Georgia / Svaneti / Mestia (Svaneti)Mestia (Svaneti)
Svan Towers Under the High Caucasus
The main town of Upper Svaneti, a UNESCO-listed highland of medieval stone defence towers under 4,000-5,000 m peaks. From Mestia: the Chalaadi glacier, the Koruldi lakes, and Ushguli, among the highest villages in Europe with Mount Shkhara behind it, a day trip by 4x4 (about 2 hours each way). Reached by marshrutka from Zugdidi (about 3.5 hours; Zugdidi has night trains from Tbilisi), Kutaisi or Tbilisi, or by Vanilla Sky's small, weather-dependent flights. Hiking June to September; skiing at Hatsvali and Tetnuldi in winter.
Highlights
- Svan defence towers
- Day trip to Ushguli under Mount Shkhara
- Chalaadi glacier walk
- Koruldi lakes hike
- Svaneti Museum icons and manuscripts
- Kubdari (Svan meat pie) and Svan salt
- Hatsvali cable car
Things to do
- 4x4 day trip to UshguliMorning · 8h
- Chalaadi glacier walkMorning · 4h
- Koruldi lakes hikeMorning · 7h
- Svaneti Museum and a tower climbAfternoon · 2h
Tours & tickets
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When to go
Best time: June – September
Worth knowing
Svaneti Roads and Flights in Winter
The road up the Enguri gorge from Zugdidi to Mestia is kept open in winter but can close for a day or more after heavy snow or an avalanche, and the Mestia–Ushguli road is often 4x4-only or shut. Vanilla Sky's small planes cancel in cloud and snow. Allow a spare day either side, and carry chains or travel with a local driver.