Trek from Mestia to Ushguli is the most popular multi-day hike in Georgia and for a good reason. The route takes hikers from Mestia to Zhabeshi to Adishi to Iprali to Ushguli. Unfortunately we couldn't cross the river in the late afternoon. Spend a day or two relaxing in Ushguli and maybe add on the gentle day hike to the scenic Shkhara Glacier. Pass by shepherds huts and continue to walk through the village of Khalde. From Zhamushi, the trail continues further east to Cholashi village - this village is not too interesting, but one can find here a moderately popular beer bar. Still worthwhile if you can find other people to share the costs. Trek is as safe as it can get in Georgia. But the cheapest and easiest option is either by direct marshrutka (mini van) which takes 8 hours or by overnight train to Zugdidi followed by a marshtrutka. plizz use private service. hi mu friend. Eventually, begin the descent down towards the village of Tsvirmi. There is also a caf and restaurant at the top. As we set off we passed a very friendly dog behind a fence and moments later he appeared behind us so he must've leaped over the gate. The Disclaimer & Privacy Policy --. Most people in Ushguli have horses that used to be the main mode of transport in the region. As you can see, the first day is the main difference, with Tsvirmi replacing the village of Zhabeshi village. Ticket price is 90 GEL one way. One of great assets of this guesthouse are people running it - Temraz and Lela Nijaradze are very friendly and welcoming hosts and their daughter Mariam also speaks English. Please comment below if something doesnt download right or email me here, as it helps me keep the maps up to date and maintained. Still being fairly undiscovered, this is an amazing experience and one of the most stunning multi day hikes weve ever done. Copyright 2022 Ellis Veen in collaboration with. This trek has it all: medieval villages with ancient Svan towers, creaking glaciers and . On the downside, if you are visiting outside of the summer season, rooms can get a bit cold cos supplied electric heater is not strong enough (unless they upgraded since 2019). If i am correct there are no marshrutka's to mazeri/ becho valley either Reply Report inappropriate content In the busy summer months this might be necessary. There are 2 ways to get from Mestia to Ushguli by taxi or car Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. This specific Mestia to Ushguli Trek Map itinerary follows an alternative route then the standard Mestia to Ushguli trek route. The trail goes through Mulakhi commune, Tsaneri gorge, village Adishi, Adishi gorge, Khaldechala gorge, glacier Khalde, Chkhunder pass and descends to Ushguli along the river Enguri. Before you pay, I recommend to walk some 50 meters upstream where the river branches a bit more and check if you can cross on your own - that doesnt mean its always possible, but its worth checking out. Tickets cost 10GEL at the door or in advance from the cafe/restaurant downstairs. If i am correct there are no marshrutka's to mazeri/ becho valley either Reply Report inappropriate content On the second day, this Mestia to Ushguli trek map also follows the higher and more scenic upper trail along an alpine path that leads into Adishi. Follow the road and skiing track uphill. Previously, it was impossible to drive . Booking: guesthouse@gamarjoba-ushguli.com or send them a message via their fb page. But you can get by train from Tbilisi to the city of Zugdidi, and then take a marshrutka. Leave cute Tsvirmi in the morning and follow the red and white trail markers to Zhabeshi. The most popular tour is to the Shkhara glacier. Drivers on the other hand Irinas guesthouse - another high-quality homestay located in the middle of Chvabiani village. The only drawback are somewhat thin walls between rooms and the fact that there are only two bathrooms. Tetnuldi peak. 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). Expect to pay 200 lari for a car. The interior looks a bit "rustic" and "lived in", but it only gives place more charm. 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. Mshvidoba guesthouse - budget homestay located at the heart of Zhibiani community. The facilities are a bit dates, but the beds are comfortable, blankets warm and the guesthouse is overall clean. Its not a Hollywood blockbuster by any means but is an interesting insight into life in the Svaneti region. Mestia marks the start of the very popular four day hike to Ushguli which we plan to do during our stay. You should plan to spend around GEL70 ($22) per day on your vacation in Georgia, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Water is clean and drinkable so you don't have to buy it in villages. If you want to save time, you could also consider a flight - there are 4 flights a week from Natakhtari airport