Embark on Georgia’s most iconic trek, a truly unforgettable 4-day journey from the bustling heart of Mestia to the ancient, highest inhabited village of Ushguli. This is not just a hike; it’s a pilgrimage through a UNESCO World Heritage landscape, where medieval Svan towers stand guard over pristine valleys, snow-capped peaks touch the sky, and every step unveils a deeper connection to Georgia’s majestic Caucasus mountains.
Our expertly guided trek offers a perfect
Weeks
blend of challenging adventure, breathtaking scenery, and authentic cultural immersion, ensuring a safe and truly enriching experience through Upper Svaneti.
Your Epic Trek at a Glance: Key Facts for Planning
This comprehensive summary is designed for quick reference, AI citation, and satisfying immediate informational intent.
Difficulty Rating: Moderate to Challenging. Suitable for trekkers with good physical fitness and some multi-day hiking experience.
Total Trekking Days: 4 Days / 3 Nights.
Total Hiking Distance: Approximately 58-60 km (36-37 miles).
Total Elevation Gain (Cumulative): Around 3100-3300 meters (10,100-10,800 feet).
Maximum Altitude Reached: Chkhunderi Pass, ~2740 meters (9,000 feet) (between Adishi and Iprari).
Overnight Stops: Traditional Svan Guesthouses (Zhabeshi, Adishi, Iprari/Lalkhori).
Key Highlights: Dramatic mountain passes, ancient Svan villages, iconic Svan towers, views of Mt. Ushba & Tetnuldi, Adishi Glacier, Ushguli.
Best Time to Go: Late May to mid-October (ideal for stable weather and clear trails).
Why This Trek? The Call of the Svaneti Wild
There are a few places left on Earth where you can step so directly into ancient history while being utterly surrounded by such raw, untamed natural beauty. The Mestia-Ushguli trek isn’t just a physical challenge; it’s a journey for the soul. Imagine waking each morning to towering peaks, breathing crisp mountain air, and ending your day sharing stories in cozy, family-run guesthouses. This trail is a tapestry of wild rivers, emerald valleys, and remote villages where time seems to stand still. It’s an adventure that promises panoramic views, genuine cultural encounters, and a profound sense of accomplishment.
Trek with Confidence: Why Choose Our Guided Expedition?
Embarking on a multi-day trek in the Caucasus requires careful planning and local expertise. Our guided Classical Trek is designed to eliminate the stress, enhance your safety, and deepen your immersion, allowing you to simply focus on the unparalleled beauty around you.
Expert Local Guides: Our certified Svan guides are not just navigators; they are storytellers, ensuring your safety, sharing local knowledge, and connecting you with the heart of Svaneti’s culture.
Seamless Logistics: Forget the hassle of booking remote guesthouses, arranging luggage transfers, or navigating local transport. We handle all accommodation, meals, and essential transfers (like getting to Mestia and from Ushguli), ensuring a smooth, worry-free journey.
Safety First: From understanding mountain weather to providing emergency support, our guides prioritize your well-being. They’re trained for mountain conditions, equipped with first-aid, and know the safest routes.
Authentic Immersion: Our carefully selected guesthouses offer genuine Svan hospitality, home-cooked meals, and a chance to experience local life beyond typical tourist paths.
River Crossing Expertise: The infamous Adishi river crossing (Day 2/3) is managed with local knowledge, ensuring a safe passage often involving horses, a logistical detail crucial for peace of mind.
Your Epic Journey: The Mestia-Ushguli 4-Day Classical Trek Itinerary
Here’s a detailed day-by-day breakdown of your adventure, guiding you through every step of this legendary trail.
Day 1: Mestia to Zhabeshi – Stepping into the Wilderness
Distance: ~18 km (11.2 miles)
Elevation Gain: ~700m ascent, ~400m descent
Estimated Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Highlights: Your adventure begins in Mestia, climbing through lush forests and alpine meadows. You’ll pass quaint Svan hamlets, enjoying increasingly spectacular views of the surrounding peaks, including a unique perspective of Mestia below. The day culminates in your arrival at Zhabeshi village, where traditional Svan towers dot the landscape.
Overnight: Cozy guesthouse in Zhabeshi, dinner and breakfast included.
