One-day mountain hike "Golden Gates"

On a high mountain, right at the clouds' edge, stands a monastery. The path there is neither close nor easy. But if there is paradise, it's there. Silence, grandeur, solitude, tranquility. The unity of Man and God. When you reach there, time stops. All that remains is the sky, the church, and your thoughts.

There are hardly any people here. The abbot, Father Ioann, and a young monk who recently arrived. That's all.

The Alevi Holy Trinity Monastery. A gem unjustly omitted from the list of remarkable places in Georgia. Everything here is beautiful—the monastery itself, the courtyard, the church, and the abbot. The journey here is possibly the true path to God—beautiful but challenging.

You can sit on the roof for hours, gazing at the mountains, conversing with the father, or pondering. You don't want to leave this place. And you want to return here.

Tour itinerary:

Total trail length: 32 km;
Total elevation gain: 1100 m;
Highest point of the hike: 1960 m;
Trail difficulty: moderate, requires endurance.
By car: 130 km (round trip).

• Sunrise meeting at Ananuri Fortress - Almost everyone in Georgia knows Ananuri Fortress, many know the legends about it, but only a few know how beautiful the fortress is in the early morning, when the sun is just rising over the mountains. Today, we will join those who know.
• Ascent to Alevi Monastery - We walk to enjoy the beauty of the forest, streams, waterfalls, the panorama of the Caucasus, and the magical air... 16 km uphill with an elevation gain of 1100 m. Depending on the season, this trek will take us 5-6 hours.
• Monastery tour - The Alevi Holy Trinity Monastery is a captivating place. It's not just about the views from the monastery, the 8th-9th-century church, or the legend of the "golden gates," but also about its modern part—the residential quarters of the monks and the abbot.
• Descent with a picnic on the way - The descent from the monastery is more enjoyable than the ascent. The road constantly goes downhill, and there's almost no effort required. At about one-third of the way down, we will stop at a picturesque spot for a light picnic by the stream.
• Village restaurant (optional) - In most cases, groups who have completed this trek don't want to simply say goodbye and return to Tbilisi. Almost everyone wants to sit, talk, and share their impressions of the incredible adventure they experienced that day.

❗️Essential Equipment:

• Backpack;
• Trekking boots or any other comfortable non-slip footwear;
• Raincoat;
• Warm jacket;
• Buff/cap;
• Socks (thermal and cotton);
• Comfortable sportswear;
• Personal utensils (cup, spoon, plate);
• Trekking poles (optional);
• Sunglasses;
• Sunscreen;
• Personal hygiene items;
• Personal first aid kit.

❗️Food - Bring your own according to your preferences.
❗️Water - Bring as needed, but no less than 1 liter.
❗️Avoid overloading your backpack with unnecessary items. Calculate the right amount of food and clothing. Food and equipment are not included in the tour price! Purchase food in advance!
❗️The tour program includes a visit to the monastery, so please remember to follow the dress code according to the season: for women, a headscarf is required, shoulders should be covered, and neckline and legs should be below the knees; for men, shoulders should be covered, and trousers should be worn.
‼️Bring your identification documents.

❗️Tour Rules:

1. The tour is led by a guide (or guides).
2. During the tour, all participants obey the leader's instructions to ensure maximum safety, organization, and equal comfort for everyone.
3. It is prohibited to arrive at the meeting point in a state of alcohol intoxication. Participants may be excluded at the discretion of the guide.
4. Drinking alcoholic beverages in the car is not allowed during the journey.
5. The use of headphones is not allowed during walks.
6. Do not litter.
7. Do not pick flowers.
8. Animals are not allowed.
9. To avoid conflict situations during the hike, we avoid discussing topics such as a) politics, b) religion, c) football.
10. In case of force majeure situations, the guide reserves the right to change the course of the tour.

❗️The excursion program provided is a promotional outline. Due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances, certain elements of the program may be substituted with equivalent alternatives. 
❗️The average cost of the excursion is indicated for two people. The final price will be determined based on your specific requirements regarding hotel standards, restaurants, and group size. A detailed tour itinerary and list of services will be sent to you via email after registration on the website or upon request. 
❗️If you have allergies to specific plants, animals, food products, or dietary restrictions, please inform us in advance.