Nature and mountains in Georgia

Nature and mountains in Georgia

The Caucasus, canyons and glacier lakes

Eighty percent of Georgia is mountains. From the high Caucasus to emerald canyons — these are the most beautiful natural regions, and what to do in each.

Georgia is a paradise for nature lovers: the great Caucasus range crosses it in the north, and beneath it hide canyons, waterfalls and glacier lakes. These are the areas to aim for.

Svaneti and Ushguli

The isolated mountain region of the northwest, a UNESCO site. Villages with centuries-old stone towers against a backdrop of snowy peaks. Ushguli is one of the highest inhabited settlements in Europe (2,100 m). The Mestia-to-Ushguli hike is among the most beautiful on the continent.

Tip: the road to Svaneti is long (about 8–9 hours from Tbilisi). Include it in a 7+ day itinerary, not as a day trip.

Kazbegi and the Military Highway

The accessible classic: two or three hours from Tbilisi on the dramatic “Military Highway,” passing the Ananuri fortress and the Gudauri mountain pass, up to Stepantsminda at the foot of Mount Kazbek.

Tusheti

One of Georgia’s wildest areas — reachable only in summer over the Abano Pass (2,900 m), one of the most dangerous and beautiful roads in the world. Fortified villages, pastoral life and absolute silence.

The Martvili and Okatse canyons

In western Georgia: a boat ride between green rock walls over turquoise water (Martvili) and a walkway hung over an abyss in the forest (Okatse). A perfect day trip from Kutaisi.

Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park

One of the largest reserves in Europe — forests, mineral springs and marked trails. A convenient starting point from the spa town of Borjomi.


For serious hiking the season runs June to September. Outside those months, the high mountain passes (Tusheti, upper Svaneti) are closed by snow.

Booking: Hotels in Stepantsminda · Hikes and mountain tours