Philodendron | 2024-05-11 | 39300

Visa-free! A complete hiking guide to Georgia – go before it goes viral!

Preface

This visa-free, niche Asian country is truly amazing! Southeast Asian prices rival European scenery, making it incredibly cost-effective.

It is so beautiful that it was featured on the cover of Lonely Planet. With snow-capped mountains and glaciers, forest canyons, grasslands and seas of flowers, ancient castles, churches and wineries, it is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. It is also the birthplace of world red wine and the world's best travel destination!

Georgia is predicted to become the next top destination for outbound outdoor tourism. Go there right after reading this article!

【Attractions not to be missed】

Tbilisi

In the capital of Georgia, you will be shocked by the magnificence of the Holy Trinity Cathedral at first sight. The ancient buildings and modern scenery complement each other, and every corner is filled with a strong historical atmosphere.

Narikala Fortress is absolutely stunning at sunset! From the top of the mountain you can overlook the entire city of Tbilisi!

Kazbek

A hiking paradise under the snow-capped mountains, a sacred mountain in the hearts of the Georgian people!

Holy Trinity Church, the "Church Closest to God", is where the cover of Lonely Planet was shot.

Giant Tower Canyon

Check out the massive stone statues of Snow, the "Easter Island of Georgia," located at the entrance of Snow Village.

There are snow-capped peaks above your head and clear springs below your head. Sitting in a secret snow mountain cabin, you can drink coffee while appreciating the wild flower meadows all over the mountain.

Mestia

Known as Little Switzerland, it is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, forest grasslands, glacial lakes, churches, etc. It takes 4 days of hiking to reach Ushguli, the highest village in Europe.

The village has a medieval chapel, the ancient defensive building Svanta, a gurgling river, and passers-by with more cows than people. It feels like walking into a paradise!

Mtskheta

Known as the "holy city" by Georgians and once the ancient capital, the entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As a religious center, Jvari Monastery and the Cathedral of the Pillar of Life are both worth visiting.

【Recommended route】

🏷️D1-D3: Tbilisi - Ananuri - Holy Trinity Church - Kazbik - Canyon of the Great Towers - Gudauri
🏷️D4-D6: Gudauri - Mtskheta - Kutaisi - Zugdidi - Mestia - Sheleter and Viewpoint - Koruldi Lake Hike - Ushba Mountain
🏷️D7-D9: Mestia - Shkhara Glacier - Ushguli - Mestia - Gori - Tbilisi

【Must-see before your trip】

visa

Visa-free! Depart directly with your passport in hand!

transportation

International Transportation

1️⃣ Various places → Urumqi → Tbilisi

2️⃣ Anywhere → Türkiye or Dubai → Tbilisi

3️⃣ Anywhere → Xi'an → Tbilisi (Shaanxi Travel and Georgian Airlines have reached an agreement and this route is expected to open in June)

Georgia Transportation

The driving distance between the scenic spots is very long, and there are many mountain roads. It is recommended to join a tour group for the first time. "Chinese tour leader + driver + English guide" is safe and worry-free.

Currency Exchange

Mobile payments are not supported. MasterCard and Visa are accepted. It is best to exchange cash for US dollars in China and then exchange it for lari at the airport after landing.

communication

I recommend Magti. If you have a passport, buy a local phone card and have a stable network.

language

Georgian, Russian and English. English is the language of communication in most areas.

software

Google Maps (maps), Bolt (ride-hailing), TripAdvisor (international version of Dianping), Yandex (more accurate Russian translation)

jet lag

4 hours behind Beijing time