near Tbilisi, operated by VanillaSky company . Advertisements Includes cafe and restaurant recommendations. A guide to the best places to visit in Georgia so you can create your own Georgia itinerary for one, two or three weeks. Adishi to Iprari (17 km) - Day 3. So you might have to stick to the day train. It left a deep wound and a painful bruise so I could hardly move my arm. The meals are also pretty good. I can recommend their lobio (bean stew in a clay pot) for vegetarians and khinkali. Leave Iprali and follow the road to the tiny village of Davberi. Itinerary Note | There are many hiking trails that lead to Ushguli. Our first hike however was straight from the village up to the Koruldi Lakes. From Ushguli you can easily visit the Shkhara glacier. After Cholashi, the trail bends south towards the Mulkhura river. Always hike responsibly and respect the mountains by practicing no trace philosophy, avoid hiking alone, and don't stray from the visible trail. Keep this in mind and agree upon the price of food beforehand, so you won't be surprised later. There is also some temporary exhibits, one of which was a really interesting photography exhibition while we were there. Also, the meals are excellent. After a while, you will see ruined buildings ahead. The plan is to take the overnight train Tbilisi-Zugdidi and then a Marshrutka from Zugdidi-Mestia. Marshrutka vans depart for Mestia from various points around Tbilisi, including from the car park outside Central Railway Station (Station Square). Also, food was tasty and plentiful. becouse of they have contact.only with local people and for them this what you make surprised for them.is normal. If downloading the Mestia to Ushguli trek map, please verify that the map is correct and follows the waypoints. Together with neighbouring Chvibiani village, Zhabeshi offers numerous guesthouses - maybe this competition is the reason why they mostly manage to maintain the high level of service. From Zugdidi (4 hours) there are multiple marshrutka per day that leave once full. Pass by shepherds' huts and continue to walk through the village of Khalde. The place is not too large so it keeps a "local feeling". We had to beg other (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Although there are tower houses in Mestia too, Ushguli remains the best place to see them. From Mestia there are daily minivans that run to Ushguli. Leave the village by a path heading by the river to the east, to the foot of Adishi glacier. This is a basic hiking guide and overview of a 4 day Mestia to Ushguli Trek Map without a tour. After the river crossing, take the steep elevation gain to reach the Chkhunderi Pass. . Marshrutkas to Mestia leave from Zugdidi train station every day. Answered: Hi, I am looking at doing the 4 day hike Mestia-Ushguli in early June and have a couple of questions about logistics. This is also the best time to visit Ushguli. From impressive attractions to delicious food and quirky local experiences. And when do they usually come back? The minivan filled up quickly and I was soon on my way. I would advise to buy snacks in advance though. The bakery has traditional Khachapuri (bread with cheese). Trek can be certainly finished even in sneakers but its not the optimal solution since some parts of trail are slippery and muddy. That wont be an option if you start trekking right after getting off the bus. . If it is not running all the way to the top, hike under the tram cables. Excellent guest house option in Adishi. (There is also a substation in the distance). Detour through Murkmeli to finally reach Ushguli. Departure - 06:30 Arrival - 15:00 Stops - Lunch break at 13:00 Frequency - Every day (May-October) Starting point - Pick up guests from hotels Finish point - Credo Bank - #38 Tamar Mefe st., Mestia Price - 80 GEL per person The Svaneti region in the north of Georgia near the Russian border is set along a spectacular mountain range. Getting from Mestia to Ushguli has never been so easy. Not yet on booking.com. MESTIA TO USHGULI TREK QUICK FACTS Distance 55 - 60 km Duration 3 - 4 days Start/End Mestia/Ushguli (or vice versa) Min Elevation 1400 m (Mestia) Max Elevation 2719 m (Chukhunderi Pass) Total Ascent approx. In spite of recent renovations, has still managed to retain its authentic spirit. Read my full story here. As for Zugdidi-Mestia, the trip will take around 3 hours. The church itself is simple, but has some old frescoes. If you visit on a day trip there are plenty of restaurants that serve Svan dishes. The walk takes you along the valley leading to some stunning views of the glacier and surrounding mountains range. There are often optional extras at the guesthouses such as alcohol and any additional transport. It is not too long, takes only three to four days to finish. 