Duration: 5 days / 4 nights | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate | Best Season: June – September
Svaneti is not like anywhere else in Georgia. Or anywhere else in the world, really. Medieval stone towers rise against a backdrop of 5,000-meter peaks. Villages that have never been conquered preserve traditions unchanged for centuries. And the Svan people themselves, fiercely independent and legendarily hospitable, welcome visitors into a culture that exists nowhere else on earth.
We are Svan. We were born here, we live here, and we have been guiding travelers through these mountains since 2011. This tour shows you Svaneti the way we know it: the famous UNESCO sites, yes, but also the hidden villages, the family homes, and the stories that never make it into guidebooks.
In five days you will walk to a glacier, drive to Europe’s highest inhabited village, explore medieval tower houses, hike to waterfalls beneath Ushba’s twin peaks, and eat dinner with Svan families in villages most tourists never see. You will leave understanding why Svans say that anyone who visits these mountains leaves part of their soul behind.
Tour Highlights
- Ushguli – Europe’s highest continuously inhabited settlement, UNESCO World Heritage site
- Chalaadi Glacier – Accessible glacier hike through pristine alpine scenery
- Shdugra Waterfall – Dramatic cascade in Becho valley with views of Mount Ushba
- Lakhushdi Village – Authentic Svan village untouched by tourism
- Margiani Tower House – Step inside a traditional Svan defensive home
- Local Svan Guides – Born and raised in these mountains
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Svaneti
Location: Mestia or Becho | Accommodation: Family guesthouse | Meals: Dinner
Your Svaneti adventure begins when you arrive in Mestia, the regional capital, or in the quieter village of Becho depending on your travel schedule. We meet you at your arrival point and transfer you to your guesthouse where your host family has been preparing for your visit.
If you arrive in Mestia with time before dinner, we walk through the historic Lanchvali quarter. This is old Mestia, where defensive towers built between the 9th and 12th centuries still stand in clusters. Each tower belonged to a family clan. When enemies approached or blood feuds erupted, entire families would retreat into these stone fortresses, pulling up ladders behind them and surviving sieges that could last months.
We visit the Margiani family tower house, one of the best preserved examples open to visitors. Inside you see how Svan families lived: the ground floor for livestock (their body heat rose to warm the living quarters above), the middle floors for family life, and the upper levels for defense. The family still lives on the property and can share stories passed down through generations.
Dinner is at your guesthouse. Svan cuisine differs from the rest of Georgia. Expect kubdari (meat-filled bread that is Svaneti’s signature dish), tashmijabi (cheese and potato mash), and various dishes featuring locally foraged herbs and wild greens. Your hosts eat with you, and conversation flows easily even across language barriers.
Day 2: Becho Valley and Shdugra Waterfall
Activity: Hike or horseback ride | Distance: 8-10 km round trip | Duration: 4-5 hours | Elevation gain: 400m
Today takes you into Becho valley, one of Svaneti’s most spectacular settings. The twin peaks of Mount Ushba (4,710m) dominate the skyline. Ushba is considered one of the most beautiful and technically challenging mountains in the Caucasus. Climbers come from around the world to attempt it. You will see why they are drawn here.
The journey to Shdugra waterfall can be done on foot or on horseback, your choice. The trail follows the Dolra River through mixed forest and alpine meadows. In early summer, wildflowers carpet the slopes. By August, the meadows turn golden. Throughout the season, the glacier-fed river runs milky blue-green.
Horses can take you as far as the border police checkpoint. Beyond that point, everyone walks. The final section to the waterfall is a moderate hike through increasingly dramatic terrain. Shdugra itself drops 100 meters in multiple cascades, the mist creating rainbows on sunny days. We stop here for a packed lunch with the waterfall as backdrop.
The return journey offers different perspectives on Ushba and the surrounding peaks. We are back in Mestia by late afternoon, leaving time to rest before dinner or explore the town independently. The small museum in central Mestia is worth a visit if you have energy remaining.
Day 3: Ushguli – The Highest Village in Europe
Activity: 4×4 excursion and walking | Travel time: 2-2.5 hours each way | Altitude: 2,200m
The road from Mestia to Ushguli is an adventure in itself. Forty-five kilometers of unpaved mountain track, crossing rivers, climbing switchbacks, and passing through villages that feel frozen in the Middle Ages. Our drivers know every pothole, every river crossing, every section where caution is needed. Sit back and watch the scenery unfold.
Ushguli is actually four small villages clustered at 2,200 meters elevation, making it the highest continuously inhabited settlement in Europe. The UNESCO designation protects not just buildings but a living culture. Around 200 people live here year-round, cut off by snow for months each winter, maintaining traditions that have survived since before written history.
