The wonders of Svaneti
From Tbilisi to Tbilisi: a journey through the Western Caucasus, from valley to valley between the ice giants of the Svaneti, is what this trek in Georgia offers. Imposing mountains around Mestia, culminating at over 5,000 metres, form a natural frontier between Europe and Asia, stretching from the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea. Typical villages at the feet of these vertical walls, and Georgia’s rich historical and cultural heritage, are also fully part of the trip.
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Destination
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Tour Plan
Arrival in Tbilisi
Arrival in Tbilisi, meeting at the airport and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Tbilisi.
Visit Tbilisi, the splendid capital of Georgia
In the afternoon, we visit the National Museum and its collections of "Golden Treasures" from ancient times. At the end of the day, we visit the Dry bridge, a popular spot with visitors thanks to its flea market.
Transfer to the railway station.
Evening train Tbilissi-Zugdidi: 21h45-06h05 (+1).
Walking time: approximately 3h.
Overnight in the train.
Trek from Mestia to Zhabeshi
Arrival in Zugdidi at 06h05.
Transfer from Zugdidi to Mestia by car.
Departure from Mestia (1,500m) to the village of Zhabeshi (1,680m). From this morning onwards, we walk daily to reach the highest village, Ushguli, step by step. Every day, the car delivers our luggage to the village where we spend the night.The first day of hiking is the easiest, as the trail follows the rivers and the north side of the mountain. The trail passes through the village of Mulakhi, where it's possible to visit the village churches.
After a 4-5 hour walk, we reach the village of Zhabeshi (1,680m), surrounded by mountains including the Tetnuldi peak (4,852m), which means "white" in English. The next day, we continue around this peak to reach the other side of the mountain.
Free time to visit the village and its typical local houses.
Transfer : Private vehicle, approximately 3h, 140km.
Walking time: approximatively 4-5h, 16km.
Positive ascent: 400m.
Negative ascent: 300m.
Level of difficulty: medium.
Overnight in Zhabeshi.
Hidden village among the mountains
The descent to the village of Adishi offers us different views of the village. Finally, after a 7-8 hour walk, we descend to the village hidden among the mountains at the foot of Mount Tetnuldi (4,852 m). This small, beautiful village was one of the most important to have preserved Georgian religious treasures during the medieval wars. Several of the village's churches, with their regional wall paintings, are well worth a visit.
Walking time: approximately 7-8h, 18km.
Positive ascent: 850m.
Negative ascent: 450m.
Difficulty level: difficult.
Overnight in Adishi.
Panorama of the peaks of the Greater Caucasus
After crossing the pass, all the peaks of the Greater Caucasus between 4,000 and 5,201m, as well as the Tetnuldi glacier, rise up before us. The alpine field with a few flowers and the panorama offer us a magical spot for a lunch break or refreshment.
After a short break, we start our descent along a winding path to the village of Kalde (2,000 m), a medieval village almost entirely in ruins.
Finally, we descend to the village of Iprali, where we spend the night after a difficult but emotional day.
Walking hours: approximately 7-8h, 18km.
Positive ascent: 850m.
Negative ascent: 850m.
Difficulty level: difficult.
Overnight in Iprali.
Trekking to Ushguli, the highest village of Georgia
Arrival in Ushguli, free time for sightseeing.
Walking time: approximately 6h.
Positive ascent: 400m.
Negative ascent: 200m.
Difficulty level: difficult.
Overnight in Ushguli.
Hiking to the Glacier Shkhara
In the morning we start a short relaxing walk to the Glacier Shkhara (2390m) of 3-4 hours. During the hiking it is possible to visit Lamaria Church (9-10th century).
In the afternoon return back to Mestia by 4x4 car and then continue the road to Mazeri village (1660m) located at the foot of Mount Ushba (4700m).
Transfer: Private vehicle, approximately 2h, 70km.
Walking time: approximately 3-4h.
Positive ascent: 200m.
Negative ascent: 800m.
Difficulty level: easy.
Overnight in Mazeri.
Hiking to the Glacier Ushba
The trail divides into two directions, and we have the choice of discovering the Ushba waterfalls or continuing on to the Ushba glacier (2,700 m). The ascent to the glacier's cascades is quite difficult, but the climax of the trek is so impressive that the effort is rewarded.
We then descend to the village of Mazeri, which requires a great deal of concentration.
We reach the village at the end of the day and finally drive back to Mestia.
Transfer: Private vehicle, approximately 40 minutes, 20km.
Walking time: approximately 7-8h.
Positive ascent: 1100m.
Negative ascent: 1100m.
Difficulty level: difficult.
Overnight in Mestia.
Lakes of Koruldi
Return to Mestia on foot or by car.
After a short stop, transfer from Mestia to Zugdidi station by car.
Evening train Zugdidi - Tbilisi.
Transfer: Private vehicle, approximately 3h, 140km.
Walking time: approximately 3-4h.
Positive ascent: 1,300m.
Negative ascent: 2,800m.
Difficulty level: easy.
Overnight in the train.
Discover ancient capital and UNESCO Sites
Departure for Mtskheta - former capital of the Kingdom of Iberia, visit to the Jvari ("Cross") Monastery perched on a hill overlooking the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. Visit to the 11th-century Svetitskhoveli ("Life-giving column") cathedral. Opportunity to buy hand-made Georgian souvenirs.
Return to Tbilisi. Free time for leisure.
Transfer: Private vehicle, approximately 1h, 50km.
Overnight in Tbilisi.
Departure
Transfer: Private vehicle, around 30 minutes, 20km.
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