Why Georgia Got Under My Skin – And Why I’ll Be Back
This blog comes from Jane – one of our much-loved regular trekkers – who joined us on our very first pioneering Trek Georgia & The Caucasus Mountains. From ancient villages to flower-filled ridgelines, she shares what made this adventure so powerful, personal, and unlike anything she’s done before.
From the very start, we were in good hands. Svani, our guide, is one of those rare people who doesn’t just know the history of a place – he feels it. His storytelling brought Georgia’s complicated past alive: centuries of resilience, cultural pride, invasions, and identity. Whether we were wandering through Tbilisi’s Old Town or walking along windswept ridges, Svani’s passion enriched the experience. He helped us see the country not just as visitors, but as respectful guests walking in the footsteps of those who came centuries before.
Tucked away in Georgia’s northeast, is the Tusheti. The villages here – Omalo, Girevi, Dartlo and more – are breathtaking. Stone towers rise from the lush green slopes, once used as lookout posts and shelters during invasions. The architecture is both beautiful and functional, designed to endure brutal winters and centuries of conflict. These weren’t easy places to live. The people of Tusheti survived by sheer will, adapting to the high altitude, isolation, and harsh climate.
Our days in Tusheti were spent trekking through valleys and over ridgelines, each view more staggering than the last. Wildflowers carpeted the hills, ancient towers emerged around corners always taking us by surprise just as they would have done enemy forces in centuries gone by. We crossed wooden bridges, drank from icy streams, and picnicked in flower filled meadows.
Each night, we camped in some of the most breathtaking spots imaginable – secluded valleys nestled beside glacial rivers, under the most amazing star-filled skies. There was something deeply grounding about falling asleep to the sound of water rushing nearby and waking up to the chill of mountain air and golden light rising over the peaks. And then there was Zaza, our incredible chef, who somehow managed to turn a remote mountain kitchen into a place of pure joy. After long days on the trail, we’d gather around for steaming bowls of his amazing soups, rich with flavour and warmth, followed by generous spreads of local dishes that always hit the spot. The produce was as fresh as it gets – including the tastiest tomatoes I’ve ever eaten, bursting with flavour and colour. Zaza cooked with care and pride, and his food brought us together every evening, sharing stories and laughter in the heart of the mountains.
One of the most moving moments came when we reached Dartlo, perhaps the most photographed village in Tusheti – but no photo does it justice. With its tiered stone houses, gently sloping fields, and silent watchtowers, it felt like stepping back in time.
I stood and thought about the people who lived here generations ago. How they endured harsh winters with limited supplies. How they defended their homes with pride. How they thrived despite the unimaginable challenges. Their spirit still lingers in the stonework and the trails we followed, and in the way local people speak of their ancestors – always with the utmost respect.
While the landscape took our breath away, it was the human element that made this trip unforgettable. From the first day, there was a sense of connection among the group – partly thanks to the shared challenge of the trek, and partly because of the culture fostered by our guides and crew. This wasn’t just a trek. It was an experience rooted in mutual respect — for the land, for the people, and for each other. That respect was reflected in everything Adventurous Ewe did.
They’re not your typical travel company. Small, family-run, and genuinely values-driven, they have an instinctive understanding of how to tread lightly and travel meaningfully. Nothing felt commercial or forced. Instead, there was a thoughtfulness to everything about the trip. What stands out most of all is how they treat people: with care, humility, and real kindness. Whether it was their local crew or the guests on the trip, everyone was valued and included.
And they take sustainability seriously Plastic use was minimised through their donation of watertogo filter bottles, meals were sourced locally, and there is a consistent emphasis on supporting community-led tourism. We leanred learned how local dumplings were made and it didn’t feel like a tourist “experience” – they were genuine moments of cultural exchange, offered with local hospitality and pride.
It’s rare to find a travel company that manages to be both ethical and genuinely fun – but Adventurous Ewe pulls it off with ease and despite the physical challenge of the trekking there were plenty of laughs shared along the way.
As the trip came to an end and we made our way back to Tbilisi, I found myself reflecting on what I was taking home. Yes, I had plenty photos of sweeping landscapes and my fellow travellers but most of all I returned with a heart bursting with joy and genuine connection.
There’s something about standing in a place like Tusheti – so ancient, so rugged and fiercely beautiful — that challenges how you see the world. You realise how shallow modern comforts are compared to the timeless rhythm of mountain life.
This trip filled me up in the best possible way. It reminded me that adventure isn’t just about adrenaline — it’s about humility, openness, and connection. It’s about laughing with strangers who become friends and about being present — truly present — in places that demand your full attention.
To the people of Tusheti, thank you for your enduring hospitality, your strength, and your stories. To Svani and the local crew, thank you for your generosity and warmth. And to Adventurous Ewe — thank you for doing things differently. For leading with values, for lifting up local voices, and for reminding us that the best kind of travel leaves no footprint except in memory.
Georgia got under my skin. Tusheti found a place in my heart. And I know I’ll be back….and definitely with Adventurous Ewe…who better to travel with?!”