We spend several hours exploring. The defensive towers here are among the oldest and best preserved in Svaneti, some dating to the 9th century. The Lamaria church contains medieval frescoes that rank among Georgia’s finest religious art. Local families have opened small cafes where you can try fresh matsoni (yogurt), local cheese, and honey from hives kept at this altitude since ancient times.
The view from Ushguli toward Mount Shkhara (5,193m), Georgia’s highest peak, is one of the iconic images of the Caucasus. On clear days the glacier seems close enough to touch. Photographers find endless subjects: towers silhouetted against peaks, elderly Svans in traditional dress, horses grazing in meadows that slope toward the ice.
We return to Mestia in late afternoon. Dinner tonight is at a different guesthouse, giving you a chance to experience another family’s cooking and hospitality.
Day 4: Chalaadi Glacier and Lakhushdi Village
Morning Activity: Glacier hike | Distance: 6 km round trip | Duration: 3 hours | Afternoon: Village visit and Tangili church
The morning belongs to Chalaadi glacier, one of the most accessible glaciers in the Caucasus. The trailhead is a short drive from Mestia. From there, the path follows the Mestiachala River through forest before emerging into a rocky moraine landscape shaped by ice over millennia.
The glacier has retreated significantly in recent decades, a visible reminder of climate change even in these remote mountains. What remains is still impressive: a river of ice descending from the peaks above, crevasses and seracs catching the light, meltwater streams running beneath the surface. We approach the ice face safely, observing from stable ground while the glacier creaks and groans.
After lunch in Mestia, we drive to Lakhushdi in the Latali community. This is not on standard tourist itineraries, which is exactly why we include it. Lakhushdi has architectural heritage comparable to Ushguli, with clusters of medieval towers and traditional houses, but receives almost no visitors. You see authentic village life without the cafes and souvenir stands.
From Lakhushdi we hike to Tangili church, a small medieval chapel perched on a hillside with views across the valley. The church contains fragments of frescoes and has been a place of worship and community gathering for Latali villages for nearly a thousand years. Our guide explains the religious traditions that blend Orthodox Christianity with older Svan beliefs.
Dinner tonight is with a family in Latali. The meal is prepared specifically for us, using ingredients from their garden and livestock. This is Svan hospitality at its most genuine, far from any tourist infrastructure.
Day 5: Mestia Museum and Departure
Activity: Museum visit | Duration: 1.5-2 hours | Departure: Flexible timing
Your final morning includes a visit to the Mestia Museum of History and Ethnography. This excellent small museum houses treasures that would be national highlights anywhere else: medieval icons, illuminated manuscripts, goldwork from Svan churches, and archaeological finds spanning thousands of years.
The collection survived Soviet-era confiscation because Svans hid their most precious items, returning them only when Georgian independence made it safe. The icons here are remarkable, some dating to the 10th and 11th centuries, preserved in Svaneti’s dry mountain climate when similar works elsewhere rotted or burned.
After the museum visit, we help arrange your onward transportation. Whether you are heading to Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Batumi, or continuing to another region, we ensure you get to the right marshrutka or connect with your arranged transfer.
What Is Included
- English-speaking local Svan guide throughout the tour
- All transportation within Svaneti by 4×4 vehicle
- 4 nights accommodation in family guesthouses (twin/double rooms)
- Daily breakfast
- Dinners on Days 1, 2, 3, and 4
- All entrance fees (Margiani house, Mestia museum, Ushguli)
- Ushguli community entrance permit
What Is Not Included
- Transportation to/from Svaneti (can be arranged separately)
- Lunches (picnic supplies available, cafes in Mestia and Ushguli)
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Travel insurance (required)
- Tips for guides and guesthouse hosts
- Optional horseback riding on Day 2 (additional $40-50)
Tour Prices
Prices are per person, based on group size. Larger groups get better rates because fixed costs (vehicle, guide) are shared among more travelers.
| Group Size | 2 people | 4 people | 6 people | 8 people | 10 people | 12 people |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price per person | $810 | $750 | $700 | $650 | $600 | $580 |
Solo travelers: Contact us for pricing. We can sometimes match solo travelers with other small groups.
Custom groups: For groups larger than 12 or with special requirements, we provide custom quotes.
Practical Information
Difficulty Level
This tour is rated easy to moderate. You should be comfortable walking 3-5 hours per day on uneven terrain with some elevation gain (300-500 meters per hike). No technical skills or previous hiking experience required. We adjust pace to the slowest member of the group and can modify hikes if needed.
Best Time to Visit
The tour operates from June through September. Each month offers different conditions:
- June: Wildflowers blooming, snow still on high passes, occasional rain, fewer tourists
- July-August: Warmest and driest, longest days, peak tourist season, all trails fully accessible
- September: Autumn colors beginning, cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, excellent photography light
The Ushguli road typically opens in late May and closes with the first heavy snowfall, usually October or November.
