Mtirala National Park 2-Day Guided Hiking Tour: A Review
So, are you after some adventure that is just a bit off the usual tourist paths? Mtirala National Park, very close to Kutaisi in Georgia, could just be the spot for you! Now, a two-day guided hiking tour is possibly the finest way to just fully experience this fairly gorgeous region, with its plentiful flora and, too, its great views. As someone that likes getting outside, the prospect of exploring Mtirala was genuinely very appealing. Is that what you’re looking for, too? This detailed review covers everything about the park so you will discover if it lives up to all that hype, right from the challenges up to some awesome memories!
Booking and Preparation: What You Should Know
Arranging a two-day trek in Mtirala National Park is pretty simple, mostly. You’ll very probably find a heap of tour companies that will do it for you, right from Kutaisi. Often, you know, checking online reviews, just to sort of find a reliable operator, can be very useful. Actually, it might be quite wise to ask what’s covered within the cost: are permits involved, all food and drinks, and that kind of thing, more or less? Make sure there aren’t any, very bad, surprises afterwards!
A bit about getting ready? That is often important. It’s a hike, of course, so wear hiking boots – good ones, because trails often get seriously slippery. Then think about putting some layers of clothing on, you know, that you can change to keep your temperature normal and nice, okay? Rain gear is a must, too, since the Mtirala part in its name literally means ‘always raining,’ so yeah!
Now, your backpack could have such stuff as a refillable water bottle – maybe one litre is plenty -, some insect repellent, some sunblock. A tiny first-aid kit and, too, possibly blister plasters, that is always helpful! Ah, and never forget your camera, too, of course. All those spots simply beg you to photograph them.
Day 1: Into the Heart of Mtirala
Very often the hiking begins in the morning hours, you know, after that short drive coming from Kutaisi. The tracks start calmly, passing through those really lovely areas of greenery, and very often it doesn’t take too much time until you’re encircled by that vibrant flora. The guide is there to give you some, usually awesome, bits of data regarding the park and also all the vegetation, in some respects – and their explanations truly bring that park alive.
The hiking in total on that first day tends to be more or less moderately demanding, you see. There are fairly steep segments sometimes. Thus, perhaps it is wiser to rate yourself accurately. Regular breaks are pretty usual, yet, because guides tend to be clever in ensuring we get pauses to appreciate most sights while stopping briefly to breathe, mostly. It really is helpful!
We got to a location that gave really incredible panoramic sightlines right across some adjacent hills in the afternoon. I found it really great just taking some minutes here to be totally silent to absorb it all. It’s very unique that you can find locations such as this far away from everybody, I suppose.
We got to the spot where we camped or put up tents that evening, right before it became night, I think. Typically, you’ll see food served up, or the group often work at helping prepare it. That really helps a feeling of team work, you see. Chatting right under some stars, while some local grub disappears pretty rapidly is also usually part of that night vibe!
Day 2: Waterfalls, Wildlife, and Winding Down
Day 2 starts quite ahead of anything, that is common after camping overnight outside – a light and fast breakfast tends to get everyone totally set. I really loved waking, that morning, very much hearing exactly how that forest came awake!
That day’s aim is probably just visiting the park’s waterfalls; those small gems simply glisten in this sun so fantastically, anyway. Typically, a swim is totally welcome there, and, too, quite revitalising after hiking previously. We splashed about at some little pool right beneath this very tall drop; what a really pleasant thing it was!
As we moved from the waterfalls and further across the landscape, spotting wild critters could, obviously, be very normal. We saw some wild birds and that occasional lizard moving swiftly through the greenery. I’m saying though, I had really expected seeing one bear! So, alas!
That trek very frequently reverses later towards that jump-off point, giving you a few other viewings and picture shots previously when coming to Kutaisi once more. Thinking overall about it, the hike wasn’t simple at all. Even then, viewing, later, my shots that I clicked throughout, showed a lot. Oh, yes, they provided that reward for those tough segments up there, in a way.
What to Expect from Your Guide
That tour guides influence some trekking hugely, or so I discovered that to be. Hopefully yours needs to be somebody who knows a bit regarding some wildlife, along with providing all kind of protection. You need to also learn so much regarding everything when some people tend to be completely knowledgable; that actually grows everything. Our guide made us notice quite some plants we certainly might’ve walked just past of; thanks for those snippets!
That good leader sees so very much further beyond actually leading. They should be also a person checking just how the trekkers are feeling too, generally cheering them when a segment felt just a bit tricky. Often, the most personable people do turn some average hike just into unforgettable one, you realize.
Essential Gear for the Hike
Exactly what must you certainly bring along that can affect absolutely what pleasure you extract out from your tour actually? We’ve chatted so much, previously, but a few goods usually are worth stating for certain!
Having really suitable foot attire matters quite deeply, of course. Solid waterproof boots that felt seriously comfortable prove actually essential just whenever those trails often felt actually slick because damp.
Layers work perfectly here too; one should feel ready actually when conditions sometimes might change pretty quick out where everything can alter considerably during mornings versus afternoons, basically! Then take an absolute raincoat still – always!
That standard gear actually should feature sunscreen alongside bugs repellents also here too while maintaining one little kit containing standard medicinal items like just in case! Then one reliable water carrying option is extremely advantageous always alongside consuming snack options providing instant push usually, mostly if anything feels rather taxing during some portion.
Mtirala National Park: Worth the Trek?
Thus, back when pondering is a duo daytime thing down via Mtirala always rewarding: absolutely so; always given several considerations usually line something out alright!
That trek itself tests just individuals yet those scenes basically, clearly offset individuals pretty deeply always rendering what people found challenging well worthwhile; the greenery basically pulsates containing a few absolutely striking viewing points plus those waterfalls present basically refreshing chance during basically long jaunts – so perfect just given a choice for people admiring wilderness though willing to enjoy themselves through exercise.
Going back over our entire trek across lovely landscapes basically revealed more just that standard traveling excursion; individuals usually create long standing memory truly rooted within appreciating Mother Earth along its undisturbed magnificence anyway always ensuring a worthwhile undertaking someone thinking toward doing near from beautiful Kutaisi!