Update from the TCT: A hope for peace in Ukraine and a note on travel in the Caucasus

Over the past week, our hearts have been breaking at the unfolding human impact of the violent conflict in Ukraine, the escalating humanitarian crisis, and the wide-reaching shocks felt around the region.

Our thoughts are with all whose lives are being impacted by the crisis, and we hope for a rapid end to the violence. 

We’ve been getting a lot of questions from international hikers who are wondering how this will affect the safety of hiking in the Caucasus. The short answer: at the moment, travel is safe and the security situation in the Caucasus hasn’t changed.

We’re continuing to move forward with our summer plans (including local trail crews, international volunteer programs, group treks, and supporting thru-hikers). Of course, we’ll be watching the situation closely over the coming months and prepared to change plans if necessary; we encourage travelers to do the same. 

We encourage you to come discover the Caucasus, walk through these incredible mountains and communities, support local economies, and take the time to talk to people and get to know the region’s diversity along the way.  

At a time like this, it can feel misplaced to proceed with “business as usual.” Still, we believe that the values that guide the TCT are particularly salient today.

The TCT is a movement that seeks not only to link mountains, but to create positive connections between people around our shared natural world– acts that are rooted in the values of cooperation, environmental conservation, cultural & historical preservation, and peacebuilding. Right now, those goals feel as worthy as ever. 

We’ll continue to extend our support to those affected by this crisis, and we hope you’ll do the same. Hang in there. And we’ll see you in the mountains. 

– The TCTeam