Atsunta Pass Trekking

Seven days crossing the heart of the Greater Caucasus — Georgia’s classic expedition route connecting Khevsureti and Tusheti over a 3,431-meter pass, through fortress villages, wild gorges, and landscapes that few tourists ever see.

The Atsunta Pass trek is the journey that defines Caucasus trekking. At 3,431 meters, the pass itself is one of the highest trekking crossings in Georgia, offering views that stretch across an endless sea of peaks and ridges. This is not a casual hike – it’s a true mountain expedition that has connected isolated highland communities for centuries.

Over seven days, you’ll traverse terrain that takes you from the warrior villages of Khevsureti – where medieval customs survived into the 20th century – across the spine of the Greater Caucasus, and down into Tusheti’s tower-studded valleys. You’ll camp beneath the stars at over 3,000 meters, walk through the haunting fortress of Mutso, follow the wild Khonischala gorge toward the pass, and descend through medieval villages that time forgot. It’s the trek that serious hikers come to Georgia to experience.

Duration: 7 days, 6 nights | Trekking Days: 4 | Total Trekking: ~55 km | Total Driving: ~350 km

Max Elevation: 3,431m (Atsunta Pass) | Difficulty: Challenging | Fitness Required: Excellent | Group Size: 2–10 persons

Accommodation: 3 nights camping + 3 nights guesthouses | Regions: Khevsureti → Tusheti → Kakheti

This trek suits: Experienced mountain trekkers in excellent physical condition who are comfortable with multi-day wilderness expeditions. Hikers who can handle consecutive demanding days including one 20km day, two days of significant elevation gain, and high-altitude camping at over 3,000 meters. Those seeking genuine adventure in one of Europe’s last wilderness areas – not a guided walk but a real expedition. Anyone drawn to remote mountain cultures and landscapes that few tourists ever see.

This trek doesn’t suit: Beginners or occasional hikers – prior mountain trekking experience is essential. Those uncomfortable with basic camping conditions at high altitude (temperatures near freezing even in summer). Anyone unable to commit to 4 consecutive days of demanding hiking with limited escape options. Travelers requiring luxury accommodation or reliable mobile phone coverage. Those with medical conditions affected by altitude.

We depart Tbilisi heading north toward the Greater Caucasus range. The road follows the Aragvi River valley before climbing to Datvijvari Pass (2,676m), the gateway to Khevsureti. From the pass, views open across one of Georgia’s most remote regions – a landscape of dramatic valleys and fortress-topped ridges.

The descent brings us to Shatili, one of the most remarkable villages in the Caucasus. This medieval fortress-settlement consists of interconnected stone towers that served as both homes and defensive positions – an architectural style unique to Khevsureti. We explore the old village on foot, walking through narrow passages between towers that have stood for centuries.

Dinner and overnight in a local guesthouse, where you’ll experience traditional Khevsur hospitality and cuisine. This is your last night in a guesthouse before three nights of camping.

The first full trekking day begins with a visit to Mutso – one of the most haunting ruins in the Caucasus. The fortress perches on a cliff overlooking the Argun gorge, its towers silhouetted against the sky. A one-hour hike from the main road brings you to this abandoned citadel, once home to a community that finally relocated in the Soviet era. The views and atmosphere are unforgettable.

From Mutso, we continue along the valley toward Ardoti, where our trek into the high mountains truly begins. This is a long day of walking through increasingly remote terrain, following trails that have connected these highland communities for centuries.

Your luggage travels separately by vehicle to Ardoti, so you carry only a daypack. At Ardoti, we set up our first camp at approximately 1,500 meters – the beginning of our ascent toward the pass.

Today we climb into the high mountains. From Ardoti, the trail follows the Khonischala gorge – a wild valley that sees few visitors. The landscape transforms as you ascend: deciduous forest gives way to alpine meadows, then to rocky terrain with patches of snow lingering into summer.

Pack horses carry the tents, food, and heavy equipment, allowing you to hike with just a daypack. The horsemen who accompany us know these trails intimately – their families have been crossing Atsunta for generations.

We camp below the pass at approximately 2,800 meters. This is high-altitude camping in spectacular surroundings – peaks rising on all sides, the route to tomorrow’s crossing visible above. Evening brings cold temperatures even in summer; a warm sleeping bag is essential.

The highlight of the trek. We start early to tackle the final ascent to Atsunta Pass in good conditions. The climb from camp to the pass gains over 600 meters through rocky terrain – potentially with snow patches depending on season and conditions.

At 3,431 meters, Atsunta is one of the highest trekking passes in Georgia. The panorama from the top is extraordinary: the peaks of the Greater Caucasus stretch in all directions, and on clear days you can see deep into both Khevsureti and Tusheti. This is a moment to savor – you’re standing on the spine of the Caucasus, on a route that has connected communities for millennia.

The descent into Tusheti begins with careful steps down the eastern slopes. We camp just below the pass on the Tusheti side, still at high altitude (~3,300m) but with the hardest climbing behind us. Tomorrow brings the long descent into the inhabited valleys below.

