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TREKKING FROM MESTIA TO USHGULI
7 days / 6 nights
Pick-up from: Tbilisi/Kutaisi/Zugdidi*
Season: June-September
Difficulty: Moderate
Trek one of the most popular trails in Georgia, connecting Mestia (administrative center of Svaneti region) and Ushguli Community of four villages recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Follow old shepherds path and enjoy views of Snowy peaks of Caucasus mountains – Ushba (4,710 m) , Tetnuldi (4,858 m) and Shkhara (5,193 m).
*Please indicate your preferred pick-up and drop-off locations in the comment at check-out.
Pickup from Tbilisi at 6:30 AM. Driving distance: 460 km, appx. 8 hours.
Pickup from Kutaisi at 10:00 AM. Driving distance: 225 km appx. 4 hours 45 min.
We start our first day with a long drive to North-West Georgia. With a few optional stops along the way, we’ll finally arrive to Mestia – administrative center and largest settlement of Svaneti region, famous for its Svan towers and magnificent views of surrounding Caucasus mountains. After checking in local guesthouse and some rest, we’ll have an opportunity to take a walk around to explore the town and make an optional visit to one of the local ethnographic museums.
Overnight at Guesthouse in Mestia.
Distance: 17.7 km approx. 5.5 hours.
Elevation: ↑770 m / ↓520 m.
Max: 1940m, Min 1400 m
The trek starts with a climb passing the Hotel Tetnuldi and follows a dirt road, through light forests and pastures.
After few steeper sections the trek opens up for a beautiful view of by Mt. Tetnuldi peak. On the way you will pass through Zhamushi and Cholashi villages and come down to the Mulkhura river until finally arriving to Zhabeshi.
Overnight at Guesthouse in Zhabeshi.
Distance: 10 km approx. 4 hours.
Elevation: ↑850 m / ↓430m.
Max: 2,480m, Min 1,650
The hike today starts with a steep climb up to Tetnuldi ski resort area, the second largest ski resort in Georgia, after Gudauri. While the first part of the trek is probably the least inspiring section of Mestia-Ushguli trail, you will soon be rewarded with 360 views of surrounding mountains and valleys of Svaneti. After passing the ski resort, you’ll go back to hiking path and begin to descend to Adishi village passing through mixed forest, mountain meadows and several creeks.
Adishi is a small mountain village, isolated from rest of the world during most part of the winter.
Overnight at Guesthouse in Adishi.
Distance 17.1 km, approx. 6 hours.
Elevation: ↑ 1,081 m / ↓ 1,216 m
Max. 2715 m, Min. 1952 m
After breakfast, we’ll continue our trek to ford Adishi river and head toward the foot of Adishi Glacier. As the highlight of the trail we’ll go over Chkhunderi pass (2655 m), which offers great views of surrounding mountains and nearby glacier. Descend to Iprali village for overnight.
Overnight at Guesthouse in Iprali.
Trekking: 13.0 km, approx. 4 hours.
Elevation: ↑691 m / ↓483 m
Max. 2169 m, Min. 1758 m
Today, for the first time after leaving Mestia the trek will take us to main car road leading to Ushguli. Alhtogh, as soon as we reach the turn to village Davberi, we’ll take a path again to avoid the cars and hike until reaching the first village of Ushguli Community.
Located in the upper part of the Enguri valley beneath the snow-covered peak of Georgia’s highest mountain, Mt Shkhara (5193m), Ushguli is an incredibly atmospheric and peaceful place. With more than 40 ancient Svan towers, it has been on the Unesco World Heritage List since 1996, and even though it's now getting crowded with tourists there is still plenty of room to make it your personal hideaway.
Overnight at Guesthouse in Ushguli.
After breakfast, we’ll take our last hike to reach the glacier at the foothills of Mt. Shkhara. The first part of the trail follows the flat valley of Enguri until reaching the alpine basecamp, from which trail turns uphill and follows rocky terrain leading to the glacier.
Distance of Shkhara glacier walk from Ushguli: 10 km km, approx. 4-5 hours
Ascent 307 m/ Descent 304 m
After returning to Ushguli, we will be picked up driven back to Mestia, making several optional stops (near “Tower of Love”, mineral spring waters).
In the evening, you’ll have a free time in Mestia and opportunity to try out local dishes in one of the local restaurants, or perhaps hit a bar and enjoy some live music of your taste.
Overnight at guesthouse in Mestia.
Drive back to preferred drop-off location in Zugdidi, Kutaisi or Tbilisi.
*Participants of group will be provided secure luggage storage in the guesthouse in Mestia, during trekking days you are expected to carry your own day pack with personal belongings. All guesthouses provide all necessary bed linings, blankets and towels.
**Additional trekking gear is available for rent upon special request.
| Group size | Price per adult |
|---|---|
| Solo | 3429 $ |
| 2 - 3 people | 1968 $ |
| 4 - 5 people | 1223 $ |
| 6 - 7 people | 1053 $ |
| 8 - 15 people | 917 $ |
The above prices (except for solo) are based on two people sharing a twin/double room accommodation.
There is additional fee for single room accomodation that you can select at checkout.
| Child Policy |
|---|
| 0-6 years - Free |
| 7-12 years - 50% |
| 12 years and above - Adult |
*Online booking deposit will be deducted from the total tour price.
The balance can be paid in one of the following ways:
For a larger group or custom itinerary please contact us at info[at]georgianholidays.com
Tips for booking procedure:
How to know which “Operator” to select?
You only need to select the Operator name if you have previously communicated with one of our sales agents via phone or email, otherwise please leave it at default.
Please note, this itinerary is quite demanding and requires good physical level.
Most overnights will be in basic village guesthouses and homestays with shared facilitites.
The above prices (except for solo) are based on two people sharing twin/double room accommodation.
Single Room Supplement is:25 USD
Cancellation is free of charge prior 7 days of the starting day.
If Tourist cancels the booked tour for some reasons not depending on Tour Operator, the following sums are kept back as a fine:
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