Hiking in Georgia: the Best Trails from Easy to Hard
- Best hiking season in the high mountains: July to September.
- Easy: Truso Valley (approx. 4–6 hrs return) and short loops in Borjomi.
- Moderate: Juta towards Chaukhi Pass (approx. 6–8 hrs), Koruldi Lakes near Mestia (approx. 7 hrs).
- Hard: Gergeti Glacier (approx. 8–10 hrs, about 22 km).
- Multi-day: Mestia → Ushguli and Omalo → Shatili (Tusheti).
Georgia is a hiker's paradise: glaciers, alpine meadows, defensive towers and host families who cook for you in the evening. Here are the best trails, sorted by difficulty.
Trails at a glance
| Trail | Region | Duration (guide value) | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Truso Valley | Kazbegi | 4–6 hrs return | easy |
| National park loop | Borjomi | approx. 1.5 hrs (3 km) | easy |
| Gergeti Church | Kazbegi | 1.5–2.5 hrs uphill | moderate |
| Juta → Chaukhi Pass | Kazbegi | 6–8 hrs | moderate |
| Koruldi Lakes | Svaneti | approx. 7 hrs | moderate |
| Gergeti Glacier | Kazbegi | 8–10 hrs, approx. 22 km | hard |
| Mestia → Ushguli | Svaneti | several days | moderate–hard |
| Omalo → Shatili | Tusheti | several days | moderate–hard |
Tips
- Start early – thunderstorms often build in the afternoon.
- Check the weather and plan buffer days.
- Bring cash for mountain guesthouses.
- Health insurance is mandatory – see entry requirements.
More: Kazbegi travel guide · Svaneti travel guide · Georgia itinerary
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to hike in Georgia?
July to September in the high mountains. In June and October there is often snow higher up. Tusheti is only accessible in summer.
Do I need a guide?
Usually not for the popular day hikes (Truso, Juta, Gergeti Church, Koruldi). For glaciers, multi-day treks and hard routes such as the Abudelauri Lakes a guide makes sense.
Which hike is easiest?
Truso Valley near Kazbegi: a flat path past mineral springs and old towers, approx. 4–6 hours return.
Sources: georgia.travel: Trekking in Georgia · Caucasus Trekking: 12 best day hikes in Georgia · Culture Trip: Stunning mountain hikes in Georgia. All information without guarantee; rules can change at short notice.