Svaneti Hiking Tour of the Great Caucasus Wall


This hike is of moderate difficulty and requires a 6-10 km day hike. You can expect a trail with some elevation gain, uneven terrain and some obstacles such as rocky or steep sections.

 June – October
 Hotel; Guesthouse
 7 Days / 6 Nights
 Max Altitude 2,510m

Svaneti is a historical region in northwestern Georgia, located in the Greater Caucasus Mountains. It is famous for its rough and isolated land and native houses with towers. In Svaneti, there are Georgia’s tallest mountains, such as Mount Shkhara and Mount Ushba. The area holds a large cultural inheritance, its own language and unique traditions.

Highlights

  • Hike to the Shkhara Glacier, where you can find golden nuggets on the riverbanks. This is the birthplace of a famous myth about the Argonauts and the Golden Fleece.
  • Visit the 12th century mountain monastery of Lagurka. It was a mediation point to settle disputes between local residents.
  • Meet the local people of Svaneti, experience their hospitality and cook local dishes with your fellow travelers.

Trip Details

PRICE

$1,235 USD (twin share)

  • $250 deposit
  • Lifetime Deposit. If you need to cancel, your deposit is transferable to other trips.
  • Twin Share: we’ll match you with a roomie if you’re travelling solo.
  • Private supplement available: $430 USD.

TRIP LENGTH

7 Days / 6 Nights
Trip starts and finishes in Tbilisi city (Free pickup from Kutaisi)

DATES

July 2024
2 booked • 10 spots left
Starts: 18 July 2024
Finishes: 25 July 2024

August 2024
1 booked • 11 spots left
Starts: 9 August 2024
Finishes: 16 August 2024

September 2024
New date!
Starts: 2 September 2024
Finishes: 9 September 2024

October 2024
New date!
Starts: 4 October 2024
Finishes: 11 October 2024

STARTING POINT

Tbilisi International Airport or Freedom Square

ENDING POINT

Tbilisi International Airport or Freedom Square

GROUP SIZE

Max 16 persons, Min 4 persons.
Trip will be confirmed once 4 deposits are received.

Gallery

  • Svaneti hiking trip, Shdugra waterfall
  • Svaneti hiking trip, near Mazeri village, Shdugra waterfall
  • Svaneti hiking trip, Shdugra waterfall panorama
  • Svaneti hiking trip, panorama of svaneti
  • Svaneti hiking trip, near Mazeri village, Shdugra waterfall (2)
  • Svaneti hiking trip, Koruldi lakes path
  • Svaneti hiking trip, near Mestia, Heshkili village
  • Svaneti hiking trip, path to koruldi lakes
  • Svaneti hiking trip, Mt Shkhara glacier from Ushguli
  • Svaneti hiking trip, Mt Shkhara glacier
  • Svaneti hiking trip, near Ushguli
  • Svaneti hiking trip, from Ushguli to Iprari

Tour Plan

Our journey begins as we leave Tbilisi, winding our way through the picturesque Georgian countryside. On the way we will stop for lunch in the town of Zugdidi. We then begin our climb into the Caucasus Mountains. The winding roads will take us to a cozy guesthouse at the foot of Mount Ushba.

Driving: 240km; 5 hours
Accommodation: Guesthouse

The next day we’ll lace up our hiking boots and set out on a hike through the pine forest. Our destination is the Shdugra waterfall, surrounded by the breathtaking view of Ushba Mountain. The trail will take us to the foot of the waterfall, where we’ll enjoy the view and feel the wind of the waterfall on our faces. After a refreshing break and taking some pictures, we’ll retrace our steps back to the guesthouse.

Hiking: 8.2km; ↑ 475m; ↓ 475m
Accommodation: Guesthouse

The following day, we’ll set out on a picturesque hike from Becho to Latali village. The trail winds through the lush countryside, presented by the stunning view Mt Laila. Along the way, we’ll pass through quaint villages and hamlets, getting a glimpse into the traditional way of life in this corner of the world.

After reaching Latali, we’ll take a short 20-minute car ride to the charming town of Mestia, known for its medieval towers and rich cultural heritage. We’ll explore the town, taking in the sights and sounds of this unique place. From the ancient towers to the charming cobblestone streets, there’s so much to see and experience in Mestia. It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the history and culture of this wonderful region.

Hiking: 7.1km; ↑ 310m; ↓ 415m
Accommodation: Hotel

The next day, we’ll set out on a challenging yet rewarding hike from the town of Mestia to the village of Mulakhi. The trail leads us to the foot of the majestic Mt Tetnuldi, passing over the kaskari pass. The hike will be challenging but the views of the mountain and the surrounding area will be worth it.

As we reach Mulakhi village, we’ll take a short break to rest and take in the views before we take a 15-minute car drive back to Mestia.

Hiking: 10.2km; ↑ 575m; ↓ 460m
Accommodation: Hotel

The next day, we’ll hop in the car and drive 45 minutes from Mestia to Ushguli, the highest permanently inhabited settlement in Europe. This village is known for its traditional architecture and stunning views of the Caucasus Mountains.

Once we arrive, we’ll drive on a gravel road from Ushguli towards the Shkhara glacier, where we’ll take a 5km hike to reach the glacier. The hike will offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the chance to get up close to the glacier.

