georgia with my itinerary, highlights and tips!

Updated: 2023

Backpacking Georgia

Why should you go backpacking in georgia.

• Compact and diverse. You can easily spent 5 to 6 weeks in Georgia, but it’s also perfect for a one-week holiday since you can easily do beautiful day trips from Tbilisi. The landscapes vary from desert and mountains to sea and forest.
• Affordable. I only spent 30 euro’s per day ( find my detailed overview of costs of backpacking in Georgia here ). Flights to Kutaisi and Tbilisi are cheap from Europe.
• Amazing scenery.
• Delicious and unique food.
• Rich culture and history as the crossroad between Europe and Asia.
• It’s the land of wine! Georgia is the oldest wine-making country in the world.
• Welcoming people.

My 2-week Georgia travel itinerary (from west to east)

• Day 1: Flight from Amsterdam – Kutaisi
• Day 2: Kutaisi and a day trip to the canyons
• Day 3: Kutaisi to Mestia
• Day 4 – Mestia to Mazeri via Guli Pass to Koruldi Lakes
• Day 5 – Hiking from Koruldi Lakes to Mestia 
• Day 6 – Hiking from Zhabeshi to Adishi river 
• Day 7 – Hiking from Adishi river to Ushguli
• Day 8 – From Ushguli to Mestia and a night train from Zugdidi to Tbilisi
• Day 9 – Full day Tbilisi
• Day 10 – Day trip to David Gareja from Tbilisi
• Day 11 – Bus from Tbilisi to Kazbegi
• Day 12 – Hike to Gergeti glacier in Kazbegi
• Day 13 – Kazbegi to Tbilisi
• Day 14 – Day trip to Sighnagi from Tbilisi
• Day 15 – Flight from Tbilisi to Amsterdam

Obviously, I only had a limited amount of time. These are some places I didn’t go to, but would love to visit during a next backpacking trip in Georgia: Tusheti (!), Vardzia cave city, Stalin museum in Gori, and Batumi.

Backpacking Kutaisi 

• Highlights: Visiting the beautiful Bagrati cathedral up on Ukimerioni Hill, the extravagant Colchis fountain with golden ornaments and vibrant Kutaisi market. Also, I did a fun full-day tour from Kutaisi, which included a visit to Okatse canyon, Martvili canyon, Kinchka waterfall and a trip by old Sovjet style cable car to Gelati monastery. The day tour was quite touristy, but still much fun!
• Accommodation:  Hostel Vagabonde

Backpacking Mestia / Svaneti 

• Highlights: The cable car for a beautiful view over Mestia. A visit to the Svaneti History & Ethnography Museum, lunch at the Sunset cafe or drinks with live music at Leila’s. However, the main thing to do in Mestia is hiking. I did a five day Mazeri to Usghuli hike together with a fellow traveler (without a guide). However, there are also plenty of day hikes possible e.g. the hike to Chalaadi glacier or to the cross.
• Accommodation:  Nino Ratiani Guesthouse

Backpacking Tbilisi

• Highlights: The Old Town with the meidan (bazaar), the avant-garde Peace Bridge, the Clock tower, Narikala Fortress, the cable car, and Rike park. In Georgia’s city centre, the Museum of Georgia is worth a visit. In the evening, there are plenty of good restaurants or you can go clubbing in the epic Bassiani techno club. When I was there, a friend of mine performed at the huge Tbilisi Open Air music festival , which was also fun to attend. If you’re looking for a cocktail or classy drinks, I heard Dive Bar is the place to go. From Tbilisi, it is also easy to do day trips to the cave monasteries of David Gareja (highly recommended), to the winefields in Sighnaghi or to the Stalin Museum in Gori (unfortunately, I did not have time for Gori).
• Accommodation:  Marco Polo hostel

Backpacking Kazbegi 

• Highlights:  Hiking to Gergeti glacier, seeing famous Stephantsminda church
• Accommodation:  Kuro camping

Suggested 1-week Georgia travel itinerary 

If you only have one week in Georgia, I would suggest the following one-week Georgia travel itinerary. Start off with one full day in Tbilisi before taking the bus to Kazbegi. If you love hiking, stay for one or two nights and explore the majestic Caucasus mountains. If you don’t love mountains and hiking, a day trip may suffice. Then head back to Tbilisi. From Tbilisi, you can do easy day trips to David Gareja, the cave monasteries, to Stalin’s Gori and to Sighnaghi. If you love wine (and relaxing), I would advice to stay at least one night in Sighnaghi.

Hiking in Georgia

Georgia is a paradise for those who love hiking and mountaineering. You could do one-day hikes from Kazbegi, climb Mt. Kazbeg or do a multiple day trekking from Mestia. Please read all about my trekking from Mestia to Ushguli via the Kuraldi lakes here. 

How to prepare for backpacking Georgia? 

Backpacking in Georgia is easy and safe, but you may want to pack and check some things before you go.

Specific things to pack for Georgia

• If you go hiking and trekking: bring good hiking shoes, trekking poles, a rain cover, a rain jacket and a poncho.
• If you also plan to go camping: bring a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, a water filter, thermal clothing, a cap, sunnies, and a power bank.
• Please find my full packing list for backpacking trips here. 

Specific things to do before going to Georgia

• “კეთილი იყოს თქვენი” = ‘Welcome”! Try to learn some Georgian. Obviously, you will learn some Georgian on the road, but you may consider learning some basics while you’re still at home. Speaking Georgian is actually quite easy, but reading requires obviously a bit more practice ;)
• Check the latest Georgia travel advice from your government. (Personally, in most cases I won’t let this affect my travels)
• Download the maps.me application. The Georgia map has useful information.
• If you go hiking or trekking: download the excellent MapOut app and download routes from CaucasusTrekking.com
• You may want to get travel insurance and some immunizations (check with your local healthcare clinic)

What is the best time to travel? 

The best to visit Georgia is between June and September. This is also the best time for trekking. The winter months are great for ski trips.

Backpacking Georgia budget and costs

Like always, I kept track of my expenses on paper. In Georgia, I spent roughly 27 euro or 31,5 USD’s per day. I mostly slept in dormitories in hostels or in my tent and ate at small local places, which kept my Georgia backpacking costs low.

Most dormitories in Tbilisi are about 8-9 euro per night. A single budget room outside of the capital city is about 10-11 euro per night. These prices often include a simple breakfast. Food is between 4-8 euro per meal.

Is it safe to travel to Georgia?

Traveling in Georgia is generally considered safe. The political situation is quite stable, although protests may occur. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against travel to South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Check out the UK Department of Foreign Affairs  for the latest information.

Solo female travel in Georgia

As a ‘solo female traveler’ in Georgia, I haven’t felt unsafe while backpacking in Georgia (although I was only there for a brief time). I also haven’t heard any stories about sexual harassment from other female travelers. Find some of my must-read tips about safety for (solo) travelers here !

Solo backpacking Georgia

Tbilisi has many fun hostels, which are a great place to meet other solo travelers. Tours are also a good way to meet fellow travelers, such as the David Gareja tour. In places like Kazbegi and Mestia, I only encountered a few other solo travelers.

Communication in Georgia

The main language is Georgian, but I found some people also speak English (especially in the tourist areas)! In Svaneti, the Svan language is spoken.

Internet / telephone connection in Georgia

I usually buy a sim card directly upon arrival. In Georgia, I used Beeline Telecom. I had decent 3G almost everywhere.

Accommodation in Georgia

With exception of Tbilisi, you won’t find many ‘typical’ hostels in Georgia. However, there are many cosy guesthouses and cool camping places. In the mountains, you can go wild camping. Here is a list of the places I stayed.

