Formerly the holiday haunt of the privileged elite of the Soviet Union, Georgia is blessed with stunning scenery, a balmy climate and a rich variety of flora and fauna.
Trekking and mountain activitiesThe mountains to the north and south of the country offer opportunities for a range of trips, from strenuous trekking in the heights of the Caucasus to gentle walking in the lower pastures. It should be noted that political unrest makes certain areas inaccessible and dangerous, notably the breakaway regions of Abkhazia (in the far northwest) and South Ossetia. Areas bordering these
regions are also best avoided. The country’s infrastructure can also present problems to those attempting to reach remote areas without their own transport. For these reasons, it is best to arrange trips through a specialist operator. A guide is usually necessary for visits to the mountains, and porters may be hired. Given these restrictions however, the country is a rewarding destination for serious trekkers. The area around
Mount Kazbek (or
Mkinvartsveri, meaning ‘ice top’), the third-highest peak in the Caucasus at 16,504 feet (5033m), offers challenging treks. Accommodation is available in two meteorological stations along the way, and special equipment is necessary to attempt the summit. Further east, the
Roshka Valley, with its glaciers, and the
Chaukhi Mountains also offer strenuous wilderness treks and stark mountain scenery. Lowland walks are possible in both the north and the south of the country. The area around the ski resort of
Gudauri (120km/75 miles north of Tbilisi) makes a good starting point for summer walks through mountain meadows full of flowers. Even in the lowland areas, eagles soar overhead and spectacular views can be had. The mountains in the south and east can offer more gentle walks. These regions are also suitable for horse riding and mountain biking, and there are numerous mountain roads and tracks. Special Caucasian horses bred for their endurance and beauty, such as the
Kabardo and the
Tusheti, are the traditional means of transport in this area. Trips can be started at the mountain resort of
Bakuriani. Gentler rides can be done along the Black Sea coast.
BirdwatchingThis is another of Georgia’s attractions. Approximately 360 species can be found, depending on the season, and the number of birds increases considerably during the spring and autumn migrations. Raptors including the bearded vulture, the long-legged buzzard and the white-tailed eagle can be seen in the Caucasus in summer. In the autumn, the wetlands and mountain steppes in the south near the Armenian border harbor white pelicans, white storks, cranes and Caspian snowcocks.
WintersportsThese include skiing, ski touring, heli-skiing and snowboarding. The country’s main resorts are
Gudauri and
Bakuriani, the latter of which used to be the Soviet Union’s most popular ski resort. Both resorts are suitable for skiiers of all abilities. International competitions are held. Ski mountaineering trips can also be arranged.
Wine tastingThe
Kakheti province in the far east of the country is Georgia’s wine-growing region. Apart from being an ancient tradition, drinking wine is also a social skill, with the traditional toast (or
Tamada) being the prerogative of the most powerful male at the table. Other age-old rituals surround the harvesting, preparation and consumption of wine, which is usually of high quality. Georgian food is also very good. For further details of specialties, see the
Social Profile section.
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