Svaneti is an incredible land where people start hiking in big mountains. Here you can see not only forests and green lawns, but also enjoy views of the rocky five-thousanders covered with glaciers and snow caps even in summer. A hike in Svaneti is a journey that usually begins with a love for big mountains. The whole trip we will look at the harsh walls of the Main Caucasian Range, glaciers and endless mountain meadows, inhale the aromas of flowers and freedom. Namely freedom, because, according to history, Svanetia has always remained free, "Free Svanetia". The Svan towers of the 7th-12th centuries remained in the villages - a UNESCO heritage.
We want as many people as possible to feel this beauty and atmosphere, as we ourselves enjoy this region. That is why we created the "Easy hike in Svaneti" route. We invite participants who have only been on short trips before, hikes in the Carpathians, participants who go to the mountains for the first time and even children from 10 years old! And although we have facilitated the route to the maximum, it retains the spirit of Svaneti, its severity. This is, without a doubt, an easy Georgia route . But it cannot be compared, for example, with a hike in Cyprus - Cyprus is definitely easier. It is important to understand this. If you are ready to get the maximum of emotions and impressions, we offer you our updated backpacking in Svaneti.
Attention! We have been running this route since mid-June. And even if the weather is severe and the Svan ridge is covered with snow, we have several fallback options. Thus, you can fully enjoy the landscapes of the Georgian Caucasus you have seen.
The start of our hike is in the city of Batumi. Batumi has an international airport and convenient flights. You can also fly to Tbilisi and Kutaisi, but in this case, allow time for moving to Batumi. We recommend arriving in Batumi the day before. If you need a place in the hostel, please inform the manager.
Pay attention! This route to Svaneti is not the only one from our list. Check out other hikes in this great region:
- Backpacking in Svaneti - is a classic mountain hike with long hikes and overnight stays in tents. Suitable for participants with previous hiking experience.
- Hiking in Svaneti - without tents and large backpacks - is an easy route with overnight stays in guest houses, where participants do not have to carry heavy backpacks.
If you have already visited Svaneti and want to see something new, we advise you to pay attention to the backpacking in Megrelia.
We do not cancel or transfer groups. If the manager approved the purchase of a ticket, you can safely buy. The hike will not be canceled due to our fault
Experienced Kuluar teamleaders will accompany the group on all route, will make the trip as safe and unforgettable as possible! They have been In Svanetia many times and know region in details.
The program of the trek was improved several times, we tried to make it as rich and comfortable as possible.
The manager who will advise you before the trip was on a trip to Svaneti herself and will tell you about the details from personal experience!
Backpacking along a unique route developed by Kuluar team leaders specially for our participants
More than 12,000 participants have already gone to the mountains with the Kuluar and 97,8% were satisfied.
Meeting of the group in Batumi, approximate time - 9 am. Before the meeting of the group, you need to change money at the bank, buy a local SIM card to always stay in touch, have Georgian delicacies for breakfast. We get to know each other, check the equipment, whether everything was taken, and we sit in a custom minibus that will take us to Mestia. On the way, we will have lunch and also enjoy the views of the huge Inguri reservoir with incredible turquoise water. Upon arrival in Mestia, we take our tent camp at the campsite. In the evening, as it gets dark, we will get acquainted with the history of this region. Let's start with the famous Svan towers. We will spend the evening on the ancient tower belonging to the family of Mikhail Khergiani. She is about 10 centuries old! Let's enjoy the starry sky and breathe in the smell of freedom!
Even a light hiking requires acclimatization. Therefore, today we will begin to get used to the height. After breakfast we go to the observation deck over Mestia. From a height, there is a beautiful view of Mestia itself, and Mount Ushba, technically one of the most difficult peaks in Georgia. Tetnuldi and Gestola whiten in the distance like ice pyramids. Very close - the rocky peaks of the Banguriani massif. By lunchtime, we will begin the descent back to Mestia. In the evening we will go to the Museum of Mikhail Khergiani - a legendary man, he is called the "Tiger of Rocks" for difficult ascents and achievements in mountaineering in the middle of the 20th century. The museum is very atmospheric, thousands of tourists come here every year to see and feel all the beauty and risk of mountaineering. Here is the equipment that Mikhail used on his ascents. There is also a small exposition showing the evolution of climbing equipment from the time of the founding of mountaineering to the present day.
