Svaneti2-2024

Trekking in Svaneti / 24-31.08.2024

Day 1 (August 24)

After picking 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 buying SIM cards, we will go straight on the road to the capital of Upper Svaneti - Mestia. The road to Mestia leads along winding roads, with rock slides on one side and rushing rivers below on the other. Guaranteed unforgettable experience and views. Along the way we will have a snack along the route and visit the Enguri Dam, which at one time was the highest (272 m) arch dam in the world, today it is in 6th place in this respect. The hydroelectric power plant on the Inguri River lies partly on the territory of Abkhazia, which it also supplies with electricity. After visiting the dam, we will head straight to Mestia. The town itself is located at an altitude of 1,500 meters above sea level, a mecca for tourists and climbers, a base for numerous Caucasian treks. Here we will meet Swanec defensive towers called koshkas, characteristic of the region. Here we will have dinner and our first night's stay.🏔️

Day 2 (August 25)

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 about 17 km. Approaches will be 740 meters, descents 523 meters. The first day ends in the village of Jabeshi. Here we stay for the night and dinner.🗻

Day 3 (August 26)

We will set off from Jabeshi along the 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, right along the 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, with approaches of 910m and descents of 527m.📸

Day 4 (August 27)

This day we face a trail along the Adishistskali Gorge. Near the glacier, the trail crosses the Adishistskali, ascends the ridge separating Hadishistskali and 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. The view of the Hadishi Glacier and Khalde is sure to impress everyone. At a certain section of the river, you may need to rent horses to cross to the other bank, then, of course, those who want to use this will have to pay the horse owners. The all-day route will be about 16 km. Approaches 860 m, descents 1070 m). We will arrive in Khalde for dinner and overnight.🗻

Day 5 (August 28)

In the morning we head on foot towards Ushguli, 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 29)

On this day, after a Georgian breakfast, we will enjoy a horseback ride (20 km in total, broken in half by glacier trekking) 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 30)

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 and supra in Kutaisi.🍷

Day 8 (August 31)

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, it 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 (booking advance) on account + 640 EUR payable on the spot upon arrival (total 690 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).

Number of places strongly limited, only intimate groups. The minimum number of people for the tour to take place is 4.

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
🥐 breakfasts
💃 assistance of a Polish certified tour manager
🐎 horseback riding in Usghula
🥐 supra on the last evening in Kutaisi

What the price does not include:

🏛️ entrance fees to visited 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 (lunches and dinners)
🐎 renting horses for river crossing

Feel free to contact.