Hiking in Svaneti

Georgia

Hit the Trails of the Grand Caucasus

10 days Ask us for pricing This is the price per person for a private tour (based on 2 people travelling) excluding international flights. Contact us for pricing for other group sizes including individuals.
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Intro, Dates & Prices

Intro

Tucked high in the northwestern Caucasus, Svaneti is Georgia’s most remote and enchanting region, where dramatic mountain peaks, lush alpine meadows, and ancient stone watchtowers create a landscape straight from legend.

Home to the proud Svan people, this UNESCO-listed region preserves centuries-old traditions, vibrant folk culture, and abiding mystery. From the charming town of Mestia to the glacier-fed valleys and rugged trails, Svaneti offers a mainline into the wild heart of the Caucasus. Blending culture, nature and even a touch of archaeology, see Georgia from different vantage points on a backcountry adventure full of mountain trails and cultural curios. Accompanied by a seasoned local guide, you’ll explore the South Caucasus’ cultural richness, environmental diversity, and centuries of history at your own gentle pace. Begin with Tbilisi’s charming old town before venturing west to the atmospheric cave town of Uplistsikhe, and upward to highland settlements like Ushguli and Mulakhi.

In Svaneti, enjoy rewarding yet unhurried walks to glacier-fed waterfalls like Ushba, plunging canyons such as Okatse, and remote mountain villages like Becho, with plenty of time to rest and absorb your surroundings. Welcoming guesthouses and knowledgable guiding make this journey ideal for inquisitive travellers seeking an authentic blend of town & country - bringing you closer to a more elevated Georgia that not everyone sees.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Okatse Canyon
  • Ushba's glacial-fed cascade
  • UNESCO-listed forts of Mestia
  • Ushguli's high pastoral panoramas
  • Chalaadi's living River of Ice
  • Mulakhi's Stone Watchtowers
  • Kutaisi, latter-day Kingdom of Colchis

Places Visited

Uplistsikhe - Prometheus' Grotto - Kutaisi - Becho - Ushba Waterfalls - Mestia - Ushguli - Chalaadi Glacier - Martvili Canyon

What's Included

Arrival & departure transfers
Ground transport with driver
Domestic flights (if relevant - refer to itinerary)
Accommodation
Meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan)
English-speaking guides
Entrance fees to sites & parks

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Itinerary & Map
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Day 1 : Arrival Tbilisi

On arrival at Tbilisi Airport, you will be greeted by a Travel The Unknown representative and transferred to your hotel.

After breakfast, meet your guide mid-morning in the hotel lobby to set off on a walking  tour of Tbilisi’s atmospheric old town. Highlights include the ancient Narikala Fortress,  the iconic Mother of Georgia statue, the striking Peace Bridge, Metekhi Church, the  Synagogue, and Rike Park. Later, stroll along Rustaveli Avenue, the city’s main boulevard and lined with theatres, museums, and historic buildings. Today’s tour uses public transport, including the Metro, rather than a private vehicle.

End back at your hotel. Overnight in Tbilisi. 

Overnight in Strofi Boutique Hotel, Tbilisi

Meal plan: Breakfast

Tbilisi, formerly known as 'Tiflis', is Georgia's capital and the largest city of Georgia. It lays on the banks of the Mtkvari River and has a population of roughly 1.5 million people. Founded in the 5th century by the monarch of Georgia's ancient precursor, the Kingdom of Iberia, over the centuries the city was taken by successive invaders. Historically diverse, an increase in the Armenian population was noticed in the 19th century. Tbilisi has many narrow streets and a mixture of religious and secular architecture. The old city features many churches, synagogues, mosques and 19th-century houses with multi-coloured wooden balconies. For outright weirdness Tbilisi also has a street named in honour of ex-president, George W Bush.

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Day 2 : Tbilisi – Uplistsikhe – Prometheus Grotto – Kutaisi

This morning drive to Uplistsikhe, a fascinating ancient rock-hewn town that once lay along the Silk Road. Spend about an hour exploring its cave dwellings and tunnels. Continue to Prometheus Grotto, one of Georgia’s most impressive cave systems. Ensconced in its limestone walls, it's easy to be wowed by its bizarre geological formations. Afterwards, transfer to Kutaisi. 

Overnight in Kutaisi.

Overnight in Grand Opera, Kutaisi

Meal plan: Breakfast

Uplistsikhe (meaning 'Fortress of the Ruler') is a rock-hewn town that dates back to 1000 BC and covers an area of approximately 8 hectares. The town is divided over three levels that are connected by a series of narrow tunnels. Uplistsikhe used to be a main point on the Silk Road, but was abandoned in the 17th century.