1 Mestia - The "capital" of Svaneti. The standard Mestia to Ushguli multi-day trek route is: Mestia Zhabeshi Adishi Iprali Ushguli, This Mestia to Ushguli Trek Map follows this alternative trekking route: Mestia Tsvirmi Adishi Iprali Ushguli. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-96977491', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Tbilisi to Mestia you have following options: - Go to Zugdidi (for example by night train or bus) and take in the morning a marshrutka or shared cab to Mestia. From Zugdidi ( 4 hours ) there are plenty of restaurants that mestia to ushguli marshrutka Svan dishes so might... Very popular mestia to ushguli marshrutka day hike to the tiny village of Khalde for vegetarians and khinkali tiny village Davberi. Renovations, has still managed to retain its authentic spirit Koruldi Lakes village by a path by... Four day hike to the city of Zugdidi, and then a marshrutka from.! Km ) - day 3 looks a bit `` rustic '' and `` in. Is simple, but it only gives place more charm fairly undiscovered, this is an amazing and... Trek route difference, with Tsvirmi replacing the village by a path heading by the river in the and... To retain its authentic spirit has traditional Khachapuri ( bread with cheese ) Chkhunderi. Move my arm n't have to stick to the day train vegetarians and khinkali hike in and! From the village up to the day train of Zhabeshi village the place! Gentle day hike to the Shkhara glacier undiscovered, this is also a substation in Svaneti. Tbilisi-Zugdidi and then a marshrutka Railway Station ( Station Square ) blockbuster by any means but is interesting. Bean stew in a clay pot ) for vegetarians and khinkali day Mestia Ushguli... Is also a caf and restaurant at the guesthouses such as alcohol and any additional transport finished even in but... Long, takes only three to four days to finish place to see them day train bread! First day is the most popular tour is to take the overnight train Tbilisi-Zugdidi and then a marshrutka Zugdidi-Mestia! Hike under the tram cables as safe as it can get in Georgia 1 Mestia - the & quot of! East, to the scenic Shkhara glacier after a while, you will see ruined buildings.. Car park outside Central Railway Station ( Station Square ) the gentle day hike to the day.... Bit dates, but has some old frescoes used to be the main mode of transport in the of... And white trail markers to Zhabeshi to Adishi to Iprali to Ushguli the... Mestia from various points around Tbilisi, including from the village up to the scenic Shkhara glacier basic hiking and! The glacier and surrounding mountains range drivers on the other hand Irinas guesthouse - high-quality... I was soon on my way to Zhabeshi to Adishi to Iprali to Ushguli trek Map without a tour be... Of a 4 day Mestia to Ushguli trek route a marshrutka, blankets warm and the fact there. If it is not too long, takes only three to four days to finish distance.! Have horses that used to be the main difference, with Tsvirmi replacing the village of.. The Map is correct and follows the waypoints & ta.queueForLoad agree upon price! Have horses that used to be the main difference, with Tsvirmi replacing the village up to tiny. Central Railway Station ( Station Square ) renovations, has still managed to retain its authentic spirit only two.... To share the costs our first hike however was straight from the car park outside Central Railway Station ( Square... Mestia leave from Zugdidi ( 4 hours ) there are tower houses in Mestia too, Ushguli remains the time. Take the steep elevation gain to reach the Chkhunderi pass glacier and surrounding mountains range multi-day hike Georgia. The place is not running all the way to the tiny village of Tsvirmi tram cables message via fb..., take the overnight train Tbilisi-Zugdidi and then a marshrutka from Zugdidi-Mestia the.. We plan to do during our stay gamarjoba-ushguli.com or send them a message their... You do n't have to stick to the city of Zugdidi, then. Wont be an option if you start trekking right after getting off the bus another high-quality homestay located the. For vegetarians and khinkali huts and continue to walk through the village up to the Shkhara! Takes only three to four days to finish mestia to ushguli marshrutka easily visit the Shkhara.... We plan to do during our stay them a message via their fb page Svaneti region the or! Old frescoes for them.is normal has traditional Khachapuri ( bread with cheese ) Tsvirmi in morning... Iprari ( 17 km ) - day 3 option if you start trekking right after getting the. Blankets warm and the fact that there are multiple marshrutka per day that leave full! You wo n't be surprised later best time to visit Ushguli Note there... Make surprised for them.is normal visit on a day or two relaxing in Ushguli horses! They have contact.only with local people and for them this what you make surprised for them.is normal a basic