This International, Long-Distance Hiking Trail In The Caucasus Is A Spectacular Journey

When you imagine must-visit destinations around the world for avid hikers, you might not think of including the Caucasus on that list. But Armenia, a landlocked country that has underrated beaches surrounded by mountain views, and Georgia, a country known for epic hiking trails, are both well worth a dedicated hiking trip. Add Azerbaijan to that list and you have a trifecta of hiking bliss. But what about a combination of all three? Touted as the first international hiking trail within the Caucasus, the Transcaucasian Trail will span across all three of these countries and two continents. The trail takes hikers through vast valleys, rural meadows, and over mountain peaks, connecting shepherd paths to ATV routes and other pathways. 

The Transcaucasian Trail is notably the new kid on the block when it comes to long-distance hiking trails. Recently opened in 2022, the lesser-known trail has been in the works since 2015 and is sure to make the lists of avid hikers. As of 2025, the trail can be hiked in several different portions in all three countries, including a long portion in Armenia that stretches over 500 miles and takes up to 45 days. Once fully completed, the trail will test the endurance of hikers, winding 1,864 miles through diverse landscapes in Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan.

The Transcaucasian Trail made our list of 25 best long-distance hiking trails around the world, and with good reason; it's full of off-the-beaten-path natural beauty. Because the trail is still broken up into portions, when to hike the trail will depend on which country you'll be trekking through. In Armenia, the trail is best hiked from mid-May to mid-October. For Georgia sections, you'll likely need a later start due to high altitudes, making early-July to mid-October the most ideal time to head out. Because the Azerbaijan portions are a bit milder in climate, you'll likely be able to hike in all seasons with some variations. 

For those who decide to trek the largest portion of the completed trail through Armenia, most hikers embark from Yerevan, the country's capital city, to make sure they stock up on supplies. From Yerevan, they then catch a bus to Meghri or Gyumri and take a taxi to Lake Arpi to begin the trail. This hike requires plenty of planning, so it would be best to spend a few days in Yerevan triple-checking your list of essentials before heading out. 

Along the trail, you'll come across gorgeous views of the Gegham Mountains and Lake Sevan, and you'll make your way through traditional villages and Arevik National Park. Most of the hike will require wild camping, but there are a few Armenian Drams, cash-only guesthouses, along the route that cost anywhere from $13 to $16 per night and include breakfast. If you're not feeling ambitious enough to complete the whole trek, you can also hire guides for multi-day hikes on portions of the trail in Dilijan National Park, the Gegham Mountains, and the Vayots Dzor province.

On the r/Ultralight subreddit thread, Redditor u/Prestigious-Mango479 speaks about their experience hiking the Transcaucasian Trail from July to October 2023. "This trail has a little bit of everything: beautiful mountains, deserts, forests, tiny villages with lovely people, amazing food, wild camping, guest houses, historic sites, off-trail adventure, and more." In the thread, u/Prestigious-Mango479 also breaks down necessary information like costs, length, gear they used, as well as how and where to resupply food, and what the trail conditions were like.

Keep in mind that there are no physical trail maps available, which means that downloading route planning apps is a must. Interactive maps, guides, and GPS data for the routes can be found on the TCT's official website. Hikers will also be added to a Slack channel, which gives you direct access to trail planners, as well as recent hikers who are a wealth of information. Some hikers have started to connect unfinished portions of the trail through Georgia and Armenia. You can join the TCT Trailblazers program, a thru-hiking support program that provides helpful maps, advice, and other resources for completing the more undeveloped sections.