Mestia – Ushguli Trek

About this trip

Four walking days through Upper Svaneti, from Mestia to Ushguli, one of the highest permanently inhabited villages in Europe. You cross the Chkhunderi Pass at about 2,700 m, pass the Adishi glacier valley and sleep in family guesthouses in Zhabeshi, Adishi and Iprali, with Svan stone towers in every village and Shkhara standing over the last day. The trail is not steep for long, but the days are long. We start in Mestia; a Tbilisi or Kutaisi transfer can be added.

Where we go

1. Day 1
   Mestia → Zhabeshi

   Out of Mestia along the Mulkhura valley, about 16 km with some 770 m of climbing. Svan towers in the villages, and the first good views of Tetnuldi. Night in Zhabeshi.

2. Day 2
   Zhabeshi → Chkhunderi Pass → Adishi

   A steep first hour through rhododendron forest, then open slopes up to the Chkhunderi Pass at about 2,700 m. The path drops into Adishi, a village of towers at 2,050 m, with the Adishi glacier valley behind it.

3. Day 3
   Adishi → Iprali

   The longest day by distance. A last look at the glacier, a steep descent, then mostly flat walking beside the Adishi river with a couple of crossings. Night in Iprali.

4. Day 4
   Iprali → Ushguli

   An undulating trail through Davberi to Ushguli and its four villages under Shkhara. Time at the Lamaria church, lunch, and a shared 4x4 transfer back to Mestia.

What's included