Svaneti: Georgia’s hidden gem

Located over 200km north of Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi, Kutaisi is the perfect gateway to the natural wonders of the unexplored Svaneti region. From a scenic perspective, Svaneti offers some of the finest alpine landscapes you’ve probably never seen. Historically, its well-preserved ancient heritage includes connections to Queen Tamar and the Kingdom of Colchis—icons of Georgia’s Golden Age. If you’re wondering what to do in Svaneti, read on to discover why this hidden gem of Georgia is definitely worth exploring.

Svaneti is Georgia’s hidden gem

Georgia’s lesser-known food scene

Georgia undoubtedly has one of the world’s most underrated cuisines. Entirely organic and homegrown, with recipes passed down through generations, few places offer food as authentic and delicious as a Georgian dinner table. The Svaneti region boasts a centuries-old culinary heritage with its own unique twists on classic Georgian dishes.

The best way to experience this is by dining with locals, book a homestay and share a meal with your hosts. If you want to learn how to make these mouthwatering dishes yourself, the town of Mestia is the perfect place to take a cooking class. In just one afternoon, you’ll prepare Georgian staples like kudbar (a beef and onion-filled bread loaf), chvishtari (cheese-baked cornbread), and ajapsandali (oven-roasted eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes). For an authentic finish to your meal, enjoy a glass of Georgian wine alongside your hosts.

Read more: Discover why Georgia is the birthplace of wine

Quaint village life

The Svaneti region is dotted with countless rural villages and settlements, all known for their spectacular hiking trails and warm hospitality. Adishi is a standout and a great starting point for trekking to Ushguli, which, at an altitude of 6,900ft, is Europe’s highest inhabited village. With cozy, rustic homestays and rolling hills blanketed in wildflowers, it perfectly captures rural Georgian life.

You can reach Ushguli on foot, horseback, or by 4×4, crossing pristine countryside with breathtaking views of the Caucasus Mountains. The village itself is one of Georgia’s most iconic sites and definitely worth a visit. It’s home to 20 ancient Svan watchtowers and a stunning 12th-century church, serving as impressive reminders of the country’s rich cultural heritage. The watchtowers, believed to date from the 9th to 12th centuries, stand as testaments to Georgia’s turbulent history of invasions and conquests.

A hiker’s paradise

For those looking to explore Svaneti’s picture-perfect landscapes, here are some of the top hikes in the region:

• Mestia to Ushguli (4 days, moderate-difficult): The most famous trek in Svaneti, this multi-day route takes you through picturesque valleys, ancient villages, and flower-filled meadows. Each day will take you through a different village, such as Zhabeshi, Adishi, and Iprali. It wraps up in Ushguli, one of Europe’s highest inhabited villages.
• Chalaadi Glacier (half-day, easy): This 5-mile round-trip hike from Mestia is a short but rewarding one. It follows the Mestiachala River through dense forest before reaching the base of the glacier.
• Koruldi Lakes (full day, moderate-difficult): Starting in Mestia, this steep hike takes you to the stunning Koruldi Lakes, which sit at over 8,00ft. The 10-mile round trip gains over 4,000ft in elevation, but the incredible views of Ushba and Tetnuldi make it worth it.
• Ushguli to Shkhara Glacier (half-day, moderate): This 8-mile round-trip trek hugs the Enguri River and leads to the base of Mount Shkhara, Georgia’s tallest peak. It’s a relatively easy hike, featuring a gradual incline with panoramic views of Georgia’s glaciers and rugged cliffs.
• Mazeri to the Guli Pass (full day, difficult): For those seeking a more challenging adventure, this 12-mile hike connects the village of Mazeri through alpine meadows to the dramatic Guli Pass. The steep climb rewards hikers with incredible views of the Ushba massif and valleys below.

Read more: Our complete guide to hiking in Georgia

Cultural treasures of Georgia

Svaneti is packed with cultural treasures, historical landmarks, and natural wonders. Here are the must-visit spots to add to your itinerary:

1. Ushguli – Europe’s Highest Inhabited Village: Ushguli is a UNESCO-listed village at 7,000ft and a hotspot for photographers. It offers stunning views of Georgia’s highest peak, Mount Shkhara. It’s home to ancient Svan watchtowers, centuries-old stone houses, and the Lamaria Church, which dates back to the 12th century.

2. Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography: The Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography is a modern museum housing artifacts showcasing Svaneti’s rich history. You’ll find medieval manuscripts, intricately carved crosses, and beautiful gold and silverwork. It’s the best place to learn about Svaneti’s unique cultural heritage before exploring the villages.

3. Chalaadi Glacier: One of the easiest glacial hikes in the region, Chalaadi Glacier is just a short drive from Mestia. A well-marked trail leads through lush forests and across a suspension bridge, opening up to views of the dramatic ice formations. The glacier itself is a must-see, especially in summer when the bright blue ice contrasts with the surrounding greenery.

4. Hatsvali and Tetnuldi Ski Resorts: In winter, Svaneti’s resorts offer some of the best ski conditions in Georgia. Hatsvali is perfect for beginners, while Tetnuldi has long runs for more advanced skiers.

5. Koruldi Lakes: Sitting at over 8,000ft, the Koruldi Lakes reflect the jagged peaks of the Caucasus. The journey up is steep, but the reward is a peaceful alpine setting with some of the most beautiful views in Georgia. It’s especially stunning at sunrise or sunset.

Unique annual festivals

Svaneti is also home to some of Georgia’s oldest and most unique festivals, including the annual Kvirikoba celebration. On July 28th each year, local families rise before the sun and congregate at the Monastery of St Kvirike, where prayers are said and offerings made. From there, everyone filters into the surrounding villages and hosts street parties. Wine flows, local delicacies are served, and villagers perform traditional dance routines. It’s a humbling experience which offers real insight into the age-old Svanetian way of life.

The best time to visit Svaneti, Georgia

Svaneti has four distinct seasons. Summer (June to September) is ideal for hiking, with warm days and cool nights. Fall (September to November) sees fewer crowds but comes to life with stunning fall foliage. Winter (December to March) transforms the region into a snowy wonderland, which is perfect for skiing and snowboarding excursions. The weather in spring (April to May) is beautiful but can be unpredictable, with lingering snow in higher elevations.

Make it happen

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer adventure, our local partner in Georgia can help you discover the best of Svaneti. Just send them an inquiry with a few details about what interests you, and they’ll create the perfect tailor-made trip focused on what to do in Svaneti, Georgia’s hidden gem.