€1960
10-23 August 2025
2-week trekking expedition
Unique, uncrowded itinerary
4 nights wild camping!
Horse-supported: hike light!
5-8 hours hiking per day
Georgia stands out like no other destination in Europe. With its distinctive alphabet, expressive visual arts, lush forests, trendy one-of-a-kind winemaking, deep-rooted hospitality, and cuisine to die for — this charismatic country would be unmissable even if it were flat as the Netherlands.
The unfathomable scale of the Greater Caucasus’s mountain faces and glaciers, roaring whitewater squeezed into deep gorges, soaring clifftop monasteries, blooming alpine meadows, family-run guesthouses, and extensive network of trails — all that makes Georgia a prime trekking territory impossible to ignore.
With 10 days of trekking for 5-8 hours per day, this itinerary is designed for keen hikers and focuses on Georgia’s most iconic mountain area: Svaneti. Having gained altitude acclimatization on the trek, you have the option to scale Mt. Kazbek — a perfect choice for your first 5,000m peak.
In Svaneti, we follow Enguri — Georgia’s second-longest river — upstream from the world’s 7th largest dam to its source in one of the glaciers of the Great Caucasus range. The trekking route literally goes above and beyond mainstream trails by following airy panoramic ridges right in front of ice-capped domes and jagged peaks. The use of pack horses and pre-placed stashes allows us to hike light and camp in the wild with vistas nothing short of extraordinary.
Why come for trekking to Svaneti, Georgia?
Unspoiled Wilderness: Svaneti, located in Georgia’s Caucasus Mountains, offers a refreshingly uncrowded and authentic trekking experience compared to heavily trafficked European routes like Tour du Mont Blanc. In Svaneti, you can camp beside a serene mountain lake and soak in breathtaking sunset in solitude, all within a few hours’ hike from the nearest restaurant!
Cultural Richness: Svaneti boasts a fascinating history and rich cultural heritage, including millennia-old Svan towers and unique cuisine. Witnessing this culture adds depth to your trekking adventure.
Diverse Landscapes: Svaneti surprises with a diverse range of scenery, including primeval conifer forests, glacier-capped peaks, and ancient villages.
Local Hospitality: For generations, Svaneti remained isolated beyond the mountains until locals abandoned beekeeping and fierce blood feuds in favor of running guesthouses in ancient defense towers. Today you will encounter warm and welcoming locals who are eager to share their culture and traditions with you.
Budget-friendly: Georgia is generally more affordable than Western European destinations, making Svaneti an excellent choice for travelers looking to maximize their experience without breaking the bank.
WHAT TO EXPECT
— Experience life in a medieval Svan village where the most ridiculously recent sentry tower was erected merely 700 years ago. Then get your fine arts fix at Tbilisi’s gorgeous museums.
— Teeter along a dizzying mountain road on a 4×4. Then find yourself horseback riding across a blooming alpine meadow, with snow-capped peaks in the distance.
— Drink chacha — the Georgian grappa — with a guesthouse owner and listen to local family legends — with a pinch of aromatic Svanetian salt!
— Get bewitched by Mt. Ushba — the two-horned ‘Matterhorn of the Caucasus’ known as ‘Coven of Witches’ to locals and as ‘the Disaster Mountain’ to climbers, as beautiful as it is deadly.
— Ask the priest for the key and touch the millennia-old stone walls of a charming church. In the evening, savour a few samples of the world’s oldest yet most unorthodox winemaking.
Jessika Ziegler2024-08-20It was a great trip. In German we would say: "It was a well-rounded affair". Thanks Andrew
Luna Ziegler2024-08-12We went with Andrew on a hikking trip in the Fan mountains in Tadschikistan. The scenery and the whole trip was amazing. Andrew was such a perfect guide, he spoiled us every day with amazing food, wonderful camping spots and it was so amazing that you can feel that not only the people who booked the trip were enjoying it also himself. he is living this adventure live at its fullest. we can only recommend you to go on an adventure with him!! thanks a lot for that time we will never forget
Alex Antsiferov2024-05-21Andrey is a fantastic guide! He has a knack for discovering real, authentic places. Some of the coolest adventures in my life have been in his company. He himself is tough as nails and never seems to get tired, but he always plans trips within others' abilities and never takes unnecessary risks. Also, Andrey takes great photos — I totally depend on him for my supply of desktop wallpapers!
