See my guide to beating the heat in Tbilisi in summer. I cover everything from transport logistics, safety and budgeting to cultural etiquette and responsible travel tips. Georgias capital, Tbilisi, is straight from the pages of a Gothic fairytale. As mentioned, the weather varies immensely from north to south, east to west. In the mountain regions and plains of southern Georgia, by contrast, winters are very frosty indeed. All Rights Reserved. Georgia is technically part of the Asian continent but to me, it feels more like Europe than Asia. In winter, the air is a touch frostier to say the least. Mestia A drone shot I took over Mestia in summer 2019. Evaluation : 895 m (2265 m - 3160 m) 13.4 km 1 km 5.3 km 7.1 km: 5 ski lifts; Overview: ski Georgia. Tbilisoba, Georgias biggest cultural festival, takes place in Tbilisi every October. Smoking is banned in restaurants. At the very least you should try to learn a couple of key Georgian phrases. Copyright 2015-2022 Emily Margaret Naughton Lush. The Georgian calendar is packed with religious feast days, Orthodox celebrations, day of village festivals, and plenty of events that celebrate food and wine. While haze obscures the view at other times of year (particularly in summer), in winter you can see all the way across the Alazani Valley to the Greater Caucasus. Youll find that both Armenia and Azerbaijan are a contrast to Georgia and yet the three nations also have a lot in common. Google Maps | Browse Mestia Hotels on Booking. 3-Day Private Mestia and Ushguli Tour from Tbilisi. Unfortunately, I will only have the chance to travel in November (only time off I get from studies/work this year, 2 to 14 Nov). Save some room in your luggage for these classic Georgian souvenirs: Wondering what to do in Georgia apart from eat, drink and shop? Georgia is a country in the Caucasus region, on the coast of the Black Sea. The main checkpoint on the Georgia-Turkey border is at HopaSarpi, 20km south of Batumi. Starting with the obvious: Temperatures are a lot cooler in winter across the country, and winter is fairly dry in many parts of the country. Instead, youre better off making for the higher mountain ranges. The highways to Kazbegi and Svaneti remain open throughout winter (only closing temporarily if theres an avalanche). Sharing is the norm. The most accurate and detailed weather forecast and news for Georgia and the world. They also have a hotline: +995 322 313 076. Beyond the vineyards, diverse Kakheti also holds the remote Tusheti National Park to the north and the semi-desert Vashlovani Nature Reserve to the south. Resorts along the Black Sea Coast operate at full capacity, and Georgias major cities swell to double or triple their off-season size. This is a high-altitude volcanic landscape of craters and gem-like lakes and the perfect place for cycling and birdwatching. Georgia is now open to all tourists. Structured around commonly asked questions, it offers stacks of practical tips and advice including plenty of insider information you wont find in any guidebook. February is the coldest month of the year for most of the country so remember to pack your woollens. Tip: This website is generally considered to be the most reliable for forecasts. Stepantsminda is known for its scenic location in the Greater Caucasus mountains, and is a center for trekkers and mountain climbing.Local attractions include the Kazbegi Museum and Ethnographic Museum in town, and the Gergeti Trinity Church outside of town, as well as Mount Kazbegi itself and the alpine meadows and forests of the surrounding Kazbegi Nature Reserve. Three Lithuanian climbers were killed while climbing Tetnuldi. Winter sports season really starts to take off on the slopes of Bakuriani and Gudauri in particular, making this a great time for skiing or snowboarding. The two most convenient crossings for travellers are at BagratashenSadakhlo (for travelling from Yerevan to Tbilisi) and at BavraNinotsminda (for travelling from Gyumri or Yerevan to Akhaltsikhe). Air pollution, astrology, exchange rates, converters. There are plenty of trekking opportunities in Georgia for various fitness levels. Mestia A drone shot I took over Mestia in summer 2019. Encyclopedic World Atlas, George Philip & Son. Along with lower Racha, these mountain regions are the perfect place to snuggle up in a cosy cabin. Mestia and the adjoining 132 villages form Mestia District (raioni). Tbilisi International Airport, Georgias main hub, is serviced by Qatar Airways (via Doha), Turkish Airways (via Istanbul), FlyDubai, Lufthansa (via Munich), AirAsia X (via Bangkok), and the national carrier, Georgian Airways (via Western Europe, Israel and Ukraine). Map a run, walk, or bicycle ride. Plugs C, E and F all work in Georgia. The weather in Georgia varies quite dramatically depending on where you go, but the countrys climate is quite mild overall. If you want to learn a bit more about the history, culture and cuisine before you arrive in Georgia then I highly recommend checking out a few of these books, films and TV shows. This website uses affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through a link. There are no restrictions on visiting Azerbaijan after Armenia or vice versa as long as you havent been to Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh). Mestia