Discover the ultimate trekking experience in Europe’s last wild frontier. This 10-day Svaneti trekking tour takes you deep into the heart of the Great Caucasus Mountains, where ancient towers pierce the sky and glaciers crown snow-capped peaks.
Why Choose This Svaneti Trekking Holiday?
Svaneti awaits you with pristine wilderness that few travelers ever witness. The “Green Pearl of the Caucasus” offers everything adventure seekers crave: towering 5,000-meter peaks, rushing alpine rivers, medieval stone towers, and villages where time stands still.
This isn’t a casual walking tour. You’ll spend 7 full days trekking through some of Georgia’s most spectacular mountain terrain. Each day brings new challenges and breathtaking rewards.
Your 10-Day Svaneti Trekking Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Etseri Village
Your adventure begins in Etseri, a remote Upper Svaneti village located 30 km west of Mestia. Arrive early to explore this authentic mountain settlement where tourists rarely venture. Watch local life unfold against a backdrop of towering peaks. Enjoy a traditional dinner at your guesthouse and rest up for tomorrow’s trek.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Etseri
Day 2: Etseri to Mazeri via Meziri Mountain
Your guide meets you after breakfast to begin the first day’s trek. The trail climbs over Meziri Mountain, rewarding you with jaw-dropping views of Mount Ushba—the “Matterhorn of the Caucasus”—and the dramatic Dolra Valley below. Descend into Becho community and settle into your guesthouse for dinner.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Becho
Difficulty: Moderate (3/5) – 6 hours, 800m elevation gain
Day 3: Ushba Waterfall or Ushba Glacier Trek
Choose your own adventure today. Opt for a moderate hike to the stunning Ushba waterfall (2,200m), or push yourself to reach the magnificent Ushba glacier at 2,700 meters. This full-day trek covers approximately 14 km with significant elevation gain. Horseback riding is available for part of the route if you prefer—your guide can arrange it on-site.
Distance: 14 km
Elevation: 1,400-2,200m (waterfall) or 2,700m (glacier)
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Becho
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard (3-4/5) – Up to 1,300m elevation gain
Day 4: Guli Pass Trek to Mestia
Prepare yourself for the most challenging day of your journey. The legendary Guli Pass connects Mazeri village with Mestia town through spectacular high-altitude terrain. This demanding trek tests your endurance but rewards you with unforgettable mountain panoramas. Arrive in Mestia by evening, where a hot meal and a comfortable bed await.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Mestia
Difficulty: Very Hard (5/5) – Longest and most demanding day
Day 5: Rest Day in Mestia
You’ve earned a break! Explore Mestia’s fascinating history at the local museums. Ride the cable car to Hatsvali ski resort for incredible views. Wander through historic quarters lined with iconic Svanetian defense towers. Let your legs recover while your mind soaks up centuries of mountain culture.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Mestia
Day 6: Mestia to Jabeshi
The trek resumes with a scenic 12 km journey from Mestia to Jabeshi. This 6-7 hour hike starts at 1,500m elevation, climbs to 1,900m, and finishes at 1,650m. Sleep in a cozy guesthouse or under the stars at a mountain campsite.
Distance: 12 km
Time: 6-7 hours
Elevation: 1,500-1,900m
Accommodation: Guesthouse or camping in Jabeshi
Difficulty: Moderate (3/5) – 400m elevation gain
Day 7: Jabeshi to Adishi
Follow the trail from Mulakhura Valley to Adishischala on this spectacular 6-hour trek. Start at 1,656m and climb to 2,540m before descending to the ancient village of Adishi at 2,100m. This remote settlement, surrounded by glaciated peaks, offers authentic Svanetian hospitality.
Time: 6 hours
Elevation: 1,656-2,540m
Accommodation: Guesthouse or camping in Adishi
Difficulty: Hard (4/5) – 884m elevation gain, high altitude
Day 8: Adishi to Iprali via Chkhutnier Pass
Cross the dramatic Chkhutnier Pass at 2,700m as you trek from Adishi to Iprali village in the Kala community. Start at 2,100m and finish at 1,900m after traversing some of the most photogenic mountain terrain in Georgia.
Maximum Elevation: 2,700m
Accommodation: Guesthouse or camping in Iprali
Difficulty: Hard (4/5) – 2,700m maximum elevation
Day 9: Iprali to Ushguli and Return to Mestia
Drive to Ushguli, Europe’s highest continuously inhabited settlement. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site before hiking to the impressive Shkhara glacier beneath Georgia’s highest peak. Return to Mestia by car and check into your final guesthouse.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Mestia
Difficulty: Moderate (3/5) – Shorter hike after vehicle transport
Day 10: Departure from Svaneti
Say goodbye to the mountains as you depart Svaneti with memories that will last a lifetime.