Alexey Gaponov2024-03-22I've joined Andrey on skiing trips to Mamay valley (Lake Baikal), Ridder (Kazachstan) and Svaneti (Georgia), and would love to do so again! His trips are always thoroughly thought through, well organized and include many interesting ideas beyond skiing. For skiing/skitouring itself: Andrey is a great back-country guide, paying extreme attention to mountain safety, group's mood and abilities, and manages to find areas of untouched snow even in spaghetti-ridden spots (this might involve some uphill walking at times). Add to this his desire to interconnect people from different cultures (even in the current deglobalized times) and a skill to solve clients' problems quickly (like organizing a replacement skitouring set of the right size in the middle of the woods), and you get a reliably great ski trip as a result.
Paul Kutarski2024-02-25Excellent and truly memorable trip to Kyrgyzstan. Well organised and interesting itinerary both on and off the snow. Lots of great powder descents. The standard of accommodation and food significantly exceeded my expectations. I would not hesitate to go with Andrey again and, indeed, hope to do so next season.
Linda Chew2024-02-24Kyrgyzstan January 2024 The trip was incredibly well organised by Andrey with pleasant surprises which made it very memorable. The accommodation was excellent, warm and comfortable with great food. The ski guiding suited the abilities of the group and the snow was enjoyable. I would certainly recommend this trip with Andrey.
Eric Kendall2024-02-16Skied in Kyrgyzstan with Andrey. He is excellent - found great lines, and organised brilliantly. Also a great drone pilot! Can't wait for our next trip with him - see you in March, Andrey!
Steve Kentish2024-01-22Andre is excellent, as an organiser of the trip and as a guide. The skiing and weather was excellent in Kyrgyzstan. Safety was a key component, which he was well on top of. He used his local knowledge to find the best angle and orientation of descents. Had a great trip. Hope to return with Primalscrapes again. Note: the skiing is a fair distance from Bishkek, so long bus transfers are required, Andre organised a few excursions to break these up.
Carolyn Brown2023-12-26Andrey is an excellent off-piste guide. He has a reliable team around him and his attention to detail ensures everything runs smoothly on his trips. His help with choosing our holiday outline, booking flights and organising kit hire was first class at every stage.
Francisco Garcia2023-12-21Great experience with Primalscapes in Ridder!
Kutaisi, the second-largest city in Georgia, is located much closer to the mountains than the bustling capital of Tbilisi. The city is renowned for its stunning Bagrati Cathedral, an architectural gem dating back to the 11th century, and the enchanting Gelati Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kutaisi’s charming old town by the river with vibrant streets makes it worthwhile a day stop before heading out into Svaneti’s mountains for trekking.
Touch down in Kutaisi early morning, then rest and refuel at a hotel before heading into the mountains on the same day. After breakfast, we hit the road for a private 4-hour scenic transfer to Etseri, a small hamlet in the western part of Svaneti where our journey begins.
Along the way, we’ll stop at the impressive Enguri Dam— the world’s 7th largest — whose source we’ll soon be camping next to! The dam is a masterpiece of Soviet engineering and covers up to 40% of Georgia’s electricity demands.
The road winds along the roaring Enguri river gorge with sheer cliffs above and below, and primeval coniferous woods covering the banks.
Once in Etseri, we check into our family-run guesthouse and enjoy hearty dinner.
Our first day’s trail connects two stunning valleys of Upper Svaneti, offering sweeping views of Mount Ushba’s mighty glaciers, the Enguri River Valley, and the Svaneti Ridge. It is surprisingly off the radar for most tourists. It starts with a 1,000m climb to the panoramic Baki Pass (2,430m) with ruins of an 11th century church followed with a 800m descent to Mazeri through a really nice fir tree forest.
From the pass, an enormous twin tower of Mount Ushba comes into view soaring two vertical kilometers above the glacier The peak is as beautiful as it is deadly — it is known to climbers as ‘the Matterhorn of the Caucasus’ or ‘the Disaster Mountain’ and as ‘Coven of Witches’ to locals.
After crossing Dolra village over a bridge, we arrive into wide Mazeri valley at the foothills of towering Mt Ushba, where the warm hospitality of the village awaits. A hearty dinner caps off this rewarding day of exploration.
Distance: 11km, duration: 7hrs.
Elevation gain: 900m.
After a hearty breakfast at the guesthouse, we hit the trail through shady primeval conifer forest, following the roaring Dolra river upstream. In a couple of hours, we cross the river over a wooden bridge and pass the borderguards wooden huts where we are greeted with a smile and sometimes even with a warm traditional cheese flatbread — khachapuri!