• Kutaisi – Hostel Vagabonde. Lovely hostel with friendly staff and a terrace overlooking the river. It’s a good place to meet other travelers.
• Mestia – Nino Ratiani Guesthouse. A highly popular guesthouse ran by the lovely and hospitable Nino. The type of traveler differs from young backpackers to couples and families.
• Ushguli – Nato Guesthouse. A cute and clean family-run guesthouse, which served delicious food and had a hot shower
• Tbilisi – Marco Polo hostel. A great hostel right in the middle of Tbilisi. Because it small and homely, it’s a great place to meet other travelers.
• Kazbegi – Kuro camping and hostel. I camped at Kuro and had a beautiful view of Stephantsminda. It’s a funky place with hammocks and bonfires.

What to eat and drink in Georgia?

• Khinkali  – Georgian dumplings
• Khachapuri – Cheese-stuffed bread
• Kubdari – Bread stuffed with meat, spices and onions
• Svaneti salt  – A mix of salt, garlic, spices and herbs (also great to take back home as a souvenir)
• Churchkhela  – Rubbery walnut snack (perfect to bring on hiking trips)
• Georgian wine 

Tbilisi restaurant tips

My friend Tyler lived in Tbilisi and knows it very well. These are some of his restaurant recommendations.

• Racha:  Heavy food, their ojakhuri is especially nice. Gets busy, because so many foreigners learned about it, but otherwise it is a classic haunt.
• Taglauri : For excellent khinkali, they make Tusheti style khinkali too.
• Retro Cafe : For khachapuri. It’s really good and you can order the deadly deadly Titanic khachapuri. It’s huge.
• Gvimra : For something a little “fancier”. Chef is really creative, friends opened it together. Modern take on Georgian food with ingredients you rarely see anywhere else.
• Amra : Pretty far out of the city center, but they make great Abkhazian and Mingrelian food.

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You may also like:  Hiking in Mestia / Svaneti How much does it cost to travel in Georgia? 

Question: “What to eat and drink in Georgia?” Answer: EVERYTHING! I’m a vegetarian, and can easily say that Georgian cuisine is one of Top 5 Favorites on the entire planet!

Omigosh! I think Georgia might now be on my short list of places I need to visit! Thank you for all the great information!

This is amazing article, georgia is the great city of peace where you can spend your time with the ease of living life. Thanks mate for your kind info, it’s a very peaceful country where introvert people wanna stay forever. Thanks mate for your kind info.

Georgia (the country) seems to be a very good place to go and visit, any options of places where you can stay?

By the way, the pictures of your food look very tasty!

Gosh, Georgia looks so beautiful, the stunning landscapes, the food pics got me salivating and the cool and quirky accommodation looks awesome. All looks incredible! Definitely adding to my list!

I love traveling. I want to fly to Georgia now

Looks so beautiful wanted to visit for a long time especislly before they join Eu when visa will apply…

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Hiking in Mestia, Svaneti – Mazeri, Guli, Koruldi to Ushguli

Money Matters: How much does it cost to backpack Georgia?

The Complete Georgia Travel Guide: 19 Useful Things you should know for backpacking in Georgia in 2024

Are you an independent traveler and planning to travel to Georgia country soon? Then this is the Georgia Travel Guide you’re looking for! Here is everything you need to know about traveling and backpacking in Georgia in 2023!

Georgia is a small country right at the intersection between Europe and Asia, sandwiched between Russia in the north and Turkey in the South.

It’s an ancient country tugged away in the Caucasus Mountains and home to very determined people who, despite a tough history of war and conquerings, still strongly value their unique religion, culture, and centuries-old traditions!

Georgia, or Sakartvelo as the citizens call it, is slowly becoming a very popular touristic destination. After living there for almost one year, I understand why travelers are drawn to this magnificent and wild country!

With this Georgia travel guide, I want to help you prepare for your trip to Georgia. I cover everything from visas, entry requirements and safety to transport, accommodation, food, useful apps and cultural etiquette so you’ll have a great time traveling in Georgia, the country!

Disclaimer: This posts might contain affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for helping to support this website!

Plan your trip to Georgia

• 19 important things to know before traveling to Georgia
• 15 Best Places to visit in Georgia

3 Fantastic Georgia Travel Itineraries

• Tours & Experiences: Georgia Tours
• Rent a car in Georgia
• Travel insurance for Georgia
• Book your stay in Georgia

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Traveling to Georgia country in 2024 – Georgia Entry Requirements

Georgia is open for tourism and has opened its borders to all international travelers (see visa section).

1.1 Georgia entry requirements Covid-19

Foreign citizens taking any mode of travel by air, land or sea, no longer need to present proof of Covid-vaccination or a negative PCR test result.

1.2 Georgia vaccination requirements

You don’t need any compulsory vaccinations to go backpacking in Georgia.

Vaccinations for Hepatitis A and Rabies are recommended. Rabies can be found in dogs, bats and other mammals in the country of Georgia.

I wasn’t vaccinated for Rabies when I traveled and lived in Georgia and even though there are a lot of stray dogs in the country, I never dealt with aggressive ones. In case you get bit, just go immediately to a doctor for a check-up.

2. Georgia Visa Requirements

2.1 do i need a visa to go to georgia.

If you want to visit Georgia, I have good news: Georgia is very generous with its tourist visa regulations!

Citizens from the European Union, North America, Australia, and the countries on this list can enter Georgia visa-free for 365 days !

This means that you can just show up at the airport of Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Batumi or at any land border and you’ll be allowed to enter Georgia.

If your country of residency is not on that list, you’ll have to apply for an e-visa , which will allow you to stay for 30 or 90 days , depending on your home country. You can check that out here .

2.2 How to get a Georgia e-visa?

What do i need to apply for a georgia e-visa.

• Document proving the purpose of travel (if it’s tourism, just provide your itinerary with proof of accommodation)
• Proof of accommodation
• Travel and health insurance
• A bank statement or document proving sufficient financial means to cover your travel expenses in Georgia
• Vaccination document/PCR test

Where to apply for a Georgia e-visa?

You don’t need to go to an embassy or consulate. You can apply online on this website .

All you need is a credit or debit card and scanned copies of your documents . Fill in the online application, upload the scans of your documents and pay. That’s it!

After 5 working days, you receive your e-visa. Print it out and bring it with you on the day you enter Georgia.

→ Important: You can apply for an e-visa only if you are NOT in the territory of Georgia.

How much does an e-visa for Georgia cost?

A standard tourist visa for Georgia costs 20USD + 2% service fee.

→ Important: You can’t enter Abkhazia or South Ossetia, two Russian-occupied regions of Georgia, on a Georgian visa. It’s currently not even possible to visit South Ossetia from Georgia. You can enter Abkhazia but only on foot and with a special visa. Read more about it in this travel guide to Abkhazia

2.3 How to renew or extend the Georgia e-visa

You can’t extend your visa for Georgia but you can easily renew it.

If you’re a citizen of a country that gets a free visa on arrival, you can simply renew this visa by crossing the border into one of Georgia’s neighboring countries, staying there for a few days and coming back. You’ll receive a new (free) visa upon your return.

If you entered Georgia with an e-visa, you can apply for a new one.

However, if you have an e-visa for 90 days, you’re allowed to stay in the country for 90 days within 180 days so you can only apply for a new visa every 6 months.

If you have an e-visa for 30 days (you can stay 30 days within 120 days), you can re-apply every 3 months.

2.4 What happens if I overstay my Georgia visa?

If you are not able to leave Georgia, you must apply to a territorial office of the Public Service Development Agency or to the branch of the Public Service Hall. It takes the 3 calendar days to make a decision after submitting the request.

If your term of legal stay in Georgia has expired, you will have to pay the administrative fine before or after leaving Georgia.

The fine for staying for 3 months after the expiry of the term of legal stay is 180 Georgian Lari (around US$60), for staying longer than 3 months the fine is 360 Georgian Lari (around US$120).

