Check in Svaneti - 3-day excursion to the High Caucasus
3-4 days
20 max
all year
Check in Svaneti - 3-day excursion to the High Caucasus
A year-round trip to the mountainous region of Svaneti, the Vysakh Caucasus! We will take you on a jeep tour to the village of Ushguli, we will stop in Mestia, a town recognised for its by the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) for the „Best tourist destination 2022″!
This is our iconic original programme that we have been running for many years. An amazing off road adventure awaits you. Svaneti is a fabulous place with a huge and fascinating history!
Svaneti
Tama Enguri
The tour starts from Kutaisi. We will set off for the mountain town of Mestia in the Svaneti region! This is one of the most inaccessible regions in Georgia, having been isolated from the rest of the country for a long time. Svaneti lies among the highest peaks in the Caucasus.
The road to our destination will take us about 6/7 hours. We will drive through the picturesque region of Megrelia, called Georgian Tuscany. We'll see the Enguri Damwhich, when it was put into operation, was the second highest dam in the world! As a result of the construction of this dam, a lagoon was created here, which impresses with its turquoise colour.
Mestia is located in the Svaneti region, which is inhabited by the Svan ethnic group. Svaneti has long been self-sufficient and developed independently from the rest of the country.
The Swans have developed their own traditions, customs and even language, which has many remnants from the ancient Georgian language. The first traces of human presence in the area date back to the Neolithic period. A characteristic architectural feature of Svaneti are the stone towers, which used to be used for defence against enemies, bloody family revenge, or from avalanches. The oldest of them date back to the Middle Ages.
There are many references to mythology in Svaneti. The appearance of the myth of the golden fleece is linked to the mining of gold in the area.
Ushguli
Ushguli
We will go on an amazing jeep tour to the village of Ushguli. It is the highest village that is inhabited all year round, even in harsh winters! It is entirely under the protection of UNESCO. From here we will see the highest mountain in Georgia - Shkhara 5193m! We will visit the Lamaria monastery from the 11th century. We will walk along the winding streets between the defensive towers, which are up to 1000 years old. The towers were built to defend against enemies, avalanches and sometimes bloody family revenge.
After visiting Ushguli, we will return to Mestia. On the way we will stop at the Tower of Love and at the famous swings at Heshkili Huts.
We will go trekking to the head of the Chalaadi Glacier. After the trekking we will make our way back to Kutaisi, where there will be plenty of breaks for souvenir photos at viewpoints, waterfalls, bridges.
On an additional 4 days in Svaneti, you can take a jeep tour and trek to the Koruldi Lakes.
Route to the Chalaadi Glacier
Informations:
- The tour is organised only INDIVIDUAL, We agree a detailed programme and date with you. We adapt it to your needs (attractions, standard of accommodation, catering), which is why we do not quote a price on the website. We will provide you with the exact costs of the trip once we have worked out the details with you.
- We start and end the tour in the centre of Kutaisi. We will pick up our guests from the hotel or the airport.
- In Ushguli, Mestia we provide accommodation in reliable guest houses and hotels.
- The tour is organized throughout the year in a 3 or 4 day version.
- As a perfect addition to a longer stay in Georgia we recommend our one-day trips.
- It is advisable to bring comfortable shoes, a jacket or raincoat for the trip.
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- Additional attractions are possible:
- Jeep tour to Koruldi Lakes
- Paragliding flights,
- Horseback excursion from Ushguli under the Shkhara glacier. The tour costs 200 gel per person with a minimum group of 4 people.
- Culinary workshops
- Swan folklore
- Additional attractions are possible:
