Witness the majesty of Europe's greatest mountain range

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Svaneti is the highest and one of the most remote regions of Georgia. Isolated from the rest of the country, Svaneti has for centuries provided a refuge for much of the country's cultural treasures and heritage through multiple invasions from all sides. Blessed with incredible scenery, plant and animal life, and unique mountain culture, Svaneti condenses much of the magic that makes Georgia so special.

On this trip, you will complete a four day trek (which can easily be extended), crossing the Svaneti region, and on day hikes you will see some of the most breathtaking sights Europe has to offer.

At each stage of the trek, you will be accommodated in comfortable guesthouses with hot food, shower and snacks available. Real luxury! 

For this trip, you can arrive to either Tbilisi or Kutaisi. 

Sample itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at the airport in the early morning*

Day 2: travel by minibus to Mestia (5 hours from Kutaisi, 9 from Tbilisi), the largest town and regional hub for Svaneti. During the day you can warm up with a hike, or save your energy by taking the ski lift to an incredible view of Ushba, one of the most sacred mountains in Svanetian culture. In the evening we will enjoy a musical performance from the a local singing troupe.

Day 3, Mestia - Zhabeshi: Begin the four-day trek, hiking from Mestia to Zhabeshi. An easier day, crossing a low pass and following the Mulkhra valley.

Day 4, Zhabeshi - Tetnuldi - Adishi: climbing out of the valley and crossing the ski resort at the foot of spectacular Mt. Tetnuldi, the most difficult stage of this day is the first. As we leave the ski resort we enter beautiful sub-alpine forest. Adishi was almost ruined before the region began to open up in the mid-2000's, bringing many families back to the beautiful valley.

Day 5, Adishi - Iprali: hike along the Adishchkhala valley to a river crossing** before ascending the Chkhunderi pass (2722 m), enjoying spectacular views as you descend into the next valley, before reaching the cosy village of Iprali.

Day 6, Iprali - Ushguli: the last leg can be one of two options. The first an easier and more direct hike, to Ushguli, following the valley through a forest for around four hours. The second doubling back a little and crossing the higher Lagem pass (2990 m) for around five hours hiking. Above the treeline the second option offers less shelter but incredible views. Stay the night in Ushguli. 

Day 7, Shkhara Glacier hike: A beautiful day hike from Ushguli along the Enguri valley, this promises incredible views of Georgia's highest mountain. Distance is 16.2 km for a time of about 3h 30m. Return to Mestia late afternoon.

Day 8, Chaladi glacier: A much more relaxed day hike, close to Mestia. This will give you the chance to keep your legs moving, whilst giving them a bit of a break. About 11 km for 3h 05m.

Day 9: Shdugra Waterfall: after leaving Mestia in the morning we will stop at the nearby Village of Mazeri and hike up the valley to the spectacular Shdugra waterfall. 10.3 km for 4h 05m. From here we will continue by minibus to Kutaisi, or towards Tbilisi. 

*If arriving in Kutaisi, we can travel direct to Mestia that day. From Tbilisi this is also possible, but will be a long day of driving after landing early in the morning. 

**The river crossing can be completed on foot - I have done so twice - but only if you are confident and experienced. Otherwise horses can be easily arranged which makes it very easy. 

Other details

- This trip can be trimmed to as low as 6 days (if arriving in Kutaisi) or 7 (Tbilisi. Though this will involve two long days in a minibus, you will have plenty of time to stretch your legs).

- A rest day can be planned at any point in this trip, whether by adding a day to the schedule, or not taking one of the day hikes.

Notes on packing and equipment etc

Typical kit for ordinary hiking in the UK and Ireland will be fine, with the following considerations.

Because you will be staying in guesthouses, tent, sleeping bag etc is not necessary.

• Daypack of around 30 liters. Anything bigger than 40 liters would be excessive. The bag should have a waterproof liner or cover.
• Heavy duty hiking boots are fine but not necessary, I have completed all of these hikes in light hiking shoes - there is a trail all the way. 
• Light shoes, flip-flops or crocs would be useful to let your feet relax after a day's hiking. Georgians usually take off their shoes when in the house. 
• Somewhat sunnier than NW Europe, a hat and sunglasses are strongly advised
• Springs are very common, but if you aren't accustomed to the local microbes as I am, it's best to use some kind of water treatment. 
• Though bears and wolves are present in Georgia, they tend to keep very far from humans, so are not a significant safety concern.