10-Day Grand Autumn Colors: From Kazbegi to Svaneti

Overview

Itinerary

1. Day 1
   The Military Highway & Hidden Waterfalls.

   Driving: ~175 km (approx. 3.5 - 4 hours) Hiking Distance: 4 km (round trip) Hiking Time: 1.5 - 2 hours Elevation Gain / Loss: +200 m / -200 m Elevations: Starting: 1,550 m | Max: 1,750 m | Ending: 1,550 m......... We depart from Tbilisi and head north along the historic Georgian Military Highway. Our first stops include the stunning 17th-century Ananuri Fortress complex overlooking the turquoise Zhinvali Reservoir and the panoramic Gudauri Viewpoint. Upon arriving in the Kazbegi region, we stretch our legs with a beautiful afternoon hike to the striking Gveleti Waterfalls, hidden deep within a rocky gorge. Overnight: Stepantsminda

2. Day 2
   The Georgian Dolomites (Juta Valley)

   Driving: 40 km (approx. 1.5 hours round trip from Kazbegi) Hiking Distance: 14 km (round trip) Hiking Time: 5 - 6 hours Elevation Gain / Loss: +650 m / -650 m Elevations: Starting: 2,150 m | Max: 2,800 m | Ending: 2,150 m..... Today is dedicated to the spectacular Sno Valley. We drive to the alpine village of Juta and begin our hike towards the formidable Chaukhi Massif. The autumn grass turns a vibrant, fiery orange, contrasting beautifully with the jagged, dark peaks above. This intermediate hike offers some of the best landscape photography opportunities in the region. Overnight: Stepantsminda

3. Day 3
   The Colorful Mineral Gorge (Truso Valley)

   Driving: 40 km (approx. 1 hour round trip from Kazbegi) Hiking Distance: 16 km (round trip) Hiking Time: 5 - 6 hours Elevation Gain / Loss: +200 m / -200 m Elevations: Starting: 2,000 m | Max: 2,200 m | Ending: 2,000 m..... We explore the vast and relatively flat Truso Valley, famous for its bubbling, brightly colored mineral springs (travertines) and abandoned ancient settlements. The hike alongside the Tergi River to the Zakagori Fortress offers a deeply peaceful, immersive experience in the golden autumn wilderness. Overnight: Stepantsminda

4. Day 4
   Day 4: Journey to Imereti

   Driving: ~320 km (approx. 5.5 - 6 hours)..... We leave the Greater Caucasus behind and journey westward across the country to Kutaisi, the historical capital of the Imereti region. The scenic drive showcases the changing landscapes of central Georgia. In the evening, we will take a relaxing stroll through the charming streets of Kutaisi, enjoying the local atmosphere and delicious Imeretian cuisine. Overnight: Kutaisi

5. Day 5
   The Underworld to the Highlands

   Driving: ~245 km (approx. 5.5 - 6 hours) Hiking: ~1.5 km (1 hour walking inside the cave)...... Our morning begins with a visit to the mystical Prometheus Cave, exploring its massive subterranean halls filled with stalactites and underground rivers. Afterward, we begin our dramatic ascent into the Svaneti region. The winding road up the Enguri gorge is lined with dense forests that burst into vibrant autumn colors. We arrive in our basecamp of Mestia by late afternoon. Overnight: Mestia

6. Day 6
   The Roaring Falls & Golden Woods (Shdugra Waterfall via Mazeri)

   Driving: 50 km (approx. 1.5 hours round trip from Mestia to Mazeri) Hiking Distance: 12 km (Round trip) Hiking Time: 4 - 5 hours Elevation Gain / Loss: +400 m / -400 m Elevations: Starting: 1,600 m | Max: 2,000 m | Ending: 1,600 m,........ Starting from the picturesque village of Mazeri in the Becho Valley, this trail offers one of the most spectacular autumn hikes in Svaneti. The route leads to Shdugra, the highest cascading waterfall in Georgia. As you hike alongside the Dolra River, you will pass through a dense, enchanting forest of pine and mixed deciduous trees that explode into brilliant shades of yellow, gold, and red during the fall season. The contrast between the vibrant autumn foliage, the dark alpine rocks, and the roaring white water is a photographer's dream. Overnight: Mestia

7. Day 7
   Walking the Sky (Zuruldi Ridge)

   Hiking Distance: 7 km (Round trip on the ridge) Hiking Time: 3 hours Elevation Gain / Loss: +150 m / -150 m..... Using the local cable car, we ascend to the Zuruldi Ridge. From here, we embark on a panoramic ridge hike. Surrounded by golden alpine meadows, this route provides uninterrupted, sweeping views of the monumental Tetnuldi peak and the entire Caucasian ridge stretching across the horizon. Overnight: Mestia

8. Day 8
   The Shadow of Mt. Ushba (Koruldi Lakes to Ushba Viewpoint)

   Driving: 20 km (approx. 2 - 2.5 hours round trip off-road) Hiking Distance: 7 km (round trip from lakes to high ridge) Hiking Time: 4 - 5 hours Elevation Gain / Loss: +560 m / -560 m Elevations: Starting: 2,740 m (Lakes) | Max: 3,300 m (Ridge viewpoint) | Ending: 2,740 m,,,,,,,,, We utilize powerful 4x4 Delica vehicles to navigate the steep ascent through dense, golden birch forests toward the Koruldi Lakes area. From this high-altitude drop-off, we hike further up into the alpine tundra, which turns a vibrant rusty-orange in autumn, leading to the spectacular Ushba viewpoint. Standing face-to-face with the snow-capped twin peaks of Mt. Ushba, contrasting sharply with the warm autumn tones of the surrounding vast mountain panoramas, is a truly unforgettable experience. Overnight: Mestia

9. Day 9
   Day 9: The Highest Village & The Giant's Base (Ushguli & Shkhara)

   Driving: 46 km (approx. 2.5 hours off-road from Mestia) Hiking Distance: 16 km (round trip) Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Elevation Gain / Loss: +300 m / -300 m Elevations: Starting: 2,200 m | Max: 2,500 m | Ending: 2,200 m...... We take a scenic route to Ushguli, Europe's highest continuously inhabited settlement, renowned for its dense cluster of medieval defense towers set against a backdrop of golden autumn hills. From the village, we hike up the Enguri River valley, walking through a mesmerizing landscape where the burnt orange and yellow of the autumn meadows meet the icy white base of the colossal Shkhara Glacier, the highest peak in Georgia. Overnight: Ushguli

10. Day 10
    The Journey Home via a Traditional Marani (Wine Cellar)

    Driving: ~400 km (approx. 8 - 10 hours, including lunch stop...... We begin our descent from the high mountains, tracing our way back through the gorges toward Tbilisi. To perfectly cap off our 10-day adventure, we will make a special stop for lunch at a traditional family-owned Marani (wine cellar) along the way. Here, we will celebrate our journey with authentic Georgian wine, a traditional feast, and heartfelt toasts before arriving in Tbilisi in the evening.

Gallery