Mestia to Ushguli Trek — 7 Days Without Backpacks
Dates: August 16–22, 2026
Region: Svaneti, Georgia
Difficulty: Moderate — good fitness required, no technical climbing
Style: No backpacks — luggage transfer by support vehicle
The classic Mestia to Ushguli trek is one of the most beautiful multi-day hikes in the Caucasus. Ancient Svan towers, alpine passes above 3,000 m, glaciers reaching down from 5,000 m peaks, and villages that feel frozen in time. And you walk it with nothing but a daypack — your luggage meets you at each guesthouse.
Itinerary
Day 1 — Aug 16 (Sun): Arrival in Mestia
Transfer from Tbilisi (5-6 hrs) or Kutaisi (3 hrs) to Mestia — the heart of Svaneti. Check into a family-run guesthouse. Evening walk through Mestia with its iconic stone towers. Dinner with local wine and traditional Svan cuisine.
Overnight: Mestia guesthouse
Day 2 — Aug 17 (Mon): Koruldi Lakes (2,700 m)
Jeep transfer to the trailhead. Day hike to Koruldi Lakes — a set of alpine lakes at 2,700 m with a jaw-dropping panorama of Mount Ushba and Tetnuldi. 6-7 hours round trip with just a daypack. Back to Mestia for sauna and dinner.
Overnight: Mestia guesthouse
Hiking: ~6 hrs, 700 m elevation gain, daypack only
Day 3 — Aug 18 (Tue): Mestia to Zhabeshi
Short transfer to Zhabeshi village (30 min). Hike to Zhabeshi waterfall and the glacier tongue. 4-5 hours at an easy pace through birch forests and meadows. Afternoon free to explore the village with its well-preserved Svan towers.
Overnight: Zhabeshi guesthouse
Hiking: ~4 hrs, easy, daypack only
Day 4 — Aug 19 (Wed): Zhabeshi to Adishi (via Adishi Pass)
The highlight of the trek. Start early and climb to Adishi Pass (3,100 m). The views from the top stretch across the entire Caucasus range — Adishi Glacier, Laila Peak (4,008 m), and the jagged ridge of the Greater Caucasus. Descent to the remote village of Adishi. Your luggage goes around by car via Lentekhi.
Overnight: Adishi guesthouse
Hiking: ~7 hrs, 800 m elevation gain, daypack only
Day 5 — Aug 20 (Thu): Adishi to Iprari to Ushguli
Trek from Adishi to Iprari through dense pine forest (3-4 hrs). Lunch in Iprari, then transfer to Ushguli — at 2,200 m, the highest permanently inhabited settlement in Europe. Walk among the 9 medieval Svan towers and visit the 10th-century Lamaria Church.
Overnight: Ushguli guesthouse
Hiking: ~4 hrs, moderate, daypack only
Day 6 — Aug 21 (Fri): Ushguli — Shkhara Glacier
Day hike to the foot of Shkhara Glacier — Georgia’s highest peak at 5,201 m. 5-6 hours round trip through alpine meadows with stunning views. Picnic by the glacier. Farewell dinner in Ushguli with Svan hospitality and local chacha.
Overnight: Ushguli guesthouse
Hiking: ~5 hrs, moderate, daypack only
Day 7 — Aug 22 (Sat): Return
Transfer Ushguli to Mestia (2-3 hrs on scenic dirt road). From Mestia, continue to Kutaisi or Tbilisi. Arrival by late afternoon.
What’s Included
- All transfers as per itinerary (Tbilisi/Kutaisi to Mestia, Ushguli to Mestia to Tbilisi/Kutaisi)
- 6 nights in family-run guesthouses (twin/double rooms)
- Daily breakfast and dinner at guesthouses
- Lunch packs on hiking days
- Support vehicle for luggage transfer
- Jeep transfer to Koruldi Lakes trailhead
- English-speaking local guide
What’s Not Included
- Flights to Georgia
- Travel insurance (mandatory — must cover trekking up to 3,200 m)
- Personal expenses (drinks, souvenirs)
- Tips for guide and driver
What to Bring (Daypack Only — 20-30L)
- Hiking boots (waterproof, broken in)
- Layered clothing: base layer, fleece, windproof jacket
- Warm layer for evenings (down or synthetic puffy)
- Rain jacket
- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen (UV is strong at altitude)
- Water bottle (1.5L minimum) + thermos
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Trekking poles (recommended)
- Personal toiletries + simple first aid kit
- Phone with offline maps (Maps.me or Organic Maps)
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is this trek?
Moderate. You hike 4-7 hours a day with a light daypack (no backpack). The hardest day is Day 4 (Adishi Pass, 800 m elevation gain). Good fitness is required — you should be comfortable hiking 6+ hours with 700-800 m of ascent.
What happens with luggage on the Adishi Pass day?
Your main luggage goes by support vehicle around the pass via Lentekhi and meets you at the guesthouse in Adishi. You cross the pass with only a daypack.
What are the guesthouses like?
Family-run guesthouses with twin/double rooms. Simple but clean. Shared bathrooms in some locations. Hot water available. The hosts cook traditional Svan meals — try the kubdari (meat pie) and elarji (corn porridge with cheese).
What if the weather is bad?
August has the most stable weather in Svaneti. If conditions are unsafe on the pass, alternative routes are available — the guide will adjust the itinerary.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Make sure your policy covers trekking at altitude up to 3,200 m and emergency evacuation. Mountain rescue in Georgia is not free.
Is there phone signal on the route?
Signal is available in Mestia and Ushguli. In the mountains (Zhabeshi, Adishi Pass, Iprari) it is unreliable. Download offline maps before you go.
COST
750$
