Your journey begins the moment you arrive! Our team will be waiting to greet you in the city, ready to take you on an unforgettable adventure into the heart of the Caucasus. To make things smooth and stress-free, we highly recommend arriving the night before. Need a great place to stay? We’ve got you covered with excellent accommodation recommendations.
After a scenic journey into the mountains, you’ll settle into your cozy guesthouse—your home for the next few days. The best part? No need to carry all your gear from place to place! Mestia serves as your perfect adventure base, meaning after every day of hiking, you’ll return to a warm shower and a comfortable bed.
That evening, we’ll gather and you’ll meet your fellow adventurers and go over the exciting trails ahead. This is your chance to soak in the mountain atmosphere, ask any questions, and prepare for an incredible week of exploration. The adventure begins tomorrow—get ready for breath-taking views, epic trails, and memories that will last a lifetime!
Distance – 15.4km, Elevation – 1361m, Time – 6,5 Hours
Your adventure kicks off with one of the most breathtaking hikes in the Svaneti region—the journey to Koruldi Lakes. This trail is the perfect introduction to the raw beauty of Georgia’s Caucasus Mountains, offering jaw-dropping views and an unforgettable sense of achievement.
Starting in the charming town of Mestia, you’ll pass iconic Svan watchtowers, ancient stone houses, and the welcoming sights of daily mountain life. The path quickly leads into lush forests, where the cool shade of towering trees sets the stage for the climb ahead.
As you gain elevation, the scenery opens up to sweeping alpine meadows, where wildflowers add a burst of colour to the rugged terrain. The higher you climb, the more breathtaking the panoramas become—snow-capped peaks of Ushba and Tetnuldi dominate the skyline, creating a picture-perfect backdrop.
After a rewarding ascent, you’ll reach the Koruldi Lakes, a high-altitude paradise where the still waters reflect the towering mountains like a mirror. This is your chance to take a well-earned break, enjoy a packed lunch, and soak in the untouched beauty of the Caucasus.
After plenty of time to rest and take photos, we begin our descent back to Mestia, The first day’s adventure sets the tone for the week ahead—challenging, rewarding, and packed with unforgettable moments!
Distance – 9.2km, Elevation – 614m, Time – 5 Hours
Today’s adventure takes you to Ushguli, one of the highest continuously inhabited villages in Europe. Stepping into this remote settlement feels like travelling back in time, with its ancient stone towers, cobbled paths, and breathtaking mountain backdrop. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Ushguli is the perfect place to soak up Svaneti’s rich history and unspoilt landscapes.
The hiking routes here are nothing short of spectacular. One of the most rewarding trails leads to the Shkhara Glacier, the mighty base of Mount Shkhara—Georgia’s tallest peak. The path winds through rolling green meadows, past traditional farms, and along crystal-clear rivers fed by melting glaciers. Every step offers another postcard-worthy view, with jagged snow-capped peaks towering above.
Reaching the glacier, you’ll be rewarded with an unparalleled close-up view of this icy giant, its deep blue crevasses and towering ice walls a stark contrast to the surrounding greenery. After taking in the stunning scenery and enjoying a well-deserved break, we retrace our steps back to Ushguli, where there will be time to explore the village’s fascinating history before heading back to Mestia.
This day is all about experiencing the untamed beauty of the Caucasus and the deep-rooted traditions of Svaneti, making it an unforgettable highlight of the trip.
Distance – 9.3km, Elevation – 269m, Time – 3,5 Hours
Today’s hike takes you to one of Mestia’s most striking natural wonders—the Chalaadi Glacier. This trail offers a perfect mix of forested paths, rushing rivers, and rugged mountain scenery, making it an unforgettable part of the trip.
The journey begins along the Mestiachala River, its fast-flowing waters providing a constant soundtrack as you make your way through the peaceful woodland. The well-marked trail gradually ascends, weaving through tall pines before breaking into more open terrain. As the trees begin to thin, the scale of the surrounding Caucasus peaks becomes fully visible, creating an awe-inspiring panorama.
The final stretch of the hike takes you into a wilder, more barren landscape, where rocky outcrops lead the way to the glacier itself. As you approach, the sight of the immense ice formation, framed by dramatic mountain ridges, is truly breathtaking. Standing before the glacier, you can take in its sheer size, with layers of ice and rock revealing the power of nature at work.
After taking time to admire the glacier and its surroundings, the route leads back along the same path to Mestia, rounding off another day of adventure in the heart of the Caucasus.
After days of hiking through the breathtaking landscapes of Svaneti, today is a chance to take it easy, explore Mestia at your own pace, or set off on another adventure.
Mestia is more than just a trekking hub—it’s a town rich in history, culture, and spectacular views. Wandering its streets, you’ll see the iconic Svan towers that have stood for centuries, offering a glimpse into the region’s fascinating past. A visit to the Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography provides deeper insight into the traditions, artefacts, and stories that shape this unique mountain community.