After returning from the glacier, we’ll take a ride back to Ushguli where we’ll spend the night in a guesthouse, enjoying the local hospitality and the beautiful surroundings.

Driving: 60 minutes
Hiking: 5.2km; ↑ 340m; ↓ 340m
Accommodation: Guesthouse

The next day, we’ll set off on a scenic drive from Ushguli to the Ughviri Pass. We’ll drive through the beautiful Georgian countryside, surrounded by stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Once we reach the pass, we’ll begin our hike along a mountain ridge. The trail takes us through the rugged terrain, offering a great opportunity to take in the natural beauty of the region.

As we make our way to Hatsvali mountain resort, we’ll be surrounded by the tranquility of the pine tree forest. The resort offers a comfortable mountain hut, complete with a sauna and an outdoor hot tub, where we’ll spend the night. It’s a perfect opportunity to relax and unwind in the peaceful natural surroundings, and enjoy a unique mountain experience.

Hiking: 12.3km; ↑ 660m; ↓ 720m
Accommodation: Montain Hut

After an incredible journey filled with breathtaking sights, challenging hikes and unforgettable experiences, it’s time to make our way back to Kutaisi. The drive back will be smooth, it is an opportunity to reflect on all the amazing memories we’ve created during this adventure trip and look forward to reliving them in the future. Our adventure in Svaneti has come to an end, but the memories we’ve made will stay with us forever.

Driving: 260km, 5-6 hours

Includes

  • Guide: 1 English speaking guide throughout the trip.
  • Sightseeing entrance tickets
  • All Transportation (including airport transfers and vehicle for luggage)
  • Accommodation for 6 nights
  • All meals, from lunch of the first day to the dinner of the last day
  • Georgian cuisine masterclass
  • Extra activities during the tour

Not Includes

  • Accommodation in Kutaisi
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses, alcohol, souvenirs

Dates & Availability

DepartingFinishingTotal From USD
18 July 202425 July 2024available$1,235
9 August 202416 August 2024available$1,235
2 September 20249 September 2024available$1,235
4 October 202411 October 2024available$1,235

Want to go private? or self-guided?

Book this tour for your group on your preferred dates. Customize the details according to your needs and desires. Get 10% discount for groups of more than 10 people.

Amenities & Accommodation

Compared to other mountainous regions of Georgia, Svaneti is relatively more developed. In Mestia we will stay in 3* hotel, while in Becho we will be in a cozy family-run guesthouse with a shared bathroom.

  • Ushguli, Villa Lileo
    Ushguli, Villa Lileo
  • Ushguli, Villa Lileo
    Ushguli, Villa Lileo
  • Mestia Old House Hotel
    Mestia, Old House Hotel
  • Mestia, Old House Hotel

Difficulty: Medium

This hiking trip does not require prior fitness or hiking experience. It is a relatively relaxed adventure tour, perfect for kids as well as elderly, or for those who want to enjoy great scenery without much sweating. Most of the day we will hike 6-8km on flat or moderately steep trails.

Useful to Know

Travel from Tbilisi

If you are planning to join this trip from Tbilisi, you can travel to Kutaisi via train, public bus or taxi. You can also join our bus for free, departing from Tbilisi on the day of tour departure. Downside is that you will need to wake up early, as it will leave Tbilisi approximately at 6am.

Insurance

Having a travel insurance is not mandatory. If you purchase one, make sure to have a package that includes outdoor activities in the insurance conditions. Consult our travel consultants in this regard to make sure you have sufficient insurance coverage or to get information about where to get such insurance coverage.

Money

There are some places to spend your money in Svaneti. In Mestia you can use your credit card too. As everything you will need during the trip is covered by us, you can bring 200-300 GEL for souvenirs and other personal expenses. Tipping is not mandatory, but is considered as a good practice.

What to bring with you


20 to 35 litre backpack: you should be able to carry your gear comfortably so a bag with a waist strap is suggested. Dry bag to keep things dry in the backpack

  • Hiking boots (Strong and waterproof with a high ankle)
  • Hiking poles (recommended but not essential – can be rented)
  • Warm clothes – jumpers, hats, gloves
  • Shorts, tee shirts (preferably synthetics)
  • Trainers for the evenings
  • Water and windproof jacket and trousers
  • Sun protection – glasses, sun cream, lip balm
  • Toiletries
  • Small quick-drying towel

Weather

Weather in Kutaisi and Tbilisi can be hot during the summer, temperatures going up to 40C. Mountains can be cold and hot, depending on the weather. Snowing is highly unlikely, though it have occurs once in a while during prolonged rainy weather. In case of sunny weather, it will be warm enough to hike in shorts and t-shirt.

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  • Solo traveler friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions

In general, if you are in good health and have an active lifestyle, all of our tours are acceptable for you. Easy, Medium, Hard, and Very Hard are the four levels of difficulty that we divide up our tours into. We only presume that you have prepared more thoroughly ahead for the Very Hard. Please get in touch with one of our travel managers if you have any questions so they can reassure you if necessary or, alternatively, help you decide which tour is more suitable for you. Unfortunately, those with disabilities mostly cannot participate in our tours. However, it also depends on the kind of disability, so it’s worth speaking with one of our tour managers about this in advance.