Caucasus Travel Guide: Pre-trip Tips and Must-See Spots
Preface
If you are traveling abroad now, are there any places with few people, beautiful scenery, affordable prices and relatively safe?
Yes, yes. Today I will introduce the "Caucasus" to you. Although it is in Asia, it has the same scenery as Europe. In particular, the beautiful scenery of snow-capped mountains and churches in the same frame is unforgettable. It can definitely be added to the "must-go" travel list!
01Where is the Caucasus?
The Caucasus region lies between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, divided by the Greater Caucasus Mountains into the South Caucasus and the North Caucasus. The South Caucasus, also known as Transcaucasia, encompasses Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia, while the North Caucasus comprises southwestern Russia.
Image source @Google
I'd like to share an interesting bit of knowledge: the three Transcaucasian countries belong to West Asia according to geographical division, but none of these three countries admit that they belong to Asia, especially Georgia, which considers itself a European country. In the past few years, it has been crazy about joining the European Union, so the EU flag can be seen in many places in Georgia.
02 Before traveling to the Caucasus, these five points must be read
landscape
People like to call the Caucasus "God's Backyard", and some say it is a substitute for Switzerland. However, Roderick, a product manager who has visited this place many times, prefers to call it the "all-round zone".
Attached is a handsome photo of the product manager~
Snow-capped mountains and glaciers, ancient castles and villages, wetland meadows, seaside lakes, church culture, red wine and food...all kinds of extreme scenery are available. Although the area is not large, there are super rich ways to experience it.
Prices
The prices here are lower than those in Europe and Türkiye in the Middle East, and the people are simple and honest. There is no forced buying or selling here.
visa
Whether it is Georgia, Armenia or Azerbaijan, all three countries have visa-free entry for Chinese passports. Even Russia in the North Caucasus only requires a simple electronic visa to depart.
transportation
Transportation is relatively convenient. In addition to direct flights between Urumqi and Beijing, a route to Xi'an has recently been opened. As the "Belt and Road" policy deepens, it is expected that more cities will be able to achieve direct flights in the future.
Local characteristics
Traveling in the Caucasus, it's hard not to be captivated by the stray dogs that can be found everywhere. These dogs are gentle, robust, and mostly non-aggressive. They live their lives carefree, relaxing wherever traffic and people come and go.
If you like dogs, you can bring eggs, bread and other food to feed them. It will be healing to see them wagging their tails with joy after eating.
03 Top 10 Must-Visit Places and Must-Experiences in the Caucasus
Product Manager Roderick has been to the Caucasus more than five times. He's compiled a list of his top 10 must-see places and experiences in the region, hoping it will be helpful for tourists planning a trip.
Kutaisi by Aben
1. Ushguli & Mestia
If you like snow-capped mountains and glaciers, blooming mountain flowers, and hope to have some villages with a simple and casual living atmosphere, then Mestia & Ushguli will definitely not disappoint you.
Hiking from Mestia to Ushguli, you will be able to feast your eyes on the beautiful scenery of snow-capped mountains, forests, glaciers, and sea of flowers, and forget your usual worries.
2. Holy Trinity Cathedral of Kazbek
This church is located on a solitary peak at an altitude of 2,170 meters, with the Kazbek Snow Mountain behind it. It is known as "the church closest to heaven." Lonely Planet described it as "isolated from the world, creating the most photogenic sense of loneliness with the snow-capped mountains and meadows."
3. Lake Sevan, Armenia
In Armenia, you can see the most beautiful plateau lake in the world - Lake Sevan. The sapphire blue water and the solemn and quiet monastery are particularly charming.
4. Vladikavkaz, Russia
The mysterious homeland of the Ossetians, where every corner exudes a unique national atmosphere. Walking on the streets, it feels like stepping into another time and space!
The towering Caucasus Mountains loom large, creating an overwhelming sense of oppression that even Switzerland's western Sichuan region would be overshadowed. A one-hour drive takes you directly to the "City of the Dead," where 600-year-old tombs, the enduring themes of life and death, and the breathtaking natural scenery are truly breathtaking.
