A good walker with a tent could comfortably finish this trek in three days, but if you want to sleep in guesthouses, you probably need to split it into four days. If you buy any service through any of my links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you. 43.045556 42.729722. Still, if you cant hike with all your luggage, there is an option. The path follows along the Khaldeschala River (left hand side). Water: Streams are available but we would recommend taking a water purifier because of farming in the area. Mestia marks the start of the very popular four day hike to Ushguli which we plan to do during our stay. Most minivans leave in the early morning. Here, it turns east again and follows the large track through Murshkeli villahe to Zhamushi, where is reconnects the upper trail. But we've had a great view over a glacier during the whole hike on day 3 so that was rewarding enough :) But if you haven't hiked much in the area, I totally recommend to go back! This gravel path will lead to the Tetnuldi Ski Lift. Receive the latest content, tips, updates & more! This is also the best time to visit Ushguli. Am plecat dupa vreo ora si cand am ajuns la Zugdidi, pe cei de Mestia ne-a transferat la alt microbuz. So the only other option available to us was some local lads and their horse business. Here, I collected (and answered) questions I get most often. Two kilometeres before the Ushguli village, the trail merges with the main road. At the same time it has kept its beauty and is therefore well worth the effort to get there. So you might have to stick to the day train. If i am correct there are no marshrutka's to mazeri/ becho valley either Reply Report inappropriate content Still, it is certainly one of the top guesthouses in the village, if not the best one. This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking. We recommend downloading Maps.me which has offline maps of the area and hiking trails. I have a few question about if the marshrutkas from Mestia. Mestia to Ushguli trek description Day 1 - Mestia to Chvabiani - 5 hours It was not a great start as i'd slipped on the wet bathroom floor the night before and smashed my elbow on the floor. Guesthouse is known for delicious food, comfortable beds and modern bathrooms with hot water. It will divert you from the dirt road onto a short, but very steep trail through the forest. If you would like to, you will have enough time. If you hike in the opposite direction than most, you will meet almost all other hikers in a span of one or two hours and for the rest of the day will have the trail for yourself. Ten minutes later, you will reach a spot where a small trail branches off to the left, little uphill and into some bushes, while a large track keeps going down. More than likely, the ski lift wont be running. Please see my full disclosure for more information here. If you want to prolong your trek, you can cross into Lower Svaneti on foot via Latpari pass or Zagar pass. The trail from Mestia to Ushguli is the most popular in Georgia; we offer an alternative to the usual route which takes us along a wilder and more scenic path. Please have all the proper equipment, verify the weather conditions, and take into consideration your own physical abilities and/or limitations. And, of course, both owners speak fluent English and do their best so their guests feel like at home. Ushguli is at its most beautiful during sunrise and sunset. The plan is to take the overnight train Tbilisi-Zugdidi and then a Marshrutka from Zugdidi-Mestia. Situated in the old, but recently renovated house, so now it has new beds, wooden facade and plastic windows. Mestia Tourism Mestia Accommodation Mestia Bed and Breakfast Mestia Holiday Rentals Mestia Holiday Packages Ten minutes after leaving the meadow, you will reach a viewpoint with a beautiful view of Svaneti valley dominated by Mt. There are many locals with horses, so it's obvious on where to cross. Too much water, too fast a current and men with horses had already left. In total, we climbed close to 2000 vertical meters in about 12 hours. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Queen Tamar Airport in Mestia is located 2 km east of the town center. As to mount ushba, it is not in the mestia valley but about half an hours drive from mestia ( becho valley). Booking in advance is recommended in high season and many of them are now available on booking.com. It climbs slowly passing the Hotel Tetnuldi and later a row of wooden chalets to leave Mestia behind. Contact: (+995) 598 477180 (Nana speaks also English ). When we were there several people attempted to cross and found it very difficult, one losing his boots from his bag and another taking about an hour to find a safe spot. The first bus departs at 8:00 am, then there should be another one at 9:30 am. However, if you have enough time in your schedule I recommend staying at least one night. . Ticket price is 90 GEL one way. Trek is as safe as it can get in