Trek in the Svaneti Mountains
In the heart of Svanétia, on the glacial trails of Europe's highest village
Duration
10 days
From
€698/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Itinerant travel
Comfort
budget
Travelers
Solo, With friends, Couple
The spirit of travel
Welcome to Svanétie, a grandiose region located on the southern slopes of the central Caucasus! This is where the village of Ushguli (2,200 m) is found, considered one of the highest inhabited areas in Europe. This preserved territory, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, offers a spectacular setting where snow-capped peaks, verdant valleys and stone villages compose landscapes of breathtaking beauty.
The "pearl and pride of Géorgie" is a land of legends, where mountains and peoples are inseparable and where the scents of the noble life of Caucasian knights still linger between the medieval towers scattered throughout the valleys. Throughout this trek, you will discover an authentic region, isolated villages, majestic glaciers and exceptional panoramas that have made Svanétie famous.
Proud of its freedom, its traditions and its sumptuous beauty, Svanétie is ready to welcome you and amaze you throughout this unforgettable adventure.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Towards the High Mountains of Svaneti
In the morning, transfer to the train station.
Tbilissi-Zugdidi train (08h25-14h10).
Arrival in Zougdidi, welcome from our local driver and departure for Mestia, in the mountainous region of Svanétie.
Mestia, a small town perched at over 1500m altitude, is the historical, cultural and religious center of Upper Svanétie. You will find many medieval stone towers, typical of the region. The mountain scenery is simply breathtaking.
Beginning of the trek
Mestia → Zhabeshi
Departure from Mestia (1500m) on foot to the village of Zhabechi (1680m). Then, we move on foot to Ushguli. The first day of easy trekking towards Ushguli: we follow the river edges and the trail north of the mountain. The trail passes through the village of Mulakhi, where you can visit ancient churches if interested. After a 4-5 hour walk, we arrive at the village of Zhabechi (1680m.), surrounded by mountains, including the Tetnuldi peak (4852m), meaning "white" in French. The following day, we go around this peak.
Free time to visit the village and its typical houses.
Walking time: approximately 4-5 hours, 16 km,
Elevation gain +: 400m, Elevation loss -: 300m,
Difficulty level: moderate.
Lost village in the mountains
Zhabeshi → Adishi
Early morning departure from Zhabechi (1680m) towards the village of Adichi (2040m), which is located on the other side of the 2500m pass. A more challenging day that begins with the climb towards the pass. The trail crosses the forested side of the mountain and climbs up to the ski slope of the Tetnouldi ski resort. Here we can rest a little and contemplate the breathtaking panorama of the peaks of the Great Caucasus.
Then we head towards Adichi, the village nestled in the mountains at the foot of Mount Tetnouldi (4852m). After a hike of 7-8 hours, we arrive at this beautiful village where the country's religious and cultural treasure was preserved during medieval invasions. Several churches in the village with their regional murals are absolutely worth visiting.
Hiking time: approximately 7-8 hours, 18 km,
Elevation gain: 850m, Elevation loss: 450m,
Difficulty level: difficult.
Panorama of the peaks of the Grand Caucasus
Adishi → Iprali
In the morning we depart from Adichi (2040m) towards the Chkhoutnieri Pass (2800m). We follow the Adichistskali river, cross it on horseback and finally, begin to climb the 800 m slope, embedded in alpine plants, quite difficult to walk.
Upon reaching the pass, we will find ourselves facing the peaks of the Great Caucasus, between 4000m and 5201m in altitude, as well as the Tetnouldi Glacier.
After a short break, we continue the descent on a winding path towards the village of Kahldé (2000m), an almost entirely ruined medieval village. After a difficult and emotionally intense day, we finally descend towards the village of Iprali to stay overnight.
Hiking time: approximately 7-8 hours, 16 km,
Elevation gain +: 850m, Elevation loss -: 850m,
Difficulty level: difficult.
Trekking highlight - Chkhara Glacier
Iprali → Ushguli
In the morning we head towards Ouchgouli (2200m.), one of the highest villages in Géorgie. Oushgouli sits at the foot of Mount Chkhara (5201m), the highest peak in the Georgian Caucasus.
