Ice and Towers, Svaneti

No need for knees of steel. Explore all the gems of Svaneti without back-breaking climbs.

From€850/ person

Tour type

Private

Duration

9 days

Start / End

Tbilisi / Tbilisi

Activity

Hiking & Culture

Difficulty

Easy – Moderate

Accommodation

Hotel + Guesthouses

Overview

Discover the wild heart of Svaneti

Discover the wild heart of Georgia on this unforgettable hiking adventure through the legendary Svaneti region. Hidden among the soaring peaks of the Greater Caucasus, Svaneti is a land of ancient stone towers, heroic Svans, and untouched alpine beauty. From the vibrant streets of Tbilisi to the remote villages of Ushguli, you'll hike breathtaking trails to powerful waterfalls, shimmering glaciers, and high mountain lakes — all framed by iconic giants like Ushba, Shkhara, and Tetnuldi. Immerse yourself in Svan culture, taste traditional food, enjoy panoramic views from Zuruldi Ridge and Koruldi Lakes, and walk on the ancient ice of Adishi Glacier. This is Georgia at its most dramatic and authentic — a journey you'll never forget.

Trip highlights

Explore the legendary Svaneti region
Travel through the Inguri Gorge
Visit Mazeri, Mestia, and Ushguli
Hike beneath Mount Ushba
See Shdugra Waterfall
Visit Chalaadi Glacier
Panoramic views from Zuruldi Ridge
Visit Koruldi Lakes
Walk near Adishi Glacier
Discover Ushguli and Lamaria Church
See the source of the Enguri River below Mount Shkhara
Experience Svan culture, towers, villages, and traditional food

Itinerary

Day-by-Day

Arrive in Tbilisi, meet your driver, and transfer to your hotel for the night.

OvernightTbilisi (hotel)

Drive to the mysterious Svaneti region through the Inguri Gorge. Svaneti is home to the Svans, a proud highland people whose culture, traditions, and customs set them apart from the rest of Georgia. The region is famous for its distinctive architecture and is known as "the Land of a Thousand Towers" — medieval stone tower-houses (10th–14th c.) that served both defensive and residential roles, many still standing in Mestia.

Drive450 km, ~8 hoursOvernightMazeri (guesthouse)OptionalEnguri Dam

Take in sweeping views of Mount Ushba — the region's most iconic peak — and one of Georgia's most powerful waterfalls. Today's hike begins in the valley beneath Ushba and leads to the Shdugra Waterfall. Afterwards, drive to Mestia.

Distance6 kmElevation1,600 m → 2,000 mDrive24 km (~40 min)OvernightMestia (guesthouse)OptionalTraditional Svan tower (koshki)

Chalaadi is one of Georgia's largest glaciers, and its tongue reaches one of the lowest elevations in the country. The hike is easy to moderate, with wonderful views over the valley and mountains.

Distance12 km (round trip)Elevation1,670 m → 1,970 mDrive24 kmOvernightMestia (guesthouse)OptionalMestia History & Ethnography Museum

Ride the cable car up and walk the Zuruldi ridgeline, with views of Ushba, Shkhara, Tetnuldi, and almost the entire Caucasus range. Continue on to the Koruldi Lakes.

Distance2 kmElevationMax 2,745 mOvernightMestia (guesthouse)

Hidden deep in Svaneti lies one of the most dramatic glacier valleys in the Caucasus. This full-day alpine adventure combines scenic off-road access, panoramic mountain views, and a guided approach to the Adishi Glacier — with the chance to walk on the ice itself.

Distance12 kmElevation2,000–2,500 mDrive~2 hours totalOvernightUshguli (guesthouse)

Reach the source of the Enguri — Svaneti's lifeline river — below Mount Shkhara, with scenic views of the highest part of the Caucasus. Visit Lamaria Church, a medieval hilltop church overlooking Ushguli at 2,200 m. Highly recommended this evening: watch the acclaimed film "Dede," set in Ushguli, in mixed Georgian and Svan with English subtitles.

