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Svaneti Grand Trek

13 Days of Peaks, Glaciers & UNESCO Heritage

  • Trip length:

    13 days

  • Location

    Starts/Ends: Tbilisi → Tbilisi

  • Style

    Guided cultural & trekking adventure (day hikes, hotel/guesthouse overnights)

  • Difficulty

    Moderate (3–7 hours hiking on active days; max ~1,340 m gain on the longest day)

  • Group size

    2–12 (private departures available)

  • At a glance: Route map & flow

    Tbilisi → Mtskheta → Gori → Kutaisi → Zugdidi → Becho → Mestia → Ushguli → Mestia → Zugdidi → Kutaisi → Gori → Tbilisi → Airport

  • Why you’ll love it
    • Stand beneath the twin summits of Ushba and the country’s highest peak, Mount Shkhara.
    • Trek to Koruldi Lakes and Chalaadi Glacier; chase the thunder of Shdugra (Ushba) Waterfall.
    • Wander UNESCO sites: Svetitskhoveli, Jvari, Upper Svaneti (Ushguli), Gelati.
    • Time-travel at Uplistsikhe cave town and the regal Dadiani Palace; glow underground in Prometheus Cave.
    • Savor markets, farmhouse meals, and the warmth of Svan hospitality.

What’s included

  • Airport pick-up & drop-off
  • All ground transport in a comfortable vehicle (incl. 4×4 where needed)
  • Licensed English-speaking guide throughout; local mountain guide on hikes
  • All listed museum/monument entries (incl. Prometheus Cave, Tower of Love)
  • 12 nights guesthouse/hotel accommodation (twin share; private room on request)
  • Daily bottled water
  • Support with route pacing and weather adjustments

What’s not included

  • International flights, visas & travel insurance (required)
  • Meals not specified; personal snacks & drinks
  • Tips for guides/drivers; optional activities; personal gear

$1,199.00

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Detailed itinerary

Day 1 — Arrive Tbilisi & Walking Tour

Metekhi Church, Europe Square, Rike Park, Bridge of Peace, Clock Tower, Anchiskhati, Sioni Cathedral, Shardeni, cable car to Narikala, “Mother of Georgia,” Leghvtakhevi waterfall & sulfur bath district. Overnight Tbilisi.

Day 2 — Tbilisi → Mtskheta → Jvari → Gori (Stalin Museum) → Kutaisi

UNESCO Svetitskhoveli & Jvari with panoramic river confluence; Stalin Museum visit. Evening stroll in Kutaisi. Overnight Kutaisi.

Day 3 — Kutaisi Market → Gelati → Zugdidi → Becho (Svaneti)

Local market tastings; UNESCO Gelati Monastery; transfer via Zugdidi to Becho village. Overnight Becho.

Day 4 — Shdugra (Ushba) Waterfall Hike

↑450 m ↓450 m • 3–4 h • ~11 km. Forests, bridges, roaring falls beneath Ushba. Transfer to Mestia. Overnight Mestia.

Day 5 — Koruldi Lakes Hike

↑1,340 m ↓1,340 m • 7–8 h • ~13 km. Big alpine day with views of Ushba & Tetnuldi; sunset reflections at lakes. Overnight Mestia.

Day 6 — Chalaadi Glacier Hike + Margiani Tower Museum

↑435 m ↓435 m • 2–3 h • ~6 km. Short glacial valley walk; explore traditional Svan tower life at Margiani. Free time. Overnight Mestia.

Day 7 — Mulakhi Valley Hike

↑650 m ↓520 m • 4–5 h • ~14 km. Meadows, villages, Svan towers; cultural encounters. Overnight Mestia (or Svaneti Museum visit time-permitting).

Day 8 — Mestia → Tower of Love → Ushguli → Guro Mountain

↑700 m ↓700 m • 4–5 h • ~7 km. Enter UNESCO-listed Upper Svaneti; optional short summit near Ushguli. Overnight Ushguli.

Day 9 — Shkhara Glacier Hike → Return to Mestia

↑550 m ↓550 m • 5–6 h • ~19 km. Valley hike toward Georgia’s highest peak, glacial vistas. Overnight Mestia.

Day 10 — Mestia → Enguri HPP → Dadiani Palace → Prometheus Cave → Kutaisi

Dam viewpoint, royal palace museum, otherworldly cave chambers. Overnight Kutaisi.

Day 11 — Kutaisi → Bagrati Cathedral → Shrosha ceramics stop → Uplistsikhe → Georgian National Museum → Tbilisi

UNESCO heritage & deep-time archaeology in a single day. Overnight Tbilisi.

Day 12 — Free Time / Buffer Day in Tbilisi

Shopping, cafes, galleries, add-on tours (wine region Kakheti or Mtatsminda funicular). Overnight Tbilisi.

Day 13 — Departure

Airport transfer and farewell.

Fitness & trail notes

  • Terrain: mixed forest paths, farm roads, rocky alpine trails; occasional stream crossings
  • Max hiking day: Koruldi Lakes (7–8 hours; steep ascent)
  • Altitudes: ~500–2,800 m on hikes (no technical climbing)
  • You should be comfortable walking 10–20 km with elevation gain on consecutive days.

What to pack

  • Broken-in hiking boots, trekking poles (recommended)
  • Daypack (20–30L) with rain cover; refillable bottle or bladder
  • Layering system: moisture-wicking base, fleece, waterproof shell, hat & gloves
  • Sun protection (hat, SPF, sunglasses), quick-dry socks, gaiters (spring/early summer)
  • Light first-aid & blister care; personal meds
  • Power bank; universal adapter

Accommodation & meals

  • Quality family-run guesthouses and selected 3 city hotels*; private bathrooms where available in mountains
  • Breakfasts included in most properties; access to hearty Svan cuisine dinners (optional add-on)
  • Dietary needs (vegetarian, no pork, lactose-free) can be accommodated with advance notice

Responsible travel

  • Stay on signed paths; do not disturb livestock or wildlife
  • Pack out litter; refill water where safe to reduce plastic
  • Dress modestly at monasteries/churches; photography rules vary—ask your guide
  • Support local crafts and food producers in villages

FAQs

Is this trek suitable for first-time hikers?
Yes—if you’re reasonably fit and can handle 4–6 hour hikes with hills. One day (Koruldi) is longer/steeper; you can opt for a shorter alternative that day.

Do I need altitude acclimatization?
No technical altitude issues—most hikes stay below ~2,800 m. We still hike “slow and steady” and hydrate well.

What’s the weather like?
June–September is generally sunny and mild in the valleys, cooler in the high country. Mountain weather shifts quickly—pack layers and a waterproof.

Are trekking poles required?
Optional but recommended for descents and uneven sections.

Can my luggage be transported?
Yes. You day-hike with a small pack; main luggage stays with the vehicle/guesthouse.

Are monasteries and churches always open?
Hours can vary by service days/holidays. Your guide times visits to maximize access and will flag dress/photography etiquette.

Is travel insurance required?
Yes—for medical, evacuation, and trip interruption coverage.

Can you cater to vegetarians/vegans?
Vegetarian: easy. Vegan and gluten-free: possible in most places with advance notice; options are more limited in remote villages.

What if the weather turns?
We adjust order of hikes, swap in museums or lower-valley walks, or shorten routes to keep you safe while maximizing experiences.