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Price

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619

11 days

Availability : July - October

Start of the tour: Lentekhi

End of the Tour: Etseri

Min Age : 16

Max People : min. 2 - max. 10

|| Route from Lentekhi to Etseri

Travel Programme

Overview

Our 11-day walking tour of Svaneti is an exceptional offering for lovers of hiking and culture. That’s why we are organising a complete tour from Lower to Upper Svaneti, including both hiking and cultural discoveries.

The route starts in Lentekhi and ends in Ezeri, allowing guests to explore both parts of Svaneti on foot. The route also includes the well-known Mestia-Ushguli route with one difference – we first hike to Ushguli and then from Ushguli to Mestia.

The programme includes two transfer days and nine hiking days, with one day planned as a rest day. This hiking tour in Svaneti is suitable for experienced hikers, but people who have not yet hiked at an altitude of three thousand metres are also very welcome. They can skip the more strenuous sections and enjoy other beautiful hiking routes instead.

The best time to travel is from mid-July to mid-October. You can find out more about the best time to travel to Georgia HERE.

Our accommodation is mainly in guest houses in the villages, where we are greeted with delicious food and a hot shower every day. Here, guests have the opportunity to experience the daily life of the Swans up close, to visit the famous Swans’ defence towers and to admire the beautiful paintings in the chapels.

Advantage of our offer

Our programme offers a significant advantage and differs from the travel offers of other providers in the following respects:

It starts in Lower Svaneti and then leads to Upper Svaneti, to Ushguli. Our guests explore both valleys of Svaneti – the valley of the Tskhkenistskali river (Lower Svaneti) and the valley of the Enguri river (Upper Svaneti). The tour programme includes the hiking route, which is less well known but is one of the most beautiful in Svaneti.
From Ushguli, the entire route leads to Mestia and on to Etseri. This means that the route goes from top to bottom (Ushguli is at 2200 m and Etseri at 1400 m). Since we hike from top to bottom during the tour, there are fewer inclines overall, which significantly reduces the pure walking time compared to a hike from Mestia to Uschguli.This gives our guests more time for breaks to enjoy nature longer and take more beautiful photos.

Tour guide:

The trip will be led by Giorgi Liaprteliani, an experienced local mountain guide and English-speaking tour guide in Georgia. With him, you will learn and experience many interesting things about Georgia.

Giorgi Liparteliani - Trekking Guide in Georgia

Highlights

Lentekhi – administrative centre of Lower Svaneti
Goldashi, Latpari Passes
Village of Ushguli, Shkhara Valley and Glacier, Khalde Village, Chkhutnieri Pass
Horses crossing the river near Hadishi village, Hadishi village, Mulakhi
Mestia Museum, M. Khergiani House Museum in Mestia.
Guli Pass, Becho Valley, Shdugra Waterfall, Bakh Pass, Etseri

Itinerary

Day 1.Meeting and driving to Lentekhi

Our hiking tour in Svaneti begins with a drive from Tbilisi to Kutaisi. We will meet our guests there who have either come by plane to Kutaisi or to Batumi (we will be happy to organise a taxi for those who have travelled from Batumi to Kutaisi).

We will have a break for a snack in a cosy restaurant. After that, we will continue to Lentekhi. This is the administrative centre of Lower Svaneti. We will stay overnight and have dinner at our family guesthouse in Lentekhi.

Driving time: approx. 6 hours

Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner

Accommodation: Lentekhi / guesthouse

Day 2.Lentekhi | Hiking to Goldashi Mountain

Hiking in Svaneti is challenging, which is why it is important for our guests to acclimatise. For our beginners’ tour, we explore our first mountain, the Goldaschi. Our goal for this stage is a lookout point at an altitude of 2300 m.

From there, we can admire the panorama of the Svaneti mountains, enjoy the beautiful landscape and catch a glimpse of the Skaldi monastery.

After a refreshing break with provisions, we will make our way back to the guesthouse. If the weather is good, there will be an opportunity to bathe in a dammed mountain river.

Bus transfer: 1.5 hours

Meals: breakfast / lunch box / dinner

Accommodation: Lentekhi / guesthouse

Hiking route:

Day 3.From Lentekhi to Ushguli | Crossing the Latpari Pass

On easy roads we reach the tree line and shorten the long march on the forest road. On the way over the Latpari Pass (3000 m) to Ushguli we experience lush and diverse flower vegetation.

This route is one of the most beautiful in Georgia and we recommend it to anyone who books a hiking tour in Svaneti.

