Elbrus (Russia, 5642 m) is the highest peak of the Greater Caucasus, in the Lesser Caucasus the highest is Aragats (Armenia, 4090 m).
With you can:
climb Elbrus (Russia), Kazbek (Georgia) or Aragats (Armenia);
go hiking in the Caucasus in Russia: around Elbrus, from Teberda to Arkhyz, Bolshoi and Maly Tkhach, to the Hot Springs or Lago-Naki.
go hiking in the Caucasus in Georgia: Tusheti and Khevsureti or Svaneti.
go hiking in the Caucasus in Abkhazia: along the Kodori Gorge, Arabica and Ritsa, Avadhara and New Athos.
Armenia
To go hiking in the Caucasus in the mountains of Armenia, citizens of Belarus, Russia and Ukraine do not need a visa. To enter the country, you need a passport, the expiration date of which should be no earlier than 3 months after the date of the planned return.
Hiking in the Caucasus | Armenia:
Georgia
To go hiking in the Caucasus in Georgia, citizens of Belarus, Russia and Ukraine do not need a visa. To enter the country, you need a passport, the expiration date of which should be no earlier than 3 months after the date of the planned return.
Hiking in the Caucasus | Georgia:
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| Hiking in Svaneti for the May holidays is a light version of the Mountain Svaneti route especially for lovers of Georgia and the Caucasus mountains who sting to go on a hike on the May holidays. In May, Georgia is especially contrasting and beautiful - there is snow on the peaks, and gardens are blooming by the sea. | |
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| Trekking from Khevsureti to Tusheti. On the way we will see the legendary Kazbek, the picturesque mountain Abudelaur lakes, the natural monument of the multicolored travertines of Truso, visit the wineries in the Alazani Valley and see many ancient towers. | |
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| Samegrelo | Lake Tobavarchkhili is a land of untouched nature, along which we will go light - a hike without backpacks. All our things will be carried by the horses. There are underground caves, mountain lakes, rainforests and magnificent waterfalls. | |
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| Mountainous Svaneti is wild high mountains, pristine nature and hospitable people - the guardians of this land. There are many medieval towers on the mountain slopes, and picturesque villages in the river valleys. Here we will see the “Matterhorn of the Caucasus” - not easy for climbing, but the picturesque peak of Ushba - from near, as well as taste local cuisine, Georgian wine and relax by the sea. | |
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| Climbing the harsh icy peak of Kazbek (5033m), which has always attracted and continues to attract strong-minded climbers. We will go from the Georgian side along the classic route, where the ascent will be physically easier, but more technical. | |
Russia
Hiking in the Caucasus | Russia:
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| Climbing Elbrus - if you are ready to challenge yourself, dream of conquering the highest peak of the Caucasus and all of Russia, then it is time to realize this dream and join the team of climbers to this serious and so alluring peak. We follow the classic route - from the south, and before the ascent we will go through a fascinating acclimatization trekking in the Elbrus region. | |||
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| Thirty or Lago-Naki - on this trip we will feel the power of the Caucasus mountains and see their beauty with our own eyes, without having any special alpine skills. The route of this trek through the Caucasus passes through the Lago-Naki plateau, which is famous for its very beautiful alpine meadows. The procedure for entering and obtaining a permit to enter Abkhazia is posted on the official website of the Consular Service of the Republic of Abkhazia. Hiking in the Caucasus | Abkhazia:
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The Caucasus is an amazing place. The legendary peaks Elbrus and Kazbek are crowned with the local ridges, united into mountain systems - here the Greater and Lesser Caucasus begin. Looking at the snow-capped rocky slopes propping up the sky, you feel the full power of the wild. The Caucasus is a rather harsh mountain, in winter there are five meters of snow on the passes here, and in summer it is hot up to thirty degrees. Numerous hiking routes in the Caucasus are very diverse and at the same time not simple. Mountains and passes attract both experienced tourists and those who are just beginning to learn the wonderful world of tourism. Alpine meadows here alternate with turbulent mountain rivers, which carry their foamy streams into the real foothill jungle. Stunning colors and amazing silence are the hallmarks of these places, and here, in the Caucasus, you can truly enjoy both.
There are several peculiarities of hiking in the Caucasus. First of all, it is worth mentioning the weather. It rarely rains here in summer, but it often rains, and sometimes it happens every day. A windbreaker is a must, and so is a raincoat. If the sun is shining, then it shines so that be healthy, especially at altitude, respectively, do not forget to take sunscreen with you so as not to burn too much. Good weather that lasts a week in a row in the Caucasus is rare, but it also happens. In addition, there are no problems with water in the Caucasus, there are many springs and rivers, which we will sometimes cross.
