Ditch the tropical vacation; visit Nepal and climb Island Peak this autumn!

The Most Interesting Places to Visit in Georgia

Georgia trekking expedition

At first glance, it might seem like Georgia may not have that much to explore, but nothing could be further from the truth. This tiny country in the South Caucasus is packed from end to end with beautiful places to discover and adventures to be had!

Georgia is completely unique, and the same is true of the many attractions scattered across this ancient country. Bronze-Age ruins, lush canyons, jagged mountains, serene wine country, and more await travelers that are willing to make the effort to dive into everything Georgia has to offer.

This guide will give you a rundown of beautiful and historic places to visit in Georgia that make traveling through this country the one-of-a-kind journey that it is. Whether you spend several months here or only have time to see a few, all of these sites will make your time in Georgia an unforgettable experience.

Svaneti

Credit: Nathan Jordan

Starting with probably the most alluring destination on this list, Svaneti is legendary even among Georgians for good reason. This region in the northwestern corner of the country offers adventure as only Georgia can: gorgeous landscapes, delicious mountain food, and a distinct culture that truly sets it apart.

Accessible at most times of the year, Svaneti is awash in color and breathtaking sights no matter when you decide to visit. This is home to the famous Mestia-Ushguli Trek, a multi-day hike that is undoubtedly Georgia’s most rewarding. Hikers venture from the regional hub of Mestia town to the endpoint of Ushguli, a small village that holds the honor of being one of the highest settlements in Europe.

Throughout Svaneti, you’ll see things that are distinctly Georgian. There are medieval towers standing out amongst the surrounding mountains in a way that’s simply iconic. On top of that, the glaciers, short day hikes, secluded villages, and tiny churches dotting the landscape will keep you plenty busy. All these go a long way in defining Georgia as the unique destination that it is.

The Svaneti is also the centerpiece of Epic’s own Svaneti itinerary. It’s a region that is just too good to pass up, and although there are other highlights on the trip, this portion is the real showstopper.

Iprari Village

Credit: Nathan Jordan

This tiny, rustic village is a stop that every hiker makes while trekking the Mestia-Ushguli route. Dramatic peaks surround Iprari and visitors get a stunning panoramic view of the valley below.

Most notable about this village though is its tiny orthodox church. Although it may seem decrepit and unassuming, this church, dating back to the 11th century, hosts some of the best-preserved and most impressive frescoes in the whole country. All this hidden in a tiny mountainous hamlet!

There’s also a medieval hall in the nearby village of Khe that is worth visiting along the way. Combined with a visit to the church, it’s easy to see why the Svaneti is often seen as a land separated from time.

Iprari is one of the more quaint villages on the journey and rarely gets too crowded, even in the summer months. It would be easy to spend a few nights here simply taking in the views, going on short day hikes, and enjoying the delicious cuisine of Svaneti.

Sololaki, Tbilisi

Credit: Nathan Jordan

A slice of Old Georgia in the heart of Tbilisi, Sololaki is pretty hard to miss since it serves as the main hub for travelers visiting the capital.

This district showcases traditional Georgian lifestyle and architecture, and it’s easy to spend more than a few hours wandering the narrow streets and discovering the city’s cafes, bars, and stunning vistas.

It might seem a little touristy but don’t overlook spending some time in Sololaki. This is a window into seeing what Georgia has been like for centuries and far too many travelers skip over taking enough time to explore all of the gems that Tbilisi’s historic district has on offer.

Lake Paravani

Credit: Nathan Jordan

Located about a three-hour drive southwest of Tbilisi, Lake Paravani sees few visitors. Despite the lack of traffic, it’s home to both interesting history and wide-open, sweeping green landscapes that are so devoid of trees that it almost doesn’t look real.

The villages that dot the lakeside are tiny and partially abandoned, and while they are scenic, they are not the main draw of the region.

A short hike away from Lake Paravani is Mount Koroghli, where visitors will find the Bronze Age ruin known as Shaori Fortress awaiting them at the summit. Shaori is one of the oldest known ruins in Georgia and while the centuries have clearly taken their toll, it has stood the test of time.

This site is something of an enigma because while it’s called a “fortress,” archeologists have been unable to find any evidence of permanent human settlement. As a result, experts have come to speculate that Shaori may have been used simply as some sort of religious site instead.

If you’re into ancient history and distinct landscapes that get pretty much zero tourism, this area is more than worth checking out.

