One of the most stunning places in the Caucasus Mountains, Georgia is a cultural and historical gem just waiting to be discovered. If you’re always on the lookout for a new and exciting adventure, Georgia offers some of the best experiences imaginable. From mingling with locals in remote villages to viewing spectacular glaciers, there are so many things to do in Georgia.
Let’s explore some of the life-changing adventures on offer in beautiful Georgia.
The Svaneti is a historic region of Georgia running along the Caucasus Mountains in the northwest. It is one of the most mountainous parts of Georgia, being home to four of the country’s ten highest peaks. Mount Shkhara, standing at 5,201 metres, is the largest of them all. Some of the adventures listed below are found in the beautiful, diverse landscape of the Svaneti, which is typically split in half by the Svaneti Range.
The Upper Svaneti, on the upper Inguri River, is one of those valleys, while the Lower Svaneti lies on the upper Tskhenistsqali River. Being the most densely inhabited area in the Caucasus Mountains, any visit to the Svaneti is a chance to experience its famous hospitality. With so many ancient villages, stunning mountains and picturesque vistas, the Svaneti is a must-see part of Georgia.
Sitting 2,040 metres above sea level, the highland village of Adishi remains relatively untouched. Like so many of Georgia’s stunning historic towns,, Adishi is so remote that even 4WD vehicles struggle to reach it for most of the year. Despite its isolation, the village receives visitors, and locals are known for their warm hospitality, a true reflection of
The journey itself is an experience, beginning at Mulakhi village. As you traverse the slopes of Mt Tetnuldi, reaching heights of around 2,800 metres above sea level, the vistas of the Chaneri Glacier, Mt Ushba, and the entire Svaneti Range are truly awe-inspiring. Upon crossing the Uvgiri Pass, you’ll arrive in Adishi, greeted by several churches, towers, and other remnants of bygone eras.
The remote village of Iprari remains largely untouched by the outside world. It is home to churches and various relics of the past, offering a friendly and welcoming village after a day of adventurous hiking. From Adishi, you can walk on an approximately 17 km trek to Iprari, taking you through beautiful terrain.
Along this route, you’ll pass through the remains of Kalde village, following picturesque paths lined with rhododendrons. Much of the journey follows along a river, and you may need to cross it on horseback as you navigate the Chkhutnieri Pass. This trek is not for the faint-hearted, as weather conditions can pose significant challenges. Upon reaching Iprari, you’ll be greeted by friendly locals eager to share their culture and traditions with you.
Hiking to Ushguli
With a little bit of hiking from Iprari, you can discover the ancient village of Ushguli. The walk itself takes you through some beautiful countryside and valleys, surrounded by the imposing peaks of the nearby mountains. Ushguli is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with some buildings dating back to the 12th century. Ushguli is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasting buildings dating back to the 12th century. Unlike some of the more developed regions of Georgia, Ushguli remains largely inaccessible, preserving its pristine beauty.
Resting roughly 2,100 metres above sea level, Ushguli is also one of Europe’s highest continuously inhabited settlements. Around 200 people live in this small collection of villages, and they are closed off to the world for much of the year when snow blocks access to the area.
Aside from the ancient buildings, a highlight of visiting Ushguli is the view of Mt Shkhara from one of the town’s stone watch towers. You can climb a nearby hill to Queen Tamar’s Tower for a spectacular view.
One of the most visually impressive things to do in Georgia is walk to the Shkhara Glacier. This enormous glacier is the Enguri River’s main water source and lies at the base of the Shkhara Mountain, Georgia’s largest peak. The walk takes you through beautiful meadows filled with alpine flowers, a unique experience for those who take the trip. Seeing this monolithic ice structure up close is something that not many people get to do, but if you’re feeling adventurous, the reward is worth it.
If you like the sound of the adventures above, the team at Crooked Compass would love to talk to you. We specialise in creating life-changing travel experiences in some of the world’s most beautiful and remote locations. If you’re ready to go off the beaten track and explore all of the things to do in Georgia, drop us a line at Crooked Compass today.
