Frequently Asked Questions: TCT Supporters’ Treks

How do I secure a place on the trek?

Book your slot using the registration form and fill out all of the questions. We’ll ask you to pay a nonrefundable deposit to the Transcaucasian Trail Association at the time of registration in order to secure your place. The remaining balance is due 30 days before departure.

What exactly is included for the money?

For your tour fee, you’ll receive all of the services and inclusions as detailed above, including all transport between the start and end of the tour, daily luggage transfers, meals (including packed lunches), and accommodation, as well as the company of an expert TCT guide for the duration of your trek.

Not included are items of a personal nature (e.g. phone credit), personal trail snacks, visas or applicable fees, international flights, accommodation in the arrival/departure city the nights before and after the start of the trek, personal travel insurance, tips to guesthouses, guides, or any other services, or any personal hiking/camping equipment.

Are there any discounts available?

Yes. Across our supporters’ treks and volunteer programs, we offer:

• $100 off for TCT members
• 5% Early-bird discount (check the page for your specific trek for the relevant sign-up deadlines)
• 10% discount for returning participants
• 10% group discount (two or more participants joining together)

Only the highest applicable discount will be applied. After completing the registration form, your total fee will be calculated and shared with you in your acceptance email. You will first pay the non-refundable $200 deposit to confirm your spot, followed by the remaining balance.

Discounts based on prior participation are valid across countries and programs. We love to have TCT supporters joining us in multiple locations and types of trips!

How does prior membership of TCTA affect the price?

If you are a member of TCTA (including if you’ve made a donation of $100 or more in the past year) at the time of paying your deposit, we will discount your membership fee from the balance payment (due 30 days before the start of your trek). In other words, if the tour deposit is $200, and the tour fee payment is $2,750, and you have donated $100 or more to the TCTA in the past year, the balance payment amount will be $2,650 instead of $2,750.

If you are not a member, you will acquire complimentary TCTA membership for one year from the date of paying your deposit, including all the benefits of membership unless stated otherwise.

(Free TCTA membership acquired as a result of participation in previous treks, events, or projects cannot be redeemed against the cost of this trek.)

If you are a TCTA member and also eligible for one of the other discounts (early bird, returning supporter, or group), only the highest discount will be applied.

Where exactly does my money go?

Your nonrefundable deposit comprises a donation to the Transcaucasian Trail Association, a 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit organization based in Washington, DC that supports and coordinates work on the TCT. This portion of the fee supports our work in the region and is distributed to projects and operations based on need.

The remaining tour fee covers the on-the-ground costs of your participation in the trek and is handled by our local teams on the ground.

All remaining profits go directly towards projects supporting the TCT on the ground in the country where you’re trekking.

Is my tour fee tax deductible?

Because the TCTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, U.S. taxpayers may deduct charitable contributions to the TCTA from their taxes. Part of your tour fee is eligible for this and part is not.

For U.S. taxpayers, a portion of your tour fee is tax deductible as a charitable contribution. This is calculated based on the fair market value of the tour. Typically, $400-$500 of your tour fee is tax deductible.

The remainder is not tax deductible because it is directly covering your expenses on the ground, which makes it a program service fee rather than a charitable contribution.

Can my fundraising hike be combined with other adventures in the region?

Yes! We can recommend several operators to create and coordinate other adventure and cultural experiences in the Caucasus, in order to make the most of your visit to the region. Or why not consider combining your trek with another in a neighboring country? We have scheduled some of our treks with subsequent dates to make this option possible for travelers who would like to go even deeper into the region. Or, if you prefer, get in touch with us to organize a bespoke trip.

How fit do I need to be?

Please see the difficulty rating for your individual trek. You should be comfortable with hiking the planned distances and the daily elevation gain/loss. You should also be comfortable with the mobility requirements and trail conditions described.

