Mestia to Ushguli

Georgia, Svaneti

The trail:

  • Location: Georgia, Svaneti
  • Categories: Summer / Autumn / Human continental / Ice cap / Highland / Mountain / Foothill / Forest / Wood / Rural / Lake / River / Stream
  • Duration: 4 Days
  • Distance: 35 miles

Walking the trail:

  • Summary: One of the most popular multi day hikes in Georgia. Enjoy a 4 day trek (or shorter) across Svaneti's Caucasus mountains. Passing ancient villages, dramatic high mountains and glaciers, but still never too far from an evening shelter and good traditional food. Some of the best alpine views you will ever see!



If you’re a hiker and find yourself in Mestia, (Chief town of the Svaneti Caucasus mountain region) you will 100% come across this 2-4 day multiday trail that winds itself through the 35 miles of mountains/villages and alpine meadows from Mestia to Usguli.

Mestia is a hive of backpacking activity for those who have been brave enough to travel the mountain roads from Zugdidi. (please read up on road safety before a trip there!) I loved the vibe and energy of Mestia. Busy but not too busy and the beauty of Mestia to Usguli is that it is a relatively new hiking route that is part of the larger “Transcaucasian Trail” in development that eventually will link all the way through Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. (main trail link below)

https://transcaucasiantrail.org/en/home/

This trail is the most popular long-distance trail in Georgia as its location makes it relatively simple to get too (and back) and offers a mild to challenging experience depending on the pace you wish to go at. And of course, the views during the trail are what makes these trips special.

Day 3 in particular was my favourite. Leaving the rural village of Adishi (with its many crumbling Svan towers) and walking the lush green valley up to Chkhunderi Pass overlooking the vast snowy peaks separating Georgia and Russia. An unbelievable sight and one that’s worth walking the trail alone.

A full comprehensive guide on the trail (and all other trails of Georgia)  has been written up by a chap called Jozef on the website Caucasus Trekking. (Link Below) The guide and website as a whole gives an amazing detailed insight into all things Georgia and it’s a credit to Jozef for his dedicated work in creating. It definitely inspired me to visit and no doubt many others.

I can just offer my personal photography on this feature to tempt you the reader to perhaps visit and walk yourself!

Oh and bring some sandals. There is a river crossing!

https://www.caucasus-trekking.com/treks/trek-mestia-to-ushguli

If you have any questions feel free to message me and I can provide GPX route as well.

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