Discover real masterpieces of nature - stalactites and stalagmites at Prometheus Cave, which are the most beautiful forms created by nature. One of Georgia's largest cave systems, the grotto comprises 22 grand halls, of which only 6 are on public display. A fairy tale world, and bonanza for all you speleologists. 

 Kutaisi is Georgia’s second largest city and has a history that dates back to 2000 BC, when it served as the capital city of the Kingdom of Colchis. Ottoman forces conquered the city in the early 16th century, but it was reclaimed by the Georgian king in 1770. The city possesses two UNESCO World Heritage sites and sits on the banks of the Rioni river. 

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Day 3 : Kutaisi – Okatse Canyon – Becho

Begin with a short walking tour of Kutaisi’s historic centre and lively agricultural market.  Travel onwards to Okatse Canyon for a good amble along its scenic trails and suspension bridges. Later, continue to Becho, a picturesque mountain village under the imposing rock horns of Ushba.

Overnight in Becho. 

Overnight in Becho House, Becho

Meal plan: Breakfast

 The picturesque Okatse Canyon is found in the Imereti region. Visitors can enjoy the magnificent scenery, of the snow-capped Askhi Pleateau, from the many footpaths within the canyon. Best views available on demand from Okatse bridge - conveniently suspended 50 metres above the canyon

The village of Becho is situated in the Dorla valley just west of Mestia. The remote and rarely visited community provides an insight into a traditionally rural Georgian way of life. The scenic surrounding landscape provides an idyllic spot to explore. Visitors can embark on a hike around the remarkable twin-peaked Ushba, where they will encounter the peaceful Dorla River, hidden waterfalls and glaciers. There are many other hiking trails in the surrounding area, which provide equally scenic views across the isolated villages and snow-capped mountains.

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Day 4 : Becho – Ushba Waterfalls – Mestia

Enjoy a rewarding hike towards the mighty Ushba Glacier, reaching its spectacular waterfalls surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery. Return to Becho before  transferring to Mestia, the heart of Svaneti. Enjoy a pre-packed picnic lunch with Svaneti's pure nature as your guest of honour. Onward to the charming mountain townlet of Mestia, for sundown. Sitting at the height of Britain's highest peak, Beinn Nevis, it's not difficult to appreciate Mestia's bracing mountain air, as well as the panoramic views. 

Overnight in Mestia.

Overnight in Mestia Inn, Mestia

Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch

Set against the towering double peak of Mount Ushba, the Ushba Waterfalls are a breathtaking cascade fed by the melting ice of the Ushba Glacier. Reached via a scenic hike through wildflower-strewn meadows and pine forests, the falls thunder into a misty gorge, showcasing the raw power of Svaneti’s alpine landscape. This is one of the region’s most iconic natural landmarks, offering a rewarding adventure for nature lovers and photographers alike.

The highland townlet of Mestia is located in the Svaneti region of Georgia, at an elevation of 1,500 metres. The small settlement was historically an important centre for Georgian culture and arts - today, remaining home to a number of UNESCO-listed medieval monuments and forts. The surrounding mountainous landscape provides an idyllic backdrop for the quaint medieval town. Mestia has become a centre for visitors wishing to explore the mountains and hike through the rural region. 

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Day 5 : Mestia – Ushguli

Today, drive to Ushguli, recognised as the highest permanently inhabited village in  Europe. En route, pass through charming Svanetian hamlets, stopping for short walks  and photo opportunities. Visit the atmospheric Love Tower by the river before  continuing into Ushguli. 

Once there, explore the village on foot and enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Shkhara (5,201m), Georgia’s highest peak. Take a  mutli-hour walk towards the mountain before returning to your family-run guesthouse. Enjoy local mountain hospitality in quite the most scenic surroundings. 

Dinner and overnight in Ushguli.

Overnight in Old Tower Guesthouse , Ushguli

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

Ushguli is a community of four villages that are located in the Engurgi gorge of the UNESCO-listed region of Upper Svaneti. Ushguli is one of the highest settlements to have been continuously inhabited in Europe, which retains a traditional and medieval feel through the authentic defensive towers and chapel that date back to the 12th Century. Situated at an altitude of 2,100 metres, the area of Ushguli is covered by snow for almost 6 months of the year. Its remote and rural location means that it is often isolated, as the road out to Mestia often becomes impassable.

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Day 6 : Ushguli – Chalaadi Glacier – Mestia

This morning, set out towards the Chalaadi Glacier. Disembark to begin a scenic hike,  with superb views of the glacier and surrounding valleys. Afterwards, return to Mestia,  where you will bid farewell to your guide. 

Overnight in Mestia.

