Tour type: Botanical Tour | Regions: Tbilisi, Mtskheta-Mtianeti
The Kazbegi National Park in the Greater Caucasus
Dates: June - July 2023 | Duration: 7 days | Group size: 6 - 12
Intro
Georgia is located on the southern slopes of the Caucasus Mountains. The country is almost as big as the Bavaria, but there grows over 4100 different wild plants and over 900 of them are endemic for Georgia and for Caucasus Eco Region.
The tour takes you to one of the most impressive and species-rich areas of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. Mountains up to 5000 m and a high diversity of biotopes and ecosystems make the Kazbegi National Park unique. You will stroll along the gorges, valleys, waterfalls, glacial and identify the native plants.
Highlights
- Hiking in beautiful mountain landscapes
- Exploring endemic and rare plants of Caucasus Mountains
- Meeting park officials
- Accomodation in a Georgian host family
- Tasting Georgia's wines and traditional dishes
Tour Guide
N,N. local botanist
Language
English
Equipment
Hiking shoes, outdoor clothing, rain suite, sun protection, insect protection, lunch box for multiple use
Tour Map
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival
Arrival at International Airport Tbilisi
Transfer to your hotel regardless of your arrival time
Check-in.
Overnight stay in Tbilisi
Day 2 Tbilisi – Ananuri Fortress - Stephantsminda
In the morning guided city walk (2.5 hours). On the way you learn more about the history and the architecture of Tbilisi.
After lunch in the old city drive on the famous Military Highway towards the Greater Caucasus Mountains.
Visit to the Ananuri Fortress, a castle complex overlooking the Aragvi valley. It was built in the 13th century. The church is to note for its unique carved facades and frescos from the Golden Age of Georgia.
Continue to Kazbegi with several stops to explore some endemic plants growing in the lawn and swamp ecosystems of the subalpine flora.
Meal plan: breakfast and dinner
Overnight stay in the Kazbegi National Park
Day 3 Kazbegi National Park – Chaukhi Mountains
After breakfast, departure to the Kazbegi National Park Visitor Center.
Short presentation about the biodiversity, the geology and the climate conditions of the Kazbegi region. Discussion with park officials.
Visit to the exhibition about the geological, biological and cultural diversity of the region.
Continue towards the Chaukhi Mountains with stops in the Kazbegi National Park area.
- Walking in the surroundings of Sno marshlands, tallgrass and meadow habitats.
- Walking in the surroundings of Karkucha: subalpine rock and scree vegetation.
- Walking the surroundings of Juta: humid areas, roadsides, channels and small spring habitats.
Meal plan: breakfast and dinner
Overnight stay in the Kazbegi National Park
Day 4 Kazbegi Mountains
In the morning driving along the famous Military Highway to the ancient village of Gergeti. Walk from the village through scree ecosystems up to Sameba Trinti Church (2170m), one of the Caucasuss iconic churches.
After the visit to the church we hike towards the glacier of mount Kazbegi. From here you can take a closer look at the alpine and subnivale vegetation of the Caucasus Mountains. You see habitats of birch forest, tree line, R. caucasicum shrublands, tussock grasslands (Festucetum), several types of rock and scree communities, moraines and borders of snowfields.
Hiking trail info
Distance: 14 km
Duration: 6-7 hours
Altitude: 2170 – 3300m
Level of difficulty: medium
Meal plan: breakfast and dinner
Overnight stay in the Kazbegi National Park
Day 5 Truso Gorge
Departure to the Truso Gorge, a pearl of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. The gorge is characerized by diverse geological and geomorphological features endemic, rare and ornamental plant species and medieval villages such as Okrokana, Ketrisi and Zakagori.
Full day hiking through the gorge and exploring of plants growing along the deep narrow passage with steep rocky sides, streams, tuffs, travertines and mineral lakes.
Hiking trail info
Distance: 18 km
Duration: 6 -7 hours
Altitude: : 2015 – 2250 m
Level of difficulty: easy
Meal plan: breakfast and dinner
Overnight stay in the Kazbegi National Park
Day 6 Stephantsminda - Gveleti Waterfall – Russia-Georgia Friendship Monument - Kobi Pass – Tbilisi
In the morning, drive through the Dariali Gorge to the Russian border.
Walking near of the village of Gveleti, exploring the habitats of endemic species of tallgrass-herb communities, scree slopes, schist and solid carbonate rocks and enjoying the beautiful waterfall.
The next stop is the Russia-Georgia Friendship Monument, telling the Russo-Georgian relationship in Soviet times. From this site you have breath-taking panoramic views to the Caucasus Mountains.
Continue to Kobi, where we take the cable car up to 3100 meters. Here you can explore unique plant species in the lawns and rocky ecosystems of the alpine-subnivale belt.
Return to Tbilisi. After check in your hotel you can walk up to the ancient fortress Narikala and spend the evening at the top of the hill with a delicious Georgian wine. Overlooking Georgia's capital city.
Meal plan: breakfast and picnic
Overnight stay in Tbilisi
Day 7 Departure
After breakkfast, strolling in town.
Depending on the time of departure transfer to Tbilisi International Airport.
Meal plan: breakfast
Gallery
Dates, Availability & Prices
Dates* | Availability | Prices from** | Your selection |
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*Departure dates are guaranteed only if there are more than six persons signed up. To join the group, please inform our offices of the departure date you are interested in.
**Based on double occupancy
What's Included
- Airport transfers
- Transport in comfortable minibus
- Cable car to the top station of Kobi Pass
- Accommodation (6 nights) in a *** hotel or a family-run guesthouse
- Meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan)
- Accompaniment by an English-speaking expert
What's not Included
- International airfareს
- Travel insurance
- Dinner (ca. 15,00 USD)
More Option
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