From there we come right to the base of Georgia’s tallest waterfall — the mighty Shdugra — where we stand in awe as tons of water cascade over a sheer 100-meter drop. While many trekkers turn back here, we opt for the more challenging route, hiking uphill for a few extra hours until we reach the top of the waterfall and stand right next to the roaring stream as it abruptly drops into the abyss below.
We then continue to the improvised monument to all climbers who lost their lives while attempting Mt Ushba. From a vantage point a few hundred meters beyond, we’re treated to an exclusive view of the reverse side of the mountain, with Ushba glacier, the formidable icefall, and the normal route’s ridgeline.
As we descend to the borderguards huts, we enjoy fun and relaxed horseback riding (no experience required!) to the hotel for some 1.5 hours that saves our legs the effort of the remaining 6km and 300 vertical meters.
Distance: 15km, duration: 7hrs.
Elevation gain: 700m.
We bid farewell to the guesthouse owner and his family. A 4×4 minivan takes us to Mestia, the heart of Svaneti, in about 40 minutes. Going past the village, we drive an exhilarating 1,300 vertical meters along a rugged dirt track to reach the famous Koruldi Lakes, perched on a grassy plateau at 2,750m a.s.l. Here, a breathtaking 360° panorama unfolds, showcasing the Svaneti range. Our trek then continues with a climb of 600 vertical meters, leading us in 2–2.5 hours to the narrow Koruldi ridge. This lofty perch offers unmatched views of Mount Ushba’s towering peak and the Chalaadi Glacier below — a spectacle rivaling the Alps’ most iconic vistas.
From the ridge, we scramble further, soaking in sweeping panoramas of the Svaneti and Great Caucasus ranges at an altitude of 3,300m. Turning south, we descend to Guli Pass, a popular crossing for hikers traveling between Mazeri and Mestia. Continuing onward, we reach Guli Peak (2,924m), offering striking views of the Enguri Valley down below.
The path leads into dense forests and past the charming Svan hamlets of Latali, with their iconic stone towers and glimpses of traditional life. Finally, the hike concludes in Lenjeri, a picturesque village near Mestia. We celebrate the day at a restaurant run by a Svan family that owned the place for generations, offering a fine interpretation of otherwise rustic Svan cuisine, including millet flatbread and kubdari — traditional juicy meat pie.
After a challenging hike yesterday, we unwind in Mestia’s bustling cafes, soaking in the charm of this mountain town. We’ll visit the fascinating Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography, which houses unique artifacts, ancient manuscripts, and medieval icons that reflect the rich culture of the region.
We also explore the famous Svan towers, iconic symbols of the region, offering a glimpse into the defensive architecture of medieval Svaneti. A visit to the Margiani Tower is particularly immersive, showcasing life in the ancient fortified dwellings. Strolling through the town, we’ll find cozy bakeries offering fresh khachapuri and local delicacies.
A chairlift and then a gondola ski lift whisks us from the heart of Mestia to Zuruldi ridge at 2,300m. As we rise some 900m above the valley floor, the breathtaking view of two-horned Mount Ushba opens up. Dominating the valley’s end stands the imposing white pyramid of Mt Tetnuldi, 50 meters taller than the Mont Blanc! On the horizon, the 5,000m-tall summits of the Great Caucasus are rising.
The countless Svan towers of Mestia now appear tiny beneath our feet. Further up the valley, we see Mestia’s airstrip. If we are lucky, we might even catch a glimpse of a landing turboprop plane from Tbilisi veering its way through the deep valley.
We easily follow the scenic ridge trail for a few hours and then descend into charming Tsvirmi village with a 10th-century church. A private minivan in under an hour takes us further along the roaring Enguri river to Iprari village perched on an airy ledge above the river. On the way, we make a quick stop to visit an 11th-century Svan church and a medieval dining hall in Khe village. We stay at a guesthouse and enjoy a hearty dinner, getting ready for tomorrow’s trekking adventure.
10km, 300m up and 770m down
We leave our tents and sleeping bags for the porters or pack horses who will reach tonight’s campsite by taking a dirt track at the valley bottom. At the same time, we start going up Chkhunderi ridge by following a faint trail through the woods that was used by local shepherds generations ago but apparently was forgotten.
As we climb out of the woods and into the alpine zone, the grassy ridge narrows and dramatic ice face rises in front of us. This is the famous ‘Bezengi wall’ — the highest section of the Caucasus mountains which divides Georgia and Russia and boasts a few 5,000m summits.
