Trekking the Peaks of Svaneti

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Tour Highlights

• Ushba Waterfalls
Witness multiple cascades flowing side-by-side down a steep mountain slope, creating a truly unforgettable panorama. Choose to reach the base of the great waterfall or hike to the top for a stunning view over the picturesque Dolra River Valley.

• Guli Pass (2,945 m)
Stand on Guli Pass and feel as though you can touch the mountaintops. From above, enjoy dramatic views of rocky peaks, drifting clouds, and mountain eagles circling overhead—an experience that inspires deep peace and freedom.

• Zagaro Pass (2,620 m)
Discover beautiful alpine lakes and take in far-reaching views over both Upper and Lower Svaneti. From this pass you can admire some of the Caucasus’ most iconic summits: Ushba (4,700 m), Tetnuldi (4,800 m), Shkhara (5,201 m), and Jangha (5,059 m).

Day 1: Arrival

Arrive in Tbilisi and transfer to the hotel.

Day 2: Tbilisi – Zugdidi – Becho

Drive to Svaneti, which is distinguished by towering villages harmoniously combined with huge mountains and cliffs, important samples of Georgian architecture, characteristic frescoes, centuries-old culture, sharply expressed individualism make an indelible impression on the visitor.

This area is especially interesting for nature lovers with alpine meadows and lakes, cliffs, peaks, waterfalls, and a variety of endemic flowers.

At the end of the day, we will stay in Becho.

Day 3: Becho – Ushba Waterfalls – Becho

Today prepares us for amazing adventures. We follow a misty forest that follows a roaring river and originates from the Ushba Glacier.

Soon, waterfalls will appear – several cascades of water flow side by side on the mountain slope and create an unforgettable panorama.

We can reach the foot of a large waterfall or climb on top of it and look down on the beautiful valley of the river Dolora.

At the end of the day, the pleasantly tired will be rewarded with delicious Svanetian dishes.

The first stage (to the guards’ hut): (↓ 0 270m, 2-3 hours, 7km).
The second stage (to the bottom of the big waterfall): (↓ ↓ 450m, 3-4 hours, 9km).
The third stage (to the top of the waterfall): (↓ 80 980m, 5-6 hours, 12km).

Day 4: Becho – Guli Pass – Mestia

On this day we will pass the most beautiful route of the tour. The farther we go from the village, the closer we get to Ushba, soon its glacier will also appear and a steep, serpentine trail will begin. On Guli Pass (2945 m.), we get a feeling that we can touch the top of the mountain.

From above we can see rocky mountains, clouds, and mountain eagles flying in a circle. This sight fills us with an amazing feeling of peace and freedom.

In the evening we stay in Mestia, which is developed as a regional centre compared to the villages of Svaneti, although the centuries-old towers retain its old look well.

(↑1650m ↓800m, 7-8 hours, 16km).

Day 5: Mestia

Today we dedicate ourselves to relaxing and regaining strength. There are many choices as to how to spend the day pleasantly. It is possible to take the Zuruldi cable car and enjoy the unusual panoramic views.

It’s nice to take a short walk to Chalaadi Glacier. To get better acquainted with the local culture, we could visit the Svaneti Historical-Ethnographic Museum, which fully presents the ethnocultural heritage of this region.

The diverse exposition of the museum helps us to make the trip to Svaneti more complete and cognitive.

At the end of the day, we can spend quiet time enjoying the night views of Mestia. In the evenings the towers of Mestia are lit and beautiful to see. 

Day 6: Mestia – Mulakhi

Today we go from Mestia to the village Mulakhi. The route is quite simple and at the same time very beautiful. Our trail passes through flowery meadows and wooded areas.

In a few hours, the village of Mulakhi will spread out in front of us, where medieval towers are still standing, the history of these towers is shrouded in mystery. The village seen from afar reminds us of a picture. This is an ideal place for this village.

(↑650m ↓520m, 4-5 hours, 14km).

Day 7: Mulakhi – Adishi

Today we move from Mulakhi to the village of Adishi. As soon as we pass the village of Mulakhi, we will start walking on a forest path that will take us to Ughviri Pass (2480 m.).

From here you can see the impressive landscapes of the Great Caucasus. The trail leads again into the misty forest, where numerous ice-cold springs and streams flow.

We also pass through the inaccessible fields and from above we see the village of Adishi, which leaves an indelible impression on our memory.

Only a few families remain in the village. There are still ancient towers, their owners are very proud. Get ready to get acquainted with rural life and special sensations.

(↑1070m ↓530m,  5-6 hours, 13km).

Day 8: Adishi – Iprari

Today a special day of travel awaits us. We have to cross the river on horseback, which makes our journey all the more interesting and adventurous. We pass the beautiful glacier of Adishi.

A huge pile of eternal ice, an evergreen white snowdrop, a green field, and a huge, colourful carpet of mountain flowers will forever be etched in our memory.

Soon, we will also see Mt. Ushba on the horizon. On the Chkhutnieri Pass (2730 m.) we have the feeling that we can touch the Tetnuldi peak and clouds by hand. Arrive in Iprari. Here we taste the most delicious Svanetian dishes.

(↑760m ↓950m, 5-6 hours, 17km).

Day 9: Iprari – Ushguli

Today we travel to Ushguli, one of the highest villages in Europe, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The village promises an impressive sight, but until then we have to pass through ancient villages and towers.

We find ourselves on a trial field several times, from where a snow-white Tetnuldi (4800 m.) is covered along its entire length.

Finally, Ushguli will appear – a village where time has stopped and the centuries-old towers still face the highest peak of Georgia – Shkhara (5201 m).

Ushguli is undoubtedly in the must-see sights when traveling to Georgia.

(↑750m ↓350m, 3-4 hours, 13km).

Day 10: Ushguli – Shkhara Glacier – Ushguli

Today we come to the tempestuous river Enguri, which originates from the Shkhara Glacier. During the whole hiking tour, we have a marvelous view of the Shkhara Glacier, huge eternal ice, which is a very impressive sight. On the way, we will meet many endemic plants and flowers.

On the way back we will enter the tenth-century church of Lamaria, which is the best example of Svanetian church architecture.

It contains ancient frescoes – distinctive samples of the school of Svan icon painting. This day of the trip ends in the beautiful Ushguli.

Unusually beautiful night in Ushguli. We can see so many stars in the sky only in mountain villages.

(↑↓550m 5-6 hours, 19km).

Day 11: Ushguli – Zagaro pass – Kutaisi

After breakfast, we will head to Kutaisi by transport, crossing the beautiful Zagar Pass, known for its stunning views and unique scenery. Upon arriving in Kutaisi, we will take an evening walk through the city and explore one of Georgia’s oldest urban centers, rich with history and culture.

Day 12: Kutaisi – Uplistsikhe – Tbilisi

Today includes a cultural spectacle and ends in the capital.

In the afternoon we visit Uplistsikhe, a rock carved town near Gori. Uplistsikhe was connected with the Silk Road, which passed here. It was one of the oldest settlements and urban centers in the Caucasus.

Then we visit the family cellar. It is impossible to complete a trip to the homeland of wine without a visit to the wine cellar.

The Georgian traditional method of making wine has the status of a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Site.

We will return to the capital – Tbilisi, pleasantly obscured by wine. We will spend the last evening of the trip in Tbilisi.

Day 13:

Day 17: Departure

Transfer to the airport and departure.  

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