Travel time: 4-6 hours; distance 10 km; climb: 800 m, altitude drop 800 m.
Today we wake up in Mestia, and will spend the night under the Lardaad glacier near the village of Adishi. The main set of elevation, which is about a kilometer upwards, we will overcome by registered transport, rising as far as Tetnuldi Ski Resort. On the way from the observation deck we can see Ushba, Chatyn, Banguriani and other famous peaks of Caucasus in the good weather. From the cable car there is smooth descent to Adishchali gorge, to the ancient Svan village Adishi.
On the way to Adishi we will swim in natural Jacuzzi created by mountain river and hikers-enthusiasts :). In Adishi is a church of St. George, worshipped by all Svans. For centuries, the oldest manuscript in the Georgian language, dating from the IX century, was kept in Adishi. Now it is stored in a museum in Mestia. Then we go in the direction of Chunderi pass, to our place of overnight stay near the glacier.
Travel time: 6 hours; distance 12 km; climbing: 320 m, altitude drop: 520 m.
The first thing we have to do is to wade across the Adishchala River. In the morning, when the sun has not yet warmed up the glacier, the water level here is the lowest, and in the evening the water rises significantly. If someone gets scared, or does not want to wet the shoes, the river can be crossed on horseback for 20 GEL. Then we go up to Chunderi Pass (2722 m).
We will have to walk up a little bit and try hard, because the ascent itself is not easy. But from the observation point near the pass there are incredible views of Tetnuldi peak, the Bezengi wall with its 5,000 m high peaks, the Lardaadi (second name Adish) icefall - the biggest icefall in Georgia. It is a wonderful place for lunch:) After that we will go down along the trail in the Khaldeschala River gorge. We will stay overnight near the waterfalls.
Travel time: 5-6 hours; distance 8 km; climbing: 580 m, altitude drop: 650 m.
After having collected the camp in the morning, we go out on the trail. Almost immediately we come to the village of Khalde. Halde is one of the most picturesque villages in Svaneti and looks great against the background of the nearby glittering glaciers. During the events of 1876, the village was almost completely destroyed. Today there are picturesque ruins on the side of the mount
After passing a couple of other villages belonging to the Kala community (Iprali, Lalhori and Davberi), we climb the path above the Inguri River gorge and walk along forested slopes towards Ushguli community. Before reaching Ushguli we will camp overnight by the clear mountain stream Murushi.
Travel time: 8 hours; distance 13 km; climbing: 840 m, altitude drop: 890 m
After a good breakfast in the morning, we go on to Ushguli. Located at an altitude of 2,200 meters above sea level, this village is considered the highest continuously inhabited settlement in Europe. Ushguli architectural ensemble is a valuable architectural and historical monument thanks largely to which Upper Svaneti has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Traditional Svanetian houses and towers have been preserved in the village. On a hill near the village of Jibiani there is a church of Our Lady (Lamariya in Svaneti) built in the XI century.
After pitching tents at one of the Ushguli campsites, we climb the Svan Ridge to a height of 3000 meters. From this vantage point we have wonderful views of the Main Caucasus Range, Bezengi wall will be as on the palm of your hand. The ascent will be moderately difficult, but feasible for everybody, because we are going up without heavy backpacks. We will take only the most necessary things for a one-day walk in the mountains, and leave the rest of our things in tents at the camping.
The higher we go up, the more beautiful views will be revealed to our surprised eyes :) It will be breathtaking not only from the ascent along the trail, but also from the scenery around. The highest mountains of the Caucasus will stand before us like a rough ice wall. Deep gorges with violent rivers will stay somewhere below, under our feet. Let's go up to the level of clouds!