Please keep in mind that (despite our best trail improvement efforts!) trail conditions in the Caucasus are typically more rugged than in western countries: steeper, more uneven, and more likely to have loose rock/gravel. We recommend taking a conservative estimate of your trail fitness for the Caucasus based on your typical distance and elevation gain. If you have questions regarding the elevation loss/gain or trail conditions, reach out to us via email and we will be happy to provide you with details.

Is any equipment provided? If not, what do I need to bring?

Participants need to bring all of their own personal trekking equipment, including a day pack, trekking poles, sturdy shoes with good traction, and comfortable clothes for trekking.

A few of our tours involve supported camping. If your trek includes a camping section, we will bring cooking equipment for shared camp meals, but team members are expected to bring their own personal hiking/camping equipment with them. Camping gear rental can be arranged if needed. Click here to download a full packing list (PDF).

My trek includes a camping section, but I’d prefer to hire camping equipment rather than bring my own. Is this possible?

We can arrange tent hire on your behalf; prices and type of tent vary by country. Please get in touch for a quote. This additional cost may be split with other interested group members. We can also arrange hire of camping mattresses; please mention this in your enquiry if you are interested.

What is the weather going to be like?

Please see the individual location and seasonality information for your trek, included in the trek description.

Regardless of the season and climate of the region you’re trekking in, it’s essential to bring waterproof layers in case the weather turns!

I have special dietary requirements – can these be catered for?

Vegetarians and vegans can be catered for with advance notice. We suggest bringing personal trail snacks if you have any other special dietary requirements, including nut allergies. These meal requirements can be provided for only if we know in advance and within reason considering the rural location.

Please note that we will typically be staying and eating at rural guesthouses where everything is cooked in the same home kitchen; guesthouses are good at taking requests for dietary considerations, but it can be hard to avoid contamination of small amounts of ingredients. If you have a very serious allergy that is triggered by any contamination presence, we cannot guarantee that guesthouse cooking can meet those requirements. If you are committed to joining a trek with this type of condition, please get in touch with us to discuss; you will need to bring your own personal food for the duration of the trek to ensure that it meets your health requirements, but we can provide a discount for the food normally included in the tour fee.

What kind of travel insurance will I need?

Personal travel insurance is strongly suggested for each individual to cover any accidents and emergencies. Your policy should include trekking at up to 3,000m altitude. Please be aware of the possible dangers of this type of travel (e.g. limited medical facilities in some areas, mountain travel, non standard accommodation with limited electricity and water), and that conditions can mean a greater risk of discomfort, sickness, theft, natural disaster, etc. We will ask you for your policy number and the 24-hour medical emergency contact number of the insurers so that in the event of a medical emergency we may be able to contact the insurers on your behalf. We would also advise you to buy cancellation insurance as soon as the booking is made to protect your deposit.

Will I need a water filter or purification tablets?

We ensure access to safe drinking water at our overnight stops and for each hiking day. In many rural and mountain regions of the Caucasus, tap water comes directly from natural springs and is generally considered safe to drink.

That said, sensitivity varies by traveler. If you know you have a delicate stomach, prefer treated water, or want the freedom to fill up from natural streams along the trail rather than carrying all your water for the day, you may wish to bring a personal water filter (such as a filtration bottle or straw) or purification tablets.

These items are optional, but some participants appreciate having them for peace of mind or flexibility while hiking.

Can I bring a drone?

Yes, you may bring a drone, but please be aware that regulations and restrictions vary between Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan, and in some cases special permits may be required. Certain regions—particularly those near international borders, military zones, or protected sites—have strict limitations where drone flights are prohibited.

If you plan to bring a drone, please let us know in advance. We can help confirm whether your route includes any restricted zones and guide you toward accurate, up-to-date regulations for the country you’ll be visiting.

We also ask that drone use be considerate of the group experience and the serenity of the trail. Please check with your guide before flying, avoid flying during quiet moments, and be mindful that not all participants want to be filmed.

If in doubt, ask—and we’ll help you navigate both etiquette and regulations.

I want to book my flights – when should I aim to arrive and depart in the departure city?

