Loading search...
Tour Itinerary and Reports
Can I help you?
Georgia's Caucasus Mountains: Alpine Wildlife & Walking
Tour Code: GEO07A 9-day walking and wildlife holiday exploring Georgia’s spectacular Caucasus Mountains, from the alpine heights of Kazbegi to the forests and volcanic plateaux of the Lesser Caucasus, in search of their special birds, mammals, rich spring flora and other wildlife.
£3,395
£2,995
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
Can I help you?
Summary
This varied 9-day walking tour offers an excellent introduction to Georgia’s remarkable diversity, beginning in the Greater Caucasus where we base ourselves in Stepantsminda beneath the towering peak of Mount Kazbek. Here, a series of scenic walks explore dramatic valleys, high mountain passes and alpine meadows, with opportunities to seek out specialities such as Caucasian Snowcock, Caucasian Black Grouse and Great Rosefinch, alongside Wallcreeper, Lammergeier and herds of East Caucasian Tur. Highlights include the striking landscapes of the Truso Valley and a memorable hike to Sabertse Pass, with sweeping glacier views and superb high-altitude birding.
We then descend into the forested landscapes of the Lesser Caucasus, where Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park provides a rich contrast in habitat. Walking through beech, spruce and fir forest, we search for woodland species such as Black Woodpecker and Red-breasted Flycatcher, while keeping an eye out for mammal signs including Brown Bear. A further change of scenery awaits on the wide, windswept Javakheti Plateau, where volcanic uplands and lakes support Armenian Gull colonies, migrant waterfowl and, at Lake Tabatskuri, the region’s only breeding Velvet Scoters.
Throughout the tour, wildlife exploration is complemented by Georgia’s deep cultural heritage and warm hospitality, from the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church to the ancient cave city of Uplistsikhe. Combining rewarding walking, a rich mix of habitats and a strong suite of Caucasian endemics, this holiday offers an engaging and scenic journey through one of the Western Palearctic’s most exciting and still relatively unexplored natural regions.
- Explore the dramatic landscapes of the Greater Caucasus, with walks around Kazbegi, the Truso Valley and a spectacular hike to Sabertse Pass.
- Search for key regional specialities including Caucasian Snowcock, Caucasian Black Grouse and Great Rosefinch.
- Enjoy superb raptor watching, with chances for Lammergeier, Golden Eagle and Griffon Vulture in breathtaking mountain scenery.
- Discover the rich forests of Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, home to Black Woodpecker, Red-breasted Flycatcher and signs of Brown Bear.
- Experience the contrasting landscapes of the Javakheti Plateau and Lake Tabatskuri, including Armenia Gull colonies and the region’s only breeding Velvet Scoter
Outline Itinerary
Dates & Prices
2027
Tour Leader: Giorgi Natsvlishvili
By becoming a full-time tour leader in 2017, Giorgi made his passion for natural history his vocation, while still maintaining ties with his political studies. Guiding is also conducive to his efforts to further explore his homeland which, luckily for him, happens to be one of the most interesting, varied and biodiverse destinations in the Western Palearctic.
His fascination with natural world began at a young age, during firewood harvesting trips to forest with his Grandfather, and Giorgi continues to visit his favorite patches every chance he gets. Giorgi is enthused in conservation of species, raising awareness and furthering research. Vehicle for his humble contribution is his general love for photography, some of which have been published in several scientific papers and a wildlife guide to Georgia.
Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
Enquire
Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