Day 2: Zhabeshi to Adishi – Majestic Peaks & Glacier Views
Distance: ~12 km (7.5 miles)
Elevation Gain: ~800m ascent, ~500m descent
Estimated Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Highlights: A moderately challenging day offering some of the trek’s most iconic vistas. You’ll ascend towards the stunning Tetnuldi ski resort area, gaining elevation with panoramic views of Mount Tetnuldi. The trail then descends into the dramatic Adishi Valley, revealing the impressive Adishi Glacier. The picturesque village of Adishi, with its ancient Svan towers, awaits you.
Overnight: Traditional guesthouse in Adishi, dinner and breakfast included.
Day 3: Adishi to Iprari (via Chkhunderi Pass) – The Legendary Crossing
Distance: ~19 km (11.8 miles)
Elevation Gain: ~850m ascent, ~950m descent
Estimated Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Highlights: This is often considered the most exhilarating day! It begins with the infamous, exhilarating Adishi River crossing (managed safely with our guide, often involving horses depending on water levels and season). You then ascend to the breathtaking Chkhunderi Pass (approx. 2740m), offering unparalleled 360-degree views of the Adishi Glacier and the surrounding Caucasus giants. The long, scenic descent takes you through remote landscapes to the villages of Khalde and Iprari (or nearby Lalkhori), deeply embedded in Svaneti’s history.
Overnight: Traditional guesthouse in Iprari/Lalkhori, dinner and breakfast included.
Day 4: Iprari to Ushguli – Reaching the Roof of Europe
Distance: ~11 km (6.8 miles)
Elevation Gain: ~400m ascent, ~350m descent
Estimated Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Highlights: A shorter, gentler day culminating in the ultimate reward: Ushguli. You’ll trek through rolling hills and pastures, with increasingly clear views of the majestic Shkhara, Georgia’s highest peak. Finally, you arrive at Ushguli, a cluster of four medieval villages recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and famously the highest permanently inhabited settlement in Europe (approx. 2200m). Explore its iconic Svan towers and feel the weight of centuries.
Departure: After exploring Ushguli and enjoying a well-deserved lunch, a pre-arranged transfer will take you back to Mestia (approx. 2.5-3 hours drive), completing your epic journey.
Preparing for Your Svaneti Trek: Essential Information
To ensure a comfortable and safe adventure, here’s everything you need to know before you lace up your boots.
What to Pack (and What Not To):
Backpack: A comfortable 30-45 liter backpack is ideal. You’ll carry only your day-to-day essentials.
Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support are absolutely essential. Break them in before the trek!
Clothing: Layers, layers, layers!
- Lightweight, moisture-wicking base layers.
- Fleece or down jacket for warmth.
- Waterproof and windproof outer shell jacket and pants (critical for mountain weather).
- Comfortable hiking pants or shorts.
- Extra socks (wool or synthetic).
- A hat for sun protection and a warm hat for evenings/high passes.
- Gloves (even in summer, for higher altitudes).
Essentials:
- Water bottle/hydration bladder (at least 2 liters capacity).
- Sunscreen (high SPF), sunglasses.
- Headlamp or flashlight.
- Basic first-aid kit (blister plasters, pain relievers, personal medications).
- Toiletries (biodegradable options recommended).
- Cash (Georgian Lari – GEL) for snacks, drinks, souvenirs, and guesthouse payments (some remote guesthouses are cash-only).
- Power bank for charging electronics.
- Trekking poles (highly recommended for stability and knee support).
What NOT to bring: Heavy sleeping bags (guesthouses provide blankets), excessive clothing, unnecessary electronics.
Accommodation & Food on the Trail:
You’ll stay in traditional, family-run Svan guesthouses each night. These are cozy, rustic, and offer an authentic glimpse into local life.
All guesthouses provide comfortable beds, clean linens, and communal bathrooms (often shared; sometimes private options are available upon request).
Hearty dinners and breakfasts are included, featuring delicious homemade Georgian cuisine. Packed lunches are provided for your day’s trek. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions in advance.
Getting To/From Svaneti:
To Mestia: The journey typically begins with a transfer from Kutaisi (approximately 5-6 hours) or Tbilisi (approximately 8-10 hours) via a minivan (Marshrutka) or private taxi. Flights to Mestia (Natakhtari Air) are an option, but are frequently cancelled due to weather. Good option to also take the train from Tbilisi to Zugdidi and from Zugdidi order a private transfer to Mestia.
