Chalaadi Glacier is the kind of hike that makes Svaneti click for first-timers. You leave Mestia and follow the Mestiachala River up-valley by car—or ride a calm, sure-footed horse to the suspension bridge—watching stone towers fade behind you and the dark outline of Ushba anchor the skyline. The bridge sways a little underfoot, the river thunders below, and the air turns noticeably cooler: that’s the glacier breathing down the gorge.
Beyond the bridge, the path slips into a tall, shady pine forest. The ground is soft, the grade steady, and conversation flows easily—this is why Chalaadi Glacier is such a confidence-builder for beginners and a favorite for families. Your local guide keeps an easy pace and points out landmarks—wildflowers in early summer, the first openings in the trees where you feel the breeze off the ice.
The forest lifts, the valley opens, and suddenly you’re on pale moraine stones with the sound of water booming around you. Ahead, the Chalaadi glacier tongue fills the gorge, textured with blue-grey creases. We stop at a safe, setback viewpoint (no ice-cave approach) where you can take photos, eat a snack, and just listen. Expect about 1.5–2 hours on foot and around 3 hours total, so you’re back in Mestia with time left for lunch or any activity in the evening.
Quick facts (for fast trip planning)
- Difficulty: Easy (short rocky section near the end)
- Trail time: ~1.5–2 h moving; ~3 h door-to-door with transfers
- Distance:
- From the suspension bridge trailhead: ~5–6 km round trip, ↑ ~200–300 m, 1,670–1,950 m altitude band.
Outdooractive
+1 - From Mestia town on foot: ~14–16 km round trip (longer, partly on a dirt road).
Georgia Travel
- From the suspension bridge trailhead: ~5–6 km round trip, ↑ ~200–300 m, 1,670–1,950 m altitude band.
- Best season: June–October (snow possible outside this window).
Backpack Adventures - Start/finish: Mestia (round-trip transfer included)
- From: $25 per person (shared group options available)
Safety note: Keep a strict distance from the ice cave/snout due to rock and ice fall; guides set safe viewing zones.
What to bring (season-aware packing)
Sturdy shoes with grip, a light rain shell, a warm layer for the viewpoint, sun protection, a refillable water bottle, and snacks. Carry your passport/ID—border police patrols can appear in the valley, and officers may ask to see documents.
Access & options (car or horse)
By car (included): The trailhead sits ~9–12 km outside Mestia; the drive takes about 20–25 minutes along the Mestiachala River. Vehicles stop at the suspension bridge, the normal start of the signed path.
By horse (included, when available): Prefer a soft start? You can ride with a local horseman to the suspension bridge, then continue the hike on foot. Expect well under an hour on horseback, depending on pace and conditions. (Horseback touring is common in Svaneti and can be arranged from Mestia.)
Note: If road conditions allow driving farther up the valley, the walking portion shortens to ~3 km one way; we choose the approach that’s safest and best on the day.
What the walk is like
A gently rising forest path leads from the bridge to the open moraine in Chalaadi Gorge, finishing at a broad glacier viewpoint. The final minutes are on uneven stones; trekking shoes make it easier.
Chalaadi glacier hike prices in Euro
| PAX | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| Wanderpreis pro Person | 80 | 70 | 40 | 35 | 30 |
| Horse ride option price per person | 110 | 90 | 80 | 75 | 70 |
Is this suitable for kids or beginners?
Yes. Most of the walk is on a gentle forest path; the final 10–15 min traverse rocky moraine. Families usually manage it well with a guide.
How close will we get to the glacier?
We stop at a safe standoff with clear views of the ~6 km ice tongue. We don’t enter the ice cave or under the snout.
When is the best time to go?
June–October balances snow-free trail and stable weather. Shoulder months can be lovely but colder and wetter.
You can combine the tour with either the Mestia city tour, Marvelous Latali tour, or just walk in Mestia by yourself.