Distance6 kmElevationMax 2,745 mOvernightUshguli (guesthouse)OptionalFilm "Dede" (1h 37min)

A scenic seven-hour drive back to Tbilisi, tracing the length of Svaneti as the mountains give way to foothills and then city.

Drive~7 hoursOvernightTbilisi (hotel)

Transfer to the airport for your departure. End of tour.

Overnight—

Svaneti, Georgia

Details

What’s included

Included

Airport transfer on arrival
All transportation throughout the tour
Professional English-speaking guide
All accommodation (hotel + guesthouses)
Breakfasts daily
Selected meals (noted in itinerary)
Cable car ticket (Zuruldi)
Listed museum entrance fees
4×4 transfers where specified
Route planning and full organization

Not included

International flights
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Alcoholic drinks
Extra meals not listed in itinerary
Optional activities
Museum entry fees not listed
Film "Dede" ticket
Tips (discretionary)

Accommodation

·Night 1 & 8 — Hotel in Tbilisi
·Night 2 — Guesthouse in Mazeri
·Nights 3, 4 & 5 — Guesthouse / small hotel in Mestia
·Nights 6 & 7 — Guesthouse in Ushguli

What to bring

·Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots

·Waterproof jacket and rain cover

·Warm layers (fleece / down jacket)

·Day backpack (20–30 L)

·Reusable water bottle

·Sunglasses and sun hat

·Sunscreen (SPF 30+)

·Personal medication

·Camera or phone with extra storage

·Power bank

·Travel insurance documents

Best season

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Excellent

Good

Mountain weather can change quickly — your guide monitors conditions and adapts the plan.

Gallery

Scenes from the trail

Shdugra Waterfall cascading through forest

Shkhara mountain — highest peak in Georgia

FAQ

Common questions

No — it's designed for active travellers who enjoy walking but don't need expedition fitness. Hikes are 6–12 km on well-marked trails, with the most strenuous days rated easy-to-moderate. Days 2 and 8 are mostly driving.

Basic fitness is enough. You should be comfortable walking for 4–6 hours with a light daypack, including some uphill sections. No technical skills, ropes, or prior mountaineering experience are required.

Yes, for families with teenagers or older children who enjoy being outdoors. Some hiking days involve rocky terrain. We're happy to adapt the pace for families — mention this in your enquiry.

A comfortable hotel in Tbilisi, family-run guesthouses in Mazeri and Ushguli, and a guesthouse or small hotel in Mestia. All are clean, welcoming, and chosen for their location. Rooms are twin/double with private or shared bathroom depending on the property.

Yes. If the weather turns or you'd rather spend a day exploring the village, your guide will help you adjust the plan. The driving days (Days 2 and 8) offer natural rest breaks built into the itinerary.

Yes — all our tours are private. Your departure is just for you and your travel companions, with full flexibility on dates, pace, and any customisations. Use the "Request a Custom Version" option in the enquiry form to tailor it further.

Mountain weather is unpredictable and we always have a backup plan. Your guide will adjust the route, suggest alternative activities, or reschedule a hike to a better weather window where possible. Safety is always our first priority.

Yes, travel insurance including emergency evacuation cover is strongly recommended for all mountain travel. We can suggest providers if needed — mention it in your enquiry.

The published itinerary is our tried-and-tested plan. Occasionally road conditions, weather, or local events may require minor adjustments. Your guide will always choose the best alternative and keep you informed.

Yes — airport transfer on arrival (Day 1) is included. If your flight lands late, we'll arrange accordingly. Departure transfer on Day 9 is also included.

Tailor-Made

Want a Trip Designed Around You?

Tell us your dates, group size, interests, and fitness level, and we'll craft a private itinerary — hiking, climbing, caving, biking, overlanding, or a mix, with as much Georgian food and culture as you like.

Request a Custom Trip

Trekking