Svaneti · Georgia
The Classic Svaneti Crossing
From / person€647
Two acclimatisation days in Mestia, four days walking to Ushguli, and a final day at the Shkhara glacier. The classic route, done in the right order.
- days
- 7
- nights
- 7
- max group
- 6
- From / person
- €647
On this page
Overview
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
Classic
€647
Family guesthouse, simple room, full board.
Signature
€1,188
The trek itself is identical — same route, same days, same guide. Signature changes the frame around it: premium guesthouses, a Svan supra evening, and an hour on horseback. After four days of walking to Ushguli, the difference between a bed and a good bed is not academic.
Day by day
Day 1 · Chalaadi Glacier
Pine forest, the suspension bridge over the Mestiachala, the glacier tongue. Easy acclimatisation day; afternoon in Mestia - Svan towers and the museum.
Day 2 · Koruldi Lakes
Alpine lakes at 2,700 m with the full Ushba panorama. The hardest day-hike near Mestia.
Day 3 · Trek: Mestia - Zhabeshi
First trekking day of the classic route, through Svan villages along the Mulkhra valley.
Day 4 · Trek: Zhabeshi - Adishi
Over the Zhabeshi pass to the remote village of Adishi.
Day 5 · Trek: Adishi - Iprari
Adishi glacier, the river crossing and the Chkhutnieri pass - the strongest day of the trek.
Day 6 · Trek: Iprari - Ushguli
Final trekking day into Ushguli under Shkhara, Georgia's highest peak.
Day 7 · Shkhara Glacier
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
Athlete · IFMGA & GMGA certified
Lasha
IFMGA & GMGA mountain guide
Galo
Alpine ski racer & guide · GMGA certified
Dato
Mountain guide · GMGA certified
Dates are flexible — tell us yours and we build the departure around them. Solo travellers can join a group that is already forming.
Hold the dates
Tell us your dates and how many of you there are — we reply within a day with the plan and the exact price for your group.
FAQ
Good to know
01How 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.
02Can I join on my own?+
Yes — a single traveller can join a departure that is already forming, and dates are flexible.
03Do 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.
04What 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.
05What is not included?+
Flights, insurance, lunch on the mountain, and a room to yourself.