Gergeti Trinity Church

Credit: Nathan Jordan

Overlooking the town of Stepantsminda near the Russian border, Gergeti Church is visible from miles away and can be reached by hiking (or even by car) on your way to the foothills of Mount Kazbegi, one of Europe’s highest peaks.

Gergeti is one of Georgia’s most interesting places to see and for good reason. This mountaintop church is a sight that you won’t see anywhere outside of Georgia. In many ways, it is a perfect representation of the unique experience one is afforded when journeying through Georgia and its mountains.

The tiny churches, chapels, and monasteries populating the mountainsides of the southern Caucasus define the landscape of this country, and Gergeti serves as the model for the kind of vistas that only Georgia can offer. There’s truly nowhere else you can see anything like this.

Tusheti

Credit: Moahim (wikicommons)

The Tusheti region sits on the far end of one of Europe’s more dangerous roads and holds some of Georgia’s most spectacular hiking. Accessible only during summer – mainly July and August – Tusheti doesn’t see many visitors even during high season, so you’ll never have to worry about crowds.

Tusheti consists of a string of tiny mountain villages dotting the landscape. This is one of the most beautiful and remote places to visit in Georgia’s mountains and showcases the country’s natural beauty at its finest. The highest settlement in Europe resides in these mountains, amongst a whole host of other gorgeous vistas.

Mashruktas (public vans) don’t run here, unlike most other places in Georgia, so you’ll either have to book a group tour here or take your own transportation. It’s important to say that if you’re considering driving yourself here, you should be experienced with off-road driving if you want to stay safe. Whether you’re taking a car or a motorcycle, a manual transmission is a must.

Truso Valley

Credit: Nathan Jordan

Truso Valley is one of northern Georgia’s lesser-known places to see and is a fairly short day trip from nearby Stepantsminda. The hike itself is brisk and easy, but the valley is worth exploring because it offers hiking as only Georgia can: with historic villages and a wild color scheme.

A few tiny villages dot the valley and an abandoned fortress overlooking an ancient Silk Road route awaits hikers a few hours in. That being said, the visual highlight of this short trek are actually the sulfur fields running through the middle of the valley. Orange and black deposits of the fields mix with the lush greens of the surrounding hills, creating a truly bizarre color scheme that you simply won’t see in many other places on the planet.

The pungent smell of sulfur permeating the air is less than ideal but it’s a small price to pay for the experience. This short, underrated day hike showcases how beautiful Georgia can be.

Azeula Fortress

Credit: Nathan Jordan

This ancient fortress is known for being the place where the legendary Queen Tamar – who was technically a king – died. Despite that fame and not being too far away from Tbilisi, Azeula sees almost no visitors.

Also known as Kojori or Kor Ogli, the fortress itself is in pretty dismal repair, and restoration efforts are basically non-existent. Despite that, it has stood for nearly a thousand years and is very impressive to take in.

The commanding views of the valley get even better if you manage to hike out to the back of the fortress. It’s worth noting though that while climbing any further past that point isn’t illegal, it does get a bit dangerous at points and you should first and foremost consider any damage you might do to the ruins – and yourself – before continuing. This is an ancient site and a national treasure to Georgians, and we as visitors need to respect the history we’re exploring.

Azeula is close enough to Tbilisi that it can be reached by hiking or even a city bus (bus number 380) which stops in the nearby village of Kojori. Keep in mind that hiking here to or from Tbilisi is a 3 to 4-hour commitment at minimum, so be ready to dedicate a full day to this trip.

Juta

Juta, a picturesque village in Georgia’s Kazbegi region, is a hidden gem renowned for its stunning mountain scenery. Nestled in the Greater Caucasus Mountains, Juta is often compared to the Italian Dolomites due to its dramatic peaks and breathtaking landscapes. With their sharp, jagged ridges and snow-capped summits, it’s easy to see why the nearby Chaukhi Mountains evoke the same feelings as their karst counterparts are called the “Dolomites of Georgia.”

The pristine beauty of Juta’s surroundings makes it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Hiking and trekking are popular activities, with trails leading to panoramic viewpoints and alpine meadows filled with wildflowers. The trek to the Chaukhi Pass offers the most expansive views of the region and is the highlight of any visit here.