and Gudauri both have their highest number of snowy days in February. Your email address will not be published. As long as you exercise common sense and caution, are mindful of your belongings, show discretion when interacting with people and take precautionary steps when hiking, then you will have no problems in Georgia. Google Maps | Browse Mestia Hotels on Booking. In Tbilisi and the lowlands around the capital, summer is dependably hot and arid. All my 120-plus Georgia travel blogs, stories and guides, organised by theme/geography. An informative, easy-to-read travelogue-style introduction to the natural wine scene in Georgia. Youll notice that many dogs are tagged with a coloured plastic marker on their ear. Thanks! See here for more bus travel tips for Azerbaijan. Georgia is an overwhelmingly safe destination for tourists of all types. This may change in the future but for the time being, if you have the right passport and are prepared to travel once a year, you can legally stay in Georgia for as long as you like. I recommend travelling as light as possible when you come to Georgia, simply because having a lot of luggage can be a pain when youre trying to get around. Tusheti celebrates its biggest annual festival, Tushetoba, in August, with displays of folk music, dance, archery, horse racing and sheep-shearing. Mainly Im interested in outdoor activities such as walking and hiking in nature. Despite its small size, the townlet was an important centre of Georgian culture for centuries and contains a number of medieval monuments, such as churches and forts, included in a list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. As of 2022, the government lists health insurance as a recommendation, but not a requirement. The official currency in Georgia is the lari, abbreviated to GEL (). One major advantage of travelling in summer is that mountain roads (including the Abano pass to Tusheti) are all but guaranteed to be open. Home to: Tbilisi, Mestia. [8], Despite its small area, Georgia has one of the most varied topographies of the former Soviet republics. Shepherd dogs are a different kettle of fish. [6] According to one 18th century definition, which set the KumaManych Depression as the continental boundary, Georgia and the entire Caucasus fell into Asia. This is particularly important if you plan on going to the mountains to hike or ski. Central Georgias Shida Kartli region is home to the city of Gori, famous for the Stalin Museum but with a lot more to offer beyond dark tourism. The biggest city on Georgias Black Sea coast, Batumi is notorious for its outlandish architecture, bars and casinos. Template:Infobox mountain in Georgia. The country has joined European organizations, such as the Council of Europe and Eurocontrol, and has been deemed eligible to apply for membership of the European Union if it so wishes in the future. Note that some fasting meals still contain honey. Woohoo! Mestia is located in the Svaneti region of Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti province (), some 128 kilometres (80 miles) northeast of the regional capital of Zugdidi.Mestia and the adjoining 132 villages form Mestia District ().Its area is 3,044 square kilometres (1,175 sq mi); and its population is 9,316 (1,973 in the town itself), according to the 2014 Georgia census. If you want guaranteed snow, youll have to head to a higher altitude. If youre sticking to popular destinations such as Tbilisi, Batumi, Kazbegi, Svaneti, etc. In the cities, hotels, boutique hostels and guesthouses are the most popular options. Georgia (Georgian: , romanized: Sakartvelo; IPA: [skrtvl] ()) is a transcontinental country at the intersection of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. Prices go up with increased demand. [9] Solving Georgia's environmental problems was not a high priority of the national government in the post-Soviet years, however; in 1993 the minister for protection of the environment resigned to protest this inactivity. Say no to sweaty marshrutka vans summer is a great time for a Georgia road trip instead. Its still too brisk for any serious hiking in the Greater Caucasus. This is the one I currently use. Trekking gear, camping supplies and winter sports equipment can all be hired when you arrive. We would like to show you a description here but the site wont allow us. 02 November. In this guide, Ill show you 10 wonderful places to visit in Georgia in winter and offer a few winter travel tips. Tbilisi remains relatively mild throughout the winter months, averaging 2-8 degrees Celsius during the day from December to February, and dropping down to 0-2 degrees overnight. I think its important to understand these and be mindful of whats going on behind the scenes. Learn more. Be mindful that border disputes and conflict around breakaway and occupied territories are still bubbling away. Im Emily, an Australian journalist and photographer living in beautiful Kutaisi, Georgia. Rates are much lower if you go through a local agent. Always lock the door to your room at night, especially when staying at guesthouses in rural areas. There are plenty of veg and vegan-friendly specialty restaurants around (see listings here on Happy Cow), some of them serving Georgian dishes and others focusing on international cuisine. Some