Accommodation
A Guide to Guesthouses and Camping on the Trail
Types of available accommodation along the Transcaucasian Trail varies depending on the section of trail you’re on. This page is meant to provide a general overview of guesthouses availability and camping regulations. For specific accommodation information, such as whether or not you need to bring a tent, refer to the trail notes for the section(s) you plan to hike.
Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
You won’t find many hotels or hostels along the trail itself, but you’ll likely be staying in one of the larger cities prior or after your trip. Many places in all three countries work with apps such as Booking.com so you won’t be hard pressed to find a place to stay. You generally don’t need to book far in advance, as there are a plethora of places to choose from that fit all budgets.
For those of you in or near Dilijan, Armenia, we highly recommend Dilijan Hikers’ Hostel, which is run by our very own Tom and his wife. Built especially for hikers, this small oasis is only 200m from the trails. Be sure to book a spot in advance – with only 10 beds, space fills quickly!
Local, family-run guesthouses are common in the major towns and villages along the TCT. Many can be found and booked on sites such as Booking.com, but we highly recommend booking directly with the guesthouse, because then all of the proceeds go directly to your hosts.
Camping
Several sections of the TCT are quite remote and require you to bring a tent and other camping gear. Renting camping gear in the Caucasus may prove difficult, as outdoor gear stores are few and far between in general, and many don’t rent out gear. Therefore, bring your own tents, sleeping bags, etc. with you to make sure you have what you need for the trail.
Wild Camping
Wild camping is legal in all three countries and is the only option for hikers in remote areas. If you camp near a town or village, remember to set up camp away from houses and obvious private property. Remember to leave no trace of your campsite, and if you make a fire, follow the LNT guidelines to minimize your impact.
Camping at Guesthouses
If you’re in need of some excellent homemade food but don’t want to commit to the full guesthouse stay experience, some guesthouses along the trail have space for you to camp out in the yard while still offering a hearty meal or two. If this sounds like it’s for you, simply ask the guesthouse host if they can accommodate you.
