Svaneti: What to See in the Most Picturesque Mountain Region of Georgia

Svaneti is one of the most breathtaking mountainous regions in Georgia, famous for its iconic medieval towers, which are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. But the appeal of this area goes beyond its impressive architecture; it’s truly remarkable for its stunning natural beauty. In this guide, we’ll highlight the must-see attractions in Svaneti that you can explore over a few days.

With its awe-inspiring mountain landscapes, lush forests, glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, and rushing rivers, Svaneti offers endless opportunities for hiking and outdoor adventures. The region is home to some of the highest and most challenging peaks in the Greater Caucasus, including Ushba, Tetnuldi, and Shkhara. Witnessing this incredible scenery is a genuine delight.

Svaneti also boasts a rich cultural heritage and a well-developed tourist infrastructure. In the regional center of Mestia, you’ll find cozy guesthouses and hotels, various restaurants, cafes, bars, museums, and theaters. Tourist information centers are available to provide maps and directions to the main attractions.

Don’t miss the chance to try local specialties like kubdari (a savory meat pie), khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), delicious meat dishes, and the famous potatoes topped with melted cheese.

From April to October, Svaneti is perfect for hiking enthusiasts, while the ski season runs from January to March at resorts like Hatsvali and Tetnuldi. Check out our list of must-see sights in Svaneti and get ready to explore this amazing region! Be sure to set aside several days for your adventure.

Mestia boasts the most developed tourist infrastructure in the region. As the administrative center, it is home to the largest concentration of Svan towers. This article provides a detailed overview of the attractions and activities in Mestia, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the area.

Visit the museum in Mestia to learn more about the culture and history of the region. The museum features an extensive collection of unique exhibits, including metal weapons, jewelry, traditional costumes, manuscripts, ancient Bibles written in Svan (which differs from Georgian), and gilded icons.

You will be impressed by the richness and antiquity of Svan culture. The museum building itself is modern and designed in a European style. In the foyer, there is a café where you can relax and enjoy views of the Svan Towers.

From Mestia, you can embark on a relatively easy yet stunning hike along a mountain river. This route is accessible even to those without prior hiking experience. To reach the glacier, take a taxi (drivers can be found near the information center in the town). After that, you will cross a bridge over the mountain river and follow a forest trail upwards.

The entire trail runs alongside the river, making it easy to find the glacier even without signs. Some parts of the path require walking over large stones. The view of Chalaadi is breathtaking; you can even touch the ice during the summer months. The hike to Chalaadi takes about two hours one way and one and a half hours back. At the beginning of the trail, there is information available about other hiking routes.

Since this area is near the border, make sure to bring your identification documents, as they may be checked.

From personal experience:

We hiked to Chalaadi Glacier three years ago with our five-year-old child. Our journey took longer than two hours one way, but our child managed to complete the hike and was thrilled to touch real ice in the summer.

Just 10 kilometers from Mestia and at an elevation of 2,850 meters above sea level, the Koruldi Lakes are a stunning destination. This trek is more challenging than the one to Chalaadi Glacier, so those who aren’t well-prepared often take off-road vehicles from the center of Mestia to reach the lakes. However, the hike itself is incredibly rewarding, offering beautiful views of waterfalls and majestic mountain landscapes, including the peaks of Laila, Ushba, Tetnuldi, and Shkhara, as well as the Inguri Valley and the village of Zemo Svaneti.

The route is divided into two parts: the first takes you to a viewpoint near a cross (which involves a steep climb), and the second leads you through alpine meadows to the lakes. The journey and the breathtaking scenery are the highlights.

From personal experience:

Climbing up and watching the landscape change is truly captivating. Along the way, you’ll encounter waterfalls, unique plants, and even some large dogs. In the alpine meadows, fragrant flowers bloom, attracting plenty of bees, so don’t forget to bring insect repellent. You might also see cows grazing near Koruldi Lakes; they kept us from sitting on the grassy area, but our experience on the trek was still amazing.

From late spring to autumn, you can take another easy yet beautiful hike to the meteorological station. This trail starts at the upper station of the Hatsvali cable car. It’s a great warm-up before tackling Koruldi or Chalaadi. There are no steep climbs on this route, but it offers stunning views. Just make sure not to miss the last cable car ride back down (which leaves at 4:00 PM).

The Hatsvali cable car operates from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and has two stations: lower and upper. You can buy tickets at the ticket office at the lower station. The ride to the top costs 20 lari, while returning down is free. Be careful not to lose your card; you’ll need it to get through the turnstile at the upper station.

The cabins at the lower station are open-air, while those at the upper station are enclosed (this is a new cable car that was recently built). From the cable car, you’ll enjoy some of the best views of Mestia, Ushba, and the Caucasus mountain range. At the upper station, there’s also a restaurant with a lovely viewing platform where you can relax and take in the scenery.

The Becho community in Svaneti is located in the Dolra River valley, just west of Mestia. This area includes 13 villages and is dominated by the two peaks of Ushba, known as one of the most challenging and dangerous mountains for climbers in Georgia.