A long descent day – losing 1,500 meters of elevation from high camp to Dartlo. But what a descent! The trail passes through the Pirikiti Valley’s most remote villages: first Girevi, then Parsma, Chesho, and Kvavlo. These tower villages see far fewer visitors than those accessible by road, and walking through them feels like genuine discovery.

The architecture here is classic Tushetian: stone towers rising above clusters of houses, defensive positions that once protected against raids. Some villages are inhabited only in summer; others are maintained by just a handful of families. The sense of walking through living history is powerful.

At Chesho, there’s an option for vehicle pickup to save tired legs the final 4 kilometers to Dartlo. Either way, you end the day in one of Tusheti’s most beautiful villages – and, after three nights of camping, a guesthouse bed and hot dinner await.

A transition day from high mountains to wine country. We drive from Dartlo to Omalo (about an hour), stopping to walk up to Keselo Castle – the iconic fortress complex above Upper Omalo that has become Tusheti’s unofficial symbol. The views across the valley are magnificent, and the towers themselves are among the best-preserved in the region.

Then comes the dramatic descent over Abano Pass (2,926m) – one of the world’s most spectacular (and nerve-wracking) mountain roads. The 72-kilometer unpaved track winds down from Tusheti’s high valleys to the lowlands of Kakheti, Georgia’s wine heartland.

The contrast couldn’t be greater: from remote mountain villages to vineyard-covered slopes. We stop at a local winery for a tasting – Georgia’s 8,000-year winemaking tradition uses unique clay qvevri vessels that produce wines unlike anything from European traditions. An optional walking tour of Telavi, Kakheti’s historic capital, rounds out the day.

Overnight in Telavi – your first proper hotel bed after days in the mountains.

After breakfast, we return to Tbilisi – about two hours drive through the Kakheti countryside. The trek officially ends on arrival in Tbilisi.

Want more? Many trekkers add an extra day exploring Kakheti: visit ancient monasteries like Alaverdi or Gremi, explore the picturesque hilltop town of Sighnaghi, or sample more wines. Contact us to arrange an extended itinerary.

Images: Shatili fortress, Mutso ruins, Khonischala gorge, Atsunta Pass summit, high camp, Pirikiti valley villages, Dartlo towers, Kakheti vineyards

Fitness Requirements

This is a challenging trek. You need excellent physical fitness and mountain hiking experience. Expect 4 consecutive days of demanding hiking including one 20km day, two days of significant elevation gain (1,300m and 600m), and high-altitude camping at over 3,000 meters. You should be comfortable with long hiking days (6-8 hours), steep ascents and descents, rocky and uneven terrain, camping in basic conditions, and sleeping at altitude. Prior high-altitude trekking experience is strongly recommended.

Best Time to Trek

The trek runs from late June to early September. Snow on the pass can linger into July in heavy snow years; September offers more stable weather but colder nights. July-August is peak season with the most reliable conditions.

What to Bring

Essential: Sturdy mountain boots (broken in), layered clothing, warm fleece and insulating layer, waterproof jacket and pants, warm hat and gloves (essential at high camp), sun protection, headlamp, personal medications, water bottle (2L minimum), small daypack.

Sleeping: We provide tents and sleeping mats. Sleeping bag: Bring your own (rated to -10°C recommended) or rent from us.

Recommended: Trekking poles, gaiters, camp shoes/sandals, quick-dry towel, camera with extra batteries, power bank.

Camping & Accommodation

Night 1: Guesthouse in Shatili | Nights 2-4: Camping (tents provided, sleeping bags needed) | Night 5: Guesthouse in Dartlo | Night 6: Guesthouse/hotel in Telavi

High camps at 2,800m and 3,300m can be cold even in summer (temperatures near freezing at night). A warm sleeping bag is essential.

Horse Support

Pack horses carry tents, food, and heavy equipment from Ardoti onward. You hike with just a daypack (water, camera, snacks, extra layer). The horsemen who accompany us are local experts who know these trails intimately.

Cultural Note: Tusheti

When you enter Tusheti on Day 5, please respect the local prohibition on pork. No pork products may be brought into Tusheti – this includes any food items containing pork. This is an ancient tradition that predates Christianity and is taken very seriously by local people.

The Atsunta Pass trek is the journey that defines Caucasus trekking – a true mountain expedition connecting two of Georgia’s most isolated and fascinating highland regions. It’s not for everyone: the fitness demands are real, the camping is basic, and the terrain is unforgiving. But for experienced hikers seeking genuine adventure in one of Europe’s last wilderness areas, there’s nothing quite like it.

From the warrior villages of Khevsureti to the tower-studded valleys of Tusheti, from windswept passes at 3,400 meters to ancient wine cellars in Kakheti – this trek offers the full spectrum of Georgian mountain culture. Seven days that will stay with you forever.

Ready for the challenge? Contact us to check availability and discuss your experience level.