Overnight in Mestia Inn, Mestia

Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch

The Chalaadi Glacier offers a rare chance to step right up to the edge of a living river of ice. Fed by the massive peaks of the Greater Caucasus, this glacier descends dramatically into the Chalaadi Valley, where meltwater streams tumble over rocks and through pristine alpine forest. A moderate hike from Mestia leads you to this awe-inspiring natural wonder, making it one of Svaneti’s most accessible yet unforgettable adventures.
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Day 7 : Mestia – Mulakhi – Mestia

Meet your English-speaking mountain escort and drive to Mulakhi, an authentic Svan alpine village still featuring the old stone watchtowers from more fuedal times. Embark on another beautiful walk through alpine landscapes, before returning to Mestia. 

Overnight in Mestia.

Overnight in Mestia Inn, Mestia

Meal plan: Breakfast

Nestled in a wide, sunlit valley beneath the towering Caucasus peaks, Mulakhi is a traditional Svan village celebrated for its stone watchtowers and timeless rural charm. Surrounded by rolling meadows, sparkling streams, and breathtaking mountain vistas, it offers a serene glimpse into authentic Svaneti life. Just a short journey from Mestia, Mulakhi makes an ideal base for gentle walks, cultural encounters, and soaking in the region’s peaceful alpine beauty.
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Day 8 : Mestia – Martvili Canyon – Kutaisi

Depart Mestia for Kutaisi (approx. 6 hours). En route, stop at the impressive Enguri  Dam, one of the largest hydroelectric projects in the Caucasus, and admire Georgia’s  biggest reservoir. Continue to Martvili Canyon, once used by local nobles as a private bathing place, where you will enjoy a short boat ride through its turquoise waters. 

Overnight in Kutaisi. 

n.b. No guide or escort services today.

Overnight in Grand Opera, Kutaisi

Meal plan: Breakfast

 Kutaisi is Georgia’s second largest city and has a history that dates back to 2000 BC, when it served as the capital city of the Kingdom of Colchis. Ottoman forces conquered the city in the early 16th century, but it was reclaimed by the Georgian king in 1770. The city possesses two UNESCO World Heritage sites and sits on the banks of the Rioni river. 

Once a secret retreat of Georgian nobles, Martvili Canyon is a dazzling natural wonder where turquoise waters wind through steep limestone cliffs and lush subtropical greenery. Visitors can drift along the serene river by boat, marvel at waterfalls tumbling into crystal-clear pools, and stroll scenic walkways that reveal the canyon’s dramatic beauty. Located in the Samegrelo region, Martvili Canyon blends tranquillity and adventure, offering an unforgettable escape into Georgia’s lush, unspoiled landscapes.

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Day 9 : Kutaisi – Tbilisi

Return to Tbilisi, arriving around midday for an early afternoon hotel check-in. 

The afternoon is free to explore independently – perhaps inviting you to wander the elegant Sololaki  district, take the funicular up Mtatsminda Hill, relax in the famous sulphur baths, or to enjoy the simple pleasures in life: a coffee at a local café, or even a glass of Georgian wine in a little backstreet plaza. 

Overnight in Tbilisi

Overnight in Strofi Boutique Hotel, Tbilisi

Meal plan: Breakfast

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Day 10 : Departure Tbilisi

Take a leisurely breakfast, then at appropriate time, transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Alternatively, stick around for more of what this remarkable region has to offer. Let us advise you on what's hot in the South Caucasian Republics. 

Meal plan: Breakfast

Accommodation

Accommodation

All accommodation subject to availability. Final accommodation choices will be confirmed after booking.

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Strofi Boutique Hotel

Tbilisi (2 nights)

Hotel Strofi is nestled in the heart of Tbilisi. Our hotel is a beautiful heritage building from the 19th century that has been carefully restored to preserve its original charm and character.
Located on the same street where Georgian poet Lado Asatiani once lived, our hotel is steeped in history and culture. From the moment you step through our doors, you will be transported back in time to a bygone era of elegance and sophistication.
 

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Grand Opera

Kutaisi (2 nights)

Grand Opera in Kutaisi offers a stylish and comfortable stay in one of Georgia’s most historic cities. With elegant interiors, well-appointed rooms, and attentive service, it’s ideal for both leisure and business travellers. Guests enjoy easy access to Kutaisi’s landmarks, lively squares, and dining spots. The hotel blends modern amenities with a touch of local character, providing a relaxing retreat after exploring nearby cultural treasures like the Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastery.

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Becho House

Becho (1 night)

A family-run hotel is situated in Becho, with an emphasis on the compact and cozy. Featuring a restaurant, free WiFi and views of the mountains. Guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant or a drink at the bar. 

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Mestia Inn

Mestia (3 nights)

The Mestia Inn offers a warm, welcoming base in the heart of Svaneti’s mountain town of Mestia. Combining rustic charm with modern comforts, it’s perfect for travellers exploring the region’s dramatic landscapes and historic stone towers. Comfortable rooms, hearty local breakfasts, and friendly staff create a homely atmosphere. Its central location makes it easy to access hiking trails, cultural landmarks, and vibrant local cafés, making The Mestia Inn an excellent choice for an authentic Svaneti experience.

