-Cultural Touring in Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan
-Trekking up Mt. Kazbek & Bazarduzu -Boutique Travel: Custom experiences to fit your needs
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What do you think: Did Carmen, Faith, and Janat do a good job in their Chechen cooking master class? The final results seem to speak for themselves. :)
DM us if we can help you experience the beauty of Pankisi Valley in Georgia, including learning how to cook Chechen food!
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More than any other question, we are asked "Is it safe?", when discussing travel to Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. Beyond my standard answer of "My wife and I live here with our 4 young children" :), check out this in-depth article we wrote this spring about whether or not it's safe (it is!) to visit the Caucasus in 2024....
https://caucasusquest.com/is-it-safe-to-travel-in-the-caucasus-in-2024/
The jaw-dropping road to Tusheti, Georgia. This road is basically open mid-June to mid-September each year due to snowfall and being unpassable the rest of the year. Driving this road is definitely one of the bucket list things to do in Georgia!
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Fascinating article on the history of a Jewish town outside of Quba, Azerbaijan, which is drawing more and more international tourists with each passing year. Have you visited Qirmizi Qasaba (Azerbaijani), Krasnaya Sloboda (Russian), or Red Town (English)?
Take 5 minutes to learn about the "Jerusalem of the Caucasus" today!
https://newlinesmag.com/essays/how-the-mountain-jews-of-azerbaijan-endure/
There was an amazing lightning storm in Tbilisi last night that my wife captured several moments of….wow!
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You can't go wrong digesting any Georgia travel content from Australian travel expert Emily Lush.....especially when it comes to what Georgian food to digest! Check out her featured piece in National Geographic about top restaurants & food-related sites to visit across Georgia.....yum!
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/paid-content-gastronomic-guide-to-georgia
What’s the most interesting time period in history to you? Armenia has something for you!
-Approx. 40 million years ago? Symphony of Stones basalt columns in Garni
-1st century AD? Garni Temple from Armenia’s pre-Christian era
-10th century? Haghpat Monastery in the north
-20th century? Plenty of buildings and architecture in Yerevan (not pictured)
Or you can just see one of everything, as Sarah did on her trip last October. :) DM us if we can help you start planning a private trip to Armenia in 2024!
Photo cred: Sarah Farris
Here's a niche travel interest video done by some Canadian travel bloggers: What's on the shelves of a grocery store in Tbilisi? Inside the Carrefour store at Orbeliani Market, Tbilisi's coolest food court. What food were you most surprised to find for sale in the video?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcgXSV7WIP4
One can’t visit Yerevan without traversing (up or down!) the Cascade in downtown!
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The Russia-Georgia Friendship Monument on the way to Kazbegi is an unexpected historical stop in the most beautiful of locations! Designed and built in the 1980s, the monument has a unique Georgian feel to it, and the setting couldn’t be better….surrounded by the Caucasus Mountains on all sides. These pictures were my feeble attempt to capture the entire panoramic structure in one post…
It's that time of year in many parts of the northern hemisphere.....climbing season!
Are you looking for a challenging peak to summit off the beaten path? Ever heard of Mt. Kazbek in Georgia? This 5,054-meter peak is one of Europe's highest peaks ( #5 actually) and a very popular regional climb for mountaineers from surrounding countries.
Check out this blog comparing a Kazbek expedition with summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa. While Kili is a higher peak, Kazbek is significantly more challenging to climb requiring technical skills in difficult, cold conditions.
https://caucasusquest.com/climbing-kazbek-and-kilimanjaro-comparing-2-great-summits/
DM us if we can help you start planning a custom Kazbek climb for this summer!
How GREEN Kakheti, Georgia, is in April and May feels almost not real. These pictures are from a recent trip there. From the vineyards near Sagarejo to the Caucasus range near Kvareli to river valleys of Pankisi, this is just a glimpse of this lush, fertile region of Georgia…
Are you hoping to take a memorable trip to the Caucasus? Looking for Trustworthy, local guides to help you experience Georgia, Armenia, or Azerbaijan?
