duration
2 days
moderate
difficulty
distance
~35 km
2097 / 2165 m
ascent/descent
Itinerary
Day 1
Tbilisi → Atskuri → Amarati shelter
Distance / elevation gain / loss: ~14 km / ↑1200 m
Trail description: we'll start through a mixed forest. The woods give way to a climb, and the higher we go, the more open it gets: panoramas of the Lesser Caucasus, valleys, and ridges. By evening, we'll reach the Amarati shelter, a simple but cozy hut at 1900m.
Distance / elevation gain / loss: ~14 km / ↑1200 m
Trail description: we'll start through a mixed forest. The woods give way to a climb, and the higher we go, the more open it gets: panoramas of the Lesser Caucasus, valleys, and ridges. By evening, we'll reach the Amarati shelter, a simple but cozy hut at 1900m.
Day 2
Amarati shelter → panoramas → Atskuri → Tbilisi
Distance / elevation gain / loss: ~21 km / ↑872 m / ↓1906 m
Trail description: from the shelter, we head up to the ridge for the best views of the trip. Then it's a trail across the plateau and rocks before dipping back into the forest. Eventually, we'll hit the same path we started on and loop back to the trailhead. From there, we head home to Tbilisi.
Distance / elevation gain / loss: ~21 km / ↑872 m / ↓1906 m
Trail description: from the shelter, we head up to the ridge for the best views of the trip. Then it's a trail across the plateau and rocks before dipping back into the forest. Eventually, we'll hit the same path we started on and loop back to the trailhead. From there, we head home to Tbilisi.
What to bring
- Underwear
- Base layers
- T-shirt
- Hiking pants
- Warm pants for the evening
- Socks or hiking socks
- Warm fleece jacket
- Windproof and waterproof jacket (hardshell)
- Sleepwear
- Neck gaiter / Buff
- Gloves
- Warm beanie
- Headwear (sun hat, bandana, cap)
- Rain poncho with hood
- Hiking boots
- Camp shoes / Crocs
- Hiking backpack 70−90 liters with rain cover
- Sleeping pad
- Sunglasses
- Raincoat
- Sit pad
- LED headlamp
- Trekking poles
- Warm sleeping bag (comfort rating +0°C)
- Insurance
- Cash
- Power bank
- All necessary chargers
- Thermos (1L)
- Bowl, mug, and spoon
- Reusable water bottle
- Toilet paper, wipes
- Personal first aid kit
- Sunscreen and SPF lip balm
- Personal hygiene items
Price and payment
To book your spot, a deposit is required 50%
The remaining balance must be paid no later than 10 days before the start
If we cancel or reschedule, your deposit is fully refunded. More details on cancellations, transfers, and refunds here
Pay in USD or EUR to a Georgian card TBC
Pay in RUB to a Raif card at the Zolotaya Korona rate
Questions about the tour
Yes, but we strongly recommend getting ready for it (we'll give you training tips to prep for the trek) and being prepared to hike with a backpack.
Two guides: guiding, safety, and on-trail support
Transfer: Tbilisi — Atskuri — Tbilisi
Accommodation: overnight stay in a cozy mountain shelter with a wood stove (1900 m)
Meals: lunch on days one and two, dinner on day one, breakfast on day two
Transfer: Tbilisi — Atskuri — Tbilisi
Accommodation: overnight stay in a cozy mountain shelter with a wood stove (1900 m)
Meals: lunch on days one and two, dinner on day one, breakfast on day two
Yes, we carry all our own gear, so we only pack the essentials.
Meals included: 2 lunches, dinner, and breakfast
Guides handle the cooking, and everyone is welcome to pitch in.
What to pack for snacks:
Light, easy-to-pack snacks that are great for keeping your energy up on the trail:
There are springs along the route, but keep at least 2 liters on you at all times.
Mineral water is best — Nabeghlavi or Likani are perfect choices.
Guides handle the cooking, and everyone is welcome to pitch in.
What to pack for snacks:
Light, easy-to-pack snacks that are great for keeping your energy up on the trail:
- Protein bars
- Hard candies
- Gummy candies (the kind that don't make you super thirsty)
- Mini pretzels or sushki
- Churchkhela
- Nuts
- Isotonic drinks
- Beef jerky
There are springs along the route, but keep at least 2 liters on you at all times.
Mineral water is best — Nabeghlavi or Likani are perfect choices.
Nope, so bring a power bank, and ideally more than one.
Minimum age is 18. Minors can join if we clear it first. The upper limit depends on your health and fitness level.
Chronic respiratory, nervous, or cardiovascular issues require a doctor's consultation (a sports doctor is even better). It's important to let us know in advance about any conditions or medications you're taking.
We strongly recommend getting at least basic medical insurance.
HEADS UP!!! If you don't have it, you'll have to cover all expenses yourself.
HEADS UP!!! If you don't have it, you'll have to cover all expenses yourself.
To keep things comfortable on the trail, we recommend packing the following gear:
Clothing and footwear:
If you're missing anything, definitely let me know in advance. You can rent almost everything from us. For any gear rentals, please send me the details by 12:00 PM on Thursday
Clothing and footwear:
- Trekking shoes — comfortable, broken-in, with a grippy lugged sole
- Light windbreaker / jacket — it can get chilly in the mountains even in summer
- Thermal base layers and warm socks — for the overnight stay
- Change of clothes for day two — t-shirt, underwear, socks
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Sleeping pad, sit pad, and a sleeping bag with a comfort rating of at least +5°C
- Trekking poles
- Flashlight (a headlamp is best)
- Power Bank and phone cable
- 2 liters of water (there are springs along the route where you can refill)
- Light lunch/lunch box, nuts, snacks — for the breaks
- Sunscreen
- Crocs / sandals / flip-flops — to let your feet rest in the evening and on the way back
If you're missing anything, definitely let me know in advance. You can rent almost everything from us. For any gear rentals, please send me the details by 12:00 PM on Thursday
Unfortunately, no. This is a national park, and rangers don't allow pets inside.
Ready for an adventure?
Sign up – and we'll take you on a hike you'll be telling your friends about!