Secondly, I will mention a slight feeling of hunger. We usually carry all the products with us, since on most routes there is nowhere to buy them, and since you cannot take on much on yourself, otherwise you simply won't go, you have to take into account the amount of products per day compared to Crimea, for example. A vicious circle - the loads in the Caucasus are large, you will want to eat a lot, but you won't take much with you, in general, it will be possible to lose another kilogram.
Hiking tours in the Caucasus are usually 9 and 12 days long. And here you need to be strong in spirit and realize that you have to go all the way. Because there is simply nowhere to get off here on the route. All around there are mountains. To get off the route, the whole group will have to take off and stomp to the nearest settlement, and this is often a couple of days' journey, in order to leave those who want to end the trip there prematurely. But, I will add that we have a couple of not very difficult routes, especially for beginners - along Tkhachi in Adygea and along the Kodori gorge in Abkhazia.
Let me remind you that we have routes that go along the border areas and reserves. This imposes its own peculiarities on hiking, nature reserves as nature reserves, but the border guards need to issue permits for some routes in advance, Russians get a pass a month in advance, citizens of other states two months before the trip, we issue passes, you only need your data. Well, that's all, good hikes!
Hiking in the Caucasus, even the simplest, cannot be called an easy walk. The weather here very often changes, and constant elevation changes and long transitions can exhaust even experienced travelers. Equipment requirements are also high: ordinary sneakers can fail on difficult rocky trails, and a cheap tent will not resist the gusty mountain winds. This article will help you decide on the list equipment and clothing which are worth taking with you on a hike.
So, the main gear you will need is tent, backpack and sleeping bag... Their choice should be approached especially carefully, because your comfort throughout the entire trip will depend on them.
Main requirements for tent- water resistance and wind resistance. The first is measured in millimeters of water column. It is advisable to take a tent with a water resistance value of more than 5000 mm. Arcs (frame) are responsible for wind resistance. For hiking in the Caucasus, it is permissible to take tents with fiberglass arches, but even better if the frame is aluminum. The latter option is more expensive, but at the same time more reliable and lighter. In any case, do not buy cheap tents in supermarkets - they will definitely not survive even one trip in the Caucasus.
If you don't have a tent, don't be discouraged. It can be rented. The cost of one seat will be approximately $ 1 / night.
Now about backpacks... The main thing is that it is durable and comfortable. If you have a new backpack - try to "carry" it before the hike, otherwise the straps can chafe the first days. Another important parameter is the presence of a rain cover. If it is not there, it is worth taking the Rainkaver separately. The volume of a backpack for hiking in the Caucasus should be 60 - 80 liters. When choosing a backpack, give preference to a well-known manufacturer of camping equipment - in this case, it is more likely that the backpack will survive the hike.
Sleeping bag Is another essential piece of equipment. When choosing, make sure that the sleeping bag is sewn with high quality, the fabric does not fall into the zipper, has no defects on the fabric, and is equipped with a pull cord on the hood. But, of course, the main parameters are the temperatures of comfort and extreme. The first is the temperature in the tent at which you can sleep comfortably, and the second is the temperature at which you will be cold, but at least you will not get hypothermia. Naturally, you should focus on the comfort temperature. For a hike in the Caucasus, it should be 0 degrees Celsius. If the route does not pass at high altitudes, you can limit yourself to a sleeping bag with a comfort temperature of +5 degrees.
Another important thing is the sleeping mat - karemat... The most common Izhevsk karemat will do.
Now about auxiliary equipment. It is advisable to have trekking poles - with them, part of the load is transferred to the hands, and it will be much easier to walk. You also need to have a headlamp, sunscreen and sunglasses, hygienic lipstick, a towel, and a water bottle. Don't forget the dishes - a plate, a spoon, a knife and a cup. The dishes should be lightweight and durable.
Further about the clothes. The most important thing is the shoes. To hike in the Caucasus, you need good trekking boots that will be durable enough and at the same time comfortable. Therefore, it is imperative to carry them before starting the journey. Take the second pair of flip-flops - they will come in handy for walking around the camp and for wading rivers.