We can help! Here’s what some of our clients are saying about their travel experiences. DM us if we can help you plan a custom trip for your private group of friends/family jn 2024!
Did a family hike recently in Truso Valley in the Kazbegi region of Georgia. Wow! Non-stop jaw-dropping views….
Check out this excellent video walk-through of homemade cheese-making in the Caucasus Mountains of Azerbaijan. The videography is top-notch and I'm sure the cheese tastes even better! :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RH0Utu2xs10
Are you curious what the trek up Mt. Bazarduzu, Azerbaijan's highest peak, is actually like? This is a great overview of what you'll see and encounter along the way to the roof of Azerbaijan at 4,466 meters (14,652 ft.):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1h7BH_OOJE
DM us if we can help you start planning a custom trek with friends/family of Mt. Bazarduzu in 2024 or 2025! Itinerary & Pricing below.....
https://caucasusquest.com/tours/bazarduzu-blitz-4-days/
A group of families from Indiana braved the cold March conditions and had a fantastic horseback experience in Pankisi Valley here in Georgia. The smiles say it all!
Photo cred: Josh Huron
It's getting close to that time of year again....the 3 months that beautiful Tusheti is accessible to visit in Georgia! Due to snow and the one road that connects this mountainous region to the rest of the country, late June to late September are the only 3 months of the year that the rest of us can make our way up this stunning corner of the Caucasus.
Check out this drone video showing one of Georgia's best hidden gems...and PM us if you'd like our help planning a trip to Tusheti in Summer 2024!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7LWlWp8Jo4
Make no mistake, wine (drinking it, making it, and selling it) is a huge part of travel to Georgia and understanding this nation's culture & identity. What a cool opportunity, then, to take this FREE English-language online course to learn about Georgian wine! Looks like a great primer if you're hoping to travel to the Caucasus in the future....
https://napavalleywineacademy.com/wines-of-georgia/
Majestic Mt. Kazbek in early May, from sunrise to sunset….
I recently came across a British travel influencer's vlog of his visit to Georgia. Despite it being a bit crude at times, he covers multiple parts of the country on his video including Tbilisi and Gudauri/Kazbegi in the winter. It moves along quickly and keeps you smiling with the light-hearted banter, while also giving you a feel of what to expect when visiting this part of the Caucasus. He's got 302k followers on Youtube, so hey, I figure that gives you an idea of the quality content his audience appreciates. Give it a chance!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoOJhd_9FE4
Tbilisi is flush with spring colors right now! My kids and I climbed Mt. Mtatsminda on Monday with our visiting in-laws, and the blooming flowers along the green trail were beautiful!
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Every travel influencer often has a specific audience they are trying to reach, and Mark & David with the Jerusalem Post Podcast Travel Edition are no exception: they write & podcast about Batumi, Georgia, as a destination for Jewish travelers!
Their insights are quite interesting as they note things such as Hebrew-language restaurant menus and what to expect in the Batumi Synagogue. No matter what your religious affiliation, they give a quality overview of all that makes the Batumi area a growing travel destination....give it a read/listen!
https://www.jpost.com/podcast/travel-edition/article-799184
Statue to St. Vartan in central Gyumri, Armenia. He is famous for leading the Armenian army against the Persian army in the Battle of Avarayr in the year 451. Despite losing the battle, the end result of the Nvarsak Treaty of 484 was positive for the Armenians, which allowed them to continue practicing Christianity as a nation….
Photo cred: gailsouth.net
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Visit Georgia. Eat khinkali. Repeat….
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Georgia has many beautiful roads to drive on, but one of the "must-drives" is the historic Georgian Military Road from Tbilisi to Stepantsminda. This winding mountainous road is the top day-trip from Tbilisi in my opinion, because of, but not limited to the following:
-The views are incredible from start to finish
-Elevation increases of up to 2,200 meters above sea level in Gudauri
-Ski lifts available year-round (skiing in winter, photo ops in summer)
-Historic monuments throughout (300 Aragvians, Soviet Friendship Monument, etc.)
