Cycling. Wild camping. Open-air swimming. Over the past year, it seems many of us have embraced outdoorsy pursuits in favour of indoor social activities – no doubt in part because of the pandemic. And if you’ve recently got into hiking? Completing this epic new trail linking Europe and Asia should go straight to the top of your bucket list.
Spanning Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia, the Transcaucasian Trail – or TCT – encompasses the glaciated peaks and verdant valleys of the Caucasus Mountains, connecting more than 20 national parks and Unesco-listed sites. It also happens that these regions are some of the most biologically, linguistically and culturally diverse on the planet.
Work on the TCT began in 2015, with a community of hikers, cartographers and conservationists helping to uncover old trails, build new ones and create the facilities necessary for hikers completing the trail.
And while several more years will be required to finish building the epic 3,000km trail, the Armenia section is almost ready to open. Stretching 832km from Lake Arpi in the north to the town of Meghri in the south, it should take around 40 days to complete in its entirety.
Reckon you’re up for the challenge? Head to the TCT’s website to find out more about the epic route and start planning your own post-lockdown excursion.
Or if the Med is more your vibe? Check out this new hiking route connecting all of Italy’s national parks.
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