Georgia. Please comment below if something doesnt download right or email me here, as it helps me keep the maps up to date and maintained. In the busy summer months this might be necessary. But then COVID turned things upside down. (There is also a substation in the distance). There is also a small grocery shop as well as a bakery. It is not too long, takes only three to four days to finish. The 'bus station' is near the post office and you can make a reservation for your bus ticket there. I did not use a guide and made it with just a few minor glitches (and I was not using a gps). Trek from Mestia to Ushguli is the most popular multi-day hike in Georgia and for a good reason. Here, you need make a decision - there are two ways to enter the valley. 1 Mestia - The "capital" of Svaneti. Cow trails might sometimes create confusion, but the main route is marked, well-trodden and should be easy to follow. When ready, depart on the red and white marked trail to Iprali. Also, this trekking itinerary begins at the last stop of the Zuruldi cable car, from Mestia Georgia. If you visit Ushguli on a day trip there are several restaurants where you can have lunch. 2.1 1. Answered: Hi, I am looking at doing the 4 day hike Mestia-Ushguli in early June and have a couple of questions about logistics. For ushguli you need a 4x4 car to take you on this bumpy ride. The place is clean and the owners Giorgi and Katia work hard to keep it that way, food is also very good. Answer 1 of 4: Hi, As evidenced in my title, I want to figure travel plans between mestia and ushguli. If you need to return to Mestia, your best bet used to be minivans making day trips from Mestia to Ushguli. Disclaimer: This post with a travel guide about a day trip guide from Mestia to Ushguli contains affiliate links. But, in my opinion, even better views offers Chubedishi viewpoint to the northeast of the village. From the Shkhara glacier restaurant, where the jeeps stop, it is an hours hike to the glacier. Mestia. Once over the river theres a steep climb to a glacier lookout point and even further to the top of the hill with stunning panoramic views of the mountains. They write on the Internet that this is the Caucasian . I am not sure if travel questions are welcome on this subreddit, please let me know if they are not. Go from the train station to the main road (Rustaveli street), turn left and follow it towards the city, just before the bridge turns left and go in the Gulua street about 200 m. There should be a sign saying "MESTIA" on the right hand side. Required fields are marked *. As tourism is increasing there has been an explosion of new hotels and guesthouses in Mestia. So, nothing special, just a common sense - simply do not put yourself in a position where you would be vulnerable. Its outstanding universal value lies in its unique traditional architecture reflecting the Svan culture. This is an excellent place to take a break and climb around the viewpoints of the nearby ridges. Trekking in sub-optimal conditions means the higher chance of the accident and who am I to decide if this still worth to risk it or not? However, it's quite dusty because of passing jeeps so I prefer to spend on it as little time as possible. Past travelers have spent, on average, GEL19 ($5.99) on meals for one day and GEL12 ($3.96) on . Do not accept invitation from strangers and dont drink alcohol with them in private, especially if you are the only woman around. It's also refreshingly cold. About halfway lies Khalde village, known as a centre of anti-Russian uprising in 1875-76 (when it was, as a punishment, razed to the ground). The cost is around 40 Lari and the journey takes about 2 hours. Also, you dont have to worry about food too much - they serve breakfasts, dinners and can also prepare (usually somewhat underwhelming) lunchbox. You can take an easy walk along the top of the ridge to a view point. Where to Next? Just stuff you need for dayhikes. There's an opportunity to purchase snacks and beverages, or sleep here. How much should you spend in Georgia? Je souhaite faire part de mon exprience car les rcits que j'ai pu. They usually charge a small fee for entrance. I have read and agree to the terms & conditions, the 4 day multi day trek starts from Mestia to Ushguli, Here's the easiest and best way to reach the Svaneti Region from Tbilisi via the night train, Browse the best places to stay in Ushguli Georgia, Discover the Kakheti Wine Region in Sighnaghi Georgia, 4 Pit Stops from Sighnaghi to Kazbegi via the Georgia Military Highway, Juta Valley Trek Roshka to Juta via the Chaukhi Pass, Heres the easiest and best way to reach the Svaneti Region from Tbilisi via the night train, Picos de Europa National Park | Awesome 4 Day Road Trip, How To Hike the Epic Ausangate Trek Without A Guide | 6 Days, 14 Wonderful Peru Hot Springs You Have To Experience, How To Get to Chacahua Oaxaca | Enjoy One of The Best Beaches in Oaxaca, 25 Spectacular & Best Places to Visit in Oaxaca