Please note: In case of bad weather, we will take the somewhat lower but equally beautiful Lasdili Pass as an alternative, which is also included in the jeep tours in Georgia.

Driving time: 1.5 hours

Catering: breakfast / lunch box / dinner

Accommodation: Ushguli / guesthouse

Hiking trail:

To Ushguli from Latpari Pass - Hiking in Svaneti

Day 4.Ushguli | Shkhara Valley to the magnificent Shkhara Glacier

Ushguli with its defence towers and chapels from the 12th century is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our hiking day begins with a short drive (about half an hour) through the beautiful Shkhara Valley.

Afterwards, we will hike to the famous Shkhara Glacier and back (about 2 hours). In the afternoon, we will continue hiking to the Kala. We will pass through old village streets, forests and meadows. After 3 to 4 hours we will reach our accommodation.

Bus transfer: 1 hour

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch box / Dinner

Accommodation: Lalkhori / Guesthouse

Hiking route:

At the Shkhara glacier - Hiking in Svaneti

Day 5.Khalde - Hadishi | over the Chkhutnieri Pass

On this stage of the hike, we cross the picturesque Tschchutnieri Pass (2800 m). For about three hours we follow the course of the Khadechkala River before we ascend to the pass. After a lunch break, we begin the descent to the Hadishichala River.

The impressive Tetnuldi glacier and the Caucasus massif make this hike an unforgettable experience. We cross the river on horseback and reach our family guesthouse in Hadishi after about 3 hours.

Bus transfer: 20 mins.

Meals: breakfast / lunch box / dinner

Accommodation: Hadishi / guesthouse

Hiking trail:

Day 6.Hadishi - Mestia | colourful meadows and high mountains of Svaneti

Our route takes us through birch forests, flowering meadows and along small mountain streams towards the Tetnuldi massif. We follow a ski slope that leads steadily downhill until we reach our destination, Mulachi.

From here we have a breathtaking view of the mountains of Laila, Tviberi, Tetnuldi and Uschba. From Mulachi we drive about 15 km to Mestia, where we will stay overnight.

Bus transfer: 30 min.

Meals: breakfast / lunch box / dinner

Accommodation: hadishi / guesthouse

Hiking route:

Day 7.Mestia | Discover the Svan culture

To make our hiking tour in Svaneti even more interesting, we plan a rest day in Mestia to discover the cultural treasures of Svaneti. As the administrative centre of Upper Svaneti, Mestia has become an important tourist destination in recent years. This place is always included in our round trips and photo tours in Georgia.

We take the Hastwali chairlift up the mountain, visit the National Museum and see a medieval Svan house, the ‘Matschubi’. After a lunch break, our guests have free time and can continue to explore the city on their own.

Catering: breakfast / lunch / dinner

Accommodation: Mestia / in a guesthouse

Day 8.Mestia - Becho | Over the Guli Pass, the crowning stage of the journey

Today our route first takes us to Mount Zchakvzagari and then on to the Guli Pass at an altitude of 3,000 metres via alpine pastures. From here we have a breathtaking panoramic view of the Betscho Valley and the Svaneti Mountains.

This stage is the highlight of our hiking holiday in Svaneti. Since it is also the most demanding stage of the entire trip, guests who do not feel like driving to our accommodation can enjoy shorter hikes in the valley.

We will have a lunch break at the top of the pass and then descend to Guli. We will cover the last few kilometres to our accommodation in Becho by car.

Bus transfer: without

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch Box / Dinner

Accommodation: Becho / Guest house

Hiking route:

Day 9.Becho | along the wild Dolra River to the Shdugra Waterfall

Today’s hike will take us first to the Shduruga waterfall, which is fed directly from the Uschba glacier and is one of the highlights of the valley. The path winds through a picturesque forest along the wild Dolra river.

After a break at the border police station, the tour continues to the Fasserfall waterfall and back to Betscho.

Bus transfer: approx. 15 mins.

Meals: breakfast / lunch box / dinner

Accommodation: Becho / guesthouse

Hiking route:

Over the Bridge of Dolra River - Trekking in Svaneti

Day 10.Becho – Etseri | over the Bach Pass

Our destination today is the enchanting village of Etseri, once the residence of the Svan princes Dadeschkeliani. We hike over alpine pastures, past a mountain lake and a chapel to Etseri.

The surrounding mountains of Uschba, Lahili and Tetnuldi make this stage of the hiking tour through Svaneti unforgettable. Our hike ends here.

Bus transfer: 30 min.

