Kutaisi - Mestia

Bus ride 6-7 hrs

Further on the road will pass through a deep and cliffy Enguri River gorge. We will be travelling along a breathtaking 140 km long winding road with hundreds of hairpin bends and dozens of tunnels.

Trekking to a panoramic viewpoint of Mestia and back

Journey time: 4-6 hrs; distance 10 km; ascent: 800 m, descent 800 m.

After breakfast, we’ll take lunch packs and go on a hike to the mountains. Today we will explore dramatic landscapes and all of the mountain ranges surrounding Mestia. At these heights, we’ll be able to see our further route ahead, and the guide will elaborate on the places we’ll see during the upcoming trekking event. We’ll get a perfect view of Ushba - a mountain veiled in mystery and surrounded by legends. Ushba is the symbol of Svaneti and one of the most difficult ascents in the Caucasus. Alpinists consider this mountain as hardly accessible and very dangerous. Only the most experienced and world-class skillful alpinists are able to climb it.

If we have time and the weather is good, we will hike up to see Koruldi lakes. They are located at the altitude of 2700 m and are surrounded by the blooming meadows.

After the descent from the panoramic viewpoint, we will visit a house museum of one of the best Georgian mountaineers – Mikhail Khergiani who was a 7-time USSR climbing Champion and was called the Tiger of the Mountains for his outstanding ability to quickly pass through the most difficult routes. We will see the house in which the alpinist lived, his gear and medals. The house represents a typical Svan dwelling called “machube”. We’ll learn from the guide how ancient Svans lived.

In the evening you can enjoy your free time and visit a famous local cafe “Koshki” (which stands for “Towers” in Svan) where you can enjoy live Georgian music and lively dances. You are encouraged to try the local specialties.

Ushguli - Svaneti Range

Journey time: 6 h; distance 10 km; ascent: 800 m, descent 800 m

We will wake up early in the morning and to climb the Svaneti range (2820) from which we will enjoy jaw-dropping views of the Greater Caucasus located across with its high mountains and more demanding peaks.

DAY 8

The Khaldeschala river gorge - Chhutnieri pass - the Adishchala River.

Journey time: 4 h; distance 5 km; ascent: 500 m, descent 500 m.

Today we will climb the mountain pass that leads to the Adishchala river gorge. To reach the range, we will walk along a path and the magnificent views of the Bezengi Wall will open upon us. Steep cliffs, aretes and ice cliff glaciers will impress you immensely. Once we reach the pass, we’ll leave our backpacks and walk to a viewpoint located at the altitude of 2811 m that gives a stunning panorama. We’ll see the 5000 m mountains which, it seems, are within a hand’s reach. The huge Adishi Icefall that stretches for 2 km will be in full view. And the pictures against such a background are striking!

We will hate to leave this place but will need to carry on and gain new amazing impressions.
Now we need to descend the pass and make an overnight stop at the Adishchala river bank.

DAY 9

The Adishchala river gorge - Adishi village - Tetnuldi Ski Resort.

Journey time: 6 h; distance 11 km; ascent : 450 m, descent: 300 m.

We’ll get up early in the morning before the Adishchala river rises due to the snow and ice melt. We will have to wade across the river at low water and walk along the Adishchala river gorge to another village called Adishi. As we walk along a well-trodden path, we will see the ancient high towers of the village in the distance.

Adishi has St. George's church renowned by all the Svans.

A gentle ascend from Adishi village - and we will get to one of the Tetnuldi spurs that hosts a recently built ski resort. We will walk along a path in the shade of the trees that at certain points crosses meadows. We will see a couple of streams that flow down the mountains. One of them makes for a perfect natural jacuzzi with refreshing water that helps to cool down on a hot summer day. We will put our tents at a place with amazing views

DAY 10

Tetnuldi Ski Resort - Chvabiani Village- the Mulkhura River - Mestia - Batumi

Journey time: 3 h; distance 8 km; ascent: 0 m, descent 1000 m

Today’s the last trekking day. We’ll descend from the pass to the Mulkhura river where a minibus will be waiting for us to take us to Batumi.

We’ll have to pack our stuff and walk down a forest path to Chvabiani village and then to Majvdieri village. There we can try the best matsoni (natural yogurt) in Svaneti. Three hours later we will have to come down to the bridge across the Mulkhura river. Having had lunch, we will get on the bus and in the evening we will relax in the warm waters of the Black sea.

DAY 11

Sightseeing in Batumi - relaxing at the seaside

After a long trekking we can indulge ourselves and do whatever suits best: swim in the Black sea or enjoy a leisurely stroll in Batumi - Georgia's second largest city.

DAY 12

Check out - transfer to Kutaisi airport

On the last day of our trekking holiday in Georgia, we will check out of the hostel and travel to the airport in Kutaisi.

* This is an example itinerary of a typical trip we organize. Journey times are estimated and the programme may be altered depending on weather conditions.