You will be denied entry and not be issued a new visa for Georgia until you’ve paid the administrative fine for overstaying. In addition to the fine, you might get banned from entering Georgia for 2 to 5 years.

3. When is the best time to visit Georgia?

You can visit Georgia the whole year round, depending on what you want to see and do during your trip.

If you want to do some hiking, then the period between May and September would be the best time. All the roads to the mountains are open and the temperature is pleasant for camping.

It’s also the only period in the year that you can visit Tusheti, Georgia’s most remote region and Khevsureti. The landscapes there are absolutely breathtaking and you’ll find some very unique and ancient settlements.

How to visit Tusheti, one of Georgia’s most remote regions

Svaneti , another breathtaking mountain region of Georgia, is accessible all around the year though and you can enjoy hiking in summertime, skiing in winter, and immerse yourself in culture and traditions, or learning about ancient legends during fall and spring.

21 Top Things to do in Svaneti, the Wild Heart of the Caucasus

If you love skiing and you don’t mind the cold and snowy weather, then you should visit Georgia between the months of December and March.

Georgia is just magical during the winter! It might be cold but everything turns into a beautiful winter wonderland.

Even Batumi , Georgia’s most extravagant city on the Black Sea coast, isn’t spared by the snow.

No matter at what time of the year you visit Georgia, you’re in for a beautiful treat!

3.1 Is Georgia good in summer?

The period between May and mid-September is the warmest time in Georgia. This is probably when most people prefer to travel.

Packing light clothes, camping outside, swimming in lakes and rivers, jumping in the sea, and chasing waterfalls,… The roads are also open to the country’s remote regions and villages.

Summer is the best time for wild camping and hiking . The hiking trails in Svaneti, Tusheti, Khevsureti, and the Tobovarchkhli Lakes trail – which is probably one of the hardest routes – can only be covered in the summertime.

Though in July and August, Tbilisi – the capital – gets too hot. Temperatures can be between 35°C and 42°C. Most locals move in August to the mountains and seaside.

Some vendors, shops, cafes, and even dance studios close in Tbilisi and pop up in Batumi for a month.

Top Things to do in Batumi – The Complete City Guide to Georgia’s Las Vegas

3.2 Is spring or autumn a good time to go backpacking in Georgia?

Spring or autumn is absolutely a good time to travel to Georgia!

One big reason for visiting Georgia in the fall is to explore the 8000 years of winemaking tradition .

The wine harvest in Georgia starts from the end of August (in Kartli and Kakheti) and lasts till early or mid-October (in Imereti, Racha, etc ) depending on the weather that year.

Springtime is when winemakers open the Qvevri , a clay pot where Georgians traditionally keep wine. Opening Qvevri is a sacred ritual during which they lit candles, say a prayer or a toast, and taste the first sips of the wine from the previous year’s harvest.

Oh Georgia, Sweet Motherland of Wine!

Spring and fall is the best time for generally exploring the country without getting hit by the suffocating heat or getting frozen.

It’s also a great time for photography-vast fields covered with flowers, trees blooming, or leaves turning into many colors in the forests.

3.3 Is Georgia nice in the winter?

Winter in Georgia is a paradise for winter sports lovers!

Georgia has several ski resorts. Gudauri is a 3 hours drive from Tbilisi and probably the most popular due to its closer location to the capital Tbilisi.

Svaneti has 2 ski resorts in Mestia and Tetnuldi . This is the best option for more advanced and adventurous skiers and snowboarders.

Bakuriani ski resort is good for professionals and is also child-friendly. Accommodation is generally cheaper compared to Gudauri. This is where most locals enjoy their winter vacations.

From Bakuriani, you can take a snowmobile adventure trip to Tabatkhuri lake and pay a visit to the largest Paravani lake, both frozen enough in winter for people and animals to freely walk on them.

Local families drill a hole in the ice to catch fish and are happy to take visitors on that adventure.

Goderzi ski resort is located in the Adjara region. It’s slightly trickier to access but the journey is unforgettable.

There is no public transport going directly to the Goderdzi ski resort. It can be reached by taxi from Batumi or Akhaltsikhe, the nearest big cities to the Goderdzi Pass, or you can get to Khulo center by public transport from Batumi.

From the Tourist Information Center in Khulo transport departs every day from the Information Center on the following schedule: from Khulo to Goderdzi at 11:00 and from Goderdzi to Khulo: at 16:00.

A complete guide to skiing in Georgia including the best ski resorts.

4. Where should you go in Georgia?

Georgia is a small country so you might think it can easily be covered in a week. But the reality is that Georgia is very diverse and has so much to offer.

While the places and itinerary must resonate with your personal preferences and available time, here are some suggestions:

If you’re interested in medieval fortresses, century-old monasteries, ancient cave cities, and Unesco World Heritage Sites, you should definitely visit the monasteries in Mtskheta , the Gergeti Trinity Church , the Gelati Monastery , and the cave cities of Vardzia , David Gareja Lavra , and Uplistsikhe .

15 amazing and most beautiful places to visit in Georgia

If you like unique and unusual places, don’t skip the Katskhi Pillar , the cable car city of Chiatura , and the Chronicle of Georgia in Tbilisi.

Tbilisi and Batumi are some of the many great cities to visit in Georgia and if you’re more an outdoorsy person, you’ll love the regions of Kazbegi , Svaneti , Borjomi , and Tusheti .

These are just a few of the beautiful places to visit while backpacking in Georgia !

5. Fun and unique things to do in Georgia

Georgia offers a wide variety of cultural and outdoor activities. Try to put at least one of the following in your itinerary to get the best experience in Georgia:

• Wine tasting/ harvesting/ qvevri making :

Georgia is the homeland of wine , so it comes as no surprise that any activities related to wine are a must-try.

Starting from making qvevri (a clay pot where Georgians traditionally keep wine) and putting them in the ground to simple wine tasting and making churchkhela with grape juice, these activities will give you an insight into the Georgian culture, which is so different from everything else you’ve experienced before!

If you’re traveling in Georgia in the fall, try to participate in the wine harvest. If you happen to be around in spring, you should join the qvevri opening ritual during which you get to taste the first taste of the previous harvest!

• Hiking in Georgia:

Georgia is a top hiking destination. If you like conquering high picks, the Caucasus mountains are here to challenge you.

If you enjoy less hardcore walks but still want to immerse yourself in nature, hundreds of lakes, waterfalls, easy day hikes, and camping spots are waiting for you.

A great resource for hiking in Georgia is Caucasus Trekking on which you’ll find an overview of all the hikes and treks in the country!

7 Beautiful Hikes in Georgia

• Join one of the traditional folk festivals in the mountains:

The highlands of Georgia are fascinating! Not only because of the beautiful nature, but they’re also rich in culture.

The “highlanders” of Georgia organize yearly traditional folk festivals. Such festivals often have thousands of years of history.

If you have the chance, don’t miss out on the early spring festival Lamproba in Svaneti and the Atengenoba festivals in Tusheti in the summer.

During these festivals, locals first pay a visit to their chappels and sacred places. Then they brew beer (which is considered a sacred drink in Tusheti), participate in horse races, have local dances, and sing traditional songs.

The festivals end with the blessing by the Ukhutsesi , the eldest and most respected member of the community.

Read more about the traditional festivals unique to Georgia .  

• Discover Georgian folklore:

There’s nothing like Georgian folklore and nobody knows it better than Levan , member of the renowned folk band Adilei .

Levan is a singing coach and runs folk tours. He can take you to rural Georgia and unfold the 5000 years old melodies with you. 

• Explore Soviet leftovers:

While locals confusingly cringe at that, westerners can’t hide their excitement exploring post-soviet architecture and other leftovers in Georgia.

