Snowshoe hike in Svaneti

The trip can be started from Tbilisi as well as from Kutaisi.

As the snowshoeing tour takes place in Svaneti region, we offer the possibility to start the trip from Kutaisi as well.

Kutaisi is relatively close to Svaneti and there are direct flights to Kutaisi from different European cities as well.

From Tbilisi guests have different options: Either we will take you from Tbilisi directly to Svaneti by car, or you can travel part of the way by Georgian Railways too. 

Itinerary:  

Day 1: Drive to Svaneti

Early in the morning we will pick you up at your accommodation and drive towards Svaneti. Guests who prefer to travel part of the way by train from Tbilisi, we will take them to the train station and pick them up in the afternoon in the city of Sugdidi.

Guests who want to join the tour in Kutaisi, we will pick them up in Kutaisi around noon. 

On the way we take several breaks and have a look at the third highest dam in the world - Enguri. Around 7 pm we reach our destination for the day and starting point of the snowshoe hike - Betcho, a small village in Svaneti, located at the foot of the mighty mountain Ushba.

Overnight: Family Hotel in Betcho (Bath in every room)
(-/-/D)

Day 2: snowshoeing tour in Svaneti 

Today is the day when the snow hiking in Svanetia really starts. We will have two options: Either we will hike over the Baki Pass (2,462 m), or we will go on snowshoes towards the mountain Ushba, also called the Matterhorn of the Caucasus. 

Both snow hikes are moderately difficult and the routes go through imposing landscapes of Svaneti.

Which route we take depends on the snow conditions and avalanche danger in the mountains.

Option A: ↑ 950 ↓ 950 →| 12 km. time 6-7 hrs.
Option B: ↑ 750 ↓ 750 →| 12 km. time 5-6 St.

After the hike we will return to Becho and then drive to the capital of Upper Svaneti - Mestia.

Overnight: Family Hotel in Mestia (Bath in every room)
(B/L/D)

Tag 3: snowshoeing in Chalaadi  

Today we will hike with our snowshoes towards the Chalaadi glacier. The hike goes partly through a coniferous forest and if the snow conditions allow us, we will get very close to the Chalaadi glacier.

We go back the same way and after our arrival in Mestia we have plenty of time to see also the cultural side of Svaneti.

We take a walk through the village and visit a family museum with a Svanetian fortified tower and typical Svanetian residential house.

In the evening we will enjoy a typical dinner in our family-run hotel.

↑ 400 ↓ 400 →| 12 km. Time 3-4 hrs.

Overnight: Family Hotel in Mestia (Bath in every room)
(B/L/D)

Day 4: UNESCO World heritage – Ushguli

Our snowshoeing hike in Svaneti today will take us to the UNESCO village of Ushguli, known for its excellent location among the high mountains with numerous ancient fortified towers.

In Ushguli we will bring our luggage to the accommodation and then explore the surroundings on snowshoes. Thereby we have different possibilities: Depending on the snow conditions and avalanche danger, we will hike either in the direction of the Shkhara glacier, or to the local mountain of Ushguli. 

A: ↑ 300 ↓ 300 →| 10 km. time 4-5 hrs.
B: ↑ 750 ↓ 750 →| 6 km. time 4-5 hrs.

In the evening we will move into our accommodation and enjoy local specialties.

Overnight: Family Hotel in Mestia (Bath in every room)
(B/L/D)

Day 5: With snowshoes to Mestia

Today we will undertake the last, but also the most beautiful snowshoe hike on our trip in Svaneti.

We will drive to the village of Lakhiri and start the snowshoe hike towards Mestia.

In the late afternoon we will reach Mestia and move into our comfortable accommodation, where our hosts will be waiting for us with Georgian specialties for dinner.

↑ 350 ↓ 550 →| 11 km. time  5-6 hrs.

Overnight: Family Hotel in Mestia (Bath in every room)
(B/L/D)

Day 6: Back to Tbilisi

After breakfast we will drive back down to the valley and take you to Kutaisi or back to Tbilisi as you wish.

Kilometers to Kutaisi: 250; time to drive: 5 hrs.
Kilometers to Tbilisi: 500; time to drive: 9 hrs.

Overnight stay: Additional overnight stays are not included
(B/-/-)

Included services:

Transportation: from/to Tbilisi, or Kutaisi
Train ride from Tbilisi to Sugdidi
German speaking guide
Snow hiking boots
Overnight stays: x 5
Meals:
Breakfast: x 5; picnic: 4; dinner:5
All tours and entrance fees

Not included:

Airline tickets
Travel insurance
Personal expenses and tips