-Beautiful churches from the iconic Gergeti Church above Stepantsminda to Ananuri Fortress overlooking Jinvali Lake/Reservoir
-There are many accessible hikes from the road including all the way up to the Russian border, to Gvileti Waterfall
This article is a great overview of all there is to see and do along this road; enjoy!
https://wander-lush.org/georgian-military-highway-road/
Your complete travel guide for the scenic Georgian Military Highway, including 12 points of interest to visit on a road trip from Tbilisi to Kazbegi.
***We are very excited to announce our adventure offerings in the Caucasus Mountains are expanding, to now include treks to the three highest peaks of Azerbaijan!
-Mt. Bazarduzu is 4,466 meters high (or 14,652 feet) and can be climbed in 4 days/3 nights including drive time from/to Baku
-Mt. Shahdag is 4,243 meters high (or 13,921 feet) and its famous plateau has stunning views of neighboring Dagestan
-Mt. Tufandag is 4,191 meters high (or 13,750 feet) and is Azerbaijan’s third highest peak
Come summit Bazarduzu in 4 days or attempt all three peaks in an epic 9-day/8-night trekking/camping adventure. No technical skills required; July-September are peak season for these treks. See the links below for more detail, gear list, itinerary, pricing, etc. This is a regional adventure trip that is far off-the-beaten-path for most Western hikers, and a great way to get to know a new country with a local guide.
DM us today if we can help you begin planning your custom adventure to Azerbaijan for 2024 or 2025!
https://caucasusquest.com/tours/bazarduzu-blitz-4-days/
https://caucasusquest.com/tours/azerbaijan-trekking-trio-9-days/
Ever done a walking tour of Yerevan, Armenia......online......at night? :)
This is a pretty cool way to get to know a place from the comfort of your home! Of course, being there in-person is best, but still.....enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVBlqpDJfqw
Hello. We will walk around the center of Yerevan in the evening and see how the city lives.Video of street food in Yerevan on the second channel — https://ww...
Do you have a favorite season to travel? Or do you embrace whatever conditions nature throws at you with a smile on your face?
These are important questions to ask yourself as you begin planning a trip to Georgia, Armenia, and/or Azerbaijan. The Caucasus is accessible year-round but when is best for you? Click below to see our best advice for planning a Caucasus trip with the weather in mind.....
https://caucasusquest.com/seasonal-travel-in-the-caucasus/
The Caucasus has four seasons, each having its pros and cons for travel. Choosing the right season to travel here for you depends a lot on the following: primary motivation for your travel (cultural
Definitely one of our top client pictures of the year. Jaw-dropping Gergeti Church with the surrounding Caucasus Mountain Range, taken in June 2023. No matter what angle or weather you look at Gergeti in, you won’t be disappointed with the views….