remote villages are completely closed off. Places to see, ways to wander, and signature experiences. Under four hours by road from Tbilisi, Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) is the best place to get a peek at the Greater Caucasus without venturing too far from the city. The most accurate and detailed weather forecast and news for Georgia and the world. Asia Georgia Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. The fresh produce is unrivalled (Georgia has the best tomatoes on planet earth), while a liberal use of spices and aromatics ensures everything is tasty as can be. Overview: ski Georgia. It is erected on the top of Sololaki hill in the year 1958 when Tbilisi celebrated its 1500th anniversary. Georgia has an extremely diverse climate. If youre venturing to the mountains, youll need waterproof shoes, thermals and all the woolly accessories you can get your hands on. Never hike alone, even in the hills around Tbilisi. 10 best places to visit in Georgia in winter for snow and spectacular scenery. The annual grape harvest (Rtveli) takes place in September/early October. This Facebook group is geared towards long-term travellers and expats and organises hiking and culture-focused trips to offbeat locations. 2022. Unfortunately it was suspended in 2020 and remains inactive for the foreseeable future. per adult (price varies by group size) Kakheti - wine tour and family lunch. Discover all the best things to do in Georgia with my free 25-page PDF guide: 365 Things to Do in Georgia. Rust-coloured foliage is visible in areas such as Rkoni until November. A second checkpoint at PosofVale may be more convenient if youre coming from central Eastern Turkey (Kars); however there is no formal cross-border transport so this journey must be done with taxis and local buses. Autumn also brings a cornucopia of produce, including mushrooms, pomegranates and persimmons. Note that the standard voltage in Georgia is 200 V and some electronics from the US including some hair dryers will not work here. Warmer weather, great hiking and outdoor activity conditions, and a variety of religious and cultural festivals are all to be expected during these months. Historically and ethnographically, Mestia has always been regarded a chief community of Zemo, or Upper Svaneti province. Because of this, popular hotels and resorts are often full, and domestic flights and trains sold out. This guide is long and in-depth, so get ready! See my detailed Borjomi transport guide and my Bakuriani transport guide for all the details, including information about the Tbilisi Borjomi slow train. The New Wine festival takes place in Tbilisi in May, drawing hundreds of winemakers from around the country for tastings and a food bonanza. They do not dispense cash. The mountaineers have been identified, Kamandulis said, adding that they were experienced mountaineers. Most guesthouses will happily cater to special dietary needs as long as you give them some warning. See all. Landmarks. The season typically runs from December to March. The Eighth Life by Nino Haratischvili. This Georgia Calendar for 2022 brings together the major festivals, events, holidays and celebrations slated for this year plus other milestones that define the seasons.. I fall into this category. Change region. How to get from Tbilisi Airport to the city, How to get from Kutaisi Airport to Tbilisi. (This excludes Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which use the Russian ruble.). They can be a bit cramped and uncomfortable, and theres not much room for luggage, but they are a very affordable way to get from A to B. Georgia has an extensive railway network that was mostly developed during Soviet times (in 1932, the first electric trains in the USSR were tested in the Surami pass in central Georgia). See my guide to the best places to visit in Georgia in winter, See my guide to the best things to do in Tbilisi in winter, See my beginners guide to skiing in Georgia. You can find everything you need to know about using the overnight sleeper trains in my guides: Another option is to travel by marshrutka to Northern Armenia via Southern Georgias Javakheti region, or to Sheki in Azerbaijan via Kakheti. Mestia is the main town in the region of Svaneti of the Caucasus mountains. If you need to change cash, avoid doing so at the airport or in the Old Town (the rates are notoriously bad). Bus Tours. If yes which places we should visit. Thats the easy part. By mid-September and throughout the month of October, the weather is usually near perfect: Warm, breezy days, crisp nights, and clear skies. You can enter Georgian overland using marshrutka vans, private taxis, or by self-driving (if youre brining in your own vehicle, pre-purchase compulsory insurance here). As summer peak season winds down, many mountain hotels, resorts and wine chateaux offer great deals during the month of September, making the end of the month a terrific time for budget travellers to visit. Having driven around Kakheti in February, I can tell you Georgias wine country is equally beautiful in winter just in a different way. Though not as hard as going all the way to Ushguli, it still isnt easy to get to (unless you can snag one of the few flights from Tbilisi to Mestia). If you choose to tip, you can use this as