Svaneti Mountain Villages Tour: Ushguli & Shkhara Glacier

Ushguli sits where winter cuts it off from the world: reach it by 4x4 and hike to the glacier in two days.

A 2-day mountain tour from Kutaisi that takes you off-road to Ushguli, a village of around 200 people living year-round at 2,100 meters in the Caucasus, with a hike to Shkhara Glacier, overnight stay in Mestia, and return the next day. The 4x4 vehicle, English-speaking guide and Kutaisi hotel pickup are included. Accommodation in Mestia is separate. Small group and private options are available.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Kutaisi to Ushguli and Mestia

• Leave Kutaisi in the morning
• Visit Lamaria Church
• Hike to Shkhara Glacier
• Take photos from Queen Tamar Castle viewpoint
• Arrive in Mestia and overnight stay

Day 2: Explore Mestia