This is the classic Mestia–Ushguli trek done properly: two acclimatisation days before anyone shoulders a pack. Day one is the easy Chalaadi glacier walk; day two is the Koruldi Lakes, the hardest day-hike near Mestia. Then four days of walking — to Zhabeshi through the Mulkhra valley villages, over the pass to Adishi, past the Adishi glacier and over the Chkhutnieri pass to Iprari, and finally into Ushguli under Shkhara, Georgia's highest peak.
Day seven is the reward for finishing: a day hike up the Enguri valley to the Shkhara glacier before the drive back to Mestia. The strongest day is Adishi to Iprari — the glacier, the river crossing and the pass — and the two warm-up days exist so that day goes well. Six people, one guide, one car; breakfast and dinner every night.
Classic or Signature
For hikers who want Georgia's classic trek with the acclimatisation built in, not bolted on.
Day by day
Pine forest, the suspension bridge over the Mestiachala, the glacier tongue. Easy acclimatisation day; afternoon in Mestia - Svan towers and the museum.
Alpine lakes at 2,700 m with the full Ushba panorama. The hardest day-hike near Mestia.
First trekking day of the classic route, through Svan villages along the Mulkhra valley.
Over the Zhabeshi pass to the remote village of Adishi.
Adishi glacier, the river crossing and the Chkhutnieri pass - the strongest day of the trek.
Final trekking day into Ushguli under Shkhara, Georgia's highest peak.
Day hike up the Enguri valley to the Shkhara glacier, then the drive back to Mestia.
What is included
- A local Svan guide with the group every day
- All travel inside Svaneti in our own vehicles
- A room in Mestia with breakfast and dinner
Not included
- Airport transfer — we arrange it as a separate line, just ask
- Flights and travel insurance
- Lunch on the mountain
- A room to yourself (single supplement on request)
Your guides
Shako MargianiAthlete · IFMGA & GMGA certified
Lasha PirtskhelianiIFMGA & GMGA mountain guide
Galo JapharidzeAlpine ski racer & guide · GMGA certified
Dato GuledaniMountain guide · GMGA certifiedCertified local Svan guides. We guide in English, Georgian and Svan.
Dates are flexible — tell us yours and we build the departure around them. Solo travellers can join a group that is already forming.
Questions we hear before this trip
How big is the group?
Six people, one guide, one car — that arithmetic is what the per-person price stands on. Larger parties are split by activity, each sub-group priced by its own rule.
Can I join on my own?
Yes — a single traveller can join a departure that is already forming, and dates are flexible.
Do I need trekking experience?
You need honest day-hike fitness rather than expedition experience. The strongest day is Adishi to Iprari — the Adishi glacier, the river crossing and the Chkhutnieri pass — and the two acclimatisation days exist so that day goes well. If Koruldi on day two felt manageable, the trek will fit.
What is included in the price?
A local Svan guide with you each day, all travel inside the region in our own vehicles, and accommodation with breakfast and dinner.
What is not included?
Flights, insurance, lunch on the mountain, and a room to yourself.