One of the villages in this community, Mazeri (at an altitude of 1,600 meters), sits right at the foot of Ushba. From here, you can access some of the most stunning hiking trails in Svaneti, perfect for multi-day treks. You can hike to Ushba Glacier, visit the Shdugra Waterfalls (near Mazeri), or simply wander through pristine alpine meadows. All the trails are well-marked on the Maps.me app.

During the hiking season, you can either trek to Ushguli or reach it by off-road vehicle. The village is inaccessible in winter. Ushguli is a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its well-preserved Svan towers and stunning views of Shkhara, the highest mountain in Georgia.

Ushguli is one of the highest inhabited settlements in Europe. Here, you can explore the village, check out the towers and beautiful landscapes, and visit the ethnographic museum, a restaurant, and an ancient church. For more information about trips or hikes to Ushguli, head to the tourist information center in Mestia.

The medieval Orthodox church is perched at an altitude of 2,100 meters and is surrounded by a defensive stone wall that culminates in a Svan tower. Both the church and the wall were constructed between the 9th and 10th centuries. Inside, the walls are beautifully adorned with frescoes from various periods of the Middle Ages. From the viewing platform, you can enjoy stunning views of Shkhara, the highest mountain in Georgia. The church is open to visitors from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

The hike from Ushguli to Shkhara Glacier is often considered one of the most beautiful treks in Svaneti. Although the trail can be challenging, the views of the glacier are absolutely breathtaking. The round trip takes about five hours, and there are no steep climbs along the way. Alternatively, you can reach the glacier by minivan. For those seeking a longer adventure, it’s possible to hike from Mestia to Ushguli and finish at the glacier over four days.

Tetnuldi is one of the ten highest and most beautiful peaks in the Greater Caucasus Mountain Range. You can reach it by off-road vehicle, but summiting the mountain requires preparation and specialized equipment due to its ice and snow coverage. However, you can get close and enjoy a walk around the area.

This small, picturesque village in Svaneti sits at an altitude of 1,900 meters and is just 5 kilometers from Mestia. It’s famous for its swings that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Swinging here feels like you’re soaring above the peaks, making it a popular spot for stunning photos that give the illusion of flying in the sky.

You can hike from Mestia to Keshkili in about two hours or take a taxi that takes around 20 minutes. Another option is to ride the cable car to the mid-station and then walk down to Keshkili, which takes about an hour.

The distance from Tbilisi to Svaneti is 463 kilometers, and the drive takes between 8 to 10 hours. Most of the road is paved, so you can travel in any car from spring to autumn. However, in winter, it’s best to use a 4WD vehicle with winter tires to avoid getting stuck. Choose the mode of transportation that suits you best.

The flight duration is 50 minutes, departing from 10:00 AM and arriving at 10:50 AM. A ticket costs 90 lari and includes a baggage allowance of 15 kg. Taxi fares are separate. Tickets can be purchased on the carrier’s website, vanillasky.ge, or at their office. Small planes fly daily from Natakhtari Airport, and flights operate on schedule in good weather. However, they may be delayed or canceled in poor conditions, so while this is the fastest way to reach Svaneti, it isn’t always reliable.

Passengers traveling from Tbilisi can enjoy a free transfer provided by the airline. The bus departs 1 hour and 45 minutes before the flight from the bicycle monument at Rose Revolution Square. You can also use GoTrip for transfers to Natakhtari Airport from your home. Note that taxi fares from the airport to Mestia are additional.

The journey takes approximately 9 hours. Marshrutkas leave from Didube station between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM and cost around 30 lari. These minibuses travel daily to Svaneti, departing when full. Tickets are purchased in cash from the driver. In addition to direct routes, you can also choose a route with a transfer in Zugdidi (which is also accessible by train).

While marshrutkas are cheaper than other forms of transport, the journey can be tiring. The views along the way are beautiful, but it’s hard to see everything from the windows of a minibus.

The trip takes between 8 to 10 hours and costs from 500 lari (additional charges apply for stops and waiting time). You can reach Svaneti by taxi, but finding drivers through apps can be challenging due to the complicated route. It’s better to choose a recommended driver with a good vehicle who knows the road well for a safe journey. In winter, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is advisable to avoid getting stuck or slipping.

The journey takes about 8 to 10 hours and costs around $50 (150 lari) per day, plus extra for child seats, fuel, and a refundable deposit. This option is more demanding and can be expensive but is ideal for those who want to explore Svaneti over several days by car. Renting a 4WD is recommended since many of the most beautiful spots are inaccessible by regular vehicles. The route can be long and challenging, which may be exhausting for drivers unfamiliar with local driving styles or winding roads.

The trip from Tbilisi takes around 8 to 10 hours and starts at 650 lari, which includes child seat (if necessary), water, stops, and waiting time. At GoTrip, we have only experienced local drivers who have undergone customer service training. You can select your driver in advance from our database on the website and book your transfer without needing a deposit.

Cancellations can also be made without penalties. The drivers know the roads well and can recommend great spots for photos or delicious places to eat. They won’t smoke in the vehicle or engage you in conversation unless you want to chat. And, or course, they will let you choose the music for the entire journey 🙂

Book a transfer from Tbilisi to Mestia without prepayment

May your journey to Svaneti be filled with pleasant experiences from the very start, leaving you eager to return!