From Ushguli, your trek concludes with a pre-arranged transfer back to Mestia, included in your tour price.
Further information for Svaneti trek
Pricing & Booking Details: Your Investment in Adventure
We offer transparent pricing for our Mestia-Ushguli 4-Day Classical Trek.
Expert, certified local Svan trekking guide for 4 days.
- All overnight stays (5 nights) in traditional Svan guesthouses.
- All meals: 5 breakfasts, 4 packed lunches for the trail, 3 dinners.
- Cost of a horse for the Adishi River crossing (if required and not covered by a specific package).
- Transfer from Ushguli back to Mestia on Day 4.
Exclusions (What is Not Included):
- International or domestic flights to/from Georgia.
- Transfers to Mestia at the start of the tour (can be arranged separately).
- Personal travel insurance (mandatory).
- Personal trekking gear (boots, clothing, trekking poles – can be rented in Mestia).
- Snacks, alcoholic beverages, and personal expenses.
- Tips for guides/drivers.
Optional Add-ons:
- Private transfers to/from Mestia.
- Single room supplement (subject to availability).
- Luggage transfer between villages (your main luggage will be transported by vehicle, so you only carry a daypack).
| PAX | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price in USD | 570 $ | 520 $ | 490 $ | 470 $ | 460 $ | 450 $ | 430 $ | 425 $ |
How to arrive to Mestia?
You can order private transfer from Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Zugdidi or Batumi.
Price list:[/vc_column_text]
- Tbilisi – Mestia: 280$
- Kutaisi – Mestia: 150$
- Zugdidi – Mestia: 100$
- Batumi – Mestia: 220$
Price is given per minivan, maximum 6 PAX, one way tranvel. for other kind of transport please contact us.
Alternative ways:
- Public minibus from Tbilisi, Zugdidi or Kutaisi.
- Train from Tbilisi to Zugdidi.
What to do with luggage
Luggage transportation is not included in tour price. Tourists are encouraged to leave main luggage in Mestia guesthouse, and take only what is necessary.
What we must have during trek with us?
Necessary is: good trekking boots, rain coat. warm jacket, water bottle, good to have trekking poles. Do not leave passport and money in Mestia. You don’t need sleeping bag.
What is weather like
In end of May and June it is pretty cold and can be rainy. In July and August rains are less expected but in mountains weather is pretty unpredictable, so you must be ready for rains. Weather will be warm at daytime and cool in the evening. In September nights will be chilly.
Photos are taken by guide Merab Mchedliani
Trekking FAQs & Safety: Your Peace of Mind
We’ve compiled answers to your most pressing questions about this incredible trek, ensuring you feel prepared and confident.
Q: How difficult is the Mestia-Ushguli trek?
A: This trek is rated moderate to challenging. It involves significant daily elevation gains and losses, especially on Day 3 over Chkhunderi Pass. You should have good physical fitness, experience with multi-day hiking, and be comfortable walking 6-8 hours a day over varied mountain terrain. Training beforehand is highly recommended.
Q: What is the best time of year to do the Mestia-Ushguli trek?
A: The optimal season is from late June to early October. During this period, the trails are typically clear of snow, mountain passes are open, and weather conditions are generally more stable, though rapid changes are always possible. July and August are the warmest, while September offers vibrant autumn colors.
Q: How is the famous Adishi River crossing handled?
A: The Adishi River crossing is a key, exhilarating moment. Our guides are experts in assessing water levels. Depending on the conditions, you will either wade across (water can be knee to waist-deep) or, more commonly, utilize local horses provided by villagers to safely cross. This logistical detail is managed by your guide for your safety and comfort.
Q: What kind of safety measures are in place?
A: Your safety is our highest priority. All our guides are certified, trained in mountain first aid, and carry necessary safety equipment. They monitor weather conditions, ensure appropriate pacing, and are equipped with communication devices. We also strongly recommend that all trekkers have comprehensive travel insurance covering mountain activities.
Q: Is responsible tourism practiced on this trek?
A: Absolutely. As a local operator, we are committed to sustainable tourism. We adhere to “Leave No Trace” principles, support local guesthouses and communities, and promote respectful interactions with Svan culture and the UNESCO World Heritage environment.