On the first day of the trek, we meet in the morning at a central location before departure, so we suggest arriving the previous day in order to rest, orient yourself, and ensure a timely rendezvous.

If you wish to depart on the final transfer day, it is usually possible to depart in the evening after 20:00, but we strongly recommend you stay for the final celebration dinner – it would be preferable to stay an additional night and depart the following day.

If you’d like to extend your stay in the city or country, our team will be happy to provide recommendations. We can also organize private city tours, hotel stays, or further excursions on request.

Can the TCT help arrange airport transport, hotels, or logistics before or after the trek?

Yes, we can help arrange additional travel services such as airport transfers, extra hotel nights, or private excursions before or after your trek. These arrangements are optional and available for an additional fee. If you’re interested, please get in touch and we’ll provide a quote and available options for your specific dates and location. We recommend reaching out early, as our team has limited additional capacity during the summer season.

Is the itinerary set in stone?

The dates and the general route for the tour will remain as advertised. Depending on weather and on the availability of accommodation, exact routes taken and overnight accommodation options may vary, for reasons of practicality and safety. We will also have arrangements in place for any additional transport the trek leaders deem necessary for a safe and enjoyable trip.

Are there any safety or security risks I should be aware of?

We suggest you check the UK FCO website or the equivalent travel advice from your home country for comprehensive information and guidance on travel in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia.

Do I need a visa, and will you help me understand the process?

Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality and which country (or countries) your trek will visit.

• Armenia and Georgia currently allow visa-free entry for many nationalities for extended stays. However, you must check that your nationality is eligible for visa-free entry. Check your eligibility for Armenia here. Check your eligibility for Georgia here.
• Azerbaijan requires most travelers to apply for an e-visa in advance. Check the list of countries eligible for e-visas here.

Travelers are responsible for checking the specific guidance from your home country embassy on entering these countries and visa requirements. While we cannot apply for a visa on your behalf, we’re happy to help answer questions.

We recommend beginning the visa process as early as possible after registration, especially if your trek includes Azerbaijan or if you require supporting documentation based on your nationality.

What vaccinations or medical preparation is recommended?

We recommend consulting your doctor or a travel health clinic to discuss your individual health needs and review any recommended vaccinations before traveling.

There are no mandatory vaccines for entering Armenia, Georgia, or Azerbaijan at this time. However, common travel vaccines such as tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and rabies (for those spending extended time outdoors or around animals) are sometimes recommended depending on your medical history and travel plans.

In our circumstances – remote mountain settings where street dog and livestock encounters are possible – preventative rabies vaccinations can be a useful precaution, but given our group setting, the actual risk of encounters are very low as long as you exercise caution around animals and livestock. In the unlikely case of an animal encounter with rabies risk, vaccines are available at the regional hospitals; however, we emphasize preventative caution to avoid this hassle.

Because our treks take place in rural and mountainous environments, we also suggest reviewing your personal preparedness for altitude, gastrointestinal illness, and general wilderness travel. If you take prescription medication, please ensure you bring enough for the full duration of your trip, plus extra in case of delays, and carry it in your carry-on baggage.

Once you register, we can answer additional questions about region-specific guidance, but your healthcare provider is the best resource for personal medical advice.

I notice that on some of the nights we’ll be in guesthouses and homestays. What should I expect?

Generally guesthouses in the Caucasus are of a simple and basic nature with shared bathroom facilities. Shared rooms generally accommodate two or three people in single beds. For those who prefer not to share rooms, single rooms are typically available for an additional fee.

Warm layers for sleeping are recommended, as insulation is not always the best.

In Azerbaijan, we occasionally stay in very traditional family homes with mattresses on the floor in a big shared room. While it is an adventurous departure from the more classic type of guesthouse, it is a cultural experience not to be missed – and we can confirm that it’s a surprisingly comfortable type of hospitality.

A hearty dinner and breakfast should be expected!

Can I request a roommate or opt for a single supplement?

