If you’re searching for Georgia’s most mystical, wild, and picturesque region, Svaneti is it. Tucked high in the Caucasus Mountains in the northwest, Svaneti is a land of ancient stone towers, snow-capped peaks, glacial rivers, and age-old traditions. Often called the “soul of Georgia,” Svaneti, Georgia offers a rare combination of unspoiled nature, medieval heritage, and outdoor adventure.
Whether you’re a trekker, culture seeker, or simply in love with remote beauty, this Svaneti travel guide has everything you need to plan an unforgettable journey.
Essential Information
Location: Northwestern Georgia, in the Caucasus Mountains
Main Town: Mestia
Language: Georgian and Svan (a unique, unwritten local language)
Currency: Georgian Lari (GEL)
Altitude: Mestia sits at 1,500 meters (4,920 ft); Ushguli at over 2,100 meters (6,900 ft)
Best Time to Visit: June to October for hiking; December to March for skiing
Ideal Trip Length: 3–5 days
Interesting Facts About Svaneti
Svaneti is home to UNESCO World Heritage Site villages like Ushguli, one of the highest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe.
Svan towers (defensive stone towers) date back to the 9th–12th centuries and were used as protection against invaders and avalanches.
The Svan people are known for their fierce independence, distinct language, and unique polyphonic singing, which is part of Georgia’s intangible cultural heritage.
How to Get to Svaneti
From Tbilisi to Mestia
By Plane: Flights from Tbilisi to Queen Tamar Airport in Mestia (about 1 hour). Flights are weather-dependent.
By Car or Private Transfer: Approx. 8–10 hours via Zugdidi. A scenic but demanding drive.
By Train + Marshrutka: Overnight train to Zugdidi, then shared minivan to Mestia (approx. 3.5 hours from Zugdidi).
2. From Kutaisi
Marshrutka or taxi to Mestia (6–7 hours). Daily services are available from Kutaisi bus station.
Best Things to Do in Svaneti
Looking for things to do in Svaneti? Here’s a list of unforgettable experiences:
1. Explore the Town of Mestia
Visit the Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography, stroll through the tower-dotted streets, and take in the incredible mountain views.
2. Hike from Mestia to Ushguli
This 4-day trek is one of the most famous routes in the Caucasus. Overnight in villages along the way and finish in breathtaking Ushguli.
3. Visit Ushguli
A must-see! Surrounded by glaciers and ancient towers, this UNESCO-listed village offers pure mountain magic.
4. Ride the Hatsvali Cable Car
Take a chairlift up to panoramic viewpoints above Mestia. In winter, it’s a great ski spot; in summer, it offers hiking trails and alpine views.
5. Chalaadi Glacier
An easy half-day hike from Mestia to a striking glacier-fed river and towering ice cliffs.
6. Koruldi Lakes
High-altitude lakes that reflect the surrounding peaks—reach them via jeep or a tough day hike.
Best Accommodation Options (Mestia Hotels & Ushguli Guesthouses)
Looking for the best Mestia hotels or cozy mountain stays? Here are top options:
In Mestia
Hotel Tetnuldi – Offers elegant rooms, great views, and a top-rated restaurant.
Gistola Hotel Mestia – New, modern, and well-located with panoramic balconies.
Guesthouse Beba – Budget-friendly and warm hospitality near the town center.
In Ushguli
Hotel Ushguli – Comfortable rooms and excellent home-cooked food.
Guesthouse Riho – Cozy, family-run option with mountain views and traditional meals.
Cultural and Modern Attractions
Cultural
Svaneti Museum – Ancient icons, weapons, manuscripts, and folklore.
Margiani’s Tower Museum – A preserved Svan tower home, offering a glimpse into medieval life.
Local Polyphonic Music Performances – Often held in guesthouses or local events.
Modern
Cafés and Bars in Mestia – Small but growing modern café culture. Wi-Fi, coffee, and pastries included.
Hatsvali Ski Resort – Modern lifts, gear rental, and après-ski options in winter.
Dining and Nightlife in Svaneti
What to Eat
Kubdari – Svan meat-filled bread with spices.
Tashmijabi – Cheesy mashed potatoes, a Svan delicacy.
Sulguni Cheese – Locally produced, slightly salty and stretchy.
Pair with chacha (strong grape brandy) or local wine.
Where to Eat
Cafe Laila (Mestia) – Popular restaurant with local specialties and live music.
Erti Kava (Mestia) – Cozy coffee spot with modern café vibes.
Old House (Ushguli) – Authentic food in a traditional setting.
Nightlife
Nightlife in Svaneti is subdued. Expect live folk music or wine and conversations by the fireplace. Some bars in Mestia offer occasional live DJ or cultural nights.
Day Trips from Mestia
Ushguli – 2-3 hour drive or multi-day hike; stay overnight if possible.
Mulakhi and Ieli Villages – Less-visited and more authentic than the tourist trail.
Mazeri and Shdugra Waterfall – Beautiful trails and the highest waterfall in Georgia.
Tsvirmi Village – Peaceful alternative to more touristed spots with unique architecture.
Getting Around Svaneti
On Foot – Many trails begin right from villages.
4WD Jeeps – Ideal for reaching Ushguli, Koruldi Lakes, and remote areas.
Marshrutkas – Available between villages like Mestia and Ushguli, but less frequent.
Bike Rentals – Possible in Mestia for adventurous exploration.
Practical Tips
Weather: Mountain weather changes rapidly—pack layers and waterproof gear.
Cash: Bring enough GEL. Only a few places in Mestia accept cards; none in Ushguli.
Safety: Svaneti is very safe. Locals are hospitable and proud of their heritage.
Guides: For treks like Mestia–Ushguli, consider hiring a local guide for better experience and safety.
Connectivity: Cell service is good in Mestia but limited in more remote villages.
Conclusion
A journey to Svaneti, Georgia, is like stepping into a time capsule surrounded by nature’s grandeur. From its legendary towers and ancient customs to epic hikes and glacier views, Svaneti offers a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Whether you’re looking for things to do in Svaneti or a cozy Mestia hotel with views of the Caucasus, this region delivers authenticity, beauty, and deep cultural immersion.
So pack your boots, charge your camera, and prepare to be humbled by the highlands of Georgia. Svaneti travel is not just a trip—it’s an experience etched into the soul.
