Caucasus Sky Trail: Mestia to Ushguli Trek

Distance: 17.7 km approx. 5.5 hours.

Elevation: ↑770 m / ↓520 m.

Max: 1940m, Min 1400 m

The journey begins with an ascent alongside the Hotel Tetnuldi, continuing along a dirt road that winds through gentle forests and meadows.

After navigating a few steeper stretches, the path reveals stunning views of Mt. Tetnuldi. Along the way, you'll pass through the villages of Zhamushi and Cholashi before descending to the Mulkhura River, ultimately reaching Zhabeshi.

You'll spend the night at a guesthouse in Zhabeshi.

Distance: 10 km approx. 4 hours.

Elevation: ↑850 m / ↓430m.

Max: 2,480m, Min 1,650

Today's hike begins with a challenging ascent to the Tetnuldi ski resort area, which is the second largest ski resort in Georgia, following Gudauri.

Although the initial portion of the trek may not be the most captivating part of the Mestia-Ushguli trail, you will soon be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys of Svaneti.

After passing through the ski resort, you'll return to the hiking path and start your descent towards Adishi village, traversing mixed forests, alpine meadows, and several streams along the way.

Adishi is a small mountain village that remains largely isolated from the outside world for most of the winter. You'll spend the night at a guesthouse in Adishi.

Distance 17.1 km, approx. 6 hours.

Elevation: ↑ 1,081 m / ↓ 1,216 m

Max. 2715 m, Min. 1952 m

Following breakfast, we will resume our hike to cross the Adishi River and make our way to the base of the Adishi Glacier. A key feature of our journey will be trekking the Chkhunderi Pass (2655 m), which provides stunning views of the surrounding peaks and the nearby glacier.

We will then descend to the village of Iprali for the night. Accommodation will be at a guesthouse in Iprali.

Trekking: 13.0 km, approx. 4 hours.

Elevation: ↑691 m / ↓483 m

Max. 2169 m, Min. 1758 m

Today, for the first time since departing from Mestia, our trek will lead us to the main road that connects to Ushguli. However, as soon as we arrive at the turnoff for the village of Davberi, we will take a trail to avoid the traffic and continue hiking until we reach the first village in the Ushguli Community.

Nestled in the upper Enguri valley beneath the snow-capped peak of Mt. Shkhara (5193m), Georgia's tallest mountain, Ushguli is a remarkably serene and atmospheric location. Home to over 40 ancient Svan towers, it has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. Although it has become more popular with tourists, there remains ample space to enjoy it as your personal retreat.

We will spend the night at a guesthouse in Ushguli.

Following breakfast, we will go on our final hike to the glacier at the base of Mt. Shkhara. The initial section of the trail traverses the flat Enguri valley until we reach the alpine basecamp, after which the path ascends through rocky terrain leading up to the glacier.

The distance from Ushguli to the Shkhara glacier is 10 km, taking approximately 4-5 hours. The hike involves a 307 m ascent and a 304 m descent.

Once we return to Ushguli, we will be picked up and driven back to Mestia, with several optional stops along the way (including the “Tower of Love” and mineral spring waters).

In the evening, you will have free time in Mestia to explore local cuisine at one of the restaurants or perhaps visit a bar to enjoy live music that suits your taste.

We will spend the night at a guesthouse in Mestia.

Drive back to preferred drop-off location in Zugdidi, Kutaisi or Tbilisi.