TRANSCAUCASIAN TRAIL
Still looking for a summer hike? Why not walk along the Transcaucasian Trail? But have you ever heard about it?
Transcaucasian Trail connects more than 20 national parks, UNESCO listed sites and protected areas in Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan, collectively known as the Southern Caucasus. The route goes through red desert canyons, treeless steppe, lush green hills, dramatic cliffs, high-altitude volcanic plateaus. It’s not an easy hike – several of the off-trail sections are quite thorny and challenging. It is such a treat to get to move through the landscape in that way, experiencing all geographical transitions so intimately.
This is an adventure into scenic, mysterious and fascinating lands. The trail can start from different cities and countries. For example, by starting in Georgia you can explore many cities like Tbilisi and Kutaisi, old Mtskheta and the ancient cave town of Uplistsikhe etc and continue it in Armenia.
The trail also goes through Tavush region which is very famous for its rich and beautiful nature and also with diversity of flora and fauna. The trail in Dilijan National Park is a great option to start too. Other than the density of its forests and landscapes, and its scenic lakes such as the Gosh or Parz, hidden waterfalls etc. this area is also dense from a cultural point of view, with many centuries’ old edifices such as the Haghartsin and Goshavank monasteries (10th century) as well as some lesser known but equally fascinating landmarks.
Transcaucasian Trail is a marvelous way to live in tents during your hiking and to develop a new perspective on the mountains. This trail can help you to reconnect with nature and appreciate its divine beauty. Hiking through the mountains and plains will give you a feeling of being independent, free and finally recreation from the noise and din of the city life that everyone must have.