Be sure to take membrane pants and a jacket - they will help you stay wet during the rains. Also take a down jacket or warm sweater. You will spend the night in them. It is also advisable to take additional warm pants for sleep. And for the transitions you will need a fleece, some T-shirts and lighter pants. It is also worth taking a long-sleeved shirt - it will save your hands from sunburn.
You should definitely take a winter hat and gloves - you will sleep in them. We also need one more headgear - a buff, a cap or a panama - for the transitions.
To store documents and money, take care of the presence of sealed bags that are not afraid of moisture.
All that is listed above will be enough for you for ordinary trekking in the Caucasus. But for the ascent, you need special equipment. The list includes an ice ax, crampons, a harness, a descender, a zhumar and three carbines. It is also advisable to have a ski mask that will protect your face from wind and sun. Almost everything from this list can be rented just before the ascent.
You can always discuss any questions regarding the equipment with us, and we will be happy to help you!
Many of us know the Caucasus in absentia, from old films. Here they filmed episodes of such masterpieces of Soviet cinema as "12 Chairs", "White Sun of the Desert", "Love and Doves", "Headless Horseman". A rare viewer did not notice the most beautiful panoramas unfolding in the frames of these films. In reality, the region is even brighter and more picturesque. Thousands of outdoor enthusiasts who went with us on trips to the Caucasus were convinced of this. If you have never been to these places, it's time to catch up. In our Adventure Club, many tours to the Caucasus are planned at very competitive prices.
Let's travel together
Our club is designed for a wide range of tourists. Some people like a quiet vacation with accommodation in comfortable hotels and tourist centers and leisurely excursions to interesting places. Others prefer active tourism with river rafting, climbing high points and spending the night in tents. Still others crave adrenaline and take the most difficult and difficult routes. We have suggestions for everyone. We organize excursion and extreme tours in the North Caucasus for tourists with different hiking experiences.
Groups are formed taking into account the preparation of the participants. We will never send a beginner on a hike along a difficult route that requires great physical activity, just as we do not include an experienced extreme tourist in the group of novice travelers. Everyone will be happy, no one will be disappointed.
Popular routes
The Caucasus is replete with bright and interesting tourist locations - when looking at the catalog of tours, many eyes widen their eyes. Most of the people who go on a hike with us for the first time come to us again, for another tour. Many bring friends and relatives with them, introducing them to active tourism.
The following directions of tours to the Caucasus are especially popular:
- Dombay... People come here for visual impressions - to admire the snow-white glaciers and green plateaus of the Dombai glade. In winter it is great to ski here, in summer it is just to enjoy the wonderful panoramas of the surrounding mountains.
- Arkhyz... A popular resort for families. There are many beautiful lakes and waterfalls here, and the meadows stretching for many kilometers are an ideal backdrop for vivid photo sessions.
- Elbrus... The highest mountain peak in Russia and a popular ski resort. The slopes of Elbrus are mesmerizing with their grandeur, and the sky here is simply unearthly - blue and bright, bright.
- Kazbek... Another legendary mountain, relatively easy to climb. Many novice climbers strive to get here.
- Black sea coast... Krasnaya Polyana, Olympic Park, White Rocks gorge and other picturesque locations at the junction of the sea and mountains. Excursion tours along the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus do not require special preparation and are suitable even for families with children.
- Teberda... An amazingly beautiful area with an abundance of sanatoriums. It is believed that the local air helps in the treatment of broncho-pulmonary diseases.
According to the type of travel, all tours to the Caucasus can be divided into walking, water and combined. In the first case, the participants cover the main part of the route on foot, with or without backpacks, depending on the complexity of the tour. Guided tours are suitable for people without hiking experience, where the group is always accompanied by a car that transports tents and other heavy loads.
The beautiful Caucasus attracts tourists from all over the world with its beauty and wealth. And this region is especially dear to us, because the history of the Peak tourist club began from here in 2005: our group covered a 120-kilometer route from Arkhyz to Krasnaya Polyana. Everything changes over time, routes are updated, new ones appear, but you will always find several interesting hiking trips in the Caucasus mountains in our plans.
Tours to the Caucasus from St. Petersburg
The most popular route for hiking in the Caucasus mountains in Soviet times was the so-called All-Union route 30 from Adygea. They began to master it back in the mid-30s. The journey took about 20 days. It began at the Gornaya base in Adygea, and ended on the Black Sea coast in Dagomys with an ascent to the Fisht glacier.
Here you can find one of the varieties of this trip across the Caucasus - a tour of Adygea with an ascent to Fisht.