Juta’s charm is not only in its rugged terrain but also in its tranquility and traditional Georgian hospitality. Visitors can stay in cozy guesthouses or camp in the serene mountain setting, enjoying the simplicity and peace of this remote area.
Although the Svaneti region is the highlight of our Georgia itinerary, we can’t bring ourselves to pass up the opportunity to visit such an amazing location. After the Svaneti, we visit Juta because we must: a Dolomite-like landscape is already tempting enough, but the Dolomites without crowds is just too good to pass up.

Kakheti

Credit: Nathan Jordan

The beating heart of Georgia’s wine culture, Kakheti evokes imagery of Tuscany without coming at a similarly high cost to your wallet. Rolling, green hills, monasteries, and wineries are all in abundant supply, making Kakheti a place that is as relaxing as it is beautiful.

You may or may not know this already but Georgian wine is quite infamous. Although other European producers, such as Italy and France, receive most of the attention, Georgian winemaking is arguably more significant. Why? Georgia is one the oldest known winemaking regions in the world and arguably the birthplace of the beverage!

Many wineries offer tours that most visitors will find very cheap, and it’s not uncommon to get offered wine – a lot of it – for free! Life in Kakheti is slow and easy, but it’s still possible to get some adventuring in by exploring the region’s many historic sites hiding in the region’s lush hillsides.

If you’re just looking to relax, Kakheti can’t be beat. Georgia’s tranquil wine country is a perfect place to go to slow things down after venturing through the rugged Caucasus. The wine too is totally unique and unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere in Europe.

See Georgia's Attractions for Yourself

Credit: Nathan Jordan

Despite being such a tiny nation, Georgia has countless beautiful places to see and it’s impossible to put them all on a single list. The remnants of Georgia’s unique history scattered across the mountainous landscape make this a country like no other, and venturing through it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Our tours to Georgia mainly focus on the alpine destinations, such as Svaneti and Juta, in addition to Tbilisi. We think that these areas are the best in the entire country and truly unmissable.

That’s not to say you can’t visit the many other superlative locations in Georgia outside of our program! Exploring this country from tip to tip will be worth every second of your time, and few if any places should disappoint. This is one of the most exotic destinations in all of Europe and is still unspoiled. So see everything there is until the masses arrive!

More from the blog

Welcome to our Journal!

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Here at Epic Expeditions, adventure is constantly on our minds. 

Our blog – or Journal as we like to call it – contains epic trip stories, photo diaries, and news about new tours. 

Thanks for checking it out! 

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The trip we're most stoked about

NEPAL
Island Peak Climbing Expedition

Next trip: October 14th - 31st, 2024

Adventure Guide

Hailing from the Toronto region of Eastern Canada, with a background as a former standout athlete (hockey of course) and a  love of mountain adventure, Clark is a welcomed addition to the Epic team.

In addition to being a keen photographer and adventurer, Clark brings his brilliant sense of humor, leadership skills, and positive attitude to everything he puts his mind to. 

When he is not leading trips, he is working on taking over the hard apple cider game in Canada as a skilled craft brewer. 

Adventure Guide

Noemi grew up in the mountains of German-Speaking Switzerland where she naturally developed a deep love and respect for mountain environments.

She is a talented photographer, aspiring climber, and speaks at least 5 languages fluently including Arabic (and probably a few more that we don’t know about), which she taught herself in a matter of months by watching YouTube videos. 

Noemi has spent the last several years traveling, hiking, and photographing her way around many different countries in the Middle East, South and Central Asia, and Europe, and we could not be more stoked to welcome her to the Epic team! 

Adventure Guide

As our man on the ground in Mongolia, there is not much this legend can’t do. As a native the Bayan-Ölgii province of the Western Mongolia Altai, Syerik has been working as a guide and tourism entrepreneur…

for the past several years and is one of the rising stars in Mongolia adventure travel industry. 

He is currently building a beautiful Ger (Yurt) camp near his hometown where he will host Epic Mongolia team members on our trip as well as other travelers from around the world! 

He is the perfect guide for your trip to Mongolia. Serik did an amazing job giving us a well rounded experience in the Altai NP region and down in the Gobi…
The food was fantastic and Serik gave us many opportunities to learn about the Kazakh culture in that region including traditional meals. (I can’t recommend enjoying the milk tea enough!)

– Coastal

Head of canine operations

Choriza started off life as a care-free vagabond on the streets of Madeira Island without any place to call home. From the moment we met her, we knew this dog was just different, and it was pretty much love at first sight. 