There are people visiting Georgia just to discover whatever has been preserved from the soviet past. Starting from residency buildings to Soviet sanatoriums in Tkhaltubo and abandoned factories, there is so much to explore. 

Tip: To better understand the consequences of the soviet past in Georgia, visit the Ergneti home museum of war by Lia Chlachidze.

Lia Chlachidze decided to turn her bombed house- that was nothing but 4 walls after the 2008 Russian invasion of Georgia – into a museum.

She renovated the house and collected all the memorabilia from her neighbors to display in her impromptu museum to raise awareness about the issue and struggles of the locals.

While this place is often neglected by most tour guides, it is visited by many individual adventurers, ambassadors, and other officials from all over the world.

The museum is completely free for visitors. Listening to Lia’s stories is a whole new experience. If you have a chance, bring a Georgian or Russian-speaking person with you to better communicate with Lia. 

6. Georgia Travel Insurance

While some websites state that it’s mandatory to have travel insurance when traveling to Georgia, I’ve never been asked about it.

Traveling without insurance is a risk so I highly recommend getting one, especially when planning on hiking , skiing or horseback riding in the mountains.

An accident can happen fast and it’s better to be fully insured to avoid expensive medical costs.

I highly recommend the travel insurance provided by IATI . If you’re planning on doing adventurous activities and trekking in the mountains at high altitudes, I recommend the Backpacker Insurance by IATI .

The IATI Backpacker Insurance also covers Covid-19 and offers good long-term plans.

The 3 best budget-friendly travel insurances for travelers.

7. How to get to Georgia country

7.1 what airport do you fly into for georgia country.

There are 3 international airports in Georgia to which you can fly to.

1) Tbilisi International Airport

Tbilisi is the capital city of Georgia and this is the country’s main international airport. The airport is about 17km from the city center.

How to get from Tbilisi airport to the city center and back?

• By taxi: 

There will be plenty of taxi drivers at the airport who will be very happy driving you to the city center! The journey to the city center takes about 20-30 min and costs 30-60 Gel .

If you don’t want to bargain for the price, download taxi apps such as Bolt , Yandex or Maxim in advance and order a taxi on the app. This way you will be aware of the price prior to the trip.

There’s a minibus (#37) that runs 24/7 from the airport to the metro Station Square. It can take up to 45 minutes to reach the city center as it stops everywhere along the way. You can learn all about Tbilisi municipality transportation here .

You can take a train from the airport to the main train station in Tbilisi, however, it only runs at 8.45 am and 6.05 pm.

2) Batumi International Airport

Batumi airport is the second biggest international airport in Georgia and is located 2km south of the city of Batumi .

How to get from Batumi airport to the city center and back?

You’ll have to bargain for the price but a taxi to and from the airport should cost between 15 and 20 GEL .

This is why the best is to order a taxi through apps such as Bolt , Maxim or Yandex . Your trip will cost only 5-6 Gel if you are staying in the new part of the town.

Just keep in mind that Batumi is a resort town and during the high season in July and August prices double or triple and that includes taxi fares as well. From September on, things slowly go back to normal.

There’s one bus (#10) that runs regularly from the airport to Batumi center and back.

The bus stop is in front of the terminal and it takes about 20 minutes to get to the city center. It costs 0.30 GEL and you pay on the bus itself.

3) David the Builder Kutaisi International Airport

This airport is about 14km west of the city of Kutaisi.

How to get from Kutaisi airport to the city center and back?

  A taxi between the airport and the city center of Kutaisi costs around  20 GEL.

• By bus: 

There are buses going from Kutaisi airport to the city center of Kutaisi ( 5GEL) . You can purchase tickets for these buses at the Georgian bus counter right near the exit of the terminal.

Airport Transfers in Georgia

If you are arriving in either the Tbilisi, Kutaisi or Batumi international airports and you immediately would like to travel to other destinations, airport transfers are provided by the following companies where you can book your tickets online:

• Georgian Bus

7.2 How to travel to Georgia country By road

You can enter Georiga overland from Turkey, Russia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan (read our border crossing report here ) .

For more info about the different border crossings, go to  this page  on Caravanistan.

How to travel from Europe to Asia by road

7.3 How to travel to Georgia by ferry

It is possible to travel to Georgia by ferry as Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey , Russia and Ukraine are bordering the Black Sea from where you can take ferries to the ports of Batumi and Poti in Georgia.

It is very hard to get any reliable information online regarding scheduling, so the best is to visit the closest port in the country you’re in and ask there.

8. Is it safe to travel to Georgia country?

Georgia is one of the safest countries I’ve been to! You can walk around with an expensive camera late at night and nobody will try to rob you. The Georgians are very respectful and genuinely nice people!

The Patruli – Georgian Police – is really helpful. Their cars are patrolling streets 24/7.

If you have an emergency and see a police car passing you, just wave a hand and they’ll stop for you. Or you can dial 112 , it’s the Georgian 911.

There are just a couple of things you should be careful about:

As a woman alone it is safe to travel or hitchhike in Georgia but … men will stare at you. A lot!

Some guys will try to hit on you and – even though it’s their full right to try to seduce a girl – they don’t easily take no for an answer. Don’t be afraid to be rude if they don’t leave you alone. It’s the only way to keep the guys at a distance.

You can always make up a story about your “husband”, who works in the embassy or is a wrestling champion. As ridiculous and heartbreaking as it sounds, having a strong male patron works miracles in masculine cultures.

Be careful on the road . The Georgian drivers often have dangerous driving behavior ! ALWAYS buckle up whenever you get in a car and be VERY careful whenever you cross a street.

There aren’t many pedestrian crossings and even if there is one, the cars might not stop for you, not even when there’s a stop sign or when the traffic light is red … They like to ignore the traffic rules.

Even though the situation is improving every year, it is still better to be careful than sorry. How many drivers obey traffic rules can also vary from city to village.

9 months of hitchhiking in Georgia: the good, the bad and the untold stories

Never go hiking in the mountains without proper equipment, and preferably, don’t go alone .

The mountain regions are sparsely populated, there are wild animals and stray dogs and if something happens, there’s no one around to help you. Be adventurous but don’t be stupid!

9. Money and currency in Georgia

9.1 what currency do they use in georgia.

The official currency of Georgia is the Georgian Lari , abbreviated to GEL .

I always use the  Xe.com app  to convert and stay up-to-date with the current exchange rates. At this time of writing, the current exchange rates are:

• $1 USD = 3.08 GEL
• €1 Euro = 3.35 GEL
• £1 British Pound = 4.02 GEL

9.2 ATMs and payment methods in Georgia

ATMs are almost around every corner and you can withdraw GEL and USD everywhere. Many ATMs offer EURO too.

For other currencies, it’s better to withdraw GEL, USD or EURO and exchange at exchange boxes, banks and microfinance companies.

Most of the shops, except small vendors, have POS terminals so you can pay both in cash and by card.

You need to bring cash money when visiting remote villages and regions, such as Tusheti, Svaneti and so on.

9.3 What credit cards are accepted in Georgia country?

Visa and Mastercard are the common cards in Georgia, as well as Amex, though the latter might not be accepted in small shops due to its higher charges.

Other than the mentioned above, major US, UK and Australian cards are also accepted here.

Before you use an ATM, check the logos on it to make sure they match your card.

9.4 Where to exchange money in Georgia

Exchanging money is easy in Georgia. There are exchange offices in every town and city. You will pass many of them as you walk around.

If you want an easy way to find them, just go to the biggest marketplace/bazaar and you will surely see one. Some close at 6 pm, others remain open until late at night.

Exchanging money is also possible at banks but they usually offer worse rates than exchange offices. Most bank branches open at 9 or 10 am and close at 6 or 7 pm. Some branches work until 8 pm. Almost every big bank has at least one branch that is open 24/7, usually at airports.

