Georgia is one of the Caucasus jewels apart from Azerbaijan, Armenia and small republics of south Russia. Georgia tourism industry is still new and growing fast, but tourism infrastructures are catching up to demands as more flights and tourists from middle east and Europe are visiting Georgia. Fret not, even with all these influx of tourists and flights, we have to say, most of them are spending a short weekend gateway. Mostly spending their time in Tbilisi and Kazbegi or Borjomi.
For our readers in Malaysia, Georgia and Caucausus region might sound an uncommon destination to visit. In addition, due to the cost of air fares and limited days to spend, one might be tempted to cover as much possible countries in the least time possible (Trans-Caucasus) namely Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia within this region.
But in this article, we will share how to explore Georgia properly and actually try to convince you that you need more than 3 days in Georgia alone!
Tbilisi city was one of the main cities during the ancient silk road era. Apart from the local Georgian golden era kingdom, it was a trophy city to few other empires like the Umayyad caliphate, Ottoman, Persian Saffavid and Russian empires. Stroll along Tbilisi Old Town with decorated with bohemian vibe where you should pass through the Juma mosque with persian styled architecture and mosaic pattern, hot sulphur bath, waterfalls, old buildings with aesthetic value and an underground meidan bazaar that you thought you were in Asian silk road city. In the new city, you can see the modern Georgian architecture with European look. If you have time to spare, visit Chronicle of Georgia at the northern-end side of Tbilisi sea.
Kazbegi is a must visit place every time tourist decides to make a daytrip or stay a day outside Tbilisi. If you have limited time, say only 3 days in Georgia, we highly recommend to spend a night in Stepantspminda. While staying in this townlet, you can visit the Dariali pass which has been popularised as one of the locations of Alexander’s Gate against Gog and Magog. Another spot you would want to visit is Juta village, also dubbed as Georgian Dolomites mountain, because of its resemblance to Italian Dolomites.
Gudauri is the biggest Ski resort in Georgia. In winter, try winter activities in Gudauri at 1/3 to 1/4 the cost you would pay in Europe or Oceania ski resort. While in summer, there are other activities you would enjoy such as paragliding. This township is between Tbilisi and Kazbegi. A short stop for scenic view wouldn’t hurt either.
From Tbilisi, you can make a day trip to Vardzia Cave monastery complex. Along this route make a stop at Alkhaltsike where you would explore a restored Akhaltsike Castle. This castle is unique since there is a mix of Ottoman, and Local Georgian architectures within its complex, results from its long history. Going to Vardzia cave monastery is a 45 minutes detour from the main road. Here you will explore the cave dwelling complex just the like of Cappadocia and Kandovan. Except that, this complex is no longer with inhabitants.
Mestia is located northwestern side of Georgia. From Tbilisi, it will take about 8 hours drive through the Upper Svaneti mountainous region. Tourism infrastructures here are getting better catering to increasing tourists to the hidden gem. (which is no longer hidden). A distinct unique feature of Upper Svaneti region is the ancient Svan Tower acting as defense mechanism from invader. While in Mestia, visiting Ushghuli is a must. Remote, once Europe’s highest permanent settlement where the inhabitants still practicing the old tradition.
Tusheti National Park is the new hidden jewel of Georgia. Also known as Tusheti Protected area is a fully pledge reserved area by Georgian government. It is very remote, much more remote than the remote Ushghuli. The treacherous road to Tusheti is only open from June to September, and you will need proper planning. It also advisable to spend at least 2 full days in Tusheti region to make it worth the trouble. If Upper Svaneti has Svan tower, here, they have Tusheti tower. (Actually each tribe of this whole Caucasus mountain areas have their own distinct defense tower. True also to the north Caucasus in the Russian side)
This Las Vegas wannabe city by the black sea is a bonus if you have some extra day. Batumi is small city but actually interesting due to the fact that it serves you with different and weird but nice kind of buildings. You get to enjoy various style of architectures adapted from central Europe and Turkish influences. There are copies of Czech rep’s astrological clock, Italian piazza, Turkish mosque and the local Georgian futuristic styled buildings. Oh, you have to try the famous Adjarian Kachapuri, native to Adjara, Batumi region.
If you happen to visit Kutaisi, Prometheus cave is definitely worth a visit.
What do you think? Would you just spend 2-3 days only in Georgia given the list of these magnificent places to enjoy the real Georgia? Or just allocate at least 7 days to really, like really explore Georgia?