From the village we take a beautiful hiking trail that offers stunning views of the Chkara massif and the village of Oushguli. Along the way, you can visit the 10th century Lamaria church; we discover frescoes damaged by time, which immerse us in the history of this monument. The hike following the ridge towards the glaciers. The return by the path takes us back to Oushguli.
Walking time: approximately 7 hours.
Elevation gain +: 200m, Elevation loss -: 150m,
Difficulty level: moderate.
The Trek to Oushba Glacier
Mestia → Mazeri
Departure by car towards the Mazeri village.
Mazeri → Mazeri
We head on foot towards Mount Ouchba. The trail offers us several adventures: crossing rivers on foot, alpine forests, climbing rocks and even crossing snow patches in less sunny areas.
The trail splits into two directions and we have the choice to discover several Ouchba waterfalls and/or continue to the Ouchba glacier (2700m). The climb to the waterfalls up to the glacier is quite difficult but the summit is so impressive that everything is rewarded. The descent to Mazeri village is longer and requires a lot of concentration.
Walking time: approximately 7-8 hours,
Elevation gain: 1100m, Elevation loss: 1100m,
Difficulty level: difficult.
Departure to the capital
Mazeri → Zougdidi
Free morning. Transfer from Mazeri village to Zugdidi train station.
Discovering Georgia's Capital
The day is dedicated to exploring the Georgian capital and more particularly its Old Town, whose small size on either side of the Mtkvari river makes sightseeing on foot very pleasant. We visit in particular the Metekhi Church, which dates from the 13th century and offers a magnificent panorama over the river, the synagogue, the Sioni Cathedral, built in the 12th century and a strong symbol of Georgian identity, and the city's last mosque. We don't forget of course the ancient Narikala fortress, built in the 4th century on a hill overlooking the city.
We then head towards the Abanotubani sulfurous baths before strolling through the charming streets of the Shardeni district with its many cafés and restaurants.
Free time. In the evening, possibility to take the famous sulfur bath, which is an ideal place for a health treatment or simply to relax (for an additional fee).
Have a good trip!
Tbilissi → Tbilisi International Airport
We take advantage of our last free time in Tbilissi before heading to the airport for our return flight.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Air (price depends on travel dates)
- Insurance
- Tips and personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages
- Everything that is not mentioned in "Included"
- The sulfur bath in Tbilisi (on request)
- 4x4 vehicle for luggage delivery from one village to another
Included
- Accommodations (9 nights, double/twin room basis)
- 3 nights in Tbilisi - 3* Hotel
- 2 nights in Mestia - family hotel
- 1 night in Zhabeshi - homestay
- 1 night in Adishi - homestay
- 1 night in Iprali - homestay
- 1 night in Oushguli - family hotel or homestay
- 1 night in Mazeri - homestay
- Private airport-hotel - airport transfers
- Private transfers hotel - Tbilissi railway station and Tbilissi railway station - hotel
- Private transfers from Zugdidi train station to hotel in Mestia and hotel in Mazeri to Zugdidi train station
- Local 4x4 vehicle from Ushguli to Mestia
- The English-speaking guide for visiting the city of Tbilissi
- The local guide service for trekking stages
- Horse to cross the river in Svaneti
- Tbilisi-Zugdidi and Zugdidi-Tbilisi trains (class II)
- The meals mentioned in the day-by-day description
- Our agency's 24/7 support
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 30 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Les informations ci-dessous concernent les voyageurs ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen (EEE), de la Suisse et du Canada se rendant en Géorgie dans le cadre d'un séjour touristique. Les règles d'entrée pouvant évoluer, nous vous recommandons de vérifier les informations auprès des autorités officielles avant votre départ.
Passeport
Pour entrer en Géorgie, votre passeport doit être valide pour toute la durée du séjour prévu. Il est toutefois recommandé qu'il reste valide au moins trois mois après la date de retour prévue et comporte au moins une page vierge pour les tampons d'immigration.
