Unique Things to Do in Svaneti 2024

Difficult to access for most of Georgia’s history, Zemo (Upper) Svaneti has managed to preserve its signature historic architecture and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

A visit to the region is truly unforgettable, but its geography and weather are to be treated with respect, and thus any trip here should be carefully planned to enjoy its splendor in full and in safety. 

To help you in such planning, we’ve put together the top 10 things to do in Svaneti. 

Explore Historic Mestia

Once you arrive in Svaneti, the first port of call is a wander around the historic center of the region’s majestic main town, Mestia. 

While the town is being slowly modernized, its center remains a faithful representation of historic Svan architecture. In particular, the Margiani House Museum is well worth a visit, showcasing 4 Svan towers (the unique defensive structures specific to the region) belonging to the Margiani family, as well as unique historic pieces including a Makhvshi - a special chair for the head of the family.

In addition, if time allows, see the Mikheil Khergiani Museum, a preserved house of one of the most accomplished mountaineers in the history of not only Georgia but the entire former Soviet Union.

Visit the Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography

The biggest singular collection of Svaneti’s cultural heritage can be found at the Museum of History and Ethnography, which is today a modern building but was originally founded in 1936.

The impressive collection comprises thousands of pieces, including unique icons, books, jewelry, and weapons, with the oldest items dating back to the 3rd century BC.

Ride Hatsvali Cable Car

Svaneti is something of a paradise for adventure sports lovers, with the Hatsvali cable car helpfully leading you to most of them.

The lower station is about a 20-minute walk from central Mestia, with the following several stops along an incredibly scenic route:

• Hatsvali station (1898m altitude). This is a popular stop from which to marvel at the views of the Caucasus Mountains, regardless of season. 

• Zuruldi station (2348m altitude). This is where most skiing enthusiasts will alight. Importantly, having skiing experience is strongly advised before tackling the runs here. If you’re a beginner skier, not to worry! There are two smaller cable car routes: Slalomi and Bigeli. Each runs a little over 500m, ideal for beginners to navigate.

Meanwhile, paragliding has become another favorite activity among the region’s growing number of visitors in recent years. If you’re an intrepid sort and braced for an extreme experience, this is a thrilling way of gaining a mesmerizing bird’s eye view of this spectacular part of the world.

Trek from Mestia to Ushguli 

A hike from Mestia to the storied villages of Ushguli takes four days and has become a revered expedition for domestic and international tourists alike.

The most scenic (and most-trekked) route is around 57km long and includes night stops at the small villages Zhabeshi, Adishi, and then either Iprali or Lalkhori (your guide will select which is best for you).

If trekking through mountains isn’t your jam, fear not! You can still reach Ushguli by jeep, which is of course a lot quicker and less strenuous. However you get there, Ushguli’s traditional architecture is a sight you’ll always remember. Indeed, upon seeing it, you’ll know why Upper Svaneti became UNESCO-listed in the first place.

Again, whether you’re hiking or driving, take a look around the Tower of Love (a smaller Svan tower on the riverside, open to visitors), and the Monastery of St. Kvirike and St. Ivlita of Kala.

Visit Lakhiri Village

Around 11km from Mestia lies one of the most impressive places in the entire region. Lakhiri, which boasts the highest count of famous Svan towers in a singular settlement.

This gorgeous little village is home to a staggering 18 well-preserved towers, all within just a few minutes’ walk from each other.

Lakhiri is usually part of the classic trekking route from Mestia to the villages of Ushguli, but a visit to Lakhiri on its own (without the multi-day trekking) would also be thoroughly rewarding.

Visit Lamaria Church in Ushguli

Once you’ve made it to Ushguli, it’s well worth going that little bit further and climbing another hill to the village of Zhibiani.  

Here, your efforts will be superbly rewarded by the spectacle of Lamaria Church. A simple hall church, Lamaria has a rich history dating back to the 9th-10th centuries and serves as the seat of the Georgian Orthodox Bishop of Mestia and Zemo Svaneti.

Hike to Chalaadi Glacier

One of the easiest trekking/hiking routes in Svaneti - even an inexperienced hiker can reach the wonder of Chalaadi Glacier in three hours from Mestia city center.

