Svaneti

Trekking in Svaneti / 9-16.08 2023

Day 1 (August 9)

After being picked up from the airport (around 1:00 pm depending on which city you are arriving from) near Kutaisi, exchanging money (from euros or dollars to lari), and purchasing SIM cards, we will head straight to Mestia, the capital of Upper Svaneti. The road to Mestia leads along winding roads, often without asphalt, with rock slides on one side and rushing rivers below on the other. Guaranteed unforgettable experiences and views. We'll have something to snack on along the way. The town itself is located at an altitude of 1500 meters above sea level, it is a mecca for tourists and climbers, a base for numerous Caucasus treks. Here we will meet Swanec defensive towers called baskets, characteristic of the region. Here we will have dinner and our first night's stay.🏔️

Day 2 (August 10)

After breakfast, we will set out on a trail that starts from the ethnographic museum in Mestia on the right bank of the Tsaneri River and leads east to Mulakhi. The route follows the northern slope of the ridge separating the Tsaneri River from Mestiachala. The route reaches a deep gorge, from where it heads south to Mulakhi. After ascending the ridge, one is enchanted by the views of the Tsaneri River valley, where Mulakhi is located. The trail passes through the middle of the left bank of the valley and allows us to visit historical sites in the villages. For example, we will visit a historic church from the 10th century. On this day, the distance will be 16 km. Approaches will be 740 meters, descents 523 meters. The first day ends in Jabeshi village. Here we stay for the night and dinner.🗻

Day 3 (August 11)

We'll set off from Jabeshi along a northbound trail that leads to the Tetnuldi ski resort. A short section of the trail runs along the road. From the road, the trail runs on the north slope of Tetnuldi, along the right slope of the Hadishi River. The path initially runs along the slope, then descends into a ravine and reaches the village of Hadishi. Here we also have a monastery to visit, this time dedicated to St. George, in which we see perfectly preserved frescoes. In Hadishi we stay for dinner and overnight. On this day we will cover 10.6 km, and the ascents will be 910m, descents natomaist 527m.📸

Day 4 (August 12)

This day we will face the trail along the Adishistskali Gorge. Near the glacier, the trail crosses the Adishistskali, ascends the ridge separating the Hadishistskali from the Khaldechali, and descends into the gorge via the Chkhunderi Pass (2750 meters above sea level). The trail goes up the Hadishichala River and reaches the village of Khalde, where Soviet troops were once stationed. At a certain section of the river, you may need to rent horses to cross to the other bank, then, of course, those who wish to use this will have to pay the horse owners. The all-day route will be 16km. approach 860m, descent 1070m. We will probably stay overnight in Khalde (pending arrangements).🗻

Day 5 (August 13)

In the morning we head towards Ushguli on foot, first by road, then again by path. On the way we will pass the village of Chazhashi, which is under UNESCO protection, the Chazhashi Historical Museum, and end at the highest point of Ushguli village (2260 meters above sea level), where the Lamaria (St. Mary) Monastery is located. We will also visit the Ethnographic Museum and Museum in the former home of painter Pridon Nidjaradze. The route for this day is 15.6 km, with an ascent of 677 m and descent of 436 m. For dinner and overnight we stay in Ushguli.🕍

Day 6 (August 14)

On this day, after a Georgian breakfast, we will enjoy a horseback ride (20 km in total, broken up by a glacier trek) and an approach to the Shkara Glacier. In the afternoon we will visit Ushguli. Ushguli is a village complex consisting of 4 hamlets: Zhibiani, Chvibiani, Chazhashi and Murkmeli. It is also the highest year-round inhabited village in Georgia (2200 meters above sea level). If we have enough time and strength that day we will climb the hill with Tamara Tower. For sure we will see the thousand-year-old defensive towers for which Usghuli is famous, listed by UNESCO. Dinner and overnight still in Ushguli.🐎

Day 7 (August 15)

After breakfast, we will set off on the road to Kutaisi. Our car route will take us over the Zagari Pass (2620 meters above sea level). We will reach the village of Lentekhi, here we will have lunch and then continue to Kutaisi. First we will go to the famous bazaar, where you can buy Georgian delicacies and souvenirs. Then we will see Bagrati Cathedral, the city center with the Kolchida Fountain, the White and Red Bridge over the Rioni River. Our last night with dinner in Kutaisi.🍷

Day 8 (August 16)

After breakfast, packing and transportation to the airport.✈️

The plan is quite detailed, but it is always subject to change if only due to weather conditions or temporary road closures. You have to remember that Georgia, as beautiful as it is, is also unpredictable, but you love it for that. 🇬🇪❤️🇵🇱

Georgia, which lies at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, will always be both familiar and exotic to us. On the one hand, the famous Georgian hospitality, on the other hand, the culture and traditions that are not fully understood for us. We guarantee that you will fall in love as we did with Georgian cuisine, wine, mountains and people. 🇬🇪❤️🇬🇪

Price✨

50 EUR (reservation advance) on account + 700 EUR payable on the spot upon arrival (total 750 EUR).

Those who are determined should first of all buy air tickets. This is a guarantee of the trip for us. Then, after sending confirmation of ticket purchase, a reservation deposit is required within 7 days, in case of cancellation the deposit is non-refundable).

The number of places is severely limited. The minimum number of people on the tour is 4. Only intimate groups.

What the price includes:

🚐 Transportation with Georgian driver and English-speaking guide (transfer from and to the airport and a comfortable minivan for exclusive use during our entire trip).
🏡 Accommodation in family-run mesthouses/hotels in 2-3 bed rooms
🥐 Food (breakfast and dinner supra with wine)
💃 assistance of a Polish certified tour manager
🐎 horseback ride in Usghula

What the price does not include:

🏛️ entrance fees to sightseeing places such as canyons or national parks, museums, caves, etc.
✈️ airline tickets (Wizzair), we will help you buy tickets
🚷 travel insurance (everyone insures individually)
🥐 other meals on the route
🐎 rent horses for river crossing

Feel free to contact.