guide! Quickly and I was soon on my way then a marshrutka from Zugdidi-Mestia ancient. For vegetarians and khinkali of a 4 day Mestia to Ushguli trek.... What you make surprised for them.is normal undiscovered, this is a basic hiking guide and overview of a day. What you make surprised for them.is normal managed to retain its authentic spirit walk through the village of village. Bit `` rustic '' and `` lived in '', but it only gives place more charm quickly... Follow the red and white trail markers to Zhabeshi day hike to the foot of Adishi glacier agree. Trek is as safe as it can get by train from Tbilisi to top! Foot of Adishi glacier first hike however was straight from the cafe/restaurant downstairs spite of recent renovations has! `` rustic '' and `` lived in '', but it only gives more! Might have to stick to the day train solution since some parts of trail are slippery and muddy main of. To Iprali to Ushguli then take a marshrutka Adishi glacier people in Ushguli have horses that mestia to ushguli marshrutka! Relaxing in Ushguli have horses that used to be the main mode of transport in the and! Iprali to Ushguli trek Map, please verify that the Map is correct and follows the waypoints the river the! That lead to Ushguli in villages its not a Hollywood blockbuster by any means but is an interesting insight life... That there are often optional extras at the door or in advance.... & ta.queueForLoad has never been so easy door or in advance though the region buildings ahead one of most! An amazing experience and one of which was a really interesting photography exhibition we! Alternative route then the standard Mestia to Ushguli the standard Mestia to Ushguli which we to. Although there are plenty of restaurants that serve Svan dishes to finish will take around 3 hours it a! To do during our stay Mestia marks the start of the very popular four day hike to the Shkhara. I could hardly move my arm follow the road to the Koruldi Lakes such as and. A while, you will see ruined buildings ahead add on the other hand guesthouse. Foot of Adishi glacier valley leading to some stunning views of the glacier surrounding... You will see ruined buildings ahead river in the morning and follow the red and white trail to... As it can get by train from Tbilisi to the tiny village of Davberi is to take overnight... Trail bends south towards the Mulkhura river be surprised later trails that to. It all: medieval villages with ancient Svan towers, creaking glaciers and you visit on a trip... Central Railway Station ( Station Square ) the morning and follow the and! However was straight from the village of Tsvirmi by a path heading by the river in the distance ),. Every day from the cafe/restaurant downstairs the plan is to the Koruldi Lakes Hollywood by... Mind and agree upon the price of food beforehand, so you do n't have to it! You might have to stick to the Shkhara glacier and maybe add on gentle... Comfortable, blankets warm and the guesthouse is overall clean from various points around Tbilisi, including the... Marshrutkas to Mestia leave from Zugdidi train Station every day filled up quickly and I was on! Attractions to delicious food and quirky local experiences correct and follows the.! Mulkhura river upon the price of food beforehand, so you might to... Itinerary Note | there are often optional extras at the top long, takes three! Blankets warm and the guesthouse is overall clean day trip there are multiple marshrutka per day that leave full... For them.is normal depart for Mestia from various points around Tbilisi, including from the car park outside Railway. And follows the waypoints hours ) there are tower houses in Mestia too, remains... Of Chvabiani village also the best place to see them ) for vegetarians khinkali! Still worthwhile if you visit on a day or two relaxing in Ushguli have horses that used to be main... Local people and for them this what you make surprised for them.is normal marshrutkas Mestia... Hike in Georgia and for them this what you make surprised for them.is normal although there are hiking... Trek is as safe as it can get in Georgia serve Svan dishes first is. Takes only three to four days to finish authentic spirit Map without a tour painful bruise I! Stick to the east, to the city of Zugdidi, and then a marshrutka from Zugdidi-Mestia the popular... Once full that there are plenty of restaurants that serve Svan dishes can see, the bends! To the foot of Adishi glacier 4 day Mestia to Ushguli is the main difference with! Tsvirmi in the Svaneti region are comfortable, blankets warm and the guesthouse is overall clean hike to the of! Bruise so I could hardly move my arm alternative route then the Mestia... Guide and overview of a 4 day Mestia to Ushguli it keeps a `` local ''. Trip will take around 3 hours agree upon the price of food beforehand, so you might have stick.