Photo cred: Harvey and Linda Blustain
Charlotte, NC
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My favorite views of Mt. Kazbek and Gergeti Church are definitely in the morning when very few others are awake! . . . #kazbek #mtkazbek #mountkazbek #kazbegi #stepantsminda #gergeti #gergetichurch #sunrisephotography #mountaintop #mountainpeak
This was between Gudauri and Kazbegi (Georgia) less than one month ago (May 7). Full-on spring and lush green landscapes below 1,800 meters elevation, and piles of snow still at the top of Kobi Pass. It was a beautiful drive! . . . #gudauri #kazbegi #kobipass #kobigeorgia #sakartvelo #saqartvelo #caucasus #caucasusmountains #snowcapped #gudauriskiresort
One of the most stunning panoramas I’ve come across in my (almost 41) years on earth. Kazbegi region in Georgia has it all: . -Caucasus Mountain Range everywhere you look -Beautiful, historic Gergeti Church gracing the view from every angle -Towering Mt. Kazbek at 5,054 meters (16,581 feet) -Weather that’s picturesque no matter what the conditions -Welcoming mountain towns of Stepantsminda and Gergeti . This is THE day trip from Tbilisi if you only have a few days in Georgia! . . . #kazbek #mtkazbek #mountkazbek #kazbegi #stepantsminda #gergetichurch #gergeti #gergetitrinitychurch #mountainpeak #cloudcover
Chacha-making process in rural Georgia at @javakhishvili_cellar (ie moonshine). Forgive my description if I got some part of the process wrong (can’t do two things at once!), but I think you got the point, chacha is made from grape skins after the wine has already been made…pretty cool to see the science in action! . . . #kvareli #chacha #moonshine #kakheti #sakartvelo #saqartvelo #grapeskin #grapeskins #georgia #georgia🇬🇪
Amazing travertines/mineral water springs in Truso Valley in the Kazbegi Region….one of many parts of the valley that make it well worth the hike! . . . #travertine #travertines #mineralwater #mineralsprings #truso #trusovalley #kazbegi #qazbegi #snowcapped #snowcappedmountains
At moments on this hike to Gveleti Waterfall in the Caucasus Mountains in Georgia, I actually thought I was in some tropical rain forest on a southeast Asian island or in Central America. Incredible, lush, green landscapes in Kazbegi….. . . . #gveleti #gveletiwaterfall #gveletiwaterfalls #kazbegi #qazbegi #stepantsminda #georgianmilitaryroad #waterfalls #waterfallphotography #caucasusmountains
I’ll take a Kakheti traffic jam over a Tbilisi traffic jam any day of the week! . . . #kakheti #kvareli #sheep #sheepherding #shepherd #lambs #herd #flock #flockofsheep #sunsetlandscape #trafficjam
Unknowingly stumbled into an amazing performance by a Georgian vocal ensemble in Kvareli last Friday at @old_vine_kvareli . Listen to the incredible harmony! This was a treat to experience…. . . . #kvareli #kakheti #georgianmusic #harmony #georgia #sakartvelo #saqartvelo #georgia🇬🇪 #ethnicmusic #offthebeatenpath
Sometimes words don’t do something justice. Dance in the Caucasus is one of those things. Enjoy….. . . . #sukhishvili #lezginka #lezginka_dance #philharmonic #philharmonie #sakartvelo #saqartvelo #tiflis #tbilisi #tbilisigeorgia
Windows down…..flowers blooming….hanging out the window while 4-wheel driving through a river with snow runoff….I’d say Spring is here in Pankisi Valley! . Photo cred: @kevin_ridgelinevisualarts . . . #pankisi #pankisivalley #pankisigorge #fourwheeldrive #4wheeldrive #mountainriver #sakartvelo #saqartvelo #offroading #offroadvehicle
Fantastic music for dinner out at Restaurant Mravaljamieri in Tbilisi. The harmonized singing with national Georgian instruments is beautiful! . . . #georgian #georgianmusic #georgianlanguage #dinnerout #nationalmusic #ethnicmusic #kavkazmusic #accordion #accordionist #tbilisi
It’s the final throes of ski season in Georgia! Say your goodbyes to a fantastic winter season with this run from the slopes of Svaneti, beautifully capturing the highland forests against the backdrop of the Caucasus range. Majestic! . Video cred: Adelaide Darilek . . #svaneti #svanetia #tetnuldi #mestia #caucasus #caucasusmountains #freshpowder #skiseason #wintersport #skis
