The 5 Best Reasons to Join the Caucasian Challenge

The Caucasian Challenge is a unique, 4000 km long adventure trip across Turkey, Armenia and Georgia. The only things you need to do is to convince your friends to join you and to drive your car to the starting line in Istanbul – we take care of the route and accommodation (if you want us to). It’s a once in a lifetime adventure and nobody has ever said ‘I wish I hadn’t…’ But if you still need that  last nudge to sign up, well, here it is!

Indulge in Ancient Cuisine and Wine

You better pack some of those sweatpants with elastic band, because you won’t be able to resist the food of the Caucasus. And you actually shouldn’t even try, that’s one of the reasons why we are here after all! Be it Turkish lahmacun (pizza), Georgian khinkali (dumplings) and khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) or Armenian basturma (cured meat), making a choice is nearly impossible, so just eat it all! And don’t forget hat Georgia claims to be the birthplace of wine, with a wine making tradition going back till 6000 BC. Till today wine is often fermented in ancient kvevri – huge earthenware amphorae buried in the ground.

Live Life By Different Rules for a While

Traffic (and life) in the Caucasus doesn’t always happen according to the rules we know. Cars might be older than Georgia’s independence, loaded heavier than Santa’s sleigh and have more people in them than usually fit in a small bus, but it works. Somehow. Most of the times.

See the Mysterious Towers of Svaneti

Visit Svaneti, the highest inhabited area of the Caucasus with its steep green mountains and its seemingly endless fountains of clear chacha (something even worse than vodka). Svaneti is so remote, that even though powerful empires were clashing in Georgia for millennia, the region itself was never conquered – till the Russians came. Svaneti’s mysterious stone towers which you’ll find all over the place might have contributed to that. The 4-5 story buildings were built in 9th to the 12th century and with their thick walls, small windows and the elevated entrance they are basically invulnerable.

History

Lying at the cross-way of Empires, the Caucasus has a rich and diverse history. From the Romans to the Persians, the Russians and the Ottomans or the Seljuks and the Sassanids, all have left their footprints here, which make for an a highly interesting combination with Georgia’s an Armenia’s own cultural heritage. Additionally Armenia is considered to have been the first full Christina country with King Tiridates having converted as early as 301 A.D. If you are more into recent history you can visit Stalin’s birthplace in Georgia, where a museum next to the house he was born in presents the infamous dictator in a quite unusual light.

Cultural Highlights of Tbilisi

Tbilisi was just hailed as the new Berlin. We are not quite sure, what exactly that means, but it sounds like something good. What we do know though is that we love Tbilisi (and have already loved it well before anybody else even knew where it is). With its mixture of progressiveness and tradition, its bohemian little bars and the countless cosy restaurants, its museums and underground music scene, how could you not fall in love with Georgia’s capital?

Party the Nights Away

Or well, the evenings at least. Let’s not forget that on the next morning you need to be behind the steering wheel again . Nevertheless, former participants can testify that the Caucasian Challenge offers some of the better parties you’ll have in your life. It might be the adrenaline of sharing a great adventure with basically a bunch of strangers, who’ll be very dear to your heart within no time. Or it maybe the wide availability of the evil which is called chacha and heavy red wine. Or just the combination of both!

Join us for the next Caucasian Challenge and sign up now! Any questions? Drop us a line!

CC blog 2018

 

Liked this article? Getting itchy feet to travel and find adventures? Then join us on the next Caucasian Challenge. Get a team together and let’s see you at the starting line! If you want to join us in spirit, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram to keep up with our latest antics.

Is it Safe to Travel in the Caucasus?

It is very safe to travel in the Caucasus.

On the edge of Europe and Asia, more famous as a destination for war reporters than tourists, people may worry whether travelling in the Caucasus is safe. We at the Travel Scientists travel to the region each year on the Caucasian Challenge, and we reckon it’s actually one of the safest areas in the world. However, if you’re still concerned then we do have a few extra tips on staying safe in the Caucasus.

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Start of the Journey: Turkish Delight

It’s not the Caucasus, but we love Turkey.

 

hagia sophia

 

On the Caucasian Challenge, we focus on, predictably, the Caucasus, particularly Georgia and Armenia. However, we spend the first two days of our adventure in Turkey, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. We start in Istanbul, one of the world’s greatest cities, spend another night camping right beside the glorious Black Sea. That’s not all: check out the highlights of our days in Turkey.

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Roads of the Caucasian Challenge

The Caucasian Challenge features roads of many kinds.