We continue trekking along the airy ridge as close as we can get towards the massive wall and then descend a steep grassy slope to a cosy wild campsite by a stream, separating us from the glacier bedrock. Our porters are already waiting for us with the tents and soon we’ll be enjoying a hearty dinner cooked on portable stoves.
11km, 1450m up, 1080m down, 8hrs.
The porters spend the night next to us and are ready to transfer our tents to the next campsite. We carefully cross Khalde glacier which looks more like a pile of rubble with occasional spots of ice and pools of meltwater. Crampons are not necessary but there is no trail so we have to walk carefully, besides, there are only a few places where the glacier can be crossed.
Back on green grass, we continue trekking towards Karetti pass which is a saddle in the next ridge forking out from Bezengi wall. Once on the saddle, we follow the ridge until we reach Lagem pass. From there we descend a steep but well-trodden trail to Engiri valley where we camp next to a summer cafe — the porters are already waiting for us with our tents and there’s even a chance of well-deserved beer!
Linking Karetti and Lagem pass is one of the wildest yet most spectacular sections of our trekking tour in Svaneti.
15km, 1100m up & 1200m down
After the last two rather strenuous days, today feels almost like a day-off trekking! Without gaining much altitude, we approach Mt Shkhara 5,193m — the highest mountain in Georgia — by following a grassy moraine ridge. Standing beneath a mountain face of Himalayan scale, with its glaciers of unfathomable scale, is one of the main highlights of this trekking trip in Georgia.
We descend back to our camp, and continue hiking with our porters, following the valley as it curves right, towards the source of Enguri river — we saw it dammed at the beginning of the trekking trip.
We pitch our tents by a tiny Nuamquam lake, perhaps, the most beautiful in Svaneti. After dinner, we marvel at the play of sunset hues on the hanging glaciers and observe stars emerge in the sky.
6km, 700m up
Distance: 10km, duration: 5hrs.
Elevation: 700m up and 950m down.
After breakfast, we take down our tents and the porters carry them down to the village. We then climb Vakhushti ridge, reaching a high point of 3,153m, and continue trekking down and away from the Shkhara wall, enjoying magnificent views on both sides of the airy ridge. In the afternoon we finally descend to the famous village of Ushguli, squeezed in a narrow valley between steep slopes.
After three nights in tents, bed linen and hot showers come so enjoyable! Ushguli actually is an agglomeration of four hamlets — Murkmeli, Chazhashi, Chvibiani, and Zhibiani. Our family-run guesthouse is situated in a genuine 12th-century building in the heart of Chazhashi — the only part of Ushguli which is protected as a UNESCO cultural heritage site! It is also famous for being one of Europe’s highest permanent settlements, located at 2,200m above sea level.
After dinner, we gather to watch Dede, a strikingly authentic film shot in Ushguli using local, non-professional actors. Directed by Mariam Khatchvani and based on her grandmother’s story, the film vividly portrays the traditions, struggles, and beauty of this remote community. Dede has won several awards, including Best Director at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, and has been praised for its breathtaking visuals and its honest depiction of life in Svaneti, told in both Georgian and the rare Svan language.
Distance: 12km, duration: 7hrs.
Elevation gain: 1,400m.
The journey begins in Chazhashi, a village in the Ushguli community, where we leave the Enguri River behind and ascend into the mountains. Passing by Murkmeli and its iconic stone towers, the trail climbs steadily alongside a mountain creek. Higher up, the ruins of Tamar’s summer castle and sweeping views of the Greater Caucasus begin to unfold. Peaks like Shkhara, Tetnuldi, Ushba, and even Elbrus emerge as the trail rises to a plateau at 2,600m, a perfect spot to take in the scenery.
As we approach Gorvashi Pass (2,972m), the ridge walk offers some of the most breathtaking views in the region. Small alpine lakes dot the trail, and the sightlines stretch to the Lechkhumi ridge in the south. Continuing along the undulating ridge, we pass through fields of wildflowers and reach a tranquil lake near Latpari Pass, an ideal place to set up camp.
At Latpari Pass, we’re rewarded with a panoramic view of the Caucasus ridge glowing in the sunset. With a lake nearby and a chapel adding a touch of serenity, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after the day’s adventure. Our tents and supplies, delivered by horse, ensure a comfortable night under the stars.
After breakfast we descend to the main road in under 4hrs following a dirt track with seemingly infinite number of switchbacks. A minivan gives us a short ride back to Ushguli.