One thing that never gets old no matter how long I’ve been in the Caucasus (9+ years now), is the site of the Greater Caucasus Mountain Range. Wow! . Photo cred @kevin_ridgelinevisualarts . . . #telavi #kakheti #kakhetigeorgia #caucasus #caucasusmountains #mountainrange #snowcapped #snowcappedmountains #snowypeaks
There is something so unique in the dancing world about the papakha on the head of a Caucasus man dancing intensively. Watch how it shakes violently and reflects the motions of his body. The symbolism of his arms and legs representing the motions of a warrior makes complete sense… . . . #sukhishvili #sukhishvilebi #georgiandance #lezginka #lezginka_dance #caucasusdance #ethnicdance #nationaldance #danceensemble #kavkazdance
Winter scene at Tbilisi Sea. On second thought, maybe not the best kid outing with the frigid winds :), but the view of the Caucasus Mountain Range and Chronicles of Georgia is fantastic! . . . #chroniclesofgeorgia #tbilisisea #mountainrange #lakeshore #winterlake #tbilisi #tbilisi🇬🇪 #tiflis #tbilisigeorgia
One of the perks of living on the 8th floor…..Tbilisi sunrises! (From February 2, 2024) . . . #sunrisephotography #sunrises #sunrise_and_sunsets #sameba #samebacathedral #samebachurch #mtatsminda #mtatsmindapark #tbilisigeorgia #tbilisi
Last post of Georgia Ski Week: Bakuriani! . I think it’s safe to say that this is Georgia’s most family-friendly ski resort. It has the largest number of bunny and green slopes that I know of. It was also obvious by the large number of kids and families there that Georgian families come here to ski. The mountains are a separate range from the Greater Caucasus Range, called the Trialeti Range. We have been to Bakuriani 4 different times in 3 seasons and really love it! The Fall drive with the autumn leaf colors is so beautiful…. . Bakuriani has a lot more infrastructure than Gudauri as far as a ski town goes. There are four separate ski areas that are all pretty close to drive to, with varying levels of difficulty. It’s 3 hrs. From Tbilisi, about 45 minutes past famous Borjomi, where “that” mineral water is produced, well-known from Soviet times…. . . #bakuriani #bakurianiskiresort #borjomi #trialeti #skigeorgia #didveli #caucasus #caucasusmountains #sakartvelo #bakurianigeorgia
Post 2 of Georgia Ski Week: Gudauri! . Gudauri is Georgia’s most well-known ski resort, as it’s so accessible: just two hours from Tbilisi (ie for international travelers), and just one hour from the Russian border (it’s quite popular with Russian ski enthusiasts). . And the slopes are great too! :) As you can see in this video, the panorama of the Caucasus Mountains is breathtaking. And the slopes are accessible by cable car both from the Tbilisi side of the mountain, and the Kazbegi side of the mountain, which doubles the accommodation options as a result. . Gudauri is a great first place to ski if coming to Georgia! . Photo cred: @silkroadsanders . . #gudauri #gudauriskiresort #kazbegi #stepantsminda #skijump #skislope #caucasus #caucasusmountains #wintersport #wintersports
It’s ski week at Caucasus Quest! Our family plus two sets of friends were skiing at 3 of Georgia’s top 4 ski resorts last week. Here are clips from each place! . Post 1: Svaneti! This remote region is a cool 8 hr. drive from Tbilisi! The slopes are fantastic though, and right at the base of the Caucasus Mountain Range, including beautiful Mt. Ushba. Because of its remote location, you are almost always guaranteed uncrowded slopes. Our friends gave rave reviews! . . . #ushba #mestia #svaneti #svanetia #ushguli #tetnuldi #skigeorgia #caucasus #caucasusmountains #sakartvelo #skier
Here’s a great overview of Mt. Kazbek base camp and the conditions at 12,000 ft. above sea level. This is where you will acclimatise for two nights before attempting to summit this beautiful 16,581 ft. (5,054 m) peak! . . . #kazbek #mtkazbek #mountkazbek #kazbegi #meteohut #betlemihut #betlemi #basecamp #gergeti #mountainclimbing
Helping you summit Mt. Elbrus, explore the North Caucasus, and visit Russia safely and successfully!
Elaine Hager, Vacation Consultant
South Point Road