Le document doit être en bon état (pas de pages détériorées, déchirées ou modifiées).
Les ressortissants de nombreux pays de l'EEE peuvent également entrer en Géorgie avec une carte d'identité nationale valide en lieu et place du passeport. Nous vous recommandons de vérifier cette possibilité selon votre nationalité avant le départ.
Séjour touristique sans visa
Les ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen, de la Suisse et du Canada bénéficient d'une exemption de visa pour les séjours touristiques.
Cette exemption permet un séjour pouvant aller jusqu'à 365 jours (un an) sur le territoire géorgien, sans démarche préalable. Il s'agit de l'une des politiques d'accueil les plus libérales au monde.
Les autorités peuvent néanmoins demander :
un billet de sortie du territoire (vol retour ou continuation),
une preuve de ressources financières suffisantes pour la durée du séjour,
une adresse d'hébergement en Géorgie.
Voyage avec des enfants
Les mineurs doivent être titulaires de leur propre passeport valide couvrant la durée du séjour.
Lorsqu'un mineur voyage sans l'un de ses parents ou tuteurs légaux, une autorisation de sortie du territoire peut être exigée selon la réglementation du pays de résidence. Il est recommandé de se munir d'une lettre d'autorisation parentale accompagnée d'une copie des documents d'identité des parents, même si celle-ci n'est pas systématiquement réclamée.
Santé
Aucune vaccination n'est obligatoire pour entrer en Géorgie. Certaines vaccinations sont cependant recommandées à titre préventif, notamment contre l'hépatite A, l'hépatite B et la typhoïde, selon votre profil de voyage et les zones visitées.
Il est conseillé de consulter votre médecin ou un centre de médecine des voyages avant le départ afin d'obtenir des recommandations personnalisées.
Zones à éviter
Les régions d'Ossétie du Sud et d'Abkhazie sont des zones de conflit sous contrôle de facto de forces séparatistes soutenues par la Russie. L'entrée dans ces territoires est fortement déconseillée par les autorités consulaires de la plupart des pays européens et du Canada. Tout accès à ces régions autrement que par les points de passage officiels géorgiens est illégal au regard du droit géorgien.
Autres nationalités
Les conditions d'entrée peuvent varier selon la nationalité. Les voyageurs concernés doivent se renseigner auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat de Géorgie de leur pays de résidence.
Pour participer à nos voyages, il est fortement conseillé d'être assuré en assistance-rapatriement et frais médicaux à l’étranger.
Votre agence locale vous encourage à prendre connaissance du contrat spécifique élaboré avec notre partenaire CHAPKA ASSURANCES et AXA ASSISTANCE.
Pour souscrire à une assurance, connaître les garanties et les tarifs, suivez le lien ci-dessous.
CAP EXPLORER : La solution d’assurance complète conçue pour vivre sereinement votre voyage !
Choisissez la formule qui vous correspond le mieux:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Spécifiques à nos voyages, nous suggérons fortement d’y souscrire.
Si vous choisissez de souscrire à l’une de ces formules, la convention détaillant l’ensemble des garanties et les modalités de déclaration du sinistre sont disponibles sur le site Internet de l'assureur.
Votre agence locale en aura connaissance, mais seul le participant est responsable du respect des procédures de déclaration de tout sinistre. Le participant doit donc conserver cette convention avec lui pendant toute la durée de son voyage.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
To stay in Georgia, a valid passport for the entire duration of your stay is required. No visa is necessary under the current exemption regime. This exemption makes Georgia a particularly accessible destination. Before booking your trip, check the entry conditions applicable to your nationality with the Georgian consular or diplomatic authorities in your country of residence.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, plan for 100 to 170 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers and activities. International flights (350-600 euros return from Paris) are additional. Georgia is one of the most affordable destinations in wider Europe.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget, and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and depart with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Mountain Svaneti
Guardian of the Caucasus Mountains, based in Géorgie
In the mountains of Georgia, each village has its character, its stories and its traditions. That's where you truly understand the strength and soul of the country.
— Shorena