During the well-deserved rest day, we visit a family-run ethnographic museum and a 9th-century Lamaria church — with its well-preserved frescos, a local museum with ancient crosses, icons, and goblets, and even climb a Svan tower! In the evening we celebrate the end of our week of trekking in Svaneti with piping hot traditional meat pies!
We leave hospitable Svaneti driving a scenic road across Zagar pass and reaching Kutaisi in little more than 5 hours, with stops at most breathtaking places.
Flight back home
TRIP EXTENSION: CLIMB MT. KAZBEK 5,047M
Mount Kazbek, known as Mqinvartsveri in Georgian, is a dormant stratovolcano that was seen erupting by ancient Greeks. Expectedly, this is the place where Prometheus was enchained, as the legend has it!
Kazbek is an excellent choice of your first 5,000m peak. It is not on the ‘7 Summits’ list and thus spared from the hordes of eager mountaineers queueing on the nearby Mt. Elbrus.
What’s more, by the time you finish your trek in Svaneti, you will have already gained some altitude acclimatization which considerably increases your summit chances.
Pack horses carry your climbing gear, making the approach hike truly enjoyable. The climbing route, graded at PD, entails roped glacier walking and scaling a 100m long 35-40 degrees icy section just before the summit. Depending on the conditions, we may use a fixed rope on this section.
Climbing Kazbek is suitable for a reasonably fit and healthy person without previous experience at altitude. You do not need any technical experience either: the guide ensures the safety of the participants during the climb. What’s more, a comprehensive course on safe glacier travel is provided prior to the climb. On the summit day, we maintain 1:3 guide-to-client ratio. It is possible to rent crampons, ice axe and down jacket in Kazbegi village.
Interested in climbing Kazbek to conclude your trekking trip in Georgia? Feel free to reach out for details on costs and availability.
Why travel to Georgia with us?
The unique trekking itinerary takes you to the most spectacular mountain terrain yet carefully avoids the mainstream trails by following untracked panoramic ridges. Strategic use of pack horses and porters allows us to camp in the wild without having to carry heavy packs, while blending both Svaneti and Kazbegi mountain ranges in one trip makes it perfect for first-timers in Georgia.
Personalized pre-trip support: Every client who books with us gets one on one trip preparation phone call, detailed flight, insurance, training and gear recommendations so that you are fully ready for your trip of a lifetime without taking much time from your daily duties. We are chatty and open to questions the moment you get in touch with us. You also get to know your future teammates in WhatsApp and/or e-mail groups.
Small groups: expect to share your adventure with only 4-9 other participants. This translates to better safety thanks to more control and individual attention from the guide. We end up with small and effective teams which ultimately results in a meaningful adventure and lasting friendships.
Safety is the cornerstone: Our trips are backed by emergency satellite communication whenever we venture off the grid. Being certified first aiders, our guides carry extensive first aid kits and have alternative route plans for any unexpected scenarios.
All-inclusive trips. Even if you’re an experienced independent trekker, opting for a guided trekking trip with us allows you to fully immerse yourself in the experience. We draw on our field experience while hand-picking accommodation, arranging reliable transportation, procuring meals, and managing safety. There are no hidden costs and we always give you the idea of any extras you might incur.
We love good food: The rich and healthy meals we cook on the trek got glowing reviews from our guests and are better than you expect. We accommodate any meal preferences or intolerances.
Fair price: We take pride in what we offer and don’t cut corners on our tours. On the other hand, we are not set to rip you off and the price is just comfortable enough for us.
Your guides
Andrew Golovachev, an IFMGA aspirant ski guide within the guides’ association of Kyrgyzstan, an avid alpine climber, and devoted adventure photographer.
Ran treks, climbs, ski tours and expeditions to Tajikistan Pamirs, Patagonia, Peru, Morocco, Nepal, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Siberia, Caucasus and Kamchatka. A full member of the British Alpine Club. Professional avalanche education: equivalent of Canadian Avalanche Association Level 1 certificate.
Visited over 40 countries, lived in the UK for four years. Certified first-aider.
Booking terms
Sounds exciting? It truly is! We love the place and would be happy to share it with you. Should you have any questions, please check out our FAQ section below. Alternatively, don’t hesitate to send us your inquiry using the contact form or WhatsApp.
We require financial commitment from the participants in a form of 20% deposit paid via SEPA bank transfer or Paypal. The remaining amount is paid in cash or wire transfer upon arrival.
