Svaneti – Georgia

Your journey begins the moment you arrive in Georgia! To make things smooth and stress-free, we highly recommend arriving the night before. Your base for the week will be Mestia, in the Svaneti region. Although it’s not a short journey to the mountains it’s definitely worth it as the region is widely regarded as the most stunning in the Caucasus. The nearest airport is in Kutaisi but it’s also convenient to arrive in Tbilisi. We arrange your first class tickets for the train on the morning of the first day, which will take you most of the way, and in much more comfort than on the road. The final leg of the journey can only be done by road and we’ll be waiting to collect you as your train arrives in Zugdidi.

After a scenic journey into the mountains, you’ll settle into your cozy guesthouse—your home for the next week. 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.

Click for Route Map : ↔️ 12 km  4-5 h  ~600 m  ●●●○○ — Moderate

The Shdugra Waterfall trail is one of the most popular hikes in Svaneti, taking you deep into the wild Mazeri valley toward the thundering cascades at the foot of Mount Ushba. It’s about a 40-minute scenic drive from the accommodation in Mestia.  

The path follows the Dolra River through lush forest and open alpine pastures where herds of cows graze in summer, and views of Ushba’s jagged peaks dominate the skyline. The climb is gradual but steady, leading you to a dramatic viewpoint where the twin Shdugra falls tumble down a sheer cliff face, fed by glaciers high above. The sheer scale and noise of the waterfalls are unforgettable, and the surrounding scenery makes it feel like a hidden corner of the Caucasus. Though less demanding than the big passes, it’s a hike that combines natural spectacle with a strong sense of place.

Click for Route Map :  16 km  5–6 h  ~450 m  ●●●○○ — Moderate 

The hike to Shkhara Glacier begins with a 1.5-hour drive from Mestia to the UNESCO-listed village of Ushguli, the highest permanently inhabited settlement in Europe. From here, the trail follows the valley of the Enguri River toward the mighty north face of Mount Shkhara (5,201 m), Georgia’s highest peak. There are plenty of cafes around the the start of the hike to get a warm meal and we also take you through the village to get a feel for life in this harshh climate.

The path climbs gradually through alpine pastures and meadows, with grazing animals, wildflowers, and constant mountain views accompanying the way. Waterfalls tumble from the cliffs, and with every step the glacier grows larger at the head of the valley. The final viewpoint provides a dramatic close-up of the Shkhara Glacier, with its fractured ice and thundering meltwater streams. The return follows the same route back to Ushguli, where your vehicle will be waiting to drive you back to Mestia.

Click for Route Map :  14 km  6–7 h  ~1,000 m  ~1,400 m  ●●●●○ — Challenging

This route begins just above Mestia, where the jeep track heads into the high pastures above the town. The climb winds steadily through meadows and scattered woodland, opening gradually to wide views of the Svaneti valley. After a few hours the trail reaches the prominent cross viewpoint, with Mount Ushba dominating the skyline.

From the cross, the path continues higher across alpine slopes to the Koruldi Lakes, a cluster of small tarns set beneath Ushba’s jagged twin peaks. The lakes provide a dramatic high point of the hike and a natural place to rest before beginning the descent.

The return route drops down via meadows and forest, with glimpses of glaciers and ridges through the trees, before leading directly into the village streets of Mestia. With its combination of a steady climb, outstanding mountain views, and a satisfying finish back in town, this is one of the most rewarding full-day outings in the region.

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.

Click for Route Map :  18 km  8 h  ~1,200 m  ●●●●○ — Challenging

The Chkhutnieri Pass (2,730 m) is a demanding full-day hike linking the Mulakhi valley with the upper Enguri basin beneath Mount Tetnuldi. Beginning from the villages above Mestia, the trail climbs steadily through forest and pastures before reaching open alpine slopes with Ushba gradually dominating the horizon. There is also a small river crossing where we’ll escort you accross by horse.

The ascent to the pass is steep and sustained, but the reward is a spectacular panorama over the Svaneti range, with the Adishi glacier to the east and the twin peaks of Ushba rising sheer to the north. The high meadows around the pass are alive with wildflowers in summer, adding colour to the rugged backdrop.

The descent follows a long valley path that winds through alpine terrain and eventually returns to lower pastures and villages, completing a strenuous but unforgettable crossing in the heart of the Greater Caucasus.

Click for Route Map :  11 km  4-5 h  ~650 m  ●●●○○ — Moderate

Lakhiri is a picturesque village nestled in the Mulkhura River valley of Georgia’s Svaneti region, approximately 11 kilometers east of Mestia. Situated at an elevation of 1,760 meters, it is renowned for its remarkable concentration of traditional Svan towers—18 in total—making it a standout among the region’s settlements. These medieval stone towers, historically used for defense and as family dwellings, offer a glimpse into the area’s rich architectural heritage. The village’s location on the southern slope of the Greater Caucasus range provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the majestic Mount Ushba. Lakhiri’s serene atmosphere, combined with its cultural significance, makes it a favored stop for trekkers exploring the Mestia-Ushguli trail. Visitors can immerse themselves in the village’s timeless charm, where the echoes of history resonate amidst the enduring stone structures and the natural beauty of the highland landscape.

When you arrive in the village we have a special treat for you. You have the opportunity to visit a local family home, where you’ll help to make (and eat) some Georgian food as well as sampling some homemade wine or compot.

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.

The transfers leave in the morning, offering a scenic drive back through the valleys and mountain passes. Once again we recommend booking flights for the following day, especially if you want to enjoy the comfort of the train on the way back too. 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!