There are also several microfinance companies where you can exchange money. Rico Credit has many 24/7 branches around Georgia and they offer good exchange rates.

9.5 How much money do you need in Georgia?

If you are coming from a western country, Georgia will feel cheap for you.

City transport, taxis, and street food are relatively cheap. For the price of a pint in London, you can have a 3-course meal in Georgia, if you dine in a modest restaurant. In supermarkets, while prices on most products will surprise you, some might cost you more than in your home country.

Overall, traveling in Georgia is still really affordable, even though prices up every year.

How much does it cost to travel and live in Georgia?

9.6 Tipping in Georgia

Tipping in Georgia is not mandatory. Be aware that most restaurants include a 10% or 15% service charge in the bill.

Most people get confused and think that the service charge are tips for the waiters in reality, the money goes to the restaurant owners and hardly ever fills the pockets of waiters who are notoriously overworked and underpaid.

While you have no obligation or cultural pressure to tip, if you are happy with the service and giving away an extra couple of dollars won’t damage your budget, leaving a tip might make a big difference for the waiter(s).

10. How to get around Georgia

10.1 getting around tbilisi.

Getting around Tbilisi by public transport is quite convenient, cheap and easy. Local public transport includes metro, bus, minibus, and 3 ropeways around Tbilisi.

The first step is to purchase a “Metromoney” card , a universal card used to pay for public transport and minibusses in Tbilisi. Owners of this card benefit from a discount system .

The “Metromoney” card costs 2 GEL and you can buy it at the metro stations and at the Rike-Narikala ropeway. The card isn’t personal so if you’re in Tbilisi for only a short time, keep the receipt and you will be able to return the card within a month.

You can top up the card at any metro station, at both stations of the Rike-Narikala ropeway, via the express payment machines of “Bank of Georgia” and at service-centers.

Since 2022, the Tbilisi Transport Company offers following subscription fares for public transport (metro, bus, minibus, Bagebi-University ropeway):

• 1 GEL: 90 minutes unlimited free travel – payment is possible with ” Metromoney” card, as well as with different bank cards.
• 3 GEL: 1-day unlimited travel – package purchase is possible only with a subscription card.
• 20 GEL: 1-week unlimited travel – package purchase is possible only with a subscription card.
• 40 GEL: 1-month unlimited travel – package purchase is possible only with a subscription card.
• 100 GEL: 3-months unlimited travel – package purchase is possible only with a subscription card.
• 150 GEL: 6-months unlimited travel – package purchase is possible only with a subscription card.
• 250 GEL: 1-year unlimited travel – package purchase is possible only with a subscription card.
• Rike-Narikala ropeway fare:one-way fare is 2.5 GEL.
• Turtle Lake (Kus tba) ropeway: one-way fare is 1 GEL

It was hard to figure out the specific routes and schedules of the buses, but after a couple of months I found out that you can use Google Maps .

Just type your current location and the address or area you want to go to and dear Google will give you the time and number of the bus, metro or minibus you have to take!

You can also use the Journey Planner on the Tbilisi Transport Company website or download their app on your phone.

10.2 Getting around Georgia by mashrutka (minibus), minivan or taxi

If you want to travel like a local, you should travel around Georgia by mashrutka or minivan.

Taking a mashrutka is the cheapest way to get around in Georgia. It’s the main public transport for the locals to travel in and around cities and across the country.

Some marshrutkas have a fixed schedule, some depart when they are full.  You’ll find them at bus stations of any city and town.

For short distances, you pay the driver once you get off. If you’re going on a long journey by mashrutka, you pay upfront at the ticket office (in case you’re at a bus station) or the driver himself.

Lately, shared taxis and minivans became popular alternatives to marshrutkas. They may cost a couple of GEL more, they have no fixed schedule, they depart as they are full but have way fewer seats than marshrutkas so they don’t take long to bring you to your destination. They are a bit more comfortable as well!

You’ll also find them at bus stations of any city and town.

When taking a taxi within a city, be aware that some drivers like to take advantage of unwary foreigners. Before you get in the taxi, make also sure you agree on the price! Some taxis have a meter but there are a few cheeky drivers who will turn it off if they see you’re a foreigner.

That’s why it’s a good idea to order a taxi on apps such as Bolt , Yandex or Maxim . This way you will be aware of the price prior to the trip.

10.3 Travel around Georgia by train

There aren’t that many train lines in Georgia and some of the trains are very slow but it’s quite an experience! Check the website of Georgian Railways for routes and timetables.

The fastest and most straightforward train ride is the one between Tbilisi and Batumi. You pay 24 GEL for a seat in economy class and you can comfortably sit back, relax and look out the window to watch the marvelous views passing by.

You can buy tickets at the train station or online, on the website of Georgian Railways where you’ll first have to register. If you’re having a hard time navigating the website, ask for help in the hostel/ hotel you’re staying.

10.4 Taking domestic flights in Georgia

Georgia isn’t a big country to travel in but if you want to save some time, you can always opt to take a domestic flight.

Vanilla Sky offers regular domestic flights to Batumi, Mestia and Ambrolauri from and to Natakhtari airport, which is located 32km from Tbilisi. The company offers free transfers from Tbilisi to Natakhtari. 

You can buy the tickets online exclusively in the office or on their website .

Vanilla Sky also offers Air Taxi service, which means that you can rent an aircraft for any period and any purpose (passenger transportation, air trips, air shooting).

10.5 Driving in Georgia

You can travel around by driving your own car or by rental car . They drive on the right side of the road in Georgia. Here’s a useful checklist with all the requirements and driving rules.

The state of the roads is generally ok although I would recommend you to rent a 4WD if you’re planning on driving in the mountains.

Be careful! They say that if you want to stay safe on Georgian roads, forget the rules that apply in your country and understand (if you can) how they function in Georgia. Expect the unexpected!

I really love the Georgian people but they can be crazy drivers! Up until now, it’s the only country where I haven’t felt safe on the roads! They love overtaking on blind bends and speeding like crazy while simultaneously checking their phone.

Petrol stations and convenience stores are situated within a reasonable distance from each other on the main roads. You can find them in small towns and on village roads too. Though if you are going to remote areas, it might be a good idea to store fuel.

Be aware that there are different types of fuel available in Georgia so go to official-looking gas stations and make sure you get the right petrol for your car!

In case you’re renting a car , ask the rental company to write down in Georgian which fuel you need so you can show this at the gas station.

If you’re an experienced and confident driver, then going on a road trip through Georgia will definitely be worth it! You’ll be able to get to very remote places and camp under the stars!

10.6 Hitchhiking in Georgia

I mainly traveled around Georgia by hitchhiking and it was an adventure on its own! Although I nearly peed my pants a few times, due to the recklessness of the drivers, I had a great time hitchhiking!

In 2017, my average waiting time before getting a ride was 5 to10 minutes, which is pretty good! Even during the pandemic and now in 2022 traveling in Georgia by hitchhiking is still easy.

If you want to hitchhike, I’d recommend learning some basic Georgian. Even though it can seem difficult at first, it’s always possible to remember very simple words such as Hello (gamarjoba), Bye (kargad), Thank you (madloba) and Sorry (bodishi).

Locals truly appreciate your effort and failing attempts to nail difficult Georgian sounds can be a great ice-breaker and ends with good laughter and bonding.

If you want to build deeper connections and have more insightful conversations, English is mainly useful with the younger generation (-35) and Russian with the older one.

Though, before starting speaking in Russian with Georgians straight away, please ask them if it’s their preferred language.

11 tips to learn Russian quickly and effectively

It’s not unusual in Georgia to end up with a gallon of homemade wine while you’re hitchhiking (a gift from one of our drivers)

11. Where to stay in Georgia – Accommodation in Georgia

Whether you want to camp (in the wild) or stay in a hostel, guesthouse, or luxurious hotel, Georgia has it all!

