5. From Tbilisi: 8-Day Trek in Svaneti
Day 1: Tbilisi to Mazeri
Start the day with a drive to Svaneti. On the way, stop at Enguri Dam, which is one of the highest arch dams in the world. Afterward, continue to the region of Upper Svaneti where you can admire exceptional mountain landscapes composed of well-preserved villages with unique defensive tower houses, examples of ecclesiastical architecture and medieval arts.
Day 2: Mazeri to Ushba Waterfalls
In the morning, begin your hike from the village of Mazeri, following the Dolra River upstream. Pass by mineral water springs, a small church, and beautiful meadows. Then, ascend slowly through beautiful pine forests until you reach the border post from where your last ascent starts. Afterward, return to Mazeri, where you will spend the night.
(difficulty: moderate, walking distance: 14 kilometers, duration: 5 hours)
Day 3: Mazeri to Mestia
Start the day with another spectacular hike to Koruldi Lakes through the Guli Pass. After taking on the challenge of the Guli Pass, descend into another valley where you will reach the Koruldi Lakes. Relax here and take in the spectacular alpine views before continuing to Mestia for the night.
(difficulty: hard, walking distance: 16 kilometers, duration: 8 hours)
Day 4: Mestia to Zhabeshi
Today, hike to the village of Zhabeshi, where you will meet the Mulakhi community. Today's route is easy and follows an off-road and well-marked trail. Spend the night at a guesthouse in Zhabeshi with shared facilities.
(difficulty: moderate, walking distance: 16 kilometers, duration: 6 hours)
Day 5: Zhabeshi to Adishi
Enjoy a hike up the slopes of Tetnuldi mountain, passing ski resorts and forests of birch trees and rhododendron bushes. After passing an alpine river, relax in the picturesque mountainous meadows of Adishi, where you will find ancient stone houses.
(difficulty: moderate, walking distance: 10 kilometers, duration: 6 hours)
Day 6: Adishi to Iprali
Rise early and cross a roaring Adishi river to climb up to the Chkhunderi pass. From here, admire majestic panoramic views of the picturesque Adishi Glacier. Afterward, hike to the villages of Khalde and Iprali, where you will spend the night.
(difficulty: hard, walking distance: 17 kilometers, duration: 8 hours)
Day 7: Iprali to Mestia
In the morning, trek through traditional Svani villages. After passing by the villages of Kala and Davberi, trek through forests to reach Ushguli from above.
(difficulty: moderate, walking distance: 10 kilometers, duration: 5 hours)
Day 8: Mestia to Tbilisi
After breakfast, begin the journey back to Tbilisi, stopping at the Chalaadi glacier along the way as you follow the Mestiachala river upstream.
(difficulty: easy, walking distance: 5 kilometers, duration: 3 hours)