Top Adventure Tours in Georgia to Explore

Are you heading to Georgia for your next backpacking adventure? Great choice! Adventure tours in Georgia are a perfect way to satisfy your adrenaline cravings while fueling your desire to travel. At the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Georgia has one of the oldest and richest cultural heritages.

Despite being a small European country, Georgia boasts a contrasting landscape with cascading rivers, stunning valleys, mountainous terrains, green farmlands, coastlines, and beautiful deserts.

Georgia, primarily situated in the Caucasus Mountains, is a destination for offbeat adventures and a fantastic vacation. With the Greater Caucasus Mountains in the north and the Lesser Caucasus in the south, Georgia’s diverse landscape is ideal for those who love exhilarating adventures.

If you are looking for ideas about how to spend your next vacation in this Caucasus country, keep reading. We will discuss the best on-road, on-air, on-water, and winter tours in Georgia! All that being said, let’s get started with each adventure touring option in Georgia.

On-Road Tours in Georgia

Hiking in Svaneti

Svaneti is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its medieval villages and rich historical significance. This small district offers tourists more than just beauty—it comprises numerous villages, historic ruins, vibrant foliage, and warm, welcoming inhabitants.

You'll feel like walking in a fairyland while hiking through the snow-covered mountain hills, ancient towers, and scintillating landscapes. One can walk through richly decorated towers and churches dating back to the 9th century.

The tower houses, built to defend the city, stand proudly as a surviving example of ecclesiastical architecture. If you're vacationing near the Greater Caucasus Mountain region of Georgia, consider hiking in Svaneti.

Jeep Tour to Stepantsminda

Close to Tbilisi and surrounded by mountains, Stepantsminda is one of the best places to experience Georgia. To experience the scenic beauty, consider a one-day jeep tour to this famous destination.

While traversing through the beaten roads of Kazbegi, you can enjoy spectacular landmarks like Ananuri Castle, Gergeti Trinity Church, Vedza mineral springs, and Dariali.

Things to Remember

• The best time to visit this region is from May to October.
• Since the peaks are covered in snow all summer, pack warm clothes to help ensure you enjoy your trip.

Cycling Tour to Kakheti

If you wish to experience the whole of Georgia in one place, head to Kakheti by bicycle! Known as the wine region, this historic city is nestled between the Greater Caucasus and Azerbaijan and can be best explored by bike.

You can enjoy the thrill of cycling through picturesque villages, gravel tracks, and back roads. The road to Kakheti passes through historical sites, monasteries, cascading rivers, and Tuscan hilltops. Once you reach Kakheti, don’t forget to treat yourself to some delicious delicacies and world-famous wine.

Things to Remember

• Since the track is easy, even beginners can enjoy the route.
• Equip yourself with cycling gear, including a helmet for safety and sunglasses, to ensure a safe and comfortable ride.

Mountain Bike Tour to Samtskhe-Javakheti

Javkheti is a remarkable district in Georgia that shares its land and culture with Armenia. Javkheti has several lakes, including Paravani, one of Georgia's largest lakes.

No matter what time of year you visit this quaint place, you will be greeted with spectacular sights. On a bicycle, you can revel in the beauty of the mountain passes and sprawling forest of Javakheti.

Things to Remember

• The track has a total positive elevation of 2,000 meters and a negative elevation of 1,100 meters.
• During your bike trip, you will pass through the Kharagauli National Park and the town of Borjomi.

Drive on the Treacherous Road to Tusheti

For a major adrenaline rush, get behind the wheel and head to Tusheti. This captivating region is only accessible through the Abano Pass.

Abano Pass is renowned for being one of the most treacherous roads due to its narrow passage and unpredictable weather conditions. Since this Caucasus region can only be covered on a four-wheeler, riding through the beaten road requires nerves of steel.

Things to Remember

• The Abano Pass is only open from late May to early October.
• The pass has numerous narrow turns and steep climbs—take this trip if you are an adventure-loving soul.

Mountain Climbing in Georgia

Ushba Mountain Peaks

This steep, snow-clad hill has two peaks and is regarded as one of the most challenging summits to climb. To reach the top, one must navigate complex routes and traverse steep and snowy terrain. You should consider scaling these gorgeous mountain peaks if you are a hardcore mountaineer.

Shkhara

If you are an extreme sports enthusiast and love testing your endurance, Shkhara, the highest peak in Georgia, will pique your interest. Shkhara has nine peaks in total, each featuring intense climbs. The area is flocked by hundreds and thousands of adventure travelers who love hiking, camping, and mountaineering.

Kazbek

Located to the east of the Central Caucasus, Kazbek is an ‘ice peak mountain’ known for its beauty and height. This particular mountain is associated with legends, Greek mythology, and folklore. This rocky region of Georgia boasts a diverse array of topographies that add to the thrill of trekking.

Hike Up to Abudelauri Lakes

If you admire nature and are willing to scale any terrain to feast on its beauty, plan a hiking tour to Abudelauri Lakes. Nestled near Roshka village of the Khevsureti region, the lakes are known for many reasons.