Cancellation policy
We promise a 14-day risk-free booking window: you can cancel at any point within two weeks after you put down the first deposit. This buys you time to sort out vacation and flights, to bring in your friends, etc. and not have to worry about someone else taking your spot on the trip.
In case of cancellation of the trip by the participant due to any other personal circumstances any deposits made are NOT refunded. At our sole discretion we may put them towards your future trips with us.
The minimum group size for this trip is 4 participants plus the guide. Should there be less, the trip will be cancelled and all deposits made will be returned in full.
Start Your Journey
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Trip extension: Wine tour in Kakheti
Georgia is the oldest wine-producing region on the planet, where wine is a significant part of the national export and some ancient wine traditions are protected by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage! One example is the Kakheti region where grape juice with stems, seeds and skins ferments for several months in buried clay jars known as ‘Kvevri’. This unique process imparts a distinctive tannic taste to traditional Kakheti wines, making them rich in polyphenols with antioxidant properties.
Even the ‘mainstream’ Georgian grape varieties such as Saperavi and Rkatsiteli, remain relatively unknown in the West, making Georgia a must-visit destination for wine lovers.
Consider extending your trekking adventure in Georgia with a day tour visiting three to four Kakhetian wineries, each offering delightful tastings. During the tour, we drive around the region on a private minivan accompanied by an English-speaking guide well-versed in Georgian wine traditions.
We usually start in the famous Alazani valley with its high-quality wines, including matured varieties. At Chateau Mere hotel & winery, we indulge in tasting one red and one white Kakheti wine of our choice, complemented by locally cured jamon, cheeses, and honey.
We then drive through the town of Telavi with its vibrant market and continue for about 4 kilometers to the private vineyard Shalauri, specializing in traditional winemaking in Kvevri — buried clay jars — lending its tart taste and fruity smell. These unique wines are very little known outside Georgia.
Our next destination is usually Schuchmann Wines Chateau, a German-managed hotel & a winery. We conclude the day in the charming town of Sighnaghi — one of the country’s smallest — and pop into Johnny Okruashvili ‘new wave’ winery founded in 2003 by a telecommunications professional dispelling the myth that millennia-old family traditions are necessary to produce award-winning wine!
Georgian Food
Mouth-watering Georgian cuisine alone is a compelling reason to visit Georgia besides trekking in its majestic mountains. Vibrant yet not overly spicy, the cuisine is both rich an remarkably vegetarian-friendly, incorporating a medley of flavors from coriander leaves, nuts, plums, pomegranate seeds, and eggplants — the local food is ingrained into Georgian culture and national identity. While blending some traits of the national cuisines of the Caucasus, Middle East, and East Europe, Georgian cuisine has its distinct character that varies across the regions of Georgia.
Arguably the most renowned dish is khinkali — Georgian dumplings that put Nepalese momos to shame! Khinkali are rather large hand-made twisted knobs of dough typically filled with minced meat, finely chopped coriander leaves and flavorful broth. When Khinkali is cooked, all the succulent meat juices stay inside. You are supposed to eat it with bare hands, sucking the juices while taking the first bite! There are also vegetarian versions with mushrooms and cheese.
Among other culinary highlights are kharcho — a hot & spicy beef soup, chkmeruli — chicken baked in creamy sauce, baked trout, or satsivi — poultry in delectable walnut sauce.
Throughout the country, you’ll encounter freshly baked warm and crusty bread from traditional brick and clay ovens, along with matsoni — a light yogurt, sulguni — brined and salty cheese, and churchkhela — a dessert string of walnuts coated in grape juice. Tkemali, a traditional sour sauce made from red or green plums, rich in antioxidants, goes exceptionally well with meat and veggie grills.
Now, let’s talk veggies. From lobio — a stew of kidney beans and spices, ajapsandali — baked eggplants, potatoes, onions, and spices, to khachapuri — cheese flatbread, sometimes with an egg yolk, and pkhali — small parcels of finely chopped spinach or beetroot, herbs, walnuts, and pomegranate seeds — Georgian cuisine is a vibrant celebration of color, texture, freshness, and goodness!
Most of our trekking trip in Georgia unfolds in the remote mountain region of Svaneti. Its culinary specialties include kubdari — flatbread with a juicy chopped meat filling, mchadi — cornbread, sometimes with cheese inside, tashmidjabi — potato mash with melted cheese, and, of course, the aromatic Svanetian salt!