What to Bring
- Sturdy hiking boots (broken in before the trip)
- Rain jacket and layers (mountain weather changes quickly)
- Warm fleece or jacket for evenings
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat
- Daypack for daily excursions
- Refillable water bottle
- Camera with extra batteries
- Cash in Georgian Lari (ATMs in Mestia can be unreliable)
- Personal medications
- Travel adapter (European plug type C/F)
Getting to Svaneti
From Tbilisi: Daily marshrutka (minibus) departs at 6:00 AM from the train station square. Journey takes 8-9 hours with a lunch stop. Cost approximately 40-50 GEL.
From Kutaisi: Marshrutka departs at 8:00 AM from the central bus station. Journey takes 4-5 hours. Cost approximately 25-30 GEL.
From Zugdidi: Frequent marshrutkas throughout the day. Journey takes 2.5-3 hours. Cost approximately 20 GEL.
Private transfer: We can arrange private car service from any location in Georgia. Contact us for pricing.
By air: Vanilla Sky operates flights from Tbilisi to Mestia (weather permitting). Flight time is 1 hour. Schedules and availability vary, so book well in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is this Svaneti tour?
This tour is rated easy to moderate. Hikes are 3-5 hours on well-marked trails with elevation gains of 300-500 meters. No technical climbing involved. Average fitness is sufficient, though some walking on uneven terrain is required. The Ushguli road is rough but safe with experienced drivers.
What is the best time to visit Svaneti?
The best months are June through September when all roads and trails are accessible. July and August offer the warmest weather and longest days. June brings wildflowers, September has golden autumn colors and fewer tourists. The Ushguli road typically opens in late May and closes with first heavy snow in October or November.
Is the road to Ushguli dangerous?
The Mestia to Ushguli road is unpaved and rough in sections, taking about 2-2.5 hours by 4×4. Our drivers have years of experience on this specific route and know every challenging section. The road was significantly improved in recent years. We only travel in good weather conditions and use reliable 4×4 vehicles.
Where do we stay in Svaneti?
Accommodation is in traditional Svan family guesthouses in Mestia and Becho. Rooms are clean and comfortable with private or shared bathrooms depending on availability. This is not luxury accommodation but authentic village hospitality. Hosts prepare traditional Svan meals and share stories of local life.
Can the itinerary be customized?
Yes, we adjust itineraries based on your interests and fitness level. Want to add an overnight in Ushguli? Extend the Chalaadi hike? Include horseback riding? Skip the museum for more hiking? Tell us your preferences and we will modify the program accordingly.
Can beginners do this tour?
Yes. This is a cultural tour with light hiking, not a technical trek. The hikes are suitable for anyone with reasonable fitness who can walk 3-5 hours on trails. We adjust pace to the group and can shorten or modify hikes if needed. If you can climb stairs and walk on uneven ground, you can do this tour.
What should I pack for Svaneti?
Essential items: sturdy hiking boots (broken in), rain jacket, layers for variable weather, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, daypack, water bottle, and camera. Evenings can be cool even in summer, so bring a warm fleece or light jacket. Cash in Georgian Lari is recommended as ATMs in Mestia can be unreliable.
Is Svaneti safe for tourists?
Svaneti is very safe for tourists. The Svan people are known for their hospitality and have a strong tradition of protecting guests. Crime against tourists is essentially unheard of. The main safety considerations are mountain weather (which changes quickly) and the rough roads, both of which our guides manage through experience and local knowledge.
How do I get to Mestia?
From Tbilisi: Daily marshrutka departs at 6 AM from the train station, arriving around 2-3 PM (40 GEL). From Kutaisi: Marshrutka at 8 AM from central bus station. From Zugdidi: Frequent marshrutkas throughout the day (2-3 hours). We can also arrange private transfers from any location in Georgia.
Is there phone signal and WiFi in Svaneti?
Mestia has good mobile coverage and most guesthouses offer WiFi (sometimes slow). In remote areas like Ushguli and on trails, signal is limited or nonexistent. Consider this a feature, not a bug. Svaneti is a place to disconnect and be present.
Extend Your Svaneti Experience
This 5-day tour can be combined with other Svaneti experiences or extended into a longer Georgia itinerary:
- Add Koruldi Lakes hike – Stunning alpine lakes with panoramic mountain views (full day)
- Overnight in Ushguli – Experience the village after day-trippers leave
- Mestia to Ushguli trek – 4-day hiking route through multiple villages
- Continue to Racha – Remote wine region accessible from Svaneti
- Combine with Tbilisi and Kakheti – Full Georgia experience
Book This Tour
Ready to experience Svaneti with local guides who know these mountains intimately? Contact us with your travel dates, group size, and any questions. We typically respond within 24 hours.
Email: tours@svanetitrekking.com
Phone/WhatsApp: +995 577 748 793
Telegram: @HighlanderTravel