If you are lucky with the weather - you will remember this day for a long time! :) And in the evening you'll be able to share your emotions and impressions from what you've seen with your friends in one of the local cafes.
Travel time: 6 hours; distance: 10 km; climbing 800 m, altitude drop: 800 m.
We will spend the morning in the mountains, and by evening we will be at the sea.
After gathering the camp, we getting into the car that will take us to Mestia. In Mestia we change to a minibus to Batumi. Morning in the mountains, sunset on the seashore. What could be better?)
Depending on the weather conditions, condition and general wishes of the group, the guide has the right to make changes to the route.
The manager will advise you on equipment, help you choose the best flight, share information on hotels and excursions. You make payments and purchases yourself. If you want the manager to buy a ticket for you, then this is possible, but for extra money, because this is a big responsibility. More in the article: additional services and service fee.
You need to have a valid passport with you, visas are not needed.
To participate in the hike, you must have no diseases that are not compatible with active tourism: the list is here.
After an easy backpacking in Svaneti, we recommend the following routes:
We recommend you to buy tickets in advance, as soon as we confirm your participation in the hike. We advise you to fly with SkyUp, Bees Airline, Yanair, at a cost of 200-300€ per round-trip ticket. The best way is to fly to Batumi, but you can also fly to Kutaisi or Tbilisi, but in that case you should save time for travel to Batumi.
Note that luggage may be not included in the price and you will need to order extra 20 kg at the time of the purchase or you can order package with 1 piece of luggage at once. When checking in at the airport they may ask to show the card used to pay for the flight - don't forget it!
In Batumi you must be on the first day of the program in the morning, up to 09-00.
We recommend to take return tickets for evening or night flights on the last day of the trip.
After the ticket purchase please send the information about your arrival/departure flights to your manager.
Our recommendations for airline ticket selection services you can found in this article.
You need good insurance to participate in the program. Please do not neglect this item. For some participants, it saved thousands of dollars. You can find our recommendations for taking out insurance here: "Insurance for Kuluar participates"
To stay in touch, share your emotions and impressions with family and friends, buy a local SIM card. Sometimes they are distributed at the airport, at the information center. It is best to take a Magti operator card.
Surely you are wondering what we will eat on a hike? Let's just say that you don't have to worry. Many participants say they eat better on the hike than they do at home. The basis of the menu is a simple meal of cereals and soups. You should not count on gourmet delicacies (although they can be).
If you do not eat any products, be sure to inform the manager so that the guide can slightly adjust the menu for you. We also recommend taking some yummies with you - nuts or sweets. Appetite on a hike is much better than at home.
Please note that the menu shown is indicative only. Team leaders usually have their signature dishes that they love to pamper participants with.
Features of nutrition for vegetarians - if you do not eat meat, be sure to read. We tell here how we will feed you and at the same time we give you a 5% discount to the hiking.
The route is at high altitude, which means that in the evenings and at night frosts are possible. So take a hat, gloves, warm clothes and a good sleeping bag. In the morning it's almost always clear weather and in the evening the sky is covered with clouds and it might rain - don't forget the raincoat. Towards night, the stars appear.
The weight of backpacks on this route should not exceed 12 kilograms. If you lighten your equipment as much as possible, you can easily keep it to 8-9 kilograms.
At the moment, in order to stay in Georgia, you have to take a Covid retest within 48-72 hours of your arrival in the country.
We will tell you about how to actively spend your time before taking the test in this article: Georgia: interesting places near Batumi and Tbilisi.
We limit the number of participants in the group, to be booked for you need to make an advance payment of 150 euros. The rest of the amount will be given to the guide at the meeting in euros. Terms of refund of prepayment and payment methods =>> .
The total amount of obligatory additional expenses will be 0 euros.
*Please note: It is not the manager's task to select an individual flight for each participant. The manager gives general recommendations from his experience and shares the flights of other participants, so that you can fly together. It's up to the participant to select and purchase his own convenient airfare. If you want the manager to buy you a ticket, book a hotel or an additional excursion, read the terms and conditions on the page: additional services.