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This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
Our Signature Tours are the cornerstone of the Crooked Compass journey: meticulously designed small-group itineraries that balance authenticity, comfort, and ease. These are destinations where travel can be complex—from navigating evolving logistics to reaching places far from the usual tourist path—yet our expertise ensures your experience feels smooth, effortless, and deeply rewarding.
From the moment you arrive, every detail is handled with care. You’re welcomed personally on arrival and met for a private transfer to your accommodation, where you’ll join the rest of your group. Your guide will walk you through an orientation, helping you understand the rhythm of the journey ahead and settling you in with clear, practical insights from the very start.
Accommodation is selected for both comfort and character, reflecting the richness of its locality through thoughtful design, creative ingenuity, and a genuine sense of place. Whether it’s a boutique property, a sustainable lodge or a homestay, each choice is made to connect you meaningfully with the destination.
Cultural integration sits at the heart of our approach. Every itinerary is crafted with respect for local communities, aligning sensitively with their values and protecting the authenticity of their culture. Through this, travellers experience a deeper connection —stories shared firsthand, traditions encountered in their true context, and moments that shift perspectives long after returning home.
With a maximum of 12 travellers and our most trusted local partners, you explore with confidence, guided by teams who combine deep regional knowledge with an intuitive understanding of Western traveller expectations. Through the powerful medium of storytelling, our journeys inspire personal reflection and spark genuine emotion, turning travel into something transformative.
For travellers seeking even more flexibility or personalisation, our Tours By Design journeys are crafted with the same care — mindfully designed around your interests for a more tailored experience.
Why travellers love our Signature Tours:
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Our Founders Tours are rare, one-of-a-kind journeys personally hosted by Crooked Compass founder, Lisa Pagotto. Designed for the traveller who seeks more than just adventure, these exclusive small-group expeditions uncover places few have ever seen – experiences not featured in our regular collection, chosen for their depth, beauty, and story.
Each itinerary is hand-crafted by Lisa to offer meaningful connection and unique access built through years of trust and collaboration with local communities. Travelling alongside her gives you an unparalleled perspective into the world of ethical exploration – from the behind-the-scenes partnerships that shape our journeys, to the human stories that inspire them.
With an intimate group size and seamless support from our expert team, a Founders Tour is less a trip, and more a masterclass in discovery.
Why travellers love Founders Tours:
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Set sail on a rare journey across remote islands, wild coastlines, and untouched ecosystems aboard a small, luxury expedition vessel. Travelling by sea unlocks access to places few travellers ever reach – from isolated villages and pristine reefs to dramatic landscapes that can’t be accessed by land – while each evening, you return to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin.
These voyages blend adventure with refinement. Expert-led excursions bring you face-to-face with raw nature and vibrant cultures, while exceptional onboard dining, service, and comfort allow time to unwind and reflect.
To complete your experience, Crooked Compass can seamlessly craft pre- or post-cruise land extensions, ensuring your journey flows effortlessly from sea to shore.
Why travellers love our Expedition Cruises:
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Our Tours by Design experiences are private journeys curated exclusively for you by the Crooked Compass team. Whether you’re drawn to one of our existing itineraries, wish to adapt a small-group tour for private travel, or want to design something entirely new, we’ll craft a journey that reflects your pace, passions, and sense of discovery.
Why pay for inclusions that don’t fit? With Tours by Design, every detail is intentional – from the destinations and experiences to your style of travel and choice of accommodation. Each itinerary is hand-built through our deep local partnerships and expertise, ensuring authenticity, comfort, and connection in every moment.
Why travellers love Tours by Design:
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Our Partner Tours are carefully chosen group journeys operated by our long-standing, in-country partners — experts who share our values of authenticity, cultural respect, and meaningful connection. These departures, averaging between 17 and 22 travellers, are designed and delivered by our partners, while Crooked Compass manages your booking and provides full support from start to finish.
Enjoy the reassurance of booking through an Australian-based company, delivering our same personalised service and attention to detail you expect from Crooked Compass. We take care of the logistics, so you can focus on what matters most – the journey itself.
Why travellers love our Partner Tours:
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