How Long Is the Transcaucasian Trail And Where Is It?

Hikers enjoying the lower Caucasus.

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We’ve mentioned it before, the Transcaucasian Trail (TCT) is the next big thing in trekking. Because it’s a new adventure for hikers and actually still being developed, you may like to know where exactly the TCT is and how long it is.

The story of the Transcaucasian Trail only started in 2015 when three international hikers were, independently, interested in hiking the lengths of Armenia and Georgia. They decided to work together and with the help of local and international volunteers started to establish a Transcaucasian Trail. The long-distance hiking trail is still under development and aim is to build two corridors of about 1500km each through the Greater Caucasus Mountains and the Lesser Caucasus Mountains.

Stunning sight of Adishi glacier on the Transcaucasian Trail

Where is the Transcaucasian Trail?

So, where are these Caucasus Mountains and the Transcaucasian Trail you may wonder.

In between Russia to the north, the Caspian Sea to the east, Turkey and Iran to the south, and the Black Sea to the west lie the mountainous countries of Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. A region also known as Transcaucasia. The area is right at the border between Europe and Asia and offers hikers a unique experience into scenic, mysterious and fascinating lands.

How Long Is the Transcaucasian Trail?

Currently, around 1200kms of the Transcaucasian Trail is mapped. The Trail is still being developed and should, when it’s finished, span 1,500kms of hiking East-West and another 1,500kms North- South. The length of the trail takes trekkers along ancient monasteries, glaciers, welcoming villages, remote mountain landscapes, and endless UNESCO listed sites. A full crossing of Armenia is possible, as well as the upper Vaneti – Racha stage in Georgia and between the districts of Sheki & Zagatala in Azerbaijan.

Can I Walk The Transcaucasian Trail?

Yes, you can definitely walk the Transcaucasian Trail. Although mapping and waymarking the trail is still in full swing, lots of sections of this long distance walk have already opened up to hikers. There are for example the route between Tblisi – Ushguli – Mestia in Georgia which generally takes 10 days to complete, or the Yerevan – Tbilisi part in Armenia that you can walk in about 8 days.