Best time to visit the Caucasus
Wild rivers, green hills and distant snowy summits signal springtime in the Caucasus, although autumn can tip the balance when it comes to the best time to go trekking.
Unless you're into winter sports, the best time to visit the Southern Caucasus is either side of July or August with spring peonies and anemone, and autumnal foliage supplying a beautiful backdrop to accompany walking tours. The further north you travel, and the higher the elevation, the cooler things get with the hanging glaciers of North Ossetia Nature Reserve indicative of lengthy winters and mild summers. Religious and harvest festivals are taken extremely seriously throughout the region with Easter events celebrated just as earnestly in Orthodox Christian churches as harvest time in the fertile valley vineyards of the south.
Southern Caucasus Weather Chart
MIN °C
MAX °C
RAIN (mm)
JAN
1
7
25
FEB
1
6
26
MAR
3
10
30
APR
9
17
40
MAY
12
22
20
JUN
18
27
20
JUL
21
30
15
AUG
21
30
18
SEP
17
26
18
OCT
11
19
20
NOV
7
14
15
DEC
2
9
20
Our Caucasus Vacations
Georgia horse trekking vacation
An adventure suitable for moderate to experienced riders
From
£1645
9 days
ex flights
Caucasus vacation, Armenia, Azerbaijan & Georgia
Journey through three Caucasus states
From
£2990
14 days
ex flights
Georgia and Armenia vacation
Churches, monasteries, snow capped mountains, lakes and waterfalls
From
US $2475 to US $2635
14 days
ex flights
North Caucasus vacation in Russia
Epic journey from the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea
From
£4750
15 days
ex flights
The Caucasus tour, Russia's wild frontier
Rich cultures and dramatic landscapes of Russia's deep south
From
£4099
18 days
ex flights
Things to do in the Caucasus
Things to do
Things not to do in the Caucasus…
Our top Caucasus Vacation
Georgia and Armenia vacation
Churches, monasteries, snow capped mountains, lakes and waterfalls
From
US $2475 to US $2635
14 days
ex flights
Small group travel:
2018: 21 Jul, 22 Sep, 29 Sep
2018: 21 Jul, 22 Sep, 29 Sep
Helpdesk
Hello. If you'd like to chat about Caucasus or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help. Rosy & team.
Caucasus travel advice
Where to stay in the Caucasus
Where to stay in the Caucasus
Jonny Bealby, founder of our supplier, Wild Frontiers, spent five months riding a horse across Central Asia and the Caucasus for his book Silk Dreams, Troubled Road. He shared the following tips with us on traveling through the Caucasus region:
“Baku, Tbilisi, Kazbegi and Yerevan have a range of 5* hotels and cute boutiques but on the whole travelers should be prepared for a mix of accommodation including some on a very basic level. One of the best things to do is a homestay – particularly in Georgia – where the facilities might be limited but the hospitality unequalled.”
“Baku, Tbilisi, Kazbegi and Yerevan have a range of 5* hotels and cute boutiques but on the whole travelers should be prepared for a mix of accommodation including some on a very basic level. One of the best things to do is a homestay – particularly in Georgia – where the facilities might be limited but the hospitality unequalled.”
Itinerary tips
Itinerary tips
“Baku, the historic old town is fascinating. The same can be said of Tbilisi. One should also see both the old Georgian capital and cathedral in Mtskheta – birthplace to their Christianity – and Gori, birthplace of Joseph Stalin.”
“Travel up the Georgian Military Highway, passing the picturesque Ananuri fortified church, before continuing on to a highlight of any trip to the Caucasus: Kazbegi, where you’ll find a stunning mountain and some great walking. After this don’t miss the cave towns of Uplistsikhe and Vardzia, before crossing the border into Armenia and visiting Lake Sevan and the Tatev Monastery.”
Walking in the Caucasus
Walking in the Caucasus
“The walk between Kazbegi and the village of Juta, in Georgia, takes you over the 3,000m Abudulari Pass, and down to the tiny village of Rustav, from where you can white water raft to Ananuri. It’s a stunning walk over two and a half days and really gets you into the wilds of the Caucasus.”
Cultural contrasts
Cultural contrasts
“There are many obvious cultural differences between countries/republics, as some are Muslim with more Asian ties and some are Christian with more European ties. But on the whole I have always found all the various peoples of the Caucasus to be extremely friendly and hospitable and very good fun.”
“One of my wildest encounters was thinking I could compete with some locals in a chacha [a homemade grape vodka] toasting session – things got very messy!”
More about Caucasus
Hiking over high meadows close to Russia is just one of many reasons why the Caucasus Mountains are held in such high regard with Mount Kazbegi, Tetu Peak and the Abodelauri Pass adding to the endless appeal of our Caucasus travel guide.
Why book with Responsible Travel
Photo credits: [Page banner: Creative Travel Projects] [Temp box: Roberto Strauss]
[Things to do: Zacqary Xeper]
[Where to stay: Arthur Chapman]
[itinerary tips: Stefano Bolognini]
[cultural contrasts: Montecruz Foto]
[Walking: Max Dawncat]
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