Highest Peaks of The Caucasus | Yampu Tours

Custom Travel Experiences Since 1998

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Highest Peaks of The Caucasus

PRIVATE TOUR - 10 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY

FROM £$ 5680

Private Tour Highlights

  • Explore Tbilisi's Metekhi Church and Narikala Fortress, steeped in centuries of history.
  • Wander through Legvtakhevi, known as "Fig Ravine," and cross its charming bridges.
  • Visit the Old Sulfur Bathhouses for a relaxing dip in therapeutic thermal waters.
  • Admire the modern architecture of the Bridge of Peace spanning the Kura River.
  • Discover the ancient Anchiskhati Basilica, a testament to Tbilisi's early Christian heritage.
  • Trek to Georgia's highest village, Juta, and soak in breathtaking mountain views.
  • Hike to Gergeti Trinity Church, nestled beneath the towering peak of Mount Kazbegi.
  • Explore Armenia's Mount Aragats, summiting its peaks for panoramic views of the Caucasus.
Interested in this tour?   Let us build you a customized quote based on your budget.

Tour Overview

Experience an unforgettable journey through the Caucasus. Your adventure starts in Georgia’s vibrant capital, Tbilisi, where ancient history meets modern charm. Explore winding streets lined with centuries-old churches and bustling markets, all set against the backdrop of the majestic Caucasus Mountains.  

From the historic Metekhi Church to the iconic Narikala Fortress, each day unfolds with new discoveries and cultural immersion. Traverse mountain trails in Kazbegi, marvel at the Gergeti Trinity Church perched beneath Mount Kazbegi, and hike through the picturesque Truso Valley’s rugged landscapes. Your journey concludes in Armenia’s capital, Yerevan, where you’ll delve into its pink-hued streets and vibrant culture before bidding farewell with memories to last a lifetime. 

Inclusions
- Hotel accommodation including daily breakfast
- Professional English-speaking guide service during the tour
- Professional driver service during the tour
- All transfers in a comfortable climate-controlled vehicle (4x4 in certain places)
- 2 x bottles of spring water per person daily
- Excursions in accordance with the program
- Entrance fees in accordance with the program
- All local taxes
Exclusions

- Visa Fees (when needed)
- Insurance
- Early Check Ins/Late Check outs
- Alcoholic beverages
Extra personal fees

Best Time to Travel
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Best Good Consult

Package Price: From £$ 5680

Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.

Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.

Trip Type:

All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!

Tour Itinerary

Day
1

Welcome to Georgia

Upon your arrival at Tbilisi Airport, you will be greeted by your driver who will transfer you to your hotel in Tbilisi. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at the hotel, settling in and preparing for the adventures ahead.

Upon your arrival at Tbilisi Airport, you will be greeted by your driver who will transfer you to your hotel in Tbilisi. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at the hotel, settling in and preparing for the adventures ahead.

highest-peaks-of-the-caucasus
Day
2

Tbilisi City Tour

Begin your day with breakfast before embarking on a comprehensive exploration of Tbilisi. Your guided tour will blend driving and walking, showcasing the city's rich history and vibrant culture.

Highlights include Metekhi Church, a 13th-century architectural gem overlooking the river, and Narikala Fortress, a commanding 4th-century stronghold that has safeguarded the Old Town for centuries. You'll stroll through Legvtakhevi, known as "Fig Ravine," crossing a picturesque bridge, and visit the famous Old Sulfur Bathhouses renowned for their healing thermal waters.

Explore Meidan Square and Shardeni Street, bustling areas dotted with cozy cafes, bars, restaurants, souvenir shops, and art galleries. Admire the modern architectural marvel of the Bridge of Peace before concluding your day at Anchiskhati Basilica, one of Tbilisi's oldest churches dating back to the 6th century.

After a day filled with exploration, settle in for an overnight stay in Tbilisi, reflecting on the city's rich heritage and unforgettable sights. ...read less

Day
3

Tbilisi – Juta - Chaukhi – Kazbegi

In the morning, you will drive to the mountain village of Juta, one of the highest settlements in the area (2200 m asl).

Begin your hike by ascending a steep path that gradually levels out, offering a more pleasant and relaxing walk towards the Chaukhi mountains.
Along the way, you'll come across a small yet picturesque waterfall on the Chaukhistskali river. You'll need to cross the river (no bridge available, but several crossing points with small jumps) and continue hiking until you reach a sign and an improvised wooden bridge leading to Juta Lake.
Here, take a break or cross the bridge, then continue north-east, passing an alpine base-camp and following a small river upstream until you reach the Chaukhi Pass at 3,338 meters above sea level.

Overnight in Kazbegi ...read less

highest-peaks-of-the-caucasus
Day
4

Kazbegi – Altihut - Kazbegi

Begin the day with a 4x4 drive to Gergeti Trinity Church, nestled in the shadow of Mount Kazbegi.