State. Thank you. As a result Ushguli is now one of the most popular day trips from Mestia. Things to do in Mestia: the gateway to Svaneti, The Shkhara glacier hike in Svaneti Georgia. The meals are also pretty good. The settlements are small enough that you can see everything in a day and have a delicious Svan meal before returning to Mestia. The second section is from Zhabeshi to Adishi, about 6 miles. But since it was heavily damaged during last years floods, its recommended just to cross the bridge south of Cholashi and head straight for the villages. No, we did it without a guide. Also, food was tasty and plentiful. If you can, try to spend at least one night in Mestia so you can rest, slow down a bit and see some local attractions. Copy the following HTML iframe code to your website: This is a basic overview on one of the most popular treks in the Svaneti Region of Georgia, the 4 day multi day trek starts from Mestia to Ushguli. if someone need use our service. We highly recommend staying at the Guest House Gogia with comfy rooms and amazing dinner and breakfast. After the river crossing, take the steep elevation gain to reach the Chkhunderi Pass. 1) Is it possible to get from Kutaisi to Mestia, leave spare bag in a guesthouse and get to Zhabeshi all in one day? Includes cafe and restaurant recommendations. Moreover, several of these guesthouses are at best average - the facilities are very basic, food only decent, prices quite high and the owners are often moody, sometimes very friendly and sometimes not so much (the only bright exception being Panorama guesthouse). Only a few marshrutkas were awaiting the ones arriving from Mestia. The marshrutka from Kutaisi to Zugdidi costs 7GEL and takes 2 hours with the connecting marshrutka from Zugdidi to Mestia costing 20GEL and taking 4 hours. Coming to the bridge at 4:30, we saw our marshutka go. Although there are tower houses in Mestia too, Ushguli remains the best place to see them. It's the regional capital. The trail turns south-east and climbs over a series of pastures and through a light forest. And even if this fails, you can always try to leave earlier in the morning and reach your destination before crowds arrive, so you will have more places to choose from. Leaving it through the gate by the new Queen Tamars statue and turn right. That wont be an option if you start trekking right after getting off the bus. Mestia is now firmly on the tourist trail. How to book the flight to Mestia with Vanilla Sky The Mestia to Ushguli trek is a beautiful multi-day hike through Georgia's incredible Upper Svaneti region. Begin this path, which starts 1/4 of a mile from where the first cable car exits. After a while, you will see ruined buildings ahead. The trek is great but it is pretty arduous since every day except for the last bit includes a steep mountain pass - but if you get tired or pressed for time, it is possible to arrange a car to get from village to village. After 2 hours of climbing through the fields of rhododendrons, you should make it to the Chkhunderi pass (2655m) -
Guesthouse Gamarjoba - one of the oldest guesthouses in Ushguli, located at the northern end of the Zhibiani community, right by the church. This specific Mestia to Ushguli Trek Map itinerary follows an alternative route then the standard Mestia to Ushguli trek route. Mestia/Ushguli Trek Duration. Follow the small path past a few cafes and continue into the main villages of Ushguli. We had to beg other (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Mestia to Ushguli by marshrutka. Hello Ms. Ellis, thank you for your good information about the route from Mastia to Oshgoli, Georgia. If it is not running all the way to the top, hike under the tram cables. Before the main road is a tiny building used as church. Chalaadi Glacier 1,944m 24.19km 661m elevation gain 7hours Supposedly it is not so difficult and offers the view of glaciers in the warmer season. The trail is well-trodden and not that difficult. Drivers probably took two other passengers and went away. In spite of recent renovations, has still managed to retain its authentic spirit. Northwestern Georgia. Irina speaks English and has the good attitude, ready to help you with any issues you might have. With more than 200 traditional Svan tower houses the village has a medieval look. So dont freak out if you cant buy your ticket online because of the "no tickets available" error :)
