Snowshoeing in Svaneti, Georgia

Day 1: Meeting at Rize-Artvin Airport – Transfer to Mestia via Sarp Border Gate – Hotel Check-in

We will meet our participants arriving on the suggested flights at Rize-Artvin Airport. Following our meeting, we will embark on a scenic journey along the Black Sea coast, crossing the Sarp Border Gate. From there, we’ll continue our coastal drive into an entirely different country. Before ascending towards the mountains, we will stop for a delightful Georgian meal. After a break in Zugdidi for food and some rest, we will head towards the mountains. Depending on road and weather conditions, we’ll reach our hotel in Mestia, nestled among deep valleys and towering mountains, in the late afternoon or early evening.

Important Reminder: This unique itinerary and special winter experience require a long journey. We have selected flights, vehicles, and breaks along the way to make the trip as comfortable as possible. However, participants should be aware of the length of the journey.

Approximate Transfer Time: 8-9 hours, 370 km
Altitudes: Batumi: 10 m – Mestia: 1395 m
Included Meals: Breakfast – Lunch

NOTE: Lunches and dinners are not included in this tour. Since Georgian cuisine offers a variety of flavors and options, we wanted to give participants the freedom to explore different dishes at locations that suit their budget and taste. If desired, your tour leader can organize group dinners and lunches, offering suggestions to try different local delicacies.

Day 2: Hatsvali – Zuruldi Hike – Return to Mestia – Overnight Stay

After breakfast, we will drive from Mestia to the Hatsvali cable car station and continue to Heskili village. This area offers breathtaking views: on one side, Mount Laila and the mountain ranges connected by long ridges, and on the other, the majestic Mount Ushba from a different angle.

Our hike will begin from here, leading us to the summit ridge of Zuruldi Mountain at 2345 meters, which is accessible via a chairlift from the Hatsvali station. Being part of a ski resort, the area offers facilities such as restaurants. We’ll take a long break at a café located at the cable car station, surrounded by some of the most stunning mountain views you’ll ever see. Depending on the timing, we may take a short walk offering panoramic views of Eli and Tsivirmi villages, as well as Tetnuldi, Laila, Ushba, and other high peaks of the Caucasus.

Afterward, we’ll descend to Mestia via the cable car. For our final evening in Mestia, we might hold a small celebration, as we’ll depart early the next morning.

Approximate Transfer Time: 30 minutes
Altitudes: Mestia: 1395 m – Zuruldi Summit: 2345 m
Activity Duration: 5 hours
Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Becho – Mazeri – Dolra River Valley – Shdugra Waterfalls – Overnight in Mestia

After breakfast, we’ll leave Mestia to head towards Becho and Mazeri villages. Our goal is to enjoy a serene hike in this remote area, eventually reaching the Dolra River, which flows vigorously during summer. If conditions allow, we’ll proceed to the Shdugra Waterfalls.

We plan to hike towards the base camp of Mount Ushba, providing a completely unique view of this magnificent mountain. Known as the “Queen of the Caucasus,” the legendary twin-peaked Mount Ushba (4690 m) will be visible from a different angle. Ushba, whose name means ”Terrifying Mountain” in the local language, is one of the most technically challenging peaks to climb, requiring both advanced skills and psychological preparation.

After the hike, our vehicle will take us back to Mestia for some rest and relaxation at our hotel.

Approximate Transfer Time: 45-50 minutes
Hiking Distance: 10 km
Altitudes: Mestia: 1395 m – Dolra River: 1670 m – Shdugra Waterfall Viewpoint: 1960 m
Activity Duration: 4-5 hours
Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Hike to Chalaadi Glacier – Overnight in Mestia

After an early breakfast at the hotel, we will prepare for our hike, pack our provisions, and begin the day’s activity. A short transfer from the town center will take us to the starting point of the hike. Along the way, we’ll pass through the historic Svan towers and homes of Mestia, heading towards Chalaadi Glacier, the closest glacier to the town.

The trail will lead us across the Mestiachala River and into the forested Chalaadi Valley, leaving civilization behind. We’ll cool off near the river fed by the glacier itself. Approaching the glacier, we’ll cross a wooden bridge over the roaring river, offering excellent photo opportunities. After spending some time at the glacier, we’ll return along the same route.

Once back in the town center, our vehicle will drop us off at the Svaneti Museum for a visit. Afterward, we’ll return to the hotel for a relaxing evening. You may explore the famous Svan towers, discover the town center, or capture photos of Mestia at sunset.

Approximate Transfer Time: 20 minutes
Hiking Distance: 5-8 km
Altitudes: Mestia: 1395 m – Chalaadi Glacier: 1836 m
Activity Duration: 3-4 hours
Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Mestia – Zugdidi – Dadiani Palace Visit – Free Time in Batumi – Transfer to Airport

We’ll start our day with an early breakfast at the hotel before beginning our return journey. Along the way, we’ll stop in Zugdidi, the capital of the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region. Here, we’ll take a break to visit the Dadiani Palace, built in the 19th century and converted into a museum in 1921.

After lunch, we’ll continue to Batumi and then to the border gate. Depending on the schedule, we may take a short tour of Batumi, exploring its key attractions.

Approximate Transfer Time: 8 hours
Included Meals: Breakfast