Chalaadi Glacier is located in the Mestiachala River valley, near the stunning double summit of Mount Ushba. The trekking route begins with a suspension bridge at the end of a dirt road. More experienced hikers are inclined to walk to this point, although it can also be reached by car/taxi.

Hike to Koruldi Lakes

A hike to Koruldi Lakes is another popular trekking option, although this is harder than the one to Chalaadi Glacier and should be considered of moderate difficulty. From Mestia, it takes about four hours to ascend to these sparkling lakes and requires an hour less than that to come back down. While the Koruldi hike may usually last less than a day, many visitors prefer to camp overnight to enjoy the sight of the lakes under the stars.

Encircled by the Caucasus Mountains, the lakes offer splendid vistas at sunrise and sunset (as well as any other time of day). 

Attend Local Festivals/Events

Svaneti is attracting more and more attention from festival-goers, both local and international. Any visit to the region can be enriched by sampling a festival or other uniquely Svanetian event side-by-side with the locals. 

The most popular local festival is Lamproba (or “Lampiari” as Svans call it), an early spring celebration dedicated to St. George. In ancient times it was held on February 1st. In modern times it’s celebrated three times, first at the beginning of February, then in the middle (aligns with the Candlemass feast), and finally at the end of the month, for the skies. 

Large woodfires, singing, ritual drinking, and feasting are the main attributes of the festival.

Svaneti is also becoming an ever more alluring destination for gastronomic, hiking, movies, and music festivals.

Try the Local Cuisine (with Some Wine!)

The food in this mountainous part of the Republic of Georgia has its own distinct character. As you might expect, it’s rich and hearty, designed to help the local people to survive often harsh natural conditions. Meat and cheese tend to take center stage, with Kubdari (meat pie), Petvraali (a type of khachapuri with millet), and Tashmijabi/mertsvi (mashed potatoes with cheese) being some of the standout dishes. 

But the most famous and well-loved element of the local cuisine is Svanetian salt, a coarse blend of more than half a dozen spices.

Svaneti’s cuisine complements the Georgian wine splendidly. Even though the rough landscape and harsh climate do not allow for much winemaking, Svans still drink it with at least the same gusto as Georgians from the rest of the country - and while here you’ll be able to eat and drink just like the locals do! 

How to Get to Svaneti in 2024

Mestia, the main town in Zemo Svaneti is easily reachable today, although the time required varies significantly depending on the mode of transport.

• By Plane: The easiest and quickest way to make the trip is to fly. Mestia’s local airport is served by direct flights to and from Natakhtari (just north of Tbilisi) and Kutaisi. Flights are more frequent in late spring, summer, and early fall, and with limited capacity, they tend to sell out quickly. Therefore, booking well in advance is advised. The weather is another factor to keep in mind, with the mountainous region of Svaneti being prone to fog and thus flights sometimes being delayed.

• By Train or Bus/Minivan: You can take the train or bus from Tbilisi to Zugdidi, with a very regular service available on both modes. After arriving in Zugdidi, locals will happily direct you to minivans (Marshutkas) to take you up to Mestia at an affordable price. For more info about railway tickets, you can check their official website.

• By Shared Taxi: From either Tbilisi or Zugdidi, taxis routinely run to Mestia. Typically, you pay per seat, and the taxi will depart once all spaces are filled up.

• By Private Taxi: Book a transfer using one of the ridesharing services in Georgia, you can arrange a ride with a verified driver online. 

• By Car: You can also use a car rental service and drive there yourself. However, we do not recommend this option unless you have significant prior experience of driving on mountain roads. If you do choose to drive, select your vehicle carefully, ensuring that it is fit for the ragged mountain roads, and of course, drive with caution and undivided attention at all times  

Where to Stay in Svaneti in 2024

In most Svan villages, you’ll be able to find local guesthouses, most of which come with breakfast included. Furthermore, most of them are listed online, allowing you to check their facilities and ratings before booking in advance. Doing so is especially advisable if trekking across the region during high season, and wishing to stay in villages like Zhabeshi and Lakhiri.

In Mestia, the accommodation options are more wide-ranging, going from huts to modern boutique hotels.