Moreover, she is a great cook. If you want to book things in advance I can recommend the Caucasus guesthouse or Mshvidoba guesthouse. Thanks for your support! Keep this in mind and agree upon the price of food beforehand, so you won't be surprised later. As to mount ushba, it is not in the mestia valley but about half an hours drive from mestia ( becho valley). The usual price is 20 GEL per person. So, if you have that opportunity and want to experience the most popular Georgian trek how it was years ago, not as crowded and with guesthouse owners genuinely happy when they see a tourist, 2021 season is your best bet. Down in the valley, you will find a couple of huts which can provide shelter in case of rain. After the river crossing, take the steep elevation gain to reach the Chkhunderi Pass. Its not a Hollywood blockbuster by any means but is an interesting insight into life in the Svaneti region. You would help me as well as the other hikers. Can I do the hike even if I dont have hiking shoes? The church is on a hill looking out over the valley below. Copyright 2022 Ellis Veen in collaboration with. The area is snow-covered for 6 months of the year, and often the road to Mestia is impassable. Top Thing to Do in Svaneti: Go Trekking or Hiking. Safety first. Follow trailhead to Tsvirmi, Sleep in Tsvirmi or the campsites before the village. After Cholashi, the trail bends south towards the Mulkhura river. Getting from Mestia to Ushguli has never been so easy. The owners family is very friendly and the food superb. Marshrutka vans depart for Mestia from various points around Tbilisi, including from the car park outside Central Railway Station (Station Square). In the house lives also Temrazs quirky brother Fridon, who is a painter and turned one of the rooms into a small art gallery. We arrived in Iprali on day 3 of the Mestia to Ushguli hike and decided we had seen the best parts of the hike and to take a taxi further to Ushguli, allowing us an extra day to explore. Several of my friends stayed here and while they weren't particularly impressed, it was "good enough". Because of its remoteness the region has kept its beauty and preserved a unique mountain culture which can be seen in the day to day lives as well as the centuries old houses that dot the mountain sides. There may be also others during the day if there are enough tourists, but I wouldnt rely on that. It deserves all its accolades, but it is also a great area to visit without doing any walking. The other takes you up through the mountains and is much more scenic. Always hike responsibly and respect the mountains by practicing no trace philosophy, avoid hiking alone, and dont stray from the visible trail. And if four days of trekking are not enough, you can easily extend it an adventure almost two weeks long and explore other, less touristy parts of Svaneti. As for Zugdidi-Mestia, the trip will take around 3 hours. Iprali is the another village which, until recently, offered only a very limited accommodation - essentially, almost all hikers stayed at Ucha Margveliani guesthouse. Distance 45 km. A list of incredible things to do in Georgia (country) to inspire your trip. Take the first cable car or hike along on the gravel road. Buses leave at 15:00 from the Zugdidi Bus Station and the ticket price is 35 GEL (11.50 Euros). There, you will have to switch to marshrutka to get to Mestia. . For most of the year Ushguli is cut off from the rest of the world. Follow this path until you reach the main road that connects Mestia to Ushguli. The price is 30 GEL, so its quite cheap, but I cant recommend it since this uncomfortable journey takes grueling 9-10 hours - basically, it's just slower, marginally cheaper and less comfortable alternative for the day train. Really. In the busy summer months this might be necessary. Sleep only at official guesthouses with other hikers around. Pass by shepherds huts and continue to walk through the village of Khalde. Flights from/to Tbilisi (Natakhtari airfield) are available 6 times a week. Start in the village of Mestia and take the cable car up to Zuruldi. Most of the time, you will have cell coverage. Vodos guesthouse - a pleasant homestay located in Chvabiani village. Most restaurants serve both Georgian food as local Svan dishes. Share taxi from Ushguli to Zugdidi on Sunday July 29, Best route between Ushguli to Tbilsi in car, Present road conditions Mestia - Ushguli - Lentekhi. There is also WiFi in many of the guest houses along the way but dont rely on it. After arriving to Ushguli I stayed there a couple of hours to walk around and eat and then took a marshrutka back to Mestia. Accommodation: There are guesthouses available in the villages along the track. Pass through the village of Davberi to reach the forest trail to the outskirts of Ushguli. From Zugdidi (4 hours) there are multiple marshrutka per day that leave once full. Its called Fetvraal khachapuri. After an hour hike on a dirt road, reach the village of Iprali. Still, I dont recommend it. Several other photos were provided by Oriol Girona, Josef Formanek, Jozef Strezenec and me. Not to be perturbed, we began walking after a leisurely start at 10.30 am from Mestia. These 10km will take you steadily upwards along a narrow track until you come out at a large gravely slope which is used for skiing in the winter. Passing ancient villages, 5,000 meter high mountains and glaciers, the Mestia Ushguli trek is the most popular multi-day hike in Georgia for good reason. 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