11.1 Hostels, hotels and guesthouses in Georgia

There are plenty of hostels, hotels, and guesthouses in nearly every city, town and village in Georgia.

Hostels are the cheapest option, starting from $5 per night for a bed in a dorm. You can also find a nice private room, starting from 15 USD per night.

There are also some really nice hotels and boutique guesthouses in Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, and major towns, from mid-range to luxury. The average price for a room in a mid-range hotel is usually around $40 per night.

I always use booking.com to find the best hostel and hotel deals.

11.2 Glamping in Georgia

In the last few years, several glamping places have emerged in Georgia.

One of the most distinguished is Glamping Tago in Khulo municipality.

“I really believe that people are more lonely now than ever before. I think this is in large part due to social media, people being addicted to their smartphones that they kinda think they are connected with others but in reality, they are not.

Glamping Tago is a social place, first of all, where people can immerse in nature and connect with it, with themselves and each other.” , says Jonas, the young Belgian who turned a rural Adjarian village Tago into travelers’ beloved sanctuary in just one season.

Glamping Tago is a vegan/vegetarian/pet/kid-friendly place. They buy all products from local farmers and employ locals to run the place.

Other honorable mentions for glamping are Wine Space , Glamping Georgia , and Jewelberry Glamping .

11.3 Camping in Georgia

There are a few designated camping areas in Georgia but nobody will tell you off if you pitch your tent somewhere in a meadow or a forest. Just be aware of wild dogs and animals.

Don’t keep your food in the tent, but hang it in a sealed bag in a tree, at a small distance from your campsite.

If you’re planning on camping in the mountains, keep in mind that it can get cold at night.

12. Georgia food and drinks

The food in Georgia is finger-licking delicious! It doesn’t matter whether you’re a meat-eater, a vegetarian, or a vegan, you’ll enjoy the Georgian cuisine!

12.1 What is the most popular food in Georgia country?

The most popular dish in Georgia is khachapuri . It’s a gooey cheese-filled bread that looks a little like pizza. Rich in carbohydrates and dairy, it could cause a lot of trouble to lactose-intolerants but they might find the cramps worth it!

Almost every region in Georgia has its own version of khachapuri .

12.2 Georgian dishes you have to try

Georgia is a small country and nobody expects to discover such a variety of dishes and flavors in such a small territory, but Georgian cuisine amazes visitors.

A whole blog post can be dedicated to the food of each region of Georgia, but here I will give a short review and include as much as I can.

• Pastries: Georgian bread- Tonis or Shotis Puri – is a treat itself. Aside from khachapuri, there’s also osuri khachapuri (bread with potato and cheese mix), mchadi (cornbread), chishtari (cornbread and cheese), lobiani (bread with beans), chakhrakina (bread with spinach or beetroot leaves ), etc…
• Soups: kharcho, chakhokhbili, chashushuli, khashi, matsoni soup, chikirtma etc…
• Meat dishes : mtsvadi (Georgian barbeque), kuchmachi, kashlama, tabaka (whole chicken), kupati (spicy sausage), apkhazura,…

10 dishes from the G eorgian cuisine that you absolutely have to try

12.3 IS vegan and vegetarian food available in Georgia country?

it’s a common misconception that Georgia is not a vegan/vegetarian-friendly country. To debunk the meat, I will tell you that ¼ of the year Georgians are fasting, which means that they go vegan.

Generally, Georgians tend to love meat and consider vegan food as side dishes, this is why amazing vegan dishes are a little underrated but let me name some of them here: Lobio (beans) and Green Lobio, Badrijani Nigvzit (eggplants with walnuts), different kinds of Pkhali, Ajapsandali, Gebzhalia, Gomi with sulguni, Elarji.

You definitely won’t starve as a vegan/ vegetarian in Georgia, on the contrary!

12.4 What is the most popular drink in Georgia?

Alcohol flows freely in Georgia. From Georgian craft beer to homemade wine to the notorious chacha (a Georgian pomace brandy, ranging between 40% to 65% alcohol…). You’ve got to try it all but please, consume in moderation!

The most beloved is wine. No wonder because Georgia is after all the homeland of wine !

Georgians love a good toast and they drink wine with abundance but as a foreigner, it’s often hard to keep up with all these toasts and drinks. I’m talking out of experience…

Read more about the drinking traditions in Oh Georgia, sweet mother of wine . You’ll also find tips on how to prevent a hangover…

13. What should you pack for a trip to Georgia?

13.1 what should i wear in georgia.

Georgia has all the climate zones, from subtropical to semi-desert and alpine.

The climate along the coast of the Black Sea is rainy and mild, with average temperatures of 20°C in summer (June – September) and 5°C in winter (December – March).

The climate in the central and eastern areas of Georgia is arider, with average temperatures of +25°C in summer and 0°C in winter.

The mountains have an alpine climate, with heavy snowfall in winter. The average temperature in the mountains in summer is +20°C and -20°C in winter.

Pack appropriate clothes for the period in which you’re traveling. If you’re planning on doing some hiking and camping in the mountains, bring warm clothing, even during summer as it can become cold at night.

As a woman, it’s okay to wear miniskirts, short shorts, and tops (if you don’t mind being stared at by some men). Only if you want to visit a church, you’ll have to cover your legs and arms and you’ll also have to cover your head with a scarf.

13.2 Travel essentials for Georgia

Here’s an overview of all the essentials you should pack for your Georgia travel trip:

• Water Filter Bottle : There are several water supply companies in Georgia whose main job is to filter and control the water quality. However, the water in Tbilisi sometimes tasted like chlorine and in some buildings, the water pipes are pretty old and rusty. If you don’t want to take risks, you can always filter the water using a Lifestraw Water Filter Bottle . I highly recommend this reusable bottle with a microfiltration device. It allows you to safely drink the tap water and fresh mountain water from rivers and streams without becoming sick. When you drink water using a bottle like this, any dirt, bacteria, or parasites will be trapped in the fibers of the filter, while the clean water passes through.
• Power bank :  you might not always have electricity available to charge your electronic devices, especially not when you’re planning on spending time in the mountains. I use and recommend  Anker Power Bank   as it has a 20,000mAh cell capacity providing at least 5 full charges for my phone. I can even charge my camera batteries with it!
• International travel adaptor : the power sockets in Georgia are of type C and F (the same as in the rest of Europe). The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. In case you need an adaptor, I use and recommend this  all-in-one Universal Travel Adaptor  as you can use it worldwide.
• Biodegradable toilet paper :  you sometimes have to be comfortable using a squat toilet in Georgia. Sometimes there’s toilet paper but you should definitely bring biodegradable toilet paper with you. I mention biodegradable as the toilet paper disappears into the ground so we can keep it environment-friendly! It’s also really bad to flush the paper into the toilet as the drains block easily so use the small bin provided.

14. Can I fly a drone in Georgia country?

Yes, flying drones is allowed in Georgia as long as your drone doesn’t weigh more than 25 kg, doesn’t fly faster than 54km/h and you have liability insurance.

You can fly your drone everywhere in Georgia, except near airports, border areas, military, and governmental buildings, high tension power lines and crowded areas.

My photography essentials and cameras for travel photographers

15. How is the internet in Georgia country?

15.1 what is the best sim card in georgia and how to get one.

It’s very easy and cheap to get mobile internet in Georgia. I suggest the mobile operator called Magticom .

You can buy a sim card for about 5 GEL at any Magticom shop (you’ll see them everywhere in the big cities). Bring your passport as you’ll have to get registered.

Once you’ve got your sim card, install the Magticom app on your phone. Once it’s installed, you can set up the app in English. Enter your phone number, add a password and you’re ready to buy credit at any moment of the day.

