Georgia Trail Running Holidays: The Complete Guide to Running the Caucasus Mountains
Georgia Trail Running Holidays:
The Complete Guide
Georgia is the trip that surprises people most. They arrive not quite knowing what to expect and leave talking about it for months. If you're looking for a trail running holiday that goes genuinely off the beaten path — this is it.
There is a moment on the trail above the village of Mestia when the Caucasus Mountains reveal themselves in full. Snow-capped peaks soaring above 5,000m. Ancient defensive towers rising from the valley floor below. Not another soul on the trail in any direction.
I've guided trips across 13 destinations. That moment stops me every single time.
Georgia is unlike anywhere else we run. If you're looking for a trail running holiday that goes genuinely off the beaten path, with empty trails, extraordinary landscapes and a culture that will leave you speechless — this is it.
"The trails here are ancient. Paths that have connected mountain villages for centuries, worn smooth by generations of locals who had no other way through the mountains. Today those same paths are almost entirely empty."
Why Georgia is One of the World's Great Trail Running Destinations
Georgia sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, tucked between the Black Sea and the Caspian, with the Greater Caucasus mountain range forming its northern border. The region of Svaneti — where we run — is one of the most remote and spectacular places on earth.
The landscape shifts constantly. Alpine meadows give way to rocky mountain passes. Dense forest trails open into wide glacial valleys. River crossings, waterfall viewpoints, abandoned villages and centuries-old stone towers appear around every corner. No two days feel remotely the same.
You can run for hours without seeing another person — just the sound of cowbells in the valley below and the occasional glimpse of a glacier through the trees. Georgia is still well off the beaten path, and that's precisely what makes it so special.
What a Pure Trails Georgia Holiday Looks Like
Our Georgia trail running holiday is nine days in total — two nights in the vibrant capital Tbilisi bookending five core days of running through the mountain kingdom of Svaneti.
We travel from village to village, staying in cosy family-run guesthouses each night. Our luggage travels by vehicle between each stop, so you run with only what you need for the day. The hospitality is extraordinary — enormous meals of Georgian cuisine, local wine flowing freely, hosts who treat you like family.
The running covers around 100km over five days, with approximately 5,500m of total elevation gain. Daily distances range from 14–25km depending on the stage — a genuine point-to-point adventure rather than a loop-based trip. You're always moving forward, always arriving somewhere new.
The highlights
- Mazeri to Mestia via the Guli Pass (2,974m) — one of the finest mountain days I've experienced anywhere in the world. Jaw-dropping views of Mt. Ushba, ancient shepherd huts, and a descent into Mestia that earns its reputation.
- The Adischala River crossing — five kilometres from Adishi, the glacial river awaits. Cross by foot or horseback depending on conditions. Take a moment on the other side to defrost your feet and look back at the glacier above you.
- The Zagaro Pass finale — the final crossing of the trip, with views stretching in every direction over Lower Svaneti. The sense of completion when you reach Tsana is something else entirely.
Georgia: In Search of Transcaucasia — Quick Details
7 nights accommodation in boutique hotels and mountain guesthouses · Full board throughout · All transfers · Cultural sightseeing in Tbilisi · Expert guides at 4:1 ratio · Trails & Trees — we plant a tree with every booking.
Not included: international flights, personal expenses, travel insurance.
Who Is This Trip For?
We grade Georgia as Adventurous — our middle tier. It's suitable for runners who have a solid base of fitness and are comfortable on their feet for 3–6 hours per day, including sustained ascent and descent on varied terrain.
You don't need previous mountain running experience, but you do need to be honest with yourself about your fitness level. The back-to-back days, the elevation and the remote nature of the terrain mean this isn't a trip to underestimate — but it's also not one to overcomplicate. Runners of all abilities complete it every year and have the time of their lives.
Over 90% of our guests travel solo. The remote setting, the shared challenges and the extraordinary scenery create bonds between strangers faster than almost any other trip we run. By the time you reach Ushguli — one of the highest inhabited villages in Europe — you'll feel like you've known your group for years.
Tbilisi: The Perfect Beginning and End
One of the things that makes the Georgia trip special is Tbilisi itself. Repeatedly named one of the coolest cities in Europe, the Georgian capital is genuinely extraordinary — a labyrinth of cobbled streets, ornate balconies, ancient churches and some of the best food and wine on the continent.
We spend the first night in Tbilisi getting to know each other over a proper Georgian feast before heading to the mountains the following morning. We return for the final night to celebrate the journey over dinner in the old town.
"Georgian wine is something else entirely. The country has been making wine for 8,000 years — longer than anywhere else on earth. Consider yourself warned."
Practical Information for Your Georgia Trail Running Holiday
Best time to go
July is our preferred month — stable weather, long daylight hours and the mountain wildflowers at their peak. The high Caucasus is at its most accessible and the trails are in perfect condition.
Getting there
Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) is served from several UK airports. Turkish Airlines via Istanbul offers competitive fares with total journey times of 5–7 hours. We provide group transfers from the airport on arrival day.
Trail grade
We grade Georgia as Adventurous — comfortable running and hiking for 3–6 hours per day with sustained ascent, descent and some technical terrain. Full details on our trip grading page.
Currency
Georgian Lari (£1 = approx. 3 Lari). ATMs are plentiful in Tbilisi. Cash only once you reach the mountains — we'll advise exactly what to bring when you book.
Visa
British, European, American and Canadian citizens can enter Georgia visa-free for up to 365 days. Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay.
July 2026 — Spaces Available
We have spaces available on our 11–19 July 2026 departure. Georgia consistently produces some of our highest-rated guest reviews and the July departure books up quickly each year.
From £2,595pp — flights excluded. Full board throughout, all transfers, expert guides and accommodation all included.
If Georgia has been on your radar, don't leave it too long.
Charlie Knights
Founder · Pure Trails Adventure
Spaces available. Don't leave it too long.
View the full itinerary, dates and pricing — or book a free 10-minute call with Charlie & the team to talk it through.