COUNTRY WITH MOST AMAZING NATURAL WONDERS – GEORGIA

On Day 3 in Juta, we were greeted by pleasant weather. Juta, a serene village nestled in the mountains, offered a peaceful and pristine atmosphere that stood in contrast to the bustling city of Tbilisi. It was a true escape into nature, with its tranquil surroundings and clean environment.

After a delicious breakfast, we embarked on a steep mountain hike towards the breathtaking landscape which housed Zeta Camping and Five Seasons. Within moments, we found ourselves atop horses, making our way towards Chaukhi Mountain. The stunning green mountains enveloped us, and the only sounds we could hear were the horses' hooves, their neighs, and the soothing flow of streams. It was a remarkably calm place, with only a few other hikers in sight.

Unfortunately, we encountered a setback when we lost our Gopro Hero-9 camera to the valley on our way to the waterfall. Juta should definitely be included in any Georgia itinerary. With proper planning and an early start, it is easily achievable to visit both the waterfall and Chaukhi Lake in a day's hike.

Mr Malkhaz, a shining example of Georgian hospitality, awaited us just outside our hotel in the morning with his Ford Escape, which we had booked through Gotrip a day prior. Our journey began as we set off for Kutaisi, making stops at Borjomi and the mesmerizing Katskhi Pillar along the way. We relished in the beauty of Borjomi Gorge, explored Borjomi Central Park, and even enjoyed a ride on the Borjomi Giant Wheel. Instead of arranging for a new car, we managed to convince Mr. Malkhaz to accompany us on our next adventure to Mestia the following day.

Day 5 proved to be the most adventurous and memorable day of our journey. We embarked on a thrilling itinerary, starting with a visit to the Sataplia Nature Reserve, followed by an exploration of the magnificent Prometheus Caves. Next, we ventured to the breathtaking Martvili Canyon and made a stop at the awe-inspiring Enguri Dam. Finally, after a long day of discovery, we arrived in Mestia at 9:30 in the evening. Had we departed Kutaisi at 9 in the morning, we would have had the opportunity to also visit the splendid Okatse Canyon.
Exploring Sataplia and Prometheus caves is like stepping into a completely different realm. Prometheus cave, in particular, is the largest cave in Georgia, boasting breathtaking formations of stalactites and stalagmites. While there are 22 halls in total, only 6 are accessible to tourists. Within these halls, visitors can traverse a distance of 1400 meters and even take a boat ride along the underground Kumi River to exit the cave. The expedition to discover Prometheus Caves was initiated by Soviet Authorities in their search for underground shelters to protect the population during a potential nuclear war.

Martvili Canyon is a stunning natural attraction characterized by a combination of water and rocks. Visitors to this picturesque landmark will be captivated by the mesmerizing contrast between the peaceful Abasha River and the energetic waterfalls that grace its surroundings. One of the main highlights of the Martvili Canyon experience is the opportunity to embark on a boat ride to the waterfalls. These cascades appear as if they are suspended from the heavens above, creating a visually striking spectacle accompanied by the powerful sound of rushing water. The force of nature is evident as water forcefully emerges from large rocks, carving out intricate holes along its path. Martvili Canyon truly embodies the essence of nature's remarkable beauty.

Last night, our trip from Kutaisi was both adventurous and hectic. However, we were greeted by a beautiful morning, brimming with energy. Mestia, nestled in the stunning Svaneti region of Georgia, is truly a hidden gem. Surrounded by the breathtaking Caucasus Mountains, Mestia is considered the most beautiful place in Georgia. One of the region's most distinctive attractions is the Svan Towers, which were originally used for defense against invading enemies.

Visited View Point, Koruldi Lakes, Chalaadi Glacier and Heshkili on our first day in Mestia. Came very close to Ferocious and Rovering Mestiachala River on so many occasions while hiking to Chalaadi Glacier (3 hour 2-way hike).

The Koruldi Lakes - These are a group of alpine lakes located in the Svaneti region. These lakes are situated at an elevation of approximately 2,700 meters (8,858 feet) above sea level.

The Lakes are known for their picturesque beauty, with crystal clear turquoise waters surrounded by majestic mountain peaks. The lakes are glacial in origin and are fed by melting snow and ice from the surrounding mountains. The area surrounding the lakes is rich in flora and fauna, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers.

To reach the Lakes, visitors often embark on a hiking trail that starts from the village of Mazeri, located about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from Mestia. The hike to the lakes takes approximately 3-4 hours, depending on one's pace and fitness level.

The Chalaadi Glacier - It is one of the largest glaciers in the area, with an area of approximately 17 square kilometers.

The Chalaadi Glacier is also a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors who come to explore its stunning natural beauty. It is often included as part of hiking and trekking routes in the Svaneti region, offering breathtaking views and a unique experience for nature enthusiasts.

Heshkili - It is a small village located in the Guria region. It is known for its beautiful natural surroundings and is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The village is surrounded by lush green landscapes, mountains, and rivers, offering opportunities for hiking, and exploring the local flora and fauna.

The following day, we visited Ushguli, a UNESCO heritage site known for its many Svan Towers, as well as the Shkhara Glacier, which required a 3-4 hour round-trip hike from Shkhara Cafe. As we embarked on our trek, we were met with the majestic beauty of the surrounding mountains, which were adorned with vibrant flowers. The view was truly breathtaking, with shimmering glaciers reflecting the warm rays of the sun. The soothing sound of rushing rivers added to the serene atmosphere. Each step we took revealed new wonders of nature, and we couldn't help but be amazed by the sheer beauty of our surroundings. The trek provided us with an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the tranquility of the mountains, allowing us to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It was an unforgettable experience that left us in awe of the wonders that our planet has to offer.

We head to Batumi from Mestia and spent 2 days there before boarding our flight back to Dubai.

Juta and Mestia are significantly quieter and cleaner compared to cities like Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi, which are bustling with tourists.

We arrived in Tbilisi in the morning and managed to cover most of the tourist attractions by the evening. The city is incredibly beautiful, with a magnificent church located in the center. To get a bird's-eye view of it, one can visit Sololaki Street, specifically the area near the Mother of Georgia or Narikala Fortress. During our stay, we found the Bolt App to be extremely convenient for traveling within the city. Every time we booked a taxi, it arrived at our designated spot within 5 minutes. Before calling it a day, we visited various landmarks including the Peace Bridge, Rike Park, the Mother of Georgia, the Cycle Monument, and Freedom Square.

The second day was filled with typical sightseeing activities. After breakfast, we departed from Tbilisi and visited several destinations including Mtskheta, Jvari View Pass, Zhinvali Reservoir, Ananuri Fortress, the Russia-Georgia Friendship Monument, Gudauri viewpoint, Kazbegi, Gergeti Trinity Church, Gveleti Waterfall, and finally reached Juta for our overnight stay. The highlights of the second day were the breathtaking view of Kazbegi Village from Gergeti Trinity Church, the scenic Gudauri View Pass, and an invigorating hike to Gveleti Big Waterfall