I used to buy 4000 MB for only 10 GEL per month. You can also get unlimited internet for 150 GEL per month.

In case you’re a digital nomad and you need to work online, you can count on the internet in the big cities. It might be a bit slower in some hostels but in general, it’s reliable and fast.

I rented a flat and had my own private connection (that came with the apartment). Just keep in mind that once or twice a month there might be a power cut, even in Tbilisi or in Batumi, but they usually never last longer than 4 hours.

16.2 Recommended apps and websites for Georgia Travel

• Maps.M e :  This is one of the most practical apps you could use to navigate in Georgia. You download the map of the country so you can use it offline. It gives you very accurate directions and shows you where you can find the nearest restaurants, bus stations, ATM, hotels, places with wi-fi, points of interest, etc. This is also a great app to use while hiking as it shows most of the trails.
• Booking.com :  You’ll need internet to use this app but it’s a great tool to find (last-minute) accommodation in the country.
• Google Translate :  Translates written and spoken Georgian or Russian. Only Russian is available to download for offline usage.
• Xe currency:  very handy to check exchange rates, also works offline.
• Metrogeorgia.ge: for buses between Georgian cities and Turkey
• Georgian Bus and Omnibus : for airport transfers between cities of Georgia
• TTC : official public transport application for Tbilisi bus and metro
• Railway.ge : for domestic and international train tickets and 1331 if you want to call them.
• Vanillasky.ge – for domestic flights
• Taxi Tbilisi
• scootscoot.ge
• tkt.ge : Tickets for events, train and bus trips, football matches and more
• Safe You : a safety app for emergency situations. A great SOS call app that works for iOS and Android. The application has an SOS button that a woman can use if she is in danger and needs protection. For installing the application, follow these instructions.
• 112: the unified emergency number in Georgia. The 112 service is free of charge from all fixed-line and mobile networks even if the number is disconnected from both sides or there is no SIM card in the mobile phone.
• USA2Georgia and Postalon.ge : for international shipping services.

16. Culture and etiquette in Georgia

Despite repeated periods of foreign occupation, the country’s rich and ancient historical roots date back thousands of years.

Georgia’s monumental architecture, unique traditional music, colorful dances and art combine to give the country, and its hospitable and gracious citizens, a strong sense of national identity.

Georgians call themselves Kartveli and their land is called Sakartvelo. These names were taken from Kartlos, who was a descendant of Noah.

The foreign name of Georgia has been used all over Western Europe, and it is believed to come from the country’s patron saint, St. George or the Greek word “ Georgios” which translates as farmers/people who work on land. The latter makes the best sense as Georgians have been renowned as people who worked on land and Georgia has always been famous as an agricultural country.

Georgians are one of the most hospitable people I encountered. They truly believe that guests are a gift from God so you can expect many invitations for a meal when you visit small towns and villages.

This meal will probably turn out to be a supra, a large dinner party involving many toasts with wine. Beer was traditionally used to toast to the enemy so it’s an outdated tradition to never toast with beer, which some people still follow.

If you get invited, bring flowers, sweets or chocolate for the hosts. Make sure that you give an odd number of flowers since even numbers are given at funerals.

The common greeting is a handshake while saying ‘Gamarjoba’ (which means ‘hello’). Once a person knows you better, you might get greeted with a kiss on the cheek.

17. What is the religion in Georgia country

Orthodox Christianity is the main religion in Georgia and there are many centuries-old churches and monasteries that you can visit all over the country.

The Georgians are religious but most of them are not church-goers. People merged religion into traditions and practice it vaguely.

You might see Georgians making a cross while passing churches and for many that’s the biggest act of practicing their religion. Yet, you’ll see a lot of icons of the different saints in households, cars, and mini-buses.

One of the most important saints in the country is Saint Nino, known as the Enlightener of Georgia. Many girls are named after her (Nino, Nini, Nina). She’s the woman who preached Christianity in Georgia and the reason why this religion was adopted as the state religion in the year 330.

Saint Nino’s cousin, Saint George, is considered the patron of Georgia. They say there are 360 churches in Saint George’s name, so people could pray to him in a different church every day of the year.

There is a big Muslim community in Georgia as well as Jewish, Catholic and other religions.

Georgia has always been at the crossroads of cultures and religions. The fact that there are an Orthodox Christian church, Armenian church, Mosque and Synagogue on the main square in Tbilisi speak for itself.

18. Is English spoken in Georgia country

The younger generation in Georgia speaks English while for the generations that got education during soviet times, Russian is their second language.

Both languages can be really useful when traveling in Georgia, but I would not recommend learning Russian solely for traveling in Georgia. Most young people in Georgia don’t or even prefer not to speak Russian.

Georgian is the official language of the country. It’s a Kartvelian language that is over 2000 years old (!). It’s one of the oldest spoken languages in the world and probably the hardest one to learn with its complicated grammar rules and peculiar throat sounds. The language has very little in common with any other spoken languages. Georgian also has its own alphabet.

Georgians are fully aware that their language is difficult and spoken only in their small country. They don’t expect tourists or even foreigners living here to be nearly fluent, but you can definitely brighten up their faces with smiles with simple “Gamarjoba” (which means “hello”).

The Georgian people had to fight hard for centuries to preserve their language. Even nowadays, many people mistake Georgia for the state in the USA or even with Russia, due to Georgia’s Soviet past.

It’s extremely important for Georgian people to let the world know who they are and even the slightest interest you express in their language and culture is greatly welcomed and appreciated.

19. Recommended books about Georgia

Bradt’s Unique Travel Guide to Georgia is the ideal companion for all travellers, from serious hikers to wine buffs, high-end culture lovers to backpackers of all ages.

In Culture Smart! Georgia , you’ll be guided through the past and present-day realities of Georgia, explaining what makes people tick, how they live and feel, and how to get on with them. You will discover that the Georgians will not let you down. Learn with this book how to reach their hearts, and they will charm you back.

If you’re planning to visit all the countries in the Caucasus, then Lonely Planet’s Travel Guide to Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia will be a very useful book!

Georgia is a truly marvelous country waiting to be explored. I hope this post will guide you through your journey and that you’ll enjoy your time there as much as I did!

If you still have questions about your upcoming journey, let me know in the comments below or send me an email .

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• Guide to Tbilisi , Georgia’s capital city
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• Plan your trip with these 3 awesome Georgia travel itineraries
• Discover the Chronicle of Georgia , Tbilisi’s hidden gem
• Guide to Batumi, Georgia’s most quirky beach city
• Hiking in Georgia: 7 beautiful off-the-beaten path hikes
• Visiting ghosts of the past in Chiatura, the cable car city of Georgia
• Visit Katskhi Pillar , the most incredible cliff church in the world
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• Visit Svaneti , the wild heart of Georgia
• Visit Tusheti , Georgia’s most remote region
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• Everything you need to know about skiing in Georgia
• 10 Georgian dishes you absolutely have to try
• Georgia, motherland of wine
• From Past to Present, a guide to Georgian Tea

15 thoughts on “The Complete Georgia Travel Guide: 19 Useful Things you should know for backpacking in Georgia in 2024”

What a informative webpage! Will definitely follow all blogs and social media. Thank you it helped to start planning a hiking solo trip to Georgia!

Hi Es, happy to hear this! Have fun with your preparations!

Never been so interested in reading out the entire vlog going line by line. All the information provided seems so detailed and hope it can make my georgia trip so easier. Keep up the good work!

Thank you Jazeel!! Wishing you a great time in Georgia!

Hey! I read this article to plan my trip to Georgia. And I must say I haven’t seen such an elaborate and well written travel guide ever! Pls keep on doing the great work. Helps all the travelers!

Thank you so much Manish!!

Thank you so much for all the information you shared! I am excited to explore Georgia and this is a great guide to get me started!

