Transcaucasian Trail: the next BIG thing in trekking

If a trek in Georgia or Armenia isn't currently on your radar, then get ready to update it because the Transcaucasian Trail is slowly becoming trekking's next big thing.

On the borderlands between Europe and Asia, the new Transcaucasian Trail will extend more than 3000km. It will connect more than 20 national parks, endless UNESCO listed sites and protected areas in Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia, collectively known as the Southern Caucasus.

"Svaneti is at the centre of a Caucasus-wide experiment in sustainable tourism to see whether slow, self-guided tourism can preserve these fragile environments and cultures, rather than erode them." - BBC Travel in A new hiking route between Europe and Asia.

While the full route is still being developed, you can now trek sections of this biodiversity hotspot with World Expeditions in both Armenia and Georgia – the first two countries that were adequately mapped.

You can combine both hikes, completing the Armenia segment first and then continuing the trail in Georgia, as an 18-day adventure full of history, incredible scenery and with few trekkers in sight.

Georgian Transcaucasian Trail

Hike along varied and fascinating landscapes – from floral meadows and mountainous backdrops, to cascading waterfalls and glacial scenery.

The highlights:

•  Visit the charming city of Tbilisi – a beautiful blend of nature and crumbling art nouveau architecture.
•  Take in enthralling views from Svaneti, which is nestled on the southern slopes of the central Caucasus Mountains and surrounded by 3000 to 5000-metre snow-capped peaks. Four of the 10 highest mountains of the Caucasus are in the region.
•  Explore 3000-year-old Mtskheta – the ancient capital and religious centre of Georgia, as well as the historic cave town of Uplistsikhe.
•  Walk to the foot of Mount Ushba's system of stunning waterfalls and to its breathtaking glacier before enjoying a scenic picnic.
•  Marvel at the huge collection of permanent glaciers at Mount Tetnuli and ascend Chkhutnieri Pass (2730m) for spectacular views of Tetnuli (4800m).
•  Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Jvari church (6th century) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century).

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TIME Magazine listed the trail through the Caucasus Mountains as one of the world's 100 greatest places in 2019, with Forbes placing the Armenian hike in the limelight as a must-do experience.

Armenian Transcaucasian Trail

Home to ancient churches and monasteries, beautiful lakes and countless UNESCO World Heritage Sites, trace parts of the Caucasian Silk route in Armenia that's overflowing with history and scenic brilliance.

The highlights:

•  Hike to the picturesque 1st century A.D. Garni Temple which overlooks a deep canyon before heading to the Garni gorge to admire volcanic basalt formations called “the symphony of stones”.
•  Stand in awe of Lake Sevan, one of the largest high-altitude lakes in the world located at 1900m, surrounded by snow-covered mountains. Known as the “blue eye of Armenia” or the “Pearl of Armenia”, the freshwater lake of volcanic origin changes colour several times during the day – turquoise in direct sunlight, then turns a greenish shade, and grey by the evening.
•  Soak up with medieval Armenian architecture of the Geghard Cave Monastery. The cave enclosures of this cultural and architectural wonder are notable for amazing acoustics where some of its chambers, carved from solid rock, possess exceptional acoustics.
•  Experience scenic Dilijan “Little Switzerland”.
•  Pass through Armenian colourful villages, enjoying the peace and magnificent scenes of a remote mountainous villages such as Hahgpat and Akner.

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The Transcaucasian Trail have the hardiest trekkers in our team brimming with excitement. Why not be one of the first to experience it?

Interested in the cities and historical sights of the region? Join this adventure touring trip in Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia that is a fascinating journey from Baku to Yerevan. 

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