Hiking the Svaneti Highlands

Arrive In Kutaisi International Airport - Transfer From Airport To Your Hotel

Day 1: Kutaisi

Transfer from Kutaisi airport to your hotel
Car Transfer: You'll be met at Kutaisi airport and transferred to your hotel in Kutaisi. Estimated travel time: 30 minutes.

Visit Kutaisi market - Transfer From Kutaisi To Prometheus Grotto - Transfer From Prometheus Grotto To Becho

Day 2: Kutaisi - Mestia

Visit Kutaisi market
Excursion: Visit the Kutaisi farmer's market, one of the largest, liveliest markets in all of Georgia. Here the locals provide homemade natural products to sell, from cheese and pickles, fruit and veg, and speciality sweets like churchkhela - a string of walnuts glazed with chewy caramel. An enjoyable experience which throws you into the life of a Kutaisi local.


Transfer from Kutaisi to Mestia
Other Transfer: Head to the Svaneti region for the next leg of your tour. Svaneti is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful areas in the country and you will see the landscape around you change with the passing hours. Estimated travel time - 4 hours 30 minutes.


Explore Mestia, the centre of Svaneti
Excursion: You'll tour the pristine town of Mestia, in the centre of Svaneti region. Encompassed by majestic snow-capped mountains, your surroundings are a feast for the eyes. You'll see this hilly community is dotted with charming Svan towers, while the charming architecture of the earliest hamlets evokes an old-town authenticity. Mestia is an ideal starting point for numerous hiking trails to icy glaciers and heart-stopping viewpoints.

Hike To Ushba Waterfalls - Drive To Mestia

Day 3: Mestia

Hike Mestia to Adishi
Excursion: After breakfast we drive for about 45 minutes to the village Mulakhi from where we begin our walk on the slopes of Mt. Tetnuldi. Today we may reach 2800m having beautiful views to Chaneri glacier, Mt. Ushba (4700m), Svaneti range with its highest peak Mt. Laila (4010m) and then walk down to the remote village Adishi (2000m) where even in summer mostly 4X4 WD cannot drive to. There’re only 5-6 families living in the village. They’ll host us in their houses with traditional Svanetian hospitality and food. Distance 15 km. ↑930 m ↓380 m (walking time: 4-5 hours) Note: It may happen that our car wouldn’t be able to reach the village so travelers have to take their luggage (necessary for 1 night) with them. Hot water is available at the guesthouse. Toilet is outside the house.

Drive To Mulakhi - Hike From Mulakhi To Adishi

Day 4: Mestia

Hike from Adishi to Iprari
Excursion: Today you will trek from the beautiful village of Adishi through stunning landscapes to reach the remote and peaceful village of Iprari. Your walk will take you along the river gorge and up onto the Chkhutnieri Pass (2720m); which has an abundance of panoramic views over the Adishi glacier, Adishchala valley and village as well as the river and lake – it’s simply spectacular! After all this time in the clouds, you will begin to descend into the 19th century village of Kalde. Crumbling, and in some parts derelict, it’s fascinating to look round. From here you are close to reaching Ipari, where you can rest your head before another day of walking. The duration of this hike is between 6-7 hours. It should be noted that if the river is particularly high you will have to get on a horse in order to cross. ↑760 ↓950m

Walk From Adishi To Iprari - Drive From Iprari To Ushguli

Day 5: Ushguli

Walk from Iprari to Ushguli
Excursion: Today, your trek involves a is a slow climb to the highest permanently inhabited village in Europe and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ushguli (2200m). This small village is home to around 70 families and is just big enough to house a local school. Throughout the village are typical Svaneti defensive tower houses which offer views of Georgia's highest mountain, Mt. Shkhara (5068m). ↑765 ↓500 m (walking time 4-5 hours)

Hike to Shkhara glacier, highest peak in Georgia - Transfer from Ushguli to Mestia

Day 6: Ushguli - Mestia

Hike to Shkhara glacier, highest peak in Georgia
Excursion: Today, you'll embark on an incredible hike to the highest glacial peak in Georgia. Accompanied by a local guide, you'll begin the journey from the guesthouse. The route takes you to the base of Shkhara (5068m) and leads to the rich tongue of the glacier. This is the spot where the main river of Svaneti can be sourced. After reaching the glacier (2500m) you'll spend some time admiring the incredible surrounds and taking stock of the entire hike. Then, return to Ushguli, marvelling at beautiful meadows rich with alpine flowers along the way. The hotel will provide you with a packed lunch for the hike. ↑↓550m, walking time is between 5-6 hours there and back.


Transfer from Ushguli to Mestia
Car Transfer: Return to Mestia along gorgeous alpine roads. Transfer time: approx. 2 hours.

Transfer From Mestia To Gelati - Drive To Kutaisi

Day 7: Becho - Kutaisi

Transfer from Mestia to Becho
Car Transfer: In the morning, drive to Becho village.


Hike to Ushba waterfalls
Excursion: Today we hike to the Ushba waterfalls. As the hike elevates you'll see yourself moving towards Mt Ushba, on your way to the great Ushba Falls. You'll cross deep forest and bypass incredible panoramic views as you find yourself at the falls; in a setting that could have been pulled from your childhood fairytales. After stopping for a picnic lunch you'll make your way back to Becho. The hiking time there and back takes 4-5 hours depending on which route you choose to take. Military Base ↑↓ 270m (walking time 2-3 hours) 1st waterfall ↑↓ 450m (walking time 3-4 hours) Top of the waterfall ↑↓ 980 (walking time 5-6 hours)


Transfer from Becho to Kutaisi
Other Transfer: Head to Kutaisi from scenic Becho.

Departure transfer from Kutaisi to the airport - Departure transfer from Kutaisi to the airport

Day 8:

Departure transfer from Kutaisi to the airport
Car Transfer: Meet your driver in the lobby of your hotel and you will be transferred to the airport of Kutaisi for your departure flight.