Georgia is a remarkably diverse country that offers something for everyone, despite its small size (read more about Georgia in this post). It has quickly become a favorite destination for hikers, trekkers, and outdoor enthusiasts. One of the standout regions contributing to its popularity is Svaneti, located in northern Georgia. Known for its breathtaking scenery, excellent hiking and trekking trails, and renowned ski resorts, Svaneti attracts visitors year-round. The local community has also worked hard to make the region more accessible and welcoming, ensuring that travelers can fully experience the beauty and adventure Svaneti has to offer.

The main city in the region is Mestia, and it’s likely where your journey will begin. Reaching Mestia can be a bit challenging due to the winding, slow roads leading there. Marshrutkas (shared minivans) operate from cities such as Kutaisi, Tbilisi, Batumi, and Zugdidi, though schedules can be inconsistent and subject to change. It’s a good idea to ask locals for the most up-to-date information. Personally, I took a marshrutka from Kutaisi. I arrived at the central bus station around 7 AM and had to wait until the van filled up, which happened around 9 AM in my case—though I’ve heard others mention it filling up as early as 8 AM.
The journey to Mestia took about six hours. As we drew closer, the scenery became increasingly stunnings, with endless mountains coming into view. After arriving in Mestia, I was immediately struck by its charm—it felt like a quintessential backpacker town, reminiscent of mountain villages in the U.S. Nestled in a valley surrounded by peaks, the town itself is small and centered around a main road. It has a lively mix of visitors, from passionate hikers to those seeking a more relaxed experience. Locals were also present, offering various services tailored to different types of travelers.


Start your journey in Mestia by simply strolling through the town and soaking in the stunning views that immediately surround you. However, it won’t be long before you’ll want to venture beyond the city limits to fully immerse yourself in the majestic mountains and pristine nature. Mestia offers numerous day hikes, with one of the most popular ones being the Chalaadi Glacier. While the trail leading to it is often busy due to its accessibility, it’s absolutely worth the visit. Walking up close to the glacier is an experience I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
The trailhead is located about 8 kilometers outside the city. To get there, you have several options: you can walk along the road (though the route isn’t particularly scenic), book a tour, hire a taxi for a round trip, or try hitchhiking. I personally opted for hitchhiking, but I ended up walking quite a bit in both directions before finally getting a lift.
My ride dropped me off right at the Mestia Chali Bridge, and the moment I saw it, I knew I had to cross it. The bridge, made of weathered wood with a clear sense of age. If crossing it doesn’t appeal to you or if it happens to be crowded, there are alternative ways to cross the river nearby.

The trail is family friendly. It meanders alongside a serene creek fed directly by the glacier, creating a picturesque backdrop throughout the journey. Kids will absolutely love the opportunity to climb and explore the abundance of rocks along the way, while adults can soak in the breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery. At the end of the trail, you’ll have the chance to walk right up to the glacier itself—a truly unforgettable experience. However, a word of caution: be mindful not to venture too close to the glacier or the valley’s edges. Rockfalls are frequent, whether from the glacier or the surrounding hills, and you’ll likely witness some during your visit. Rest assured, you’ll remain completely safe as long as you maintain a reasonable distance (it will be clear when you’re there where it’s safe to stand).

One other popular hike in the area is the route to the Cross above Mestia, which can be extended to the Koruldi Lakes or the Guli Pass. The trail conveniently begins right in the city center and leads you to some of the stunning peaks visible from town. Upon reaching the Cross, take a moment to soak in the breathtaking views—it's a well-deserved reward for your effort so far. From there, I continued to the Koruldi Lakes. While the lakes themselves might not be particularly striking, the surrounding scenery more than makes up for it. For the adventurous, the trail extends past the lakes, offering the opportunity to climb towards the peaks. However, be cautious—this section is challenging, with the altitude rapidly rising to nearly 11,000 feet. The final stretch involves scrambling and climbing, making it a demanding but rewarding experience for seasoned hikers.

For trekking enthusiasts, the most famous route in Georgia is the Mestia-to-Ushguli trek. Typically completed in 4 days, this journey can be shortened if needed, offering flexibility for different schedules. Along the trail, you’ll have the option to camp under the stars or stay in cozy guesthouses in the small towns along the path. This trek is widely regarded as the most popular in Georgia, so you’re likely to meet many fellow adventurers in Mestia gearing up for the same journey.
If a multi-day trek isn’t for you, Ushguli is still a destination worth visitng. It’s easily accessible via marshrutkas (shared taxis), and while a day trip is possible, I highly recommend spending at least one or two nights there to truly soak in the experience. Ushguli feels like a perfectly preserved medieval mountain village, offering a glimpse into another era. The area is also home to several beautiful hiking trails, making it a rewarding spot for exploration and relaxation alike.

One of the easiest hikes perfect for a day trip takes you from the city to the castle perched atop the hill. From the castle, you'll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the entire town. If you're staying longer in Ushguli, consider hiking to the Shkhara Glacier. While the journey is a bit lengthy, following the road offers incredible mountain scenery and the unforgettable experience of standing up close to a glacier.

Before heading from Mestia to Ushguli or embarking on the trek, there are a few important things to keep in mind. First, the area is quite remote. There’s no public transportation, no banks or ATMs, minimal shopping options, and credit cards are not accepted anywhere. Be sure to bring plenty of cash (available in Mestia), along with snacks and any essential supplies you might need. While the guesthouses offer cozy accommodations and on-site cafes or restaurants, you’ll need to come prepared with everything else. Transportation back to Mestia from Ushguli is limited, but shared taxis are available, and it's common to find locals offering rides for a fee.
Reaching Svaneti might be a bit of a challenge, but adding it to your Georgia itinerary is absolutely worthwhile. In return, you’ll be greeted by mountains and landscapes, warm and welcoming locals, and an escape from the hustle and bustle of the bigger cities.
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