Many people are drawn to these lakes due to their distinctive colors: green, blue, and white. The lakes are 9,225 feet above sea level, and trekking is relatively easy. To make the most of your hiking expedition, you can camp near Green Lake or stay in the village.

Things to Remember

• For an easy walk, start from Roshka village, located two hours away from the first two lakes.
• For a challenging hike, start from the Juta district and walk across the Chiukhi pass to reach the lakes.

Camping

Georgia is an ideal destination for hikers and campers. It has some of the most spectacular places to explore and allows the freedom to camp anywhere. There are endless camping choices for serious hikers and enthusiastic backpackers. Here are a few options.

Tobavarchkhili Lakes

Tobavarchkhili Lakes, also known as the “silver lakes” by locals, are situated in Samegrelo. To reach here, you will have to trek through the Egrisi Mountains. The path has high passes, waterfalls, gorges, and valleys.

Camping in Bochorna

Bochorna is the highest inhabited region in Georgia. To camp here, you must trek 2,345 meters above sea level. You can enjoy camping amidst some of the most breathtaking landscapes of the Caucasus Mountains.

Visit the Martvili Canyon

Exploring the Martvili Canyon is highly recommended for those planning summer adventure tours in Georgia. This canyon is famous not only for its emerald-green Abasha River but also for some of the most magnificent landmarks of Samegrelo.

On-Air Adventure Tours in Georgia

Paragliding in Batumi

Georgia is blessed with mountainous terrain and beautiful landscapes, best experienced by exploring them from above. Your adventure Caucasus tour is incomplete without paragliding.

Nothing can match the experience of gliding over the icy mountains, lush green farmlands, and remote villages near Batumi and Tbilisi. It will provide you with the most spectacular views and create several memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Things to Remember

• Dress in comfortable clothes to enjoy to the fullest.
• If you are visiting between October and April, be sure to pack winter boots.

Zipline in Tbilisi

If you are in the capital of Georgia and want to enjoy the scenic beauty of Tbilisi and its world-renowned botanical garden from a high vantage point, consider taking a zipline ride.

The line starts from Narikala Fortress and runs down to the garden, offering incredible sights. The cable is 270 meters long and suspended 30 meters above the garden.

Things to Remember

• In 30 seconds, one can cover the distance from the top of the fort to the middle of the garden.
• The zipline can accommodate up to three people at a time.

Hot Air Balloon Ride

A hot-air balloon ride is another popular activity amongst those who come for adventure tours in Georgia. And why not? Being in a hot-air balloon is a thrilling experience.

The picturesque backdrop of the Atlantic skyline, Stone Mountain, and the Alazani Valley enhances the enjoyment of flying over the Kakheti region.

Things to Remember

• Hot air balloon flights are scheduled according to the weather.
• You can choose between riding during the dawn or near sunset.
• Pilots will assist you while riding privately or in a shared ride.

On-Water Adventure Tours in Georgia

Whitewater Rafting

River rafting is one of the most enjoyed extreme sports in Georgia. The fast-flowing mountain rivers offer routes for all levels of rafting.

You can feel your heart pumping with thrill and excitement while rafting through the rocky river beds, icy water, and turbulent currents.

Depending on your skills and rafting experience, you can choose to raft in the Aragvi, Kura, Rioni, and the Taskhenitskali rivers.

Things to Remember

• The rivers are open for rafting from April to late October.
• Discussing security and safety concerns beforehand with the tour operator is advisable.

Parasailing Over the Black Sea

Are you thrilled by the sea and wish to view it from above? If your heart is pumping with excitement while reading this, add parasailing to your adventure sports list for Georgia.

Parasailing is best for those who are thrilled by flying over a large body of water or who want to conquer their fear of skydiving.

You will be strapped into a harness connecting you to a parachute and a speedboat for parasailing. As the boat moves forward, your parachute will lift you over the waves.

This action-packed activity will give you a once-in-a-lifetime experience above the water and beaches of the Black Sea.

Things to Remember

• Like every other adventure sport, the weather and water will influence your parasailing experience.
• Wear a bathing suit or a tight-fitted dress to avoid getting caught in the harness.
• If you are a newbie, ask your tour guide or operator for all the safety details about the adventure.

Skiing and Snowboarding 

Thousands of tourists and extreme sports fanatics flock to the Caucasus Mountains to ski and snowboard here. Since the Soviet era, Gudauri, Mestia, Hatsvali, Adjara, and Bakuriani have been among the major ski resorts.

Georgia has endless options for adventure enthusiasts and leisure tourists. The burgeoning tourism industry has paved the way for improved infrastructure, which is attracting an increasing number of extreme sports enthusiasts.

If you plan to spend your vacation in Georgia, consider visiting between May and September. However, remember to pack clothes that dry quickly. The weather in Georgia is unpredictable and can change rapidly, so it's always a good idea to keep waterproof gear handy.

This was our humble attempt to compile a comprehensive list of Caucasus tours. We hope the list will help you plan your next adventure expedition to this stunning land.

_____

This story is brought to you in partnership with Sakura LLC.