 

driving in georgia

 

The Caucasian Challenge is a driving event. Sure, we see astonishing nature, learn some history, and party with locals. However, anyone can fly to the Caucasus, but the true highlights of the trip are remote and scenic places that are only accessible by car. Driving in the Caucasus can be an interesting experience, and you’ll also encounter roads of many different sorts. Here are just some of the kinds of road that we drive each year on the Caucasian Challenge!

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Driving in Georgia

We love driving in the Caucasus, but you should be prepared…

The heart of the Caucasian Challenge is driving. True, we have great parties, make new friends, and learn about a fascinating region. However, the real adventure is found on the roads of the Caucasus, and it is driving that allows us to see places that other visitors can’t. It’s not always easy though, and driving in Georgia, in particular, can pose challenges even to the most experience participants. It’s well worth it though, and well… we love it. Here’s what you need to know about driving in Georgia.

Driving in Georgia: The Good

driving in georgia

The positives of driving in Georgia are too many to list. Firstly, you’ll be travelling on incredibly scenic roads, including the stunning Zagari pass, near Europe’s highest village. With mountains above, and vivid green all around, it can be a challenge to keep your eyes on the road. But you’ll have to: it’s a rocky path, with steep drops just below, and occasion streams crossing your way. We can promise you this: you’ll never be bored.

The…. Interesting

driving in georgia

There are two things that make driving in Georgia a special experience. The first are Georgian drivers. There is a culture of speed over safety, especially in the mountains. No matter how old the car, or how many passengers it holds, Georgian drivers will take any opportunity to overtake. Also: animals. We drive through rural Georgia, where farmers and shepherds couldn’t care less about your time. So take your foot of the gas pedal, relax and enjoy the landscape. You won’t usually be delayed for more than a few minutes, but watch out for any strays darting the catch-up at the last minute.

The Challenging

crazy alphabets of the caucasus

A last piece of advice for driving in Georgia: never trust Google Maps. On the Caucasian Challenge we provide coordinates, which will never let you don’t. It may seem that Google Maps has a quicker way, and it may even be labeled as a major road. Don’t believe it though: this is how you end up in a field, miles from anywhere, and have to retrace your steps. And, unless you’re very prepared, don’t expect the signs to be much help!

CC blog 2018

Liked this article? Getting itchy feet to travel and find adventures? Then join us on the next Caucasian Challenge. Get a team together and let’s see you at the starting line! If you want to join us in spirit, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram to keep up with our latest antics.

Borjomi: The Source of Soviet Water

A little Georgian town produced the most famous water in the Soviet Union.

 

borjomi
Photo by Vladimer Shioshvili

 

The Caucasian Challenge is all about adventure: expect stunning scenery, bumpy roads, and crazy nights. However, if you’re fueled by beer and strong spirits, eventually you’ll need to have some water. And when you do, it’ll undoubtedly be a bottle of Borjomi.

 

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Lake Sevan: “Bigger Than the Pacific Ocean”

Lake Sevan is known as the Jewel of Armenia.

 

lake sevan

 

When the Caucasian Challenge reaches Armenia, we head straight for Lake Sevan. The Caucasus’ largest lake, it is dotted with ancient churches, and set against a backdrop of snow-touched mountains. We often camp on its shore, mesmerised by its tranquil blue water. Here is everything you need to know about Lake Sevan.

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What to Expect in Kapan, Armenia

Kapan is the penultimate stop on the Caucasian Challenge.

 

kapan
Photo by Ani Kapan

 

Kapan, in South-Eastern Armenia, offers teams on the Caucasian Challenge to stay in a typical Armenian town. This means you should expect a mix of socialist architecture, medieval sites, and fantastic nature.We arrive in Kapan, the center of Syunik Province, after a day of adventures, before departing for our final destination: Yerevan. Here is what to expect in Kapan.

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What is there to Do in Kutaisi?

The city of the argonauts.

 

kutaisi
Photo via Flickr

 

The Caucasian Challenge minimal assistance adventure rally explores many incredible cities, including Istanbul, Tbilisi, and Yerevan. One of the most interesting places we visit is Kutaisi, a former capital of Georgia and one of the Caucasus’ most ancient sites. There’s lot to do, both in the city center and surrounding countryside: ancient cathedrals, colorful markets, and mind-blowing caves.

 

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The Many Lives of Hagia Sophia

The Hagia Sophia has a history like no other building.

 

hagia sophia

 

 

The Caucasian Challenge begins in magnificent Istanbul, and before we head east to the Caucasus, there is time to explore this incredible city. There’s a lot to see and do, but nothing is quite as essential as a visit to Hagia Sophia, which for over a millennium was the world’s largest cathedral, and is now a national landmark. The history of Hagia Sophia — church, mosque, and now museum — is inextricably linked with that of Istanbul itself.

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