Svaneti – Great Caucasus Traverse

A village-to-village traverse through the heart of Upper Svaneti, between medieval towers, glaciers and the high peaks of the Greater Caucasus.

Svaneti is one of Georgia's most spectacular and best-preserved regions. Nestled in the heart of the Greater Caucasus, it offers an exceptional setting of high peaks, glaciers, deep valleys, alpine pastures and traditional villages crowned by their famous medieval defensive towers. This journey leads us through Upper Svaneti, from the Zagari Pass area to Ushguli, then on foot from village to village through Khalde, Adishi, Zhabeshi and Mestia. An itinerant journey into an authentic Caucasus, blending hiking, glacial landscapes, Svan heritage and mountain culture.

CODE AA-SVA-02

9 days · Level 2/5

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. Flight to Kutaisi — Flight to Kutaisi in western Georgia. Welcome at the airport by our local team and transfer to our accommodation. Kutaisi, one of Georgia's oldest cities and former capital of the kingdom of Colchis, is our gateway to t…
  2. Kutaisi – Zagari Pass – Ushguli — Drive to Svaneti and start of our first hike near the Zagari Pass, one of the natural gateways to Upper Svaneti. The walk leads to Ushguli (approx. 2,100–2,200 m), an iconic group of villages with stone houses and medie…
  3. Ushguli – Khalde — On foot from Ushguli through the pastures of the upper Enguri valley, alternating tracks, trails, alpine meadows and woodland. We reach the remote village of Khalde. 15.3 km, +627 m, -654 m, approx. 6h05, difficult. Nig…
  4. Khalde – Iprari – Chkhunderi Pass – Adishi — A superb high-mountain day up to the Chkhunderi Pass with spectacular views of Mount Tetnuldi and the Adishi glacier, then descent to the glacial valley and the remote village of Adishi. 14.2 km, +681 m, -653 m, approx.…
  5. Adishi – Zhabeshi — Traverse westward through pastures, streams and forests with fine views of Tetnuldi, descending to the Mulakhi region and the village of Zhabeshi. 10.3 km, +429 m, -907 m, approx. 3h50, moderate. Night in Zhabeshi, home…
  6. Zhabeshi – Mestia — Hike to Mestia through traditional Mulakhi villages, forests and meadows, with many Svan towers along the way. Arrival in Mestia (approx. 1,500 m), the historic and cultural capital of Upper Svaneti. 15.7 km, +386 m, -6…
  7. Mestia – Guli Pass – Mazeri – back to Mestia — One of the finest mountain days, up to the Guli Pass with spectacular views of Ushba (4,710 m), then a long descent to the Becho valley and the village of Mazeri, before a transfer back to Mestia. 14.2 km, +548 m, -1,36…
  8. Mestia – Kutaisi – Prometheus Cave — Return drive to Kutaisi along the Enguri valley, with an afternoon visit to the famous Prometheus Cave and its vast underground galleries. Night in Kutaisi in a 3-star hotel.
  9. Kutaisi – Return flight — Depending on the flight schedule, breakfast and free time in Kutaisi, then transfer to Kutaisi International Airport for the return flight. End of our journey.

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