The Transcaucasian Trail in Armenia

The Transcaucasian Trail is two partially completed trails that cross Armenia and Georgia. One goes through the Greater Caucasus and the other the Lesser Caucasus, with each estimated to be about 1,500 km when finished. The trek can be done independently or with a guide.

Understand

Efforts began in 2015 by two former Peace Corps volunteers, Paul Stephens and Jeff Haack. It involved the piecing together of formerly existing and newly created trail.

Go

Four main sections are available as of 2021:

• Svaneti, Georgia (about 10 days)
  • Chuberi to Nakra (27 km, 2,300m up)
  • Nakra to Becho (35 km, 2,400m up)
  • Becho to Mestia (21 km, 1,600m up)
  • Meztia to Adishi (28 km, 2,000m up)
  • Adishi to Ushguli (29 km, 1,400m up)
• Dilijan National Park, Armenia (80 km, about 5 days)
  • It begins at Khachardzan in the South and ends at Hovk in the North. The start is generally reached from Yerevan, Dilijan, or Ijevan.
• Gegham mountains, Armenia (114 km, about 6 days)
• Vayots Dzor, Armenia (125 km, about 7 days)
  • It goes from Selim Caravanserai to Ughedzor.

In 2021 an 832-km section from Lake Arpi to the village of Meghri in Armenia was being hiked for the first time.

Sleep

The most common sleeping option is wild camping. Guesthouses are available at some locations.