Best Time for Svaneti Trekking
Plan your trek between late May and October. Summer months (June-September) offer the most stable weather and warmest temperatures. Early season brings wildflowers, while autumn delivers golden landscapes and crisp mountain air.
| PAX | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price in USD | 1050 $ | 980 $ | 900 $ | 820 $ | 790 $ | 750 $ |
What’s Included in Your Trekking Package
✓ 9 nights accommodation in mountain guesthouses
✓ Half-board meals (breakfast and dinner) except in Mestia
✓ Breakfast only in Mestia
✓ Horse transport for luggage between Etseri and Becho
✓ Jeep transport for luggage from Becho to Mestia
✓ Horses for crossing Adishichala river
✓ Professional mountain guide throughout the trek
What’s Not Included
✗ Luggage transportation after Mestia to Ushguli
✗ Hatsvali ski lift pass
✗ Museum entrance fees in Mestia
✗ Lunches on Day 1, rest day in Mestia, Day 9 in Ushguli, and departure day
✗ Transport to Etseri and return from Mestia
✗ Alcoholic beverages
✗ Tips for guides and guesthouse staff
✗ Travel insurance
Trek Difficulty & Fitness Requirements
Overall Difficulty Rating: 4/5 (Challenging)
This multi-day trek demands good physical conditioning and prior hiking experience. Here’s what you need to know:
Fitness Requirements:
You should be able to:
- Hike 5-7 hours daily with a daypack (5-8 kg)
- Ascend 600-900 meters per day on mountain terrain
- Walk on uneven, rocky paths and steep inclines
- Handle multiple consecutive trekking days without full rest
- Maintain balance on narrow trails and river crossings
Pre-Trek Training Recommendations:
Start preparing 8-12 weeks before your trip:
- Hike regularly with elevation gain (2-3 times per week)
- Build cardiovascular endurance through running, cycling, or stair climbing
- Practice with a loaded backpack on progressively longer hikes
- Strengthen legs, core, and ankles with gym work or bodyweight exercises
- Complete at least 2-3 full-day hikes (6+ hours) before departure
Altitude & Acclimatization Guide
Altitude Profile:
- Starting elevation: 1,400-1,650m (Etseri, Becho)
- Mid-trek elevations: 1,900-2,100m (Mestia, Adishi)
- Maximum altitude: 2,700m (Chkhutnier Pass, Ushba Glacier)
- Final destination: 2,200m (Ushguli – Europe’s highest village)
Altitude Sickness Risk: Low
While the maximum altitude (2,700m) is below the typical altitude sickness threshold (3,000m+), some trekkers may experience mild symptoms due to rapid elevation changes and sustained high-altitude hiking.
Acclimatization Strategy Built Into This Tour:
- Gradual ascent: You start at lower elevations and progressively climb higher
- Rest day in Mestia (Day 5): Critical for acclimatization at 1,500m before higher passes
- Sleep-low principle: Most overnight stays are below 2,100m, even after high-altitude trekking
- Multiple days at altitude: Your body adapts throughout the week
Recognizing Altitude Symptoms:
Mild symptoms (common and manageable):
- Slight headache
- Mild fatigue
- Shortness of breath during exertion
- Difficulty sleeping
What to do: Drink extra water, rest, take ibuprofen, inform your guide
Serious symptoms (require immediate descent):
- Severe headache unrelieved by medication
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion or difficulty walking
- Extreme fatigue
Acclimatization Tips:
- Arrive in Mestia 1-2 days early if possible for pre-trek acclimatization
- Hydrate constantly (3-4 liters daily at altitude)
- Avoid alcohol during the trek
- Trek slowly and steadily – “pole pole” (slowly slowly)
- Eat well even if appetite decreases
- Never push through severe symptoms
Important Information for Trekkers
Health Requirements: We do not recommend this tour for travelers with serious injuries or pre-existing health conditions that could worsen in high-altitude mountain environments. Conditions of particular concern include:
- Heart or cardiovascular problems
- Respiratory conditions (asthma, COPD)
- Severe knee or joint issues
- Recent surgeries (within 6 months)
Consult your doctor before booking if you have any medical concerns.
Customization Options: We can modify the itinerary to suit your needs. Skip the horse assistance, add luggage transport to Ushguli by jeep or horse, or replace the Mestia rest day with additional trekking.
Health Requirements: We do not recommend this tour for travelers with serious injuries or pre-existing health conditions that could worsen in high-altitude mountain environments.
What to Carry: You’ll carry all personal belongings during daily treks, including up to 2 liters of water. Pack light but smart.
Sleeping Arrangements: No sleeping bag needed. All guesthouses provide clean beds with linens.
Essential Gear Checklist:
- Quality trekking boots (broken in)
- Warm jacket for cold mountain nights
- Waterproof raincoat
- Compact, comfortable backpack
- Trekking poles (highly recommended)
- Layered clothing for changing weather
Mountain weather changes rapidly. Prepare for everything from warm sunshine to cold rain, especially at higher elevations.
Ready to Trek Through Svaneti?
This 10-day adventure combines challenging mountain trekking with authentic Georgian hospitality. You’ll walk ancient shepherds’ paths, cross high mountain passes, and sleep in remote villages where Svanetian traditions thrive.
Book your epic Svaneti trekking holiday today and discover why the Caucasus Mountains are Europe’s best-kept secret for serious trekkers.
Related Tour: Looking for a shorter adventure? Check out our 4-day classic trek from Mestia to Ushguli.