She gave up the dog street life in favor of joining her new dad Chris to become a full-time member of the Epic family towards the end of 2022.

These days she can be found listening in on the fringes of important Epic business meetings while half-asleep on the couch. She is a keen hiker, lover of mud, rare steak, and might just be the sweetest little dog we have ever seen. 

Adventure Guide

An experienced trek leader and
IFMGA aspirant ski guide, avid alpine climber, devoted adventure photographer.

Organized and guided trekking expeditions, climbs and ski tours in Tajikistan’s Pamirs, Patagonia, Peru, Morocco, Nepal, Kyrgyzstan, Georgian and Russian Caucasus and Kamchatka.

A full member and meets the organiser of the British Alpine Club. Visited over 40 countries, lived in the UK for four years. Certified first-aider.

We joined Andrew on a fantastic trip to the Fann Mountains in Tajikistan, pure nature and magnificent scenery! Andrey was super prepared and led us safely up and down numerous passes and through some rough and icy cold rivers. Thank you for a very memorable trip, your planning and prep was excellent!

– Monika Steinlechner

epic expeditions team

Adventure Guide

Our man in Nepal, Sandip is what we like to call a “Swiss Army Knife”. There is not much Sandip can’t do when it comes to helping Epic to run our expeditions smoothly in Nepal.

His tireless work ethic, passion for all things trekking in the Himalayas, and smart decision-making mean that Sandip is a truly invaluable member of our team.

Sandip is passionate about showing visitors to his country an amazing time, and he goes above and beyond to make sure that happens. 

His company Himalayan Masters is Epic’s trusted partner in Nepal and one of the country’s top new tour agencies.

We really enjoyed the entire journey, and I would like to say that Sandip is truly professional. He guided us and he is a hardworking person, providing us with the best service and taking care of each one of us. Plus, he is super funny! The kind of professionnal you always want to find on your path for your explorations! 

– Alexandra Ruth

Fairy Meadows

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Our Favorite Experiences

#1 Sunrise from Reflection Lake

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#2 Hiking to Nanga Parbat Base Camp

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#3 Playing cricket with the locals

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Trips Where We Visit Fairy Meadows

Our flagship Pakistani adventure tour.  Road trip with some  hiking and cultural immersion.

A trekking-style tour that features some very remote locations, inlcuding a K2 viewpoint.

Adventure Guide

João has born in the mountains of Madeira Islands in Portugal. Nature lover, writer, musician, guide, for him, a day without contact with outdoor vibes is a nightmare. 

With a degree in Cultural Studies in Portugal and a Master of Arts in Global Cultures and Creativity in the U.K.

João found out what really matters in life can be found on the trails, and in the contact with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Guiding, crazy trekking missions, and sharing observations about the natural world, – these are some of João’s passions. 

After trekking to K2 Base Camp and exploring all over Northern Pakistan, he fell in love with the country and the local people. His experiences resulted in his desire to share these feelings with the world.

João is one of the most experienced guides at Epic and his skillset and positive mindset in the mountains is second to none

When not in Pakistan, João is  guiding and exploring in the Madeira Islands trails –  discovering some of the hidden treasures on his Portuguese Island.

João I can not thank you enough for the off the beaten paths and views you keep giving. Definitely one of the most challenging and amazing hikes we did 1200m meters all the way up to Fanal forest and circling back to the hidden village. Wow!

– Jeffery 

travel hunza valley

Adventure Guide

Sohail is the newest addition to the Epic team and we are beyond stoked to have him on board. As a veteran of the Karakoram and a native of Karimabad in Hunza, there is not much Sohail can’t do in the mountains. 

Besides having the ability to speak more languages than we can count, Sohail has explored every corner of Gilgit Baltistan and logs more trekking miles 

in a year than most people will do in a lifetime. As of the summer of 2022, Sohail has summited Gasherbrum 1, Gasherbrum 2, and K2 – three of Pakistan’s five 8000-meter peaks. Sohail guides several trips including our annual bespoke expeditions but specializes in Hunza Valley tours.

Chris and Sohail, and the team at Epic are FANTASTIC! Highly recommend anyone to do a tour with ‘Epic’. They have the perfect balance of fun, excitement and wild adventures, tied in with being super professional and ensuring your safety/health in a foreign environment. Don’t waste a moment and book a tour with these guys as the value for money is UNREAL!

