GEORGIA – mountains and strongholds of Khevsureti, rock monastery in the semi-desert, gloss and misery of Tbilsi; 9 days
(David Garedja, Tbilisi, Khevsureti (Roshka, Shatili).
Join us on June 12th for the first expedition of Friends of Georgia. Khevsureti Mountains and strongholds, cave monastery in the semi-desert, gloss and misery of Tbilisi (9 days). Our expeditions do not have feature organized mass tourism. In addition, our superior knowledge of the terrain enables us to be in a different price range than other travel agencies. Our guides are friends of Georgia. Georgia offers beauty and dirt, warmth and ice, but it is always charming. Join us, we're going to Georgia!
1. day - DAVID GAREDŽA
Arrival - rest in pension in a village Patardzeuli.
Afternoon: rocky David Gareja monastery complex from the 6th century (one way 1.5h, 60 km) on the Azerbaijani border, possible climb at Mt.Udabno (878 meters), on the way back fortified monastery Ninotsminda (575 AD) in Sagarejo.
Night: Patardzeuli, dinner and breakfast included
2. day - TBILISI
Tbilisi: Fortress Narikala, Turkish baths, Jewish Quarter, Freedom Square, the main artery - Rustaveli street with Parliament, the old town - Agmashenebeli street, Cathedral Sameba.
Night: Patardzeuli,dinner and breakfast included
3. day - ON THE WAY TO CAUCASUS
Mtscheta (original ancient capital of the Georgian Kingdom of Iberia, Cathedral of Svetitschoveli, UNESCO), the burial place of Samtavro (Late Bronze Age), Zhinvali - the dam, Barisacho - Roshka (alpine village in the valley of the Caucasus - about 1900 m). 4h journey of 120 km without stops.
Night: guest house Roshka, home made dinner.
4. day - ROSHKA
Roshka - Abudelauri lakes and glacier moraine to about 2600 m under Chauki, 3842 meters, and back to Roshka. Moderate trip in a flowering valley, about 7 km one direction.
Night: guest house Roshka, half board
5. day - UKHELTEKHELI
Climb to the top of Ucheltechili (2425 m) above the river Roshka, the saddle and Blo peak above Roshka, descend directly into Roshko (about 6h).
Night: guest house Roshka, half board
6. day - SHATILI
Crossing Roshka - Shatili (3h, 45 km), a small climb from the saddle to Datvisdžvari cross (2725 m), Kistanje (khhevsur fortress tower) and Lebaiskari. A tour around medieval fortified village-fortress Shatili (Unesco to be), a visit to the owner of one of the towers, museum.
Night: guest house Shatili, excellent home cuisine, half board
7. day – MUTSO, ARDOTI
Shatili - Mutso (12 km by off road car), hike through the valley to fortress-villag Ardoti (7 km one way), possible climb of the hillside slope above the fortress - views of the highest mountain in Chechnya, Tebulosmta (4493 m) on the border of Georgia / Chechnya.
Night: guest house Shatili, half board
8. day – WAY BACK TO TBILISI
Return to Tbilisi (5h, 160 km), evening in Tbilisi - Mtatsminda amusement park, the restaurant with folk dance performances, walking through the night city, etc.
Night: family hotel in Tbilisi, breakfast
9. day - TBILISI
Free day in Tbilisi, optioanl trip to Kakhetie, renowned wine region.
Overnight in Tbilisi.
Departure: next day at dawn.
Price: this is a moderately comfortable trip. Long journeys will be overcome by a hired driver with a reliable off-road car. We will stay in family pensions with home cooking (in the mountains this is the only option). In Tbilisi we stay in a newly reconstructed family hotel in the old town (shared bathroom for 2 rooms), with a terrace from which you can see the whole city. The price includes breakfast and two dinners as well as our friendly knowledgeable unobtrusive accompaniment. The price of all of this is 750 EUR plus flight ticket. Prices are calculated for 5 persons.
In case you are interested to join us, please contact us by e-mail i.bursikova@volny.cz or tom.kopal@volny.cz.
Or design your program, we will be happy to arrange it for you!