a general guide: Top tip: Youll notice that many restaurants and cafes in Georgia add a 10% service charge onto your bill (on top of the 18% VAT). To give you an idea of how much things cost in Georgia, here are some example costs for Tbilisi: Budget traveller: ~ 600 GEL (210 USD) per week. It is erected on the top of Sololaki hill in the year 1958 when Tbilisi celebrated its 1500th anniversary. Resplendent fall foliage can be found in the highlands of Racha and Samegrelo from as early as September, while Tbilisis fall colours come into their own in October. I hope it comes in handy for planning your Georgia travel Other colourful villages on the lakes shore are almost Nordic. Is Georgia in Europe or Asia? A mix of modern and Belle poque-era hotels spill out from the citys waterfront promenade, while old town spires and contemporary towers dot the skyline. Subscribe to my newsletter to get your copy instantly. Aside from Tbilisi, any recommendation? Find the answers youre looking for in this month-by-month guide to weather in Georgia, seasonal activities, festivals, events and more. Things really start to heat up in July and by the middle of the month, temperatures in Tbilisi are pushing 40 degrees Celsius in the shade. The total price includes the item price and a buyer fee. Best time for hiking at lower elevations & exploring the cities. I recommend bringing base layers that will dry quickly after washing. Air pollution, astrology, exchange rates, converters. If you want to hike the Greater Caucasus I would suggest postponing your trip or planning a return visit! Mestia is the main town in the region of Svaneti of the Caucasus mountains. Planning to travel to the Caucasus? Learn more. From Baku, you can take either route. Also in this region, Vardzia Cave City takes on a completely unique appearance in winter as snow collects in its craggy rock cloisters. But the majority of roads remain open, including the roads to Kazbegi and Mestia. Landmarks. Plan routes, calculate distances, view elevation profiles, share routes, export as gpx, or embed in a website.On The Go Map.On The Go Map is a route planner for running, walking, biking, or driving. This Georgia Calendar for 2022 brings together the major festivals, events, holidays and celebrations slated for this year plus other milestones that define the seasons.. Closer to Tbilisi, visitors can learn about scarcely documented German heritage in the towns of Asureti and Bolnisi. Mestia is located in the Svaneti region of Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti province (), some 128 kilometres (80 miles) northeast of the regional capital of Zugdidi.Mestia and the adjoining 132 villages form Mestia District ().Its area is 3,044 square kilometres (1,175 sq mi); and its population is 9,316 (1,973 in the town itself), according to the 2014 Georgia census. Mom is a 2017 Indian Hindi-language crime thriller film directed by Ravi Udyawar from a screenplay written by Girish Kohli. Everyone has the same idea though, so accommodation prices can be inflated and availability limited during July and August. Template:Infobox mountain in Georgia. The main rail route, Tbilisi to Batumi, uses high-speed Stadler trains, connecting the two cities in around 6 hours. Follow my adventures through the Caucasus, the Balkans, Southeast Asia and beyond as I inspire you to fill your own travels with colour, culture and creativity. The easiest and safest way to travel from Tbilisi to Yerevan (Armenia) or Baku (Azerbaijan) is by rail. Most restaurants are open from midday until late (without a break) and serve food all day. Get inspired. Nearby Martkopi Monastery, nestled deep in the forest, rounds out the ideal winter day trip from Tbilisi. Central gas heating is fairly common in Georgia, but some accommodations use radiators. Mom is a 2017 Indian Hindi-language crime thriller film directed by Ravi Udyawar from a screenplay written by Girish Kohli. The more worrying thing though is the driving style, which borders on reckless. Like in most big cities, taxis in Tbilisi have a reputation for overcharging tourists. Most schedules are limited to 2-3 flights per week. The Powder Project also runs catski tours in Adjara. Why buy with Envato. Ive done dozens of tours in Georgia and am always impressed with the quality of service and the knowledge of local guides. See my full list of Kakheti accommodations here. There are several options for travelling into the city from the airport: City bus 337, taxi or private transfer. In the cities, youll be using a mix of coach buses and microbuses (marshrutky more on those in a moment). A typical Svan fortified dwelling consisted of a tower, an adjacent house (machub) and some other household structures encircled by a defensive wall. Asia Georgia Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. Its possible to withdraw US dollars and Euros from some ATMs in Georgia, but this comes with additional fees. Just an hour by road from Tbilisi, Sabaduri Forest is the ultimate winter playground and the place to go for photos frolicking over snow-glazed paths amongst powder-puff trees. See my all-season Georgia packing list for more tips. Find a full list of festivals and celebrations here. Georgia has three international airports in Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Batumi. Part of Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi is closed to traffic and an open-air street festival takes over, with pop-up restaurants and bars, live music and a market. Tbilisi remains mild throughout the winter months while the regions vary from fairly frosty to firmly freezing, showcasing all manner of splendid winterscapes: Snow-capped mountains, frozen lakes, sugar-dusted villages, and more. This service fee doesnt go to the server, so if you want to be sure they receive a gratuity, leave an extra tip and try to hand it to them personally. Far-southern Georgia is one of the most visually impressive and culturally diverse parts of the country. Orthodox Epiphany in mid-January designates the official end of the holiday season, and the decorations come down shortly before that. The dynamics of Tbilisi shift in July as local families depart for the villages or the coast and tourists flood the city in their place. Copyright 2015-2022 Emily Margaret Naughton Lush. There are several different types of train running today, and not all of them are ideal for travellers. The cost of fuel (and thus transport) has gone up noticeably, with fares increasing by 20-30% across the board. One of my favourite anecdotes on this topic is when Georgian politician Zurab Zhvania famously uttered, I am Georgian, therefore I am European when addressing the European Council in 1999. October is one of my favourite months in Georgia. See my guide to beating the heat in Tbilisi in summer, See my guide to the best places to visit in Georgia in autumn, See my guide to the best things to do in Tbilisi in autumn, See my guide to the best places to visit in Georgia in winter, See my guide to the best things to do in Tbilisi in winter, See my beginners guide to skiing in Georgia, See my guide to the best things to do in Tbilisi in spring, Orthodox Christmas celebrations in January, https://wander-lush.org/itinerary-planning/, Where to Stay in Kutaisi, Georgia: Neighbourhood Guide + Best Hotels for Any Budget, Best Things to Do in Kutaisi in 1-4 Days: The Ultimate Kutaisi Itinerary (By an Expat), 25 Hidden Gems in Kutaisi: Alternative, Offbeat & Non-touristy Things to Do, 25 Most Beautiful Places in Montenegro to Add to Your Itinerary, 13 Things to Consider Before You Book a Comuna 13 Tour in Medellin. Do. Ive been reading about Georgia in November and this has been helpful. Buying and activating a sim is both cheap and straightforward. This guide draws on my knowledge to give you a seasonal overview and month-by-month breakdown of weather to help you decide the best time to travel to Georgia for your interests. While each of these 10 destinations are all terrific places to visit in Georgia at any time of year, I think theyre especially beautiful in winter. There is also an open public WIFI network in Tbilisi called Tbilisi Loves You. This is a great month for riding the Kukushka train in Bakuriani, lounging in a natural hot spring, or viewing the stone towers in Ushguli on a bed of snow. Still, its a nice time to visit the arid parts of eastern Georgia, including Vashlovani National Park and David Gareja Cave Monastery as its not too hot yet. Here are my general recommendations for when to visit Georgia: Overall, September/October and April/May are by far my favourite times of year in Georgia. Georgia is largely surrounded by the Greater Caucasus and Lesser Caucasus mountains, which form part of a natural boundary between Eastern Europe and Western Asia. Theres always something special happening in Georgia, whether it be a cultural festival, a food or wine event, or a religious celebration.. Out of the Georgian coastline, 57km is the coastline of Ajaria (Ajara),[11] and 200km is the coastline of Abkhazia. There are two budget-friendly coach services plus private transfers available. However, the stifling hot weather in Tbilisi especially (but also in Kutaisi and Batumi) means its not the most pleasant time of year to visit the cities. Georgia: A Guide to the Cradle of Wine by Miquel Hudin & Daria Kholodilina. Generally speaking, temperatures sit at around 7-12 degrees Celsius in Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi and the lowlands, while the mountain regions are still frosty. I am a huge fan of hiking/trekking and cultural/religious sites. Do you recommend I postpone till early May? Here are a couple of things to keep in mind: Even having lived in rice-wine-fueled Vietnam and Cambodia, I still think the drinking culture in Georgia is something else. Summer is the favourite time to visit for dramatic sunsets. Tipping is not part of the culture in Georgia and is not considered mandatory by any means. Some touristic places such as Mestia, Kazbegi and Borjomi can be a touch more expensive. Change region. [9] Warm, moist air from the Black Sea moves easily into the coastal lowlands from the west. Its getting pretty chilly by mid-November so if you plan on doing a lot of outdoor activities, May would be more comfortable. In fact, its the Caucasus mountains that make Georgia in winter truly special.

Sprouted Rye Bread Brands, Excel Check Hyperlink Valid, Al Qadisiyah Fc Transfermarkt, Olson Projects Spokane, Southwestern College Spring 2022 Registration, Best Fish Fry Masala Powder, Tanzania Premier League Today Matches,