WALKING IN THE CAUCAUSUS MOUNTAINS

Georgia is the home of an extraordinary and riveting culture.  It is nestled between the Black and Caspian seas.  This is a sort of Asian European crossing yet its character stands apart from either.

We will be walking in the Caucausus mountains to the north east in the region of Svaneti.  This trail is a well known path that leads from Mestia to Ushguli.  Ushguli is one of the highest continually inhabited settlements in Europe standing at 2100 metres.  There are extraordinary views in valleys rich with flowers and butterflies dominated by peaks rising to 5000 metres.

We of course will not be walking that high!  We shall stick to between 1500 to 2000 metres with some climbs and descents of around 1400 metres.  This is the toughest of our walks but it is just a question of going at a leisurely pace.  The accommodation also is quite tough in places for two nights.  The beds can be simple.  The bathroom and loo would be shared by all.

Well worth the experience!

The itinerary and page will be posted mid October.

HOW THE IDEA STARTED

In January, I flew to Portugal to meet with Swami Vedanta and spend two weeks learning with a group the rudimentary techniques of yoga. This involved exercises of stretching, lying down, breathing and meditation. We found that Vedanta has a very soothing, calming technique that allows you to do the best you can and not force you or crack the whip.  If you cannot bend you cannot bend so you adapt to a posture that suits you.  We found that a welcome relief.  Sometimes it was just the tiniest bend!  This seemed very appropriate for  The Walking Party so we are now trying to fit it into our curriculum. It makes every bit of sense as I know there are some of you who would feel so good doing this. And do not worry if you feel all cranked up and unable to move anything. That is precisely the reason why you should come and try. There is no better way as a means of introduction.

SALIENT POINTS

  • You have your personal Swami. We could not have a better person than Vedanta.
  • You have your personal chef as this is during low season tourism and Bernard has
    more time to give us.
  • You have Vedanta and James to encourage you!

HOW IT WORKS

  • Every morning will start with a light breakfast followed by a two hour yoga session
    learning the rudimentary principles involving easy positionings, breathing and
    awareness. Do not worry if you cannot touch your toes! There is never a problem! The idea is that you will understand how yoga works by the end of the week. This is
    just an introduction and I know that you will be feeling better for it!
  • Lunch will be light healthy and fulfilling.
  • In the afternoon there will be cultural visits or gentle walking.
  • Dinner will be classic Bernard Philippe cuisine accompanied by delicious wine.

Date:
19th – 25th March,  3rd – 9th November

Price:
2690 euros  Single Supplement: 360 euros