Georgia: Trekking in Svaneti - The Greater Caucasus
Sat, Jul 18
|Svaneti, Georgia
Located in northwestern Georgia, at the foot of some of the Caucasus' most imposing giants, the region is famous for its medieval defense towers (Koshki) and the culture of the "Svans," a proud mountain people who have preserved their traditions for millennia.
Date & location
Jul 18, 2026, 7:00 PM
Svaneti, Georgia
About the hike
More photos in the extended gallery below.
Date: July 18 - 26, 2026 (6 days of mountain trekking and 3 days of logistics/city)
We invite you to discover the spectacular ridges of the Svaneti region, Georgia, in an expedition where the mountain is explored to its true potential. This trip is designed for those seeking more than just a simple hike. Up the Mountains was born from a pure passion for the mountains and the desire to share this universe with those who want to experience it correctly. We aim to offer every participant an authentic experience, guided by professionals who respect the mountain and understand all its perspectives.
Program at a glance
Saturday, July 18: Departure
Depart to Kutaisi, arrive Sunday morning
Sunday, July 19: The Gateway to Svaneti
We land at 03:40 AM in Kutaisi. We are picked up by a private van and head towards Mestia (approx. 5 hours). After check-in and some rest, we explore the town with its UNESCO towers or, depending on the weather and the group's energy, we hike up the Zuruldi ridge for the first panorama of peaks over 5,000m.
Monday, July 20: Start Trek (Mestia – Zhabeshi)
We begin the route towards Ushguli. The first stage takes us through alpine pastures and picturesque villages to Zhabeshi.
Tuesday, July 21: Zhabeshi – Adishi
We climb towards ridges with views of Tetnuldi, pass through ski resorts, and descend into Adishi, an isolated and extremely authentic village.
Wednesday, July 22: Adishi – Iprali
The most spectacular day: we cross the Adishischala river (possibly on horseback) and climb to Chkhunderi Pass (2,722 m) for a panoramic view of the Adishi glacier. We then descend towards Iprali.
Thursday, July 23: Iprali – Ushguli
The final stage of the trek brings us to Ushguli, a community situated at 2,140m altitude, dominated by the massive ridge of the Shkhara glacier.
Friday, July 24: At the foot of the Shkhara giant
A more relaxed hiking day, without a heavy backpack, towards the glacier beneath the Shkhara peak (5,193m).
Saturday, July 25: Return to civilization
Private van transfer from Ushguli back to Kutaisi. We have the afternoon at our disposal for city sightseeing, spice shopping in the bazaar, and the farewell dinner.
Sunday, July 26: Heading home
Transfer to the airport at 04:00 for the morning flights.
Difficulty
Total walking distance: between 90 and 100 km.
Elevation gain: over 5,000 m D+ (total).
Difficulty: Medium (requires good physical condition for sustained effort).
Costs and Logistic Details
Price: 890 EUR
What is included:
Professional mountain guiding: for the entire 9-day duration (7 days of intense activity and 2 days of logistics/city).
Private transfers: Airport – Mestia, Ushguli – Kutaisi, Kutaisi – Airport.
Accommodation: In Kutaisi and Mestia (hotel/guesthouse), and in the mountain villages with locals. Note: In the villages, accommodation is basic (authentic), offering us the chance to immerse ourselves in the local Svan culture.
Meals: breakfast in Mestia (2 days), half board in Zhabeshi, Adishi, Iprali, breakfast in Ushguli (2 days), breakfast in Kutaisi.
What is not included:
Flights.
Meals not mentioned above (in areas where we have many more interesting options).
Travel medical insurance (mandatory, with mountain coverage).
Registration
Registrations are reserved for people who have previously hiked with us on the trails of Romania or who have been recommended by someone who hiked with us.
Sign up here and we will get in touch to discuss details.
Registration deadline: May 10, 2026 (or until the 10 spots are filled).
Contact: +40 724 280 784 | explore@upthemountains.com
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation more than 60 days in advance: Full refund or transfer to a future tour.
Cancellation under 60 days: For organizational reasons, a refund is not possible.
Weather conditions: We reserve the right to cancel or modify the hike in dangerous weather conditions, and the money will be fully refunded.