This 14th-century landmark features intricately adorned facades depicting ancient rituals and beliefs. Weather permitting, enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Kazbegi (5047 m above sea level). According to legend, the mountain once held Amirani, a revered figure akin to Greek Prometheus, bound by the gods.

Embark on a hike to Sabertse Pass in the morning, starting from Gergeti Church. After parking near the campsite, ascend on a steep path until reaching a viewpoint marked by a signboard. The trail then eases, offering a more manageable trek. Along the way, pass memorials honoring mountaineers who lost their lives pursuing Kazbegi's summit. After several hours, reach Sabertse Pass (3100 m above sea level), boasting close-up views of Mount Kazbegi, Gergeti Glacier, and a nearby waterfall. AltiHut, the only shelter before Meteo Base Camp (Bethlemi Hut), provides hot drinks and delicious Georgian dishes.

Return to Stepantsminda, optionally taking an alternative path descending left of Sabertse Pass before rejoining the main route on a small field below.

Hiking Details: Distance: 9 km, Elevation Gain/Loss: ↑ 800 m / ↓ 800 m, Minimum Elevation: 2177 m, Maximum Elevation: 3100 m

Gergeti to Kazbegi Approx. Driving Distance: 12 min (6.2 km)

Overnight in Kazbegi. ...read less

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Day
5

Kazbegi – Truso - Tbilisi

Hiking in Truso Valley (Roundtrip)

Drive through Truso Valley, passing by the village of Kobi. Explore the vibrant travertines and natural mineral springs scattered across the valley. Take a leisurely walk to the Abano bubbling lake and the medieval Zakagori castle, enjoying the serene atmosphere. Along the way, visit an Orthodox convent and monastery, where resident monks sell their crafts and artwork. Encounter nomadic families bringing their cattle and sheep to graze in the valley for the summer.

Hiking Distance: Abano Lake Bridge to Zakagori Castle & back: 12.0 km
Elevation: Ascent 246 m / Descent 246 m

Truso Gorge to Tbilisi
Driving Distance: 142 km, approximately 2 hours and 52 minutes

Overnight in Tbilisi ...read less

Day
6

Tbilisi - Bagratashen - Odzun - Horomayr - Qobayr – Dsegh

Tbilisi read more...

Tbilisi - Sadakhlo
(Approx. Driving distance: 70 km / 1.5 hrs)

Cross the Georgian-Armenian border at Sadakhlo. Meet at the Sadakhlo border for a change of guide and transport.

Sadakhlo Border - Odzun Church
(Approx. Driving distance: 60 km / 1 hr)

Begin the day with a visit to Odzun Church.

Odzun - Horomayr - Kobayr
Embark on a hiking route starting at Odzun Church. The trail leads to the medieval Horomayr Monastery, situated 1,000m above sea level. Continue on foot to the Kobayr Monastery, a historic center of Armenian education and culture, featuring several medieval churches. Along the route, enjoy the monastery's beauty amidst the stunning natural landscapes of Lori, including chapels, water sources, and scenic vistas of settlements, villages, foggy forests, canyons, gorges, and waterfalls.

Trekking Details:
Distance: 8.1 km
Time: 5-6 hrs
Elevation Gain/Loss: +1,109m / -822m

Kobayr - Dsegh
(Driving distance: 20 km / 30 min)
Proceed to Dsegh for overnight stay. ...read less

Day
7

Dsegh - Aragats

Dsegh to Kari lake Driving distance: 150km / 3h

Today you will drive towards Lake Kari, also known as Stone Lake, situated on the southern slope of Mount Aragats at an altitude of 3200m. Fed primarily by ice and snowmelt, the lake offers serene views. Our hike begins from Lake Kari, following a path along the southern summit's slope until we reach the saddle (3790m) nestled between the Southern (3887m) and Western (3995m) summits.

At the saddle, we'll leave our backpacks and embark on climbs to both summits. From these vantage points, you'll enjoy breathtaking panoramas of the vast crater, Mount Ararat, and the Armenian Highlands. Upon returning to the saddle, we'll retrieve our backpacks and descend to the crater (3500m) to establish our camp for the night.

Trekking distance: 9 km

Elevation gain/loss: 855m ascent, 509m descent

Overnight: Camping ...read less

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Day
8

Aragats

After breakfast at the camp, we'll embark on a thrilling ascent to the Northern summit of Mount Aragats, the highest peak in Armenia.

You won't need to carry your backpacks as we'll return to the camp afterward. The path to the Northern summit is steep and sandy, presenting a challenging yet rewarding climb. Once at the top, the panoramic views will make every step worthwhile, offering a bird's-eye perspective of Armenia's majestic landscapes.

On the descent back to camp, you have the option to summit the Eastern Peak (3908m) of Aragats. Returning to camp, we'll gather our belongings and continue our hike to the picturesque Gegharot waterfall (3000m). This 17-meter high waterfall is a recognized natural wonder of Armenia, listed among its hydrological monuments.

Near the waterfall, an SUV will be waiting to transport us back to Yerevan.

Trekking Details:
Distance: 8.5 km
Elevation Gain/Loss: 720m ascent, 1385m descent

Please note, for safety reasons, visitors ascend to the "fake" Northern peak.

Return to Yerevan:
Driving Distance: 80 km / approximately 1.5 hours

Overnight stay in Yerevan. ...read less

Day
9

Yerevan - City tour

Explore read more...

Explore the captivating "pink city" of Yerevan, Armenia's capital, renowned for its rosy-hued stone architecture.

Experience an enchanting City Tour as dusk settles, revealing illuminated landmarks and bustling streets. Delve into Yerevan's vibrant nightlife with a knowledgeable guide offering insights into the city's rich history and culture. From the iconic Republic Square to the Cascade complex and lively cafes, experience the blend of history, architecture, and contemporary urban life that defines this dynamic city.

Overnight in Yerevan. ...read less

highest-peaks-of-the-caucasus
Day
10

International Flight Home

You will be transferred from the hotel to Zvartnots Airport for your departure flight home.

You will be transferred from the hotel to Zvartnots Airport for your departure flight home.

Tbilisi, Georgia

Kazbegi, Georgia

Dsegh, Armenia

Yerevan, Armenia

Places You'll See

  • Tbilisi

    Georgia’s ancient and vibrant capital city, Tbilisi spreads out on both banks of the Mtkvari River, surrounded by mountains. Well known for its hot springs and bathhouses, Tbilisi derives from the Old Georgian word “tbili”, meaning warm. Legend has it that Tbilisi was founded by a king who was hunting in the heavily wooded region with a falcon. The king’s falcon injured a pheasant during the hunt and both birds fell into a nearby hot spring, dying from burns. The king was so impressed with the hot springs that he cut down the forest to build a city, Tbilisi.

  • Kazbegi

    Nestled in the dramatic Caucasus Mountains, Kazbegi (also known as Stepantsminda) captivates visitors with its breathtaking alpine landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Renowned for the towering Mount Kazbek, a prominent peak in Georgian folklore, Kazbegi offers unparalleled opportunities for trekking and adventure amidst stunning natural beauty. The region’s history is intertwined with ancient Georgian traditions and the legacy of the Georgian Military Highway, once a crucial route through the mountains. Visitors can explore the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church, perched dramatically on a hilltop, and immerse themselves in local hospitality at guesthouses offering authentic Georgian cuisine. Kazbegi remains a gateway to Georgia’s wild and pristine northern frontier, attracting travelers seeking both outdoor escapades and a glimpse into Georgia’s storied past. 

  • Dsegh

    Dsegh, a picturesque village in Armenia’s Lori Province, holds a significant place in Armenian literature and history. The birthplace of renowned poet Hovhannes Tumanyan, Dsegh is imbued with cultural richness and literary heritage. Visitors to this tranquil village can explore the Tumanyan House-Museum, offering insights into the life and works of Armenia’s beloved poet. Surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills, Dsegh offers a serene retreat from urban life, inviting travelers to discover its charming architecture, traditional cuisine, and warm hospitality. The village’s historical roots trace back to ancient times, contributing to its allure as a cultural destination within Armenia’s scenic Lori region. 

  • Yerevan

    The capital of Armenia, Yereva, is believed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, emerging as a city around 782 BC. Though this is when the city is thought to be founded, archaeological findings point out that early settlements existed as early as the 4th Millenium BC. Today, Armenia’s capital is home to 1-million people. Visitors are welcomed to stroll the lively streets adorned with Soviet-era architecture, chic shops, and tasty restaurants. Take in the city’s history with visits to the iconic Cascade stairway, the Opera House, and other points of interest.

Hotel Options

4 Star Properties

Tbilisi : Hotel Zeg

Tbilisi : Museum Hotel

Kazbegi : Hotel Memoir

Dsegh : Kaghni Hotel

Yerevan : Ani Central Inn

Yerevan : Opera Suite Hotel

Testimonials

Cheryl

Traveled May 2017

We fell in love with Turkey

Our guide was awesome, we loved every moment with her! Our trip was perfect, we fell in love with Turkey.
Thank you!!

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Dale N.

Traveled November 2017

Yampu is the Best!

We had an exceptional trip in Egypt coordinated by Yampu. The guides were very knowledgeable. They took care of everything from the minute we got off the plane, personally escorting us through every step of the trip to the time we boarded to go home. Yampu provided great value and would highly recommend them to our friends

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