8-Day Svaneti trekking tour
650 EUR
per person8-Day Svaneti trekking tour is an extended version of our popular Svaneti trekking tour , suitable for those who have enough time and want to truly explore the most scenic places of Svaneti region. It contains the best parts of the classic Svaneti tour – the crossing of Chkhunderi pass, an alternative, little-used crossing to Ushguli through 3000m high Lagem pass as well as extra time devoted to Ushguli village. And, thanks to the extra time, we were able to extend in the opposite direction and include more hikes, some of the best ones in Svaneti.
8-Day Svaneti trekking tour
Over several days, we will trek in the vicinity of Mt. Ushba, the most photogenic mountain in Svaneti and we will also climb to Mkheri church tucked beneath Mt. Laila, which offers wonderful panoramic views of Greater Caucasus.
Date | No. of participants | Duration | Deposit |
---|---|---|---|
13. 07. – 20. 07. 2024 | 7 – 15 | 8 days | €150 |
27. 07. – 03. 08. 2024 | 7 – 15 | 8 days | €150 |
03. 08. – 10. 08. 2024 | 7 – 15 | 8 days | €150 |
17. 08. – 24. 08. 2024 | 7 – 15 | 8 days | €150 |
07. 09. – 15. 09. 2024 | 7 – 15 | 8 days | €150 |
This tour can be organized also privately for any group of hikers outside of the dates listed above. In this case, the itinerary can be adjusted according to your wishes and group size limitation doesn’t apply. However, the price may be different, too.
8-Day Svaneti trekking tour DIFFICULTY:
This is a difficult trek – each day, you will tackle trails of moderate or high difficulty. And since this tour is 8 days long, it is a real challenge even if you are used to hiking.
Still, we understand that there are hikers who want to see much more than usual Mestia – Ushguli route but are not interested in complete route as outlined below (or may develop some health issues during the trek).
Those can participate, too – since the trek is supported by a car, if necessary, they can skip some sections and rejoin the group in the evening. If you are interested in this trek, but not sure if it is suitable for you, please contact us and we will try to find out 🙂
LUGGAGE:
NOT INCLUDED:
- Travel insurance. You will need to arrange a travel insurance. On my trekking trips, I use SafetyWing travel insurance
- Snacks and alcoholic beverages
- Boredom
- DepartureMESTIA
Day 1 - From Etseri to Mazeri
Distance 17km, Elevation Gain - 1207m and Loss - 1043m
In the morning, we will meet up at Mestia. From here, we will drive to Etseri, the seat of Dadeskheliani princes who ruled the western, "tame" half of Svaneti. From there, we will head northeast and scale 2428 meters high Baki pass. From here, the first views of Ushba open up. We follow the ridge to the south till we reach Meziri Archangel church. Soon afterward, we will descend through a beautiful pine forest to the Mazeri village. Night at Mazeri guesthouse
Day 2 - Hike to Ushba glacier
Distance 16.5km, Elevation Gain - 1123m and Loss - 960m
Today, we will follow the Dolra river deeper into the valley. The route flat at first, at least till be cross the bridge close to border guards camp. Not far beyond roars reach Shdughra waterfall, by our opinion the most impressive waterfall in Georgia. Then we will climb above the waterfalls and cross young forests, meadows and finally a moraine to the foot of Ushba glacier - the views of mountains around are unforgettable. To conserve energy, we won´t hike all the way to Mazeri - cars will pick us up halfway there, by a small snack bar with beer and refreshments. Night at Mazeri guesthouse.
Day 3 - Crossing of Guli pass
Distance 16km, Elevation Gain - 1320m and Loss - 900m
Today, we will scale the Guli pass, one of the highest places of our tour. First, we will navigate the Gulichala valley, enjoying splendid morning views of Mt. Ushba. Then comes the steep climb to the pass. Once finally up, we will follow the ridge towards Mt. Gul, descent the bit and traverse the hillside to Lamaaja ridge. Here, we will rejoin the dirt track and descend to the viewpoint at Tshakazagari mountain, where we will board cars and drive to a small, non-touristy village Lakhushdi. Night at the local guesthouse.
Day 4 - Hike to Mkheri church
Distance 17.2km, Elevation Gain - 1251m and Loss - 1471m
Today, we will climb to the picturesque Mkheri church, using a new, little-known route, more scenic than the usual one. The church is situated at the top of a hill beneath Mt. Laila, the highest peak of the Svaneti range. If the weather allows, we will get an opportunity to admire its glaciers as well as a wonderful panorama of the mountain wall of Greater Caucasus. Then we will return to our Lakhushdi guesthouse and enjoy a special dinner prepared by our friendly landlords.
Day 5 - Traverse of Zuruldi ridge to Tsvirmi
Distance 15km, Elevation Gain - 820m and Loss - 898m
In the morning, we will be transferred to Heshkili village, from where we will begin our ascent onto the Zuruldi ridge. Once we reach the cable car station, the terrain flattens and we will be able to enjoy terrific views in all directions. After a steep descent from the Mentashi transmitter, we will follow a rarely used trail through until meadows until we connect larger track descending to Tsvirmi. Tsvirmi is a calm, atmospheric village, still undiscovered by mass tourism. We will spend a night at one of the local guesthouses.
Day 6 - Crossing of Ckhhunderi pass
Distance 16km, Elevation Gain - 860m and Loss - 920m
In the morning, transfer to Adishi (or Tetnuldi resort, if a guide decides that the group is fit enough). Here, we will reconnect classic Mestia - Ushguli trail just in time to enjoy it´s most scenic section. First, we will follow the Adischala river towards the Adishi glacier, where it originates. We will cross it with the assistance of a horse and climb towards Chkhunderi pass (2600m). Then we descent to Khaldechala valley and soon reach almost abandoned Khalde village. Here, we will spend a night in one of the local guesthouses.
Day 7 - Cross Lagem pass to Ushguli
Distance 15km, Elevation Gain - 820m and Loss - 898m
Today, we will be joined one more guide and our group splits into two - it will be up to you which route you would like to take. If you are up for a challenge, you will cross the Khaldechala river and climb Lagem pass. From here, you will enjoy great views of Mt. Shkhara, the highest Georgian mountain. Then you will descend to the Enguri valley and reach Ushguli. Night at the Ushguli guesthouse. If you want to take it easy, you can also follow the classic route to Ushguli which follows the Enguri river. Both groups will rejoin in the afternoon at Ushguli.
Day 8 - Trip to Svaneti range
Distance 9km, Elevation Gain - 810m and Loss - 810m
In the morning, climb south towards the Gorvashi pass. From here, you can enjoy the wonderful mountain panorama of the Greater Caucasus. After a short hike on the ridge, return to Ushguli.
Alternatively, since this is a roundtrip, this walk is not mandatory and you can also make your program. For example, if you are interested in a horse trip to Shkhara glacier or Zagar pass, our guide will help you to find providers of the service and negotiate it. Or you can just stay chilling in the village if you are really tired after the previous days. Either way, you will meet all again around 3 pm and be transported back to Mestia.