5. Khor Virap Monastery, Armenia
This place is also known as the "Deep Pit Monastery". It is the best place to overlook Mount Ararat (Mount Ararat is the legendary landing place of Noah's Ark). The mountaintops in the distance are covered with snow, and the monastery under the snow seems to be bathed in holy light.
6. Telavi Winery Experience
8,000 years of secret grapevine and pottery fermentation techniques, a United Nations-certified "Holy Land of Human Viticulture."
As the saying goes, "The world loves French wine, but France loves Georgian wine." Come here to enjoy a glass of wine and savor the mellow, lingering aromas of time. The flavor is incredible! There are also plenty of experiences to enjoy, such as wine baths, homemade snacks, and vineyard and cellar tours.
7. Tbilisi Old Town
Wander the narrow, winding streets of Tbilisi's Old Town, admire the beautiful wooden balconies, and climb the Narikala Fortress for panoramic views of the city and soak up the historical atmosphere.
8. Batumi on the Black Sea
A city on the border between Georgia and Türkiye that looks like a "Eurasian hybrid".
Walking into the narrow streets of the old city, your perspective switches from Gothic spires to Byzantine domes and then to Islamic decorations. You will be impressed by the diverse cultures and ancient charm that blends Europe and Asia.
9. Giant Tower Canyon Hike
The Gol Tower Canyon is a famous hiking destination in Georgia and is known as the "Alps of the Caucasus".
This entry-level hiking route can be easily completed by novices. Along the way, you will pass through forests, snow-capped mountains, meadows, sea of flowers, and villages, just like stepping into a fairy tale book.
10. Naftalan Oil Baths, Azerbaijan
Retreat into a heated oil bathtub, like falling into liquid amber. Eight minutes of ultimate relaxation, your pores breathe with renewed lightness.
04 China-TravelNote How to choose the best Caucasus route?
We currently have 6 routes in the Caucasus region, covering different themes such as photography, depth and hiking. Next, Xiaoxia will tell you how to choose these routes~
Georgia 9-day tour
It is suitable for travel during holidays, as you need less time off and can see the essence of Georgia in one go.
Relax on vacation at the Batumi seaside, check in at the love town of Sighnaghi, stroll through the ancient capital of Mtskheta, and stroll around the old town of Tbilisi.
Sighnaghi
Take a photo with the Holy Trinity Church at the foot of the snow-capped mountains and the Ananuri Castle featured on the cover of Lonely Planet, and enjoy the Telavi Winery experience: a wine bath, homemade snacks, and wine tasting.
Georgia 13-day trip
It is suitable for tourists with ample vacation time, and allows them to explore the small country of Georgia in depth.
Head to Mestia and Ushguli, immerse yourself in the tranquility and beauty of this paradise, and be deeply attracted by the watchtowers and snow-capped mountains.
Travel dates: Recommended times are June and July for the mountain flower season and October for the autumn colors in the mountains.
16 days in the three Caucasus countries
Most itineraries on the market offer a rushed 10-13 day itinerary covering the three countries. Our itinerary is different, offering a 16-day itinerary with no backtracking, rich experiences, and extensive coverage.
If you only want to visit the Caucasus once in your life, then this itinerary is worth considering! It has everything from well-known attractions to niche highlights, enough to leave you with unforgettable memories.
14-day photography tour in the Caucasus
It is suitable for tourists who like taking photos and experiencing the different customs of the North and South Caucasus.
Through the product manager's in-depth local investigation, we added the City of the Dead in North Ossetia, Russia, which is basically not available on the market, to our itinerary and guaranteed to produce photos; we also arranged models to participate in the portrait shooting, so that you can use the camera to record the scenery and culture.
The spring photos in June and the autumn photos in October have different beautiful scenery in different seasons. Tourists who like photography should not miss them.
Georgia Hiking & Trekking Conference
If you're an outdoor enthusiast, this route is the right one for you! The difficulty level is rated four stars, so even beginners can take on the challenge.
The hiking sections are basically concentrated in Mestia and Ushguli, the highest snow village in Europe, where you can stroll on the meadows while enjoying the beautiful scenery of snow-capped mountains.
Conclusion
Instead of yearning for distant places, why not just go? Head to the Caucasus, delve into this secluded paradise hidden in the heart of the Eurasian continent, and follow the wind in pursuit of freedom and beauty.
