Georgia is the historic and geographic divide between Europe and Asia. Europe's highest mountain chain, the Caucasus, extend from the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea and separate Georgia from Russia. The main part of Georgia is located on the south side of the Greater Caucasus range resulting in a sunny and warm climate.
The Georgian language and
alphabet are unique and one of the oldest in the world. The origins of Georgian
writing go back to the seventh century B.C. Echoes of Georgia's past ring out in
Homer's hexameters, in the chronicles of Strabon's and Pompey's times.
Since the beginning of the fourth century, the religion in Georgia is Christian
Orthodox , though in the mountains we can meet some traditions unchanged since
BC. Before the Perestroika Georgia was one of the richest countries in the
former USSR. It was the favourite place for all kinds of tourism. Now, after
several years of upheaval it is once again gaining its stability and returning
to hold its position as a tourist centre.
The icy mountains of Caucasus and warm shores of Black Sea, hospitality and traditions, ancient Kolkhida and myths, art and folk songs - this is Georgia with its majestic past and present. When you travel in Georgia - you travel in back time!
During this two week expedition our route takes us through the wildest parts of Georgia visiting its beautiful highlands - the Tusheti and Khevsureti - part of the Main Caucasus Ridge, where, because of the altitude (from 1400m to 3430m) the temperature changes from +25C (afternoon) to below 0C (night).
The trip starts with a short excursion to the town of Telavi in the Kakheti region. After driving to Omalo along an incredible mountain road, past deep gorges with white-waterfalls, we start our trek by walking along the Pirikita Alazani Gorge river with its forested slopes. On the way we can enjoy exploring medieval villages and ancient monuments.
We cross the Atsunta Pass (3430m) into the Khevsureti - a forgotten wilderness where traditions have remained unchanged for many centuries. Walking through the Andaki Gorge we will end our trek in the medieval village-citadel of Shatili and return to Tbilisi.
Some pictures of
Georgia