– Borgan

iran travel tour

Adventure Guide

Pedro’s been traveling all around the globe since 2009. His keen interests in documentary photography, rural life, and local people from different ethnic groups have been the focus of many of his professional projects.

Since 2012, he has developed his passion for travel and awesome shared experiences into a full-time adventure photography tour leader position.

Pedro has found himself continuously going back to the Middle East, with his likely favorite destination being Iran. Pedro lead his 11th tour in Iran with Epic in spring 2020

When Pedro’s not traveling the world with Epic Expeditions, you’ll find him based in the western south of Portugal planning he’s next adventure missions, logistics and working out his photos in local exhibitions.

 I loved the combination of hiking, camping around breathtaking scenery mixed with the cultural aspects. The guide (Pedro) is knowledgeable and work very hard to make the trip as memorable as possible. All in all an epic adventure with some extremely epic individuals! Go for it, you won’t regret it!

– Coastal

Diane Bouvet

Adventure Admin / Marketing

After fleeing from the corporate fashion world in Paris towards the start of 2020, Diane has been working as a web developer and graphic designer remotely from various bases across the globe

She brings all of her incredible design and organizational power to Epic Expeditions and is responsible for many of the beautiful behind-the-scenes design elements. 

Diane has been to Iran and to Pakistan twice including all over Gilgit Baltistan and KPK.

k2 gondogoro la trek

Head of Operations | Guide

A veteran of Pakistan travel, Ralph is an experienced guide, photographer and writer who specializes in documenting remote locations. 

Not one to simply go where everyone else does, he insists on exploring new and lesser-known areas.

Together with Epic Expeditions, he shows people parts of Pakistan that most other operators don’t even know about. He is particularly fond of the village of Barah, which he believes will become just as famous as Hunza one day.

Just got back from EBT’s Trekking Amongst Giants 15 day tour. The experience was first class. Ralph, our head guide, ensured that the entire trip ran smoothly and relatively on time (a bonus for anyone travelling in Pakistan). We had so many unforgettable days on the tour and the trekking was well-planned, safe but also a rewarding challenge. 

– Calvin


Traveling to a non-tourist destination can be a little intimidating but EBT takes all of the worry and trepidation away. From the pre-trip call to meeting the wonderful staff in person you can tell that you are dealing with a company that has a passion for what they do each and every day. Ralph, Zahid, and Khan were supportive, kind, and always willing to go the extra mile to make sure that everyone on the trip was getting what they wanted out of the experience.

– Katrina 

adventure tours pakistan

Founder | Adventure Guide | Director

Since he started exploring the world, Chris has been seeking out every shade of adventure in various parts of the globe and had visited more than 70 countries along the way. 

Over the last 10 years, Chris has logged more than 7000 trail miles across five continents and climbed multiple 6000 + 7000 meter peaks in Pakistan and Nepal.

A few years back, a distant dream and a deep passion for the mountains and the people of Pakistan led Chris to co-found Epic Expeditions at a time when foreign adventure tourism in Pakistan was almost nonexistent. Since then, Chris has guided more than 20 expeditions to various parts of Northern Pakistan.

Chris believes in using photography and powerful adventure experiences to dismantle negative stereotypes regarding what mainstream media considers “dangerous” countries while facilitating unique and meaningful memories in the mountains for countless people from around the globe. 

For him, an ideal start to the day begins with a steaming cup of good coffee, the beam of a headlamp, alpine boots, and a camera in hand.

He lives in Madeira Island when not leading expeditions in far-flung lands. 

Chris also works as a writer and photographer on his blog Off the Atlas – an adventure travel blog all about Pakistan.  

Read this interview our staff did with Chris to learn more about him!

Chris believes in Pakistan and its people, and he believes in the value of journeys shared with others and family cultivated on the road. Honesty and integrity are at the heart of what he does, and this really shines through in his work as a guide. He also makes great coffee – whether at 5am in an empty guesthouse or half way up a Himalayan peak.”

– Will De Villers

Pakistan is a magical country! Had 3 of the best weeks of my life thanks to Epic Backpacking Tours with owner, and one of our awesome guides, Chris. From detailed itinerary, preparation with an equipment list, and visa assistance. To amazing food, great porters, helpful guides, and great accommodations. Epic really hit home run after home run. […]

Their desire for adventure and amazing trip is just as high as yours. Bring a good pound of coffee for the trip. French press coffee every morning and no average tin coffee, plus you’ll be in your guides good books.

– Clark Tyler

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