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Old Tower Guesthouse

Ushguli (1 night)

Embodying rustic charm and fulll of the simple pleasures of authentic stays, the Old Tower Guesthouse offers perfectly good respite for the weary traveller, having done all that mountain walking to get there. With all your needs catered for, the Old Tower will accommodate you with customary Georgian warmth and hospitality. A firm favourite among those who venture far into the mountains. 

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Extensions

Hills and Mountain Villages of Georgia (1-10 days)

Hike the hills and mountain regions of Georgia

Mix and match Georgia (1-5 days)

Discover more of Georgia's quirks and hidden corners

Hiking in Svaneti (12 days)

Explore Georgia's stunning mountains on foot

Best of the Caucasus (15 days)

Charms & contradictions of Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia

Eastern Turkey & Georgia Explorer (14 days)

From Ancient Anatolia to the Heart of Georgia.

Armenia & Georgia Explorer (12 days)

Journey through the rich history of Armenia & Georgia

Around the South Caucasus (12 days)

Three small countries. All neighbours. All totally different.

Ancient World of the Caucasus (12 days)

Archaeology laid bare on Europe's balcony.

Hidden Treasures of Georgia (12 days)

Led by Bradt author Sophie Ibbotson

Hiking in Svaneti (10 days)

Hit the Trails of the Grand Caucasus

Georgia Explorer (9 days)

Unadorned monasteries, lofty peaks, ancient vineyards, and faultless hospitality.

Rural Georgia (9 days)

Experience local village hospitality in rugged backcountry

Six Days in Georgia (6 days)

Visit Tbilisi and the Khaketi wine region.

Three Days in Georgia (3 days)

Visit Tbilisi and the Khaketi wine region.

Reviews

We had a fantastic time on our Best of the Caucasus tour. We loved eating with the families in Georgia and visiting the Molovan family in Armenia, definitely highlights of the trip. Our Georgian guide in particular was the best you could possibly have, giving a true insight into the country. He should be recommended for an award!

Pam Bowers & John Simpson , Best of the Caucasus

We are a fairly fussy bunch of travellers, but this was one of our best trips. We were were impressed with the overall organisation, and our young and very capable guide was an excellent ambassador for her beautiful country.

Valerie Newberry , Tailormade Georgia

We asked Travel the Unknown to come up with an unusual trip to 6 counties of the Caucasus and the ex-Soviet Union countries. They did so in a tour that flowed seamlessly the whole 38 days. The most impressive part was when Ukrainian Airlines cancelled our connecting flights from Kiev to Minsk, for 2 consecutive days. We contacted Travel The Unknown that morning and asked them to arrange an overnight train with a sleeping compartment. When arrived in Kiev, we were met at the airport, driven to the train station where tickets where waiting for us. They arranged for our pickup at the station in Minsk, as we left the train, and we went on our planned tours without losing a minute. That is what I call great service!

Irwin Drangel & Linda Schain , Tailor-made Caucasus and Soviet Fringes

Loved the Caucasus with Travel the Unknown. I learnt of their ancient history and the current geopolitical significance of the cross roads between West and East. Another first class trip from Travel the Unknown with extremely knowledgeable guides and great hotels.

Margaret Small , Best of the Caucasus

The trip to the Caucasus was both illuminating and fun. It was particularly interesting to visit all three countries, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia, to try to understand the area and the problems they face from each country's very different perspective. The scenery in the whole area is breathtaking. The tour introduced us to many local people who were all very hospitable and generous. They welcomed us warmly and joined in our enjoyment of "having a go" at various crafts, eg bread making, felt-making, learning a bit of Georgian script, etc. In each of the three countries, religion is fundamental to their lives and visits to mosques, temples, churches, monasteries and cathedrals were a large feature in the tour. I would highly recommend the tour to anyone who likes an activity-packed holiday in places that are off the beaten track.

Doreen , Best of the Caucasus

Our private tour of the Best of the Caucasus was well organised with a varied and busy itinerary, knowledgeable and interesting guides and good transport. Everything ran very smoothly, gave us a wonderful introduction to the long, and at times traumatic, history of each country and was a lot of fun. Thanks!

The Martyn-Fishers , Best of the Caucasus

The trip to Armenia and Georgia was interesting and fascinating. We had little knowledge of the region before we travelled. The guides in both countries gave us an in-depth understanding of the countries history and culture at a cross road between Europe and Asia. The people, guides and families we met were very welcoming and proud to share their fantastic food and culture with us. The places, monuments and landscape were grandiose. We made friends and will certainly return to this fantastic and fascinating region.

The McGibbons , Armenia & Georgia Explorer
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