Hi Gina, that is so great to hear! Thank you! We wish you a beautiful trip to Georgia and let us know if you’d have more questions about traveling to this stunning country!

Thanks for sharing your insights! I’m heading to Svaneti in Sept by myself and plan to do the 5 day hike to the glacier. Do you think it’s safe for a solo female traveller? I can’t get a sense as to whether there are many people on the same hiking trails. Thanks!

Hi Camila, Svaneti is currently a popular place for hiking so you’ll meet other people on the trail. It’s also a safe place for a solo female traveller. If you’d like to have some company, you could always post a message in the Facebook group ” Georgian Wanderers”. But if you like to do it on your own, you should be fine as well. Wishing you great adventures in Georgia! Happy travels!

Thank you so much for such an informative blog. I´m trying to convince my family to go to Georgia this year and I thing your blog will be of great help for that. Just one question: do you think this is a safe/enjoyable country for kids? I have a 5 year old boy (very used to road trips) and I´ve been wandering if this would be also appropriate for him. Best regards and congratulations!

Hi Nuno, I’m so happy to hear that you enjoy reading our blog! I hope you can convince your family to go to Georgia as it’s such a beautiful country (we miss it there and are thinking about returning as soon as we can). Georgia is very safe for kids and for travelers in general. It’s honestly one of the safest countries I’ve visited during my +7 years of traveling! The Georgians also love children so you don’t have to worry about anything! Hope this will convince your family and if you have any more questions, I’ll be happy to answer them! Warmest wishes, Cynthia

Thank you for providing such an in depth guide to traveling in Georgia! This was very helpful. Georgia has been on our bucket list for quite a long time but we haven’t yet made it to that country. Now we want to travel there even more!

Hi Desiree, you’re very welcome! We spent 11 months in Georgia and really loved our time there. It’s a beautiful destination and I hope you can make it one day to visit it! Don’t hesitate to contact us if you would have more questions!

Oh, that is so great to hear!! Glad that our website provides you with good information!! You’ll enjoy your trip, both countries are very beautiful and special! Do you already have an idea which places you want to visit?

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Hiking & Trekking Tours in Georgia

• Choose from 13 Georgia tours
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13 hikes in Georgia

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Georgia and the Caucasus

Hiking in the georgian caucasus, hiking georgia's caucasus mountains, private 5 days dream tour from svaneti to mestia and ushguli, 11-day end-to-end georgia adventure private tour, transcaucasian trail hike georgia, discover georgia, to the mountain fortresses of the caucasus, great south caucasus round trip summer special, 8-day trekking group tour in svaneti.

“This was an amazing trip, and we did so much! I definitely want to return to Georgia because of this experience.” Kari Nicholas, traveled in June 2023

• Hiking & Trekking
• Wine tasting
• Explore the Caucasus Mountains and trek to a remote church
• Visit Mtskheta, a Unesco World Heritage site
• Hike the lush hilly forests of Lagodekhi National Park

“Stunning mountains and scenery; very lovely group.” Sue, traveled in June 2023

• Mountain Hikes
• Visit traditional homes and towers in Mestia
• Trek through Svaneti's medieval villages
• Explore Batumi's vibrant waterfront promenade

• Explore the fascinating historic troglodyte settlement of Uplistsikhe
• Admire glaciers, snow-capped peaks and dramatic waterfalls
• Hike through the Martvili Canyon

• Stroll through Batumi city center before departure
• Explore the historic town of Mestia and its museums
• Hike through Becho's forests to a stunning waterfall

• Discover Mtskheta and Stalin's museum
• Explore the streets of Old Tbilisi
• Hike to Shkara Glacier and Ushba Waterfall

• Explore ancient Mtskheta and its UNESCO sites
• Hike through the stunning Svaneti region
• Taste Georgian wines and enjoy a local lunch

• In-depth Cultural
• Visit UNESCO sites in ancient Mtskheta
• Sample traditional Georgian wines
• Ride a cable car to Narikala Fortress

• Intl. Flights Included
• Hike to the Trinity Church for stunning views
• Trek through vibrant rhododendron fields
• Explore Tbilisi's old town and historical sites

• Journey through the highlands to Omalo
• Taste organic wines in Kondoli village
• Stroll through Batumi's botanical garden

“The logistics and communication were great, transportation was safe and comfortable.” Robert Bott, traveled in July 2019

• Explore Dadiani Palace in Zugdidi
• Trek through ancient Adishi village
• Cross Adishi River on horseback

More about Georgia

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Georgia Hiking Tours

Hiking adventures in the caucasus mountains.

Explore Georgia’s traditional villages set amid stunning scenery of the Tusheti and Kazbegi mountains, delight in the country’s traditional wine-making culture (the world’s oldest vineyards are found here), and savor traditional cuisine with influences from Eastern Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

All Trips to Georgia

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Hiker’s Journey to the Caucasus

From $5,395

Cruise Collection

Caspian Odyssey

Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Georgia, Uzbekistan

From $28,095

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Our Europe Specialists know every detail about our Georgia Hiking Tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

• Tbilisi Walking Tour
• Kazbegi Tour from Tbilisi
• Wine Tasting Tour in Kakheti
• Mtskheta, Gori & Uplistsikhe Tour
• David Gareja & Signagi Tour
• BEST OF GEORGIA – 8 DAY TOUR IN GEORGIA
• AROUND GEORGIA – 14 DAYS TOUR IN GEORGIA
• Caucasus Tour : Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia

Off-Season Hiking in Georgia | TrekGeorgia

2 day hike in borjomi-kharagauli national park, 2 day hike in kazbegi, hike from juta to roshka, 3 day hike to black rock lakes, 3 day hiking private tour in kazbegi, 3 day tour to vashlovani national park, 5 day hiking in svaneti.

• Trek to Kelitsadi Lake
• 6 Day Trekking in Racha
• Mestia Ushguli Trekking Tour
• Omalo Shatili Trekking Tour
• 7 DAY TREKKING TO TOBAVARCHKHILI LAKES
• Trekking in Tusheti

3 Day Hiking Group Tour in Kazbegi

• 8 Day Trekking Group Tour in Svaneti
• Trekking from Tusheti to Khevsureti
• Ski & Snowboard Lessons in Gudauri
• One Day Ski Tour in Gudauri
• Transfers to Gudauri from Tbilisi
• Winter Hike in Borjomi : Snowshoeing
• Snowshoe Hike in Kazbegi : Snowshoeing
• 3 Day Winter Tour in Georgia
• Ski Touring in Gudauri & Kazbegi
• Ski Touring in Svaneti
• Horse Riding in Borjomi
• Horse Riding in Kazbegi
• 7 Day Horse Riding Tour in Tusheti
• Destinations
• Meet TrekGeorgia’s Guides

Hiking Tours

This hike gives you possibility to enjoy camping and hiking in the Caucasus Mountains.

Travel to the far-east of Georgia and discover the Georgian "Savanna" in a semi-desert landscape.

Hike to Black Rock Lakes in Lagodekhi National Park, and enjoy with the untouched forest and the pristine landscape.

Hike in Borjomi-Kharagauli National park, and enjoy the pristine nature with an overnight at the mountain hut in the forest.

Travel to Kazbegi, and hike to Gergeti Glacier, Juta valley, and walk in Truso valley.

Travel to Caucasus Mountains, and explore Kazbegi region by hiking. You will visit to Gergeti Trinity Church, Juta Valley, and Gveleti Waterfalls.

Travel to Kazbegi, and hike to Gergeti Glacier, Juta valley, and walk in Truso valley with a small guided group tour.

Hiking in Georgia is also possible on off-season (Winter, Autumn, and early Spring). Travel to Georgia and explore

Travel to Svaneti and discove ancient towers, the best mountanous landscape, and rich Georgian culture.