Meals: breakfast / lunch box / dinner

Accommodation: Etseri / in a guesthouse

Hiking route:

Day 11.Drive to Tbilisi and end of the tour

We return to Tbilisi via Zugdidi and Kutaisi, where our hiking tour in Svaneti ends.

We will be happy to organise a transfer for those participants who wish to continue their journey to Batumi.

Travel time: 8 hours

Catering: breakfast / snacks

Accommodation: Tbilisi / in a hotel

Travel Dates:

02.08.2025 – 11.08.2025 Available | 10 places still left

06.09.2025 – 11.09.2025 Available | 10 places still left

Note: This tour can also be booked as an individual trip with or without a tour guide for dates that suit you. Tips, preparation and follow-up for hiking in Svaneti on your own can be found HERE.

Tour price:

Prices per person in a DR:EUR 1580

SGL - supplement:EUR 170

Please note: The price applies to a minimum number of participants of 2 people. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, see HERE.

Our services included:

Transfers to/from airport
All transfers in a comfortable minibus
Support vehicle / luggage transport
Breakfast, lunch/picnic, dinner
Travel organisation
English-speaking guide
Tickets according to the programme
Accommodationim3* hotels and guest houses

NOT included:

Flight
Alcohol (except for wine tasting)
Travel insurance
Tip

Travel packing list:

Equipment & clothing – hiking poles, sunglasses, sun hat, small daypack, 1/1.5 litre water bottle, sweets for toddlers, which can often be found in the villages or inns, camera, mobile phone, charger ( There are European sockets in Georgia), power bank, hiking boots with a good profile and a change of light shoes, waterproof trousers, waterproof jacket, functional clothing such as underpants, T-shirt, leggings, jumper, fleece jacket, gloves, sleeping bag.
First aid and hygiene – plasters, blister plasters and tape, headache medicine, medicine for diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, nasal spray, eye drops, insect repellent, electrolyte preparations, personal medication, sun cream.

Additional information:

Difficulty level: moderately difficult; suitable for experienced hikers who can hike up to 3000 m in altitude.
Hiking days: 8 hiking days, 1 rest day, 2 transfer days to and from Svanetia.
Daily stages: from 12 to 17 km.
Accommodation: simple and very nice family hotels.
Luggage: our main luggage is transported by our support vehicle. We only carry day luggage.

Our route

FAQ-s about the hiking tour Svaneti

Question 1.What is the best time for a hiking holiday in Svaneti?

The best time for a hiking holiday in Svaneti is from mid-July to mid-October, when the weather tends to be pleasant and hiking conditions are favourable.

Question 2.How demanding are the hiking trails in Svaneti?

The hiking trails in Svaneti vary from easy to challenging. There are routes for different fitness levels, but some stages require a good physical condition and hiking experience.

Question 3.Are hiking guides available on the tours?

Yes, experienced hiking guides accompany our groups, provide orientation, share local knowledge and ensure the safety of participants during the hikes.

Question 4.Can you hike in Svaneti on your own?

Yes, it is possible to hike alone in Svaneti on your own initiative. However, for certain reasons, we would not recommend this.

Question 5.Do I need to prepare for the trip?

It is recommended that you bring appropriate hiking equipment, waterproof clothing and suitable footwear. It is also advisable to ensure a certain level of physical fitness before the start of the trip.

Question 6.What type of accommodation is provided during the hiking holiday?

The accommodation ranges from guesthouses in the Swatyan villages to 3* family accommodation. Each offers hot showers and delicious food.

Question 7.Are there rest days during the hiking holiday?

Yes, a rest day is planned on our hiking tour in Svaneti, which can be used to explore cultural monuments or to relax.

Question 8.Are meals and catering facilities provided?

All our self-drive tours in Georgia include meals provided at the accommodation or en route. Participants should bring additional snacks or special needs themselves.

Question 9.What will the means of transport look like during the journey?

For longer distances or transfers between locations, a minibus such as a Mitsubishi Delica or a normal car is normally used as an escort vehicle.

Question 10.Are the hikes suitable for beginners?

Some stages are suitable for beginners, but there are also more challenging routes. Participants should note the respective levels of difficulty and assess their abilities.

Question 11.Which attractions can be visited on the hikes?

During the hikes, participants can discover Svan defence towers, old chapels, waterfalls, glaciers and impressive mountain landscapes.

Question 12.Can the trip be customised?

In some cases, the trip can be customised to individual preferences or requirements. It is recommended that this be discussed in advance with the tour operator.

Question 13.Are there alternative activities besides hiking?

Besides hiking, participants can experience cultural tours, local markets or leisure activities in some locations. Horse riding, mountain biking or climbing are also possible.