For those still craving adventure, there are plenty of options. Take a ride on the Mount Hatsvali cable car, which lifts you above the valley for panoramic views of the Caucasus, or visit the Margiani Family Tower and House Museum to step inside a traditional Svan home. If you’d rather keep your hiking boots on, trails around Mestia lead to more hidden gems, offering new perspectives of the mountains.
Whether you choose to rest, explore, or hike, today is about soaking in the magic of Mestia before the next stage of your journey.
Distance – 17.4km, Elevation – 1802m, Time – 7 Hours
Today’s hike takes you high above Mestia to the breathtaking Chkhuti Ridge, offering some of the most spectacular views in the Svaneti region. This challenging trek is perfect for those looking to push themselves while experiencing the wild, untouched beauty of the Caucasus.
The trail begins with a steep ascent through dense forests, where the scent of pine fills the air and birdsong provides a natural soundtrack. As you climb higher, the trees give way to open alpine meadows bursting with seasonal wildflowers, creating a stunning contrast against the rugged mountain backdrop.
Reaching the ridge, the full scale of the landscape unfolds. The panoramic views stretch across the dramatic peaks of Ushba and Tetnuldi, their jagged summits rising sharply into the sky. The sense of remoteness here is incredible, with the vast expanse of Svaneti stretching out in all directions.
After taking time to soak in the scenery, the descent follows a different route back down towards Mestia, giving you a fresh perspective on this remarkable terrain. This is a demanding but deeply rewarding hike, offering a true taste of adventure in one of Georgia’s most spectacular mountain regions.
Distance – 11.7km, Elevation – 802m, Time – 5 Hours
Today’s journey takes you across the stunning Zuruldi Range, offering breathtaking mountain views and a rewarding descent into the remote village of Tsvirmi. This hike blends high-altitude panoramas with the charm of traditional Svanetian life, making it a memorable way to round off the adventure.
The day begins with a cable car ride from Mestia to the top of the Zuruldi Ridge, a spectacular ascent that saves time and energy while providing sweeping views of the surrounding peaks. From here, the trail leads towards the Mentashi transmitter, one of the best viewpoints in the region, where you can take in the dramatic sight of Ushba, Tetnuldi, and Layla towering above the valley.
The descent into Tsvirmi is a peaceful and scenic trek through rolling meadows, with the snow-capped mountains remaining in view as the landscape shifts from alpine wilderness to a quieter, more pastoral setting. The village itself is a hidden gem, filled with traditional stone houses and the timeless character of rural Svaneti.
After taking time to explore Tsvirmi, transport will be arranged back to Mestia, giving you a chance to relax and reflect on the past week’s adventures.
After an unforgettable week exploring the mountains of Svaneti, it’s time to pack your bags and begin the journey back to the city. Transport can be arranged to any of Georgia’s major destinations, including Tbilisi, Batumi, and Zugdidi, making it easy to catch your flight home or continue exploring this incredible country.
Most taxis and shared transfers leave in the morning, offering a scenic drive back through the valleys and mountain passes. If you’re planning to extend your stay in Georgia, there are plenty of incredible places to visit, from the historic streets of Tbilisi to the Black Sea coastline in Batumi. We’d be happy to provide recommendations to help you make the most of your time.
As you leave Svaneti behind, you’ll take with you memories of towering peaks, ancient villages, and the thrill of adventure in one of the most untouched corners of the Caucasus. Until next time!
Please note: Airfares and most meals are not included in the trip price. This gives you the flexibility to choose your preferred flights and enjoy local dining experiences at your own pace.
You’ll be staying at Mestia Residence in the heart of the village of Mestia. It’s a family run guesthouse, nestled in the mountains. Sometimes a different guesthouse of similar quality will be used but we will always let you know 6 weeks prior to arrival.
Join like-minded adventurers on an unforgettable journey through the breath-taking landscapes of Svaneti. Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
Copyright 2025 – Trailmates Adventures Website – Privacy Policy – Terms & Conditions
Secure your place with a deposit of 30%. Final payment is due 30 days before departure. You can also pay in full immediately if you wish.
If your circumstances change and you can no longer make it, you can transfer your deposit to another trip up until 10 days before departure.
Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a room. Any supplemental costs will be shown on the next screen.
Arriving
Sat 26 Apr 2025Leaving
Sat 3 May 2025Arriving
Sat 16 Aug 2025Leaving
Sat 23 Aug 2025Arriving
Sat 20 Sep 2025Leaving
Sat 27 Sep 2025Secure your place with a deposit of 30%. Final payment is due 30 days before departure. You can also pay in full immediately if you wish.
If your circumstances change and you can no longer make it, you can transfer your deposit to another trip up until 10 days before departure.
Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a room. Any supplemental costs will be shown on the next screen.