Establishing the Transcaucasian Trail is an ongoing project as described on the website https://transcaucasiantrail.org. Currently there are multiple route fragments. This route is the Georgian part in the Upper Svaneti area. It takes hikers from Ushguli to Mestia and then Kvemo Marghi. The section between Ushguli and Mestia is popular and well travelled while the section west of Mestia sees less traffic. Most hikers hike west to east but both directions are possible. Just before Ushguli, there is the only notable location with two possible routes: After passing Chkhunderi pass, the commonly taken route takes hikers through the valley around Shkederi mountain. However, an alternative route leads across Lagem pass. Both should be considered equal choices for FKT attempts: the pass is slightly shorter but comes with more elevation gain and steep / more technical sections.
Vegetation along the trail is increasingly thick throughout the season. Urtica and giant hogweed are commonly found in this area. In less travelled areas, long pants are recommended to avoid burns.
The adishchala river has to be crossed without a bridge along the route. Throughout summer, locals offer horseback rides across the river for a fee. Use caution when crossing on foot (unsupported FKT attempts). It is important to cross the glacial river in early morning. Generally the water level is highest early in the season and in the afternoon of hot days.