In addition, the Peak Tourist Club has mastered many other areas of this magical land and offers you hikes and ascents to the Caucasus mountains for every taste.
Therefore, if you still do not know which vacation in the Caucasus to choose and where to go, join our friendly company.
From the Russian side of the Caucasian ridge, we lead the groups in several directions. Hiking in the Caucasus Mountains in the Arkhyz region are divided into two types: one tour is more difficult physically (the Blue Necklace of Arkhyz) and a simpler but contemplative Creative Arkhyz with rest in tents and songs by the fire.
A very popular route across the Caucasus in the Elbrus region with an ascent to the highest mountain in Europe - Elbrus. Hiking experience is highly desirable to participate in the ascent. In the near future, we plan to lead groups on easy routes in the area of the Bezengi alpine camp.
We arrange for the Caucasus Range from foreign countries.
An extremely popular and not very difficult route across Abkhazia, which is suitable for beginner hikers. A good end to this hiking trip in the Caucasus will be two days on the Black Sea coast.
An interesting high-altitude travel route to Georgia has been thought out and launched. The main part of the route will pass through Svaneti, towards the end of the trek the group reaches the sea.
Hiking in the Caucasus Mountains: geography
In order to understand the scale of those places that we call the Caucasus, we will study their location in more detail. In addition, if you are planning a hike in the Caucasus and do not know where to go, this information will be useful for you.
The Caucasus lies between the Azov, Black and Caspian Seas and consists of the Main Caucasian Range and the adjacent regions of the North and South Caucasus.
The North Caucasus is mainly a flat region. This includes the Kuban and Ciscaucasia, bounded from the west by the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait, and from the east by the Caspian Sea. The entire North Caucasus is the territory of Russia.
The South Caucasus, or Transcaucasia, is the territory of countries such as Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan. In the north, Transcaucasia borders with Russia, and in the south with Iran and Turkey. This region has connected East and West for a long time, trade routes between the Near and Far East and Europe ran here.
The Central Caucasus is the highest mountain, and therefore attracts fans of extreme adventures. The highest peak in the Caucasus is Mount Elbrus (5642 m). This extinct volcano has two peaks, covered with not melting snow caps. We offer mountain hikes in the Caucasus with an ascent to Elbrus for beginners and experienced tourists.
Elbrus - this is the name of the area from the western foot of Elbrus to the Chegem River in the east. This is the territory of Kabardino-Balkaria, represented by many high mountain ranges. Hiking tours in the Caucasus in the Elbrus region are often of increased complexity and require endurance and hiking experience from tourists. Here you can find the most beautiful gorges and waterfalls, and on higher approaches - glaciers.
The Western Caucasus is flatter than the Central one. Here, the highlands are combined with forest landscapes and valleys. Trekking in the Western Caucasus is best suited for the first visit to the majestic mountains. It is here that beautiful Abkhazia is located, which is always glad to meet travelers. Read reviews about the rest in Abkhazia on the page describing this trip.
What awaits you while hiking in the Caucasus? Nature, relief, population
A beautiful mountainous region, the center of Soviet tourism and mountaineering, the Caucasus is a place that is impossible not to fall in love with. One of the versions of the etymology of this word is the Scythian combination of words, which in translation means "sparkling with ice." The Caucasus Mountains are quite young, which means they are steep and high: sheer cliff walls, sparkling glaciers, cold lakes of cosmically blue color, stone dregs. Alpine meadows with flowers, herbs, and turbulent rivers stretch at the foot of these grandiose mountains.
The flora and fauna of this region is very rich. It is home to many endemic species (species characteristic only of this habitat). And this is not surprising, because in a small area there are several climatic zones at once. The space from the broad-leaved forests of the foothills to the snow-capped peaks is home to a variety of animals, trees, grasses. More than 6,000 plant species grow in the Caucasian expanses, each of which chooses its height and suitable climate. On the slopes of these mountains you can see wild boars, mountain goats, chamois, roe deer. They say that the lynx is found in the mountains, but our groups have never met this cautious animal.
The inhabitants of these regions are amazing and beautiful. We, people with a backpack on our backs, have more than once managed to experience their cordiality and hospitality.
It is a great crime to live in Russia and not see these mountains. Therefore, urgently pack your backpack, buy a ticket and go on a trip to the Caucasus together with the PIK tourist club.
More information about the prices of tours to the Caucasus in 2019, as well as reviews and routes can be found in the relevant sections of the site.
