SELF-GUIDED MESTIA-USHGULI TOUR
Glaciers
Have a best views of 3 breathtaking glaciers of Caucasus range in Svaneti.
Svan towers
Have a closer look at the oldest towers and visit the Khergiani museum in one of them.
Ushguli
Stay at one of the highest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Chkhunderi Pass (2655)
Enjoy outstanding panoramic views of surrounding mountains and Adishi Glacier.
ABOUT TOUR
Visit the high mountain grasslands of Upper Svaneti and walk the most popular Mestia-Ushguli trek through deep green valleys flanked by jagged peaks. Have a closer look at Svan towers clustering together dated back to the 12-13th centuries or even older.
You will have a glimpse of the Chalaadi, Adishi and Shkhara glaciers, hike over Chkhunderi pass (2655m) and stay overnight in Ushguli - the highest permanently inhabited community in Europe (2200 m).
TOUR INCLUDES
7 breakfasts, 7 dinners and 5 lunchboxes for hikes.
7 nights of accommodation in guesthouses of Svaneti.
Audio trail guide.
All transfers between villages according to the itinerary.
GPS maps to navigate.
Pre-departure information pack.
24/7 customer service.
Security phone & local SIM Card upon request.
Audio trail guide
Unique chance to listen to an exclusive audio guide during your self-guided tour. Learn the history of Svaneti, get insight into cultural highlights and the natural splendor of the area.
Play preview below
Camp Caucasus team is thoroughly committed to excellence.
Your happy trip with no hassle is our job.
Flexibility
Choose your own dates and explore at your own pace.
Hassle-free
Well-planned and organized tours for you to have a hassle-free holidays.
24/7 Assistance
Get advice and tips about your tour and travel in Georgia. We cover all your concerns.
Zero Cancellation
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PROGRAM
Day 1
After your arrival, you will have a traditional Georgian dinner and a good rest after a long journey to Svaneti.
Overnight in Mestia.
Day 2
After breakfast in the morning, you will go for a hike to the Chalaadi glacier. This beautiful and undemanding walk will take you through the forest to the foot of a glacier. After the walk, you will be transferred back to Mestia, where you will have free time for sightseeing in town and visit museums to get familiar with the traditions and culture of the Svaneti region. Delicious dinner will be served in the evening at the same guesthouse.
Distance: 3.0 km. Duration: 3 hrs. Overnight in Mestia.
Day 3
After breakfast you will start hiking to Mulakhi. It will take you through a meadow and forests. You will ascend to the viewpoint where you get panoramic views of Tetnuldi (4858 m), Laila (4008 m) and Ushba (4710 m). Later you will be passing through small villages surrounded by old towers that will lead you to your guesthouse in Mulakhi community.
Distance: 15 km. Duration: 6-7 hrs. Overnight in Mulakhi.
Day 4
Today you will continue walking into the wilderness, ascend to Tetnuldi ski resort and have a nice walk through alpine meadows that will take you to Adishi village (2,040 m above sea level). You will have a delicious dinner in the evening and a good night's rest in the local guesthouse.
Distance: 12 km. Duration: 6 hrs. Overnight in Adishi.
Day 5
After breakfast, you will go along the path towards village Khalde. You will cross the river and use horses for that. You will start ascending to Chkhunderi pass (2655m). On the way, you will see and enjoy the beautiful panoramic views of Adishi glacier and its surrounding. After enjoying the stunning mountain views, you will descend to the valley of the Khaldechala river, from there the easy trail will take you to Iprali village. You will have dinner, and a good night's rest in Iprali.
Distance: 17 km. Duration: 8 hrs. Overnight in Iprali
Day 6
After breakfast you will go through villages and forest, the dirt road, in the end, will bring you to the highest permanent settlement in Europe (2200 m) and UNESCO World Heritage Site - Ushguli, located at the foot of Shkhara (5193 m) - Georgia's highest and Europe's fourth highest mountain. You will have time to relax in the evening or explore the village.
Distance: 12 km. Duration: 6 hrs. Overnight in Ushguli
Day 7
After breakfast, you will take an easy day walk to the foot of the Shkhara glacier and the springs of Inguri river. You will walk the same way back, and you will be transferred back to Mestia, have a traditional Georgian dinner and overnight in the guesthouse.
Distance: 16 km. Duration: 6 hrs. Transfer: Overnight in Mestia.
Day 8
After breakfast, departure.
WHAT TO BRING
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Travelling and mountain trekking insurance till 3000m altitude.
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Money for extra things in grocery stores, souvenirs or any other personal items.
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A daily backpack for essentials. If you do not have one, you can rent it out from us.
WHAT TO KNOW
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The tour starts/ends in Mestia, but private transfers can be arranged from/to any city in Georgia upon request as an additional service.
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Additional alcohol can be served at a guesthouse, though it is not included in the price.
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Flight tickets are not included in the tour price.
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This tour is not recommended for children under 12 years of age.
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Luggage transfers can be arranged upon request for an additional cost.
MASTERCLASSES
Add optional experiences in villages at your self-guided walking tour in Svaneti.
To truly immerse yourself in the essence of Svaneti, you need to experience the local traditions up close. Don't miss the famous Svan hat masterclass with Maia who has dedicated her life to preserving her community's unique heritage. Or take a unique chance to make Svan Salt - an intensely aromatic condiment that adds a distinct Svanetian flavor to any dish. Indulge in the preparation and tasting of beloved Svan dishes like Kubdari, potato Elarge, and Chvishtari. But for the most adventurous guests, we offer masterclasses on ancestral gold mining techniques used in Svaneti.