Yes. If you are traveling with someone and would like to share a room, just let us know during registration and we will arrange it whenever possible.

Single supplements are also available for those who prefer their own room. A single supplement guarantees that we will reserve a private room for you wherever one exists; however, due to the small and rural nature of some guesthouses along the route, single rooms may not be available every night. In those cases, you will be paired in a shared room for that night. Single supplements are priced with those likely restrictions in mind, so you will not be paying extra for single nights that you don’t get.

If you have specific preferences or questions about sleeping arrangements, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help you plan the option that feels most comfortable.

Will I be able to charge my phone/camera/other device? How about internet access?

WiFi is available in most guesthouses, as well as 220-240v mains electricity (with European-style sockets) in all guesthouses. If you wish, you may bring your own power packs to charge phones and other devices. Mobile data is available in most areas via the purchase of a local SIM card and data package. We will typically have cell service most of the time, but reception cannot always be guaranteed in remote mountain sections. However, cellular data is usually stronger than guesthouse WiFi, so we do recommend purchasing a local SIM card if you wish to stay reliably connected. Our team can assist with this on the first day of the trek.

Will there be toilets along the route?

Flush toilets are available at all of our guesthouses. In very rare cases we may stay in a very traditional or remote homestay where facilities are simpler, such as a squat toilet or an outdoor outhouse. If this applies to your specific trek, we’ll let you know in advance so you can prepare accordingly.

During travel days, the quality and style of public restrooms can vary, but we do our best to choose stops with clean facilities.

On the trail itself, there are no formal bathrooms. You should be prepared to use the outdoors when nature calls. We recommend carrying a small personal hygiene kit that includes a trowel, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer. For women and anyone who prefers it, a reusable wipe such as a Kula Cloth can also be helpful. Please follow Leave No Trace principles and pack out any used toilet paper.

If you’re new to backcountry bathroom etiquette, don’t worry — our guides are well-practiced at making the topic practical (and even a little bit fun) to ensure you feel confident and prepared.

What cultural etiquette should I know?

The Caucasus is a region known for warmth, hospitality, and deep tradition. Expectations can vary between communities and countries, but a few general guidelines will help you feel comfortable and respectful as you explore:

• Greetings: Handshakes and eye contact are common, and it’s polite to greet people when entering guesthouses, shops, or small rural spaces. In some situations—particularly in more conservative areas—men and women may greet with a nod rather than a handshake. Follow your guide’s lead and don’t worry about doing it “perfectly.” Kindness and patience go a long way.
• Dress: While trekking attire (including shorts) is becoming more normal on the trail, modest clothing is appreciated in villages and family homes. This typically means avoiding very short shorts, crop tops, or clothing that feels revealing. A lightweight scarf or extra layer can be useful when entering churches, mosques, monasteries, or traditional spaces.
• Photography: People in the Caucasus are generally friendly and proud of their culture, but it’s respectful to ask before taking photos of individuals—especially elders, children, or religious spaces. Some monasteries and mosques restrict indoor photography; your guide will let you know when to refrain.

Your guide will review cultural expectations relevant to your specific route at the start of your trek and will always be happy to help navigate local customs. As a general rule: curiosity, politeness, and showing appreciation for hospitality will always be received warmly.

How many other hikers will there be?

We accept a maximum of 12 supporters for our treks – less for some itineraries – not including the guides, in order to keep the experience unique and personal.

What happens if I struggle physically on the trek?

We understand that trekking in the Caucasus can be physically demanding, and that unexpected challenges—such as illness, injury, jet lag, or altitude—can affect even experienced hikers. Safety and well-being are our priorities, and we plan our treks with flexibility in mind.

If at any point you feel unable to complete a day’s hike, we will arrange for you to ride in the support vehicle with the luggage until the group reaches the next overnight stop. This option is available when needed and is built into our planning.

We also structure each day with a comfortable pace, regular rest stops, and a break for lunch so that the journey remains enjoyable rather than rushed, as long as participants meet the expected fitness level for the trek.

However, it’s important that all hikers accurately assess and communicate their fitness and mobility before joining. If a participant consistently cannot keep up in a way that significantly disrupts the experience or safety of the group, and it becomes clear they are not suited to the physical level of the trek, we reserve the right to return them to the departure city at their own expense. This clause is included in our terms and conditions and helps ensure a positive experience for everyone.

If you’re unsure whether a trek is the right level for you, please reach out—we’re happy to help you assess fit and choose the most suitable itinerary.

What safety measures are in place, and what is the protocol for emergencies?

Your safety is our top priority, and we take preparedness seriously. All of our treks are led by experienced guides who are familiar with the route, the local communities, and the realities of travel in remote mountain environments.

• Trained Guides: Each trek is led by guides with wilderness medicine training and experience responding to common on-trail medical issues such as sprains, heat illness, altitude discomfort, and gastrointestinal problems.
• Emergency Communication: We carry a Garmin inReach or similar satellite device to ensure communication even in areas without cell service. This allows us to contact emergency support services or coordinate logistics as needed.
• Local Support Network: We work closely with trusted local contacts in the villages along our route. One of the advantages of trekking in the Caucasus is that while the terrain is rugged, you are rarely more than a few hours from inhabited areas where local support is available if required.
• Evacuation Protocols: In the event of a more serious incident, evacuation is typically coordinated using local 4×4 vehicles or—in particularly remote areas—horses or pack animals. Helicopter evacuation is generally not available or reliable in the region, so all participants should be aware of and comfortable with the reality of ground-based evacuation if needed.
• Insurance Requirements: For this reason, comprehensive travel insurance that covers trekking and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended for all participants. This ensures you have financial and logistical support should a medical situation arise.

Our team will walk you through the safety briefing at the start of the trek, including what to expect, how to communicate concerns, and how we work together to keep the group safe.

Will photos be taken, and can I use them after the trek?

Yes. Photography is a part of most treks, as many participants enjoy capturing and sharing the experience. We typically set up a shared Google album so that everyone in the group can contribute photos and access them after the trek. Individual photo permission will depend on the photographer, so ask your fellow trekkers if they’re comfortable with you using their photos.

We also use selected photos from our treks in TCT promotional materials to help inspire future supporters and share the story of the trail. As part of registration, you’ll be asked whether you consent to appearing in TCT photography. If you prefer not to be included in promotional images, please indicate this on your form and also let your guide and fellow trekkers know so you can easily step out of group photos.

Whether you’re camera-shy or camera-happy, we want to make sure you feel comfortable and respected.

What happens if the trek has to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances?

We will do everything possible to deliver the experience as detailed here and to make sure that you enjoy your time on the TCT as much as possible, even in the case of unexpected circumstances. However, we cannot always provide the planned service in the case of unavoidable events or beyond our control, including Force Majeure. In the case of Force Majeure, this means that we will not pay you compensation if we have to cancel or change your travel arrangements in any way. These can include, for example, war, threat of war, riot, civil disobedience or strike, industrial dispute, terrorist activity and its consequences, acts of god, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, adverse weather conditions, technical or maintenance problems with transport providers, closure of airports or any unforeseeable or unavoidable event beyond our control. This is standard practice in the terms and conditions of organized treks such as this, and should be covered by your personal travel insurance.

What mindset should I bring?

Traveling in the Caucasus is deeply rewarding, but it also requires a spirit of curiosity and flexibility. Rural logistics, cultural differences, and unexpected changes—whether due to weather, road conditions, or local availability—are all part of the adventure.

Approaching the journey with patience, openness, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected will help you get the most out of the experience. The more you allow space for the region to unfold on its own terms, the more meaningful and memorable your time here will be.

Is this experience available anywhere else?

No – this is an exclusive offer to supporters of the Transcaucasian Trail who wish to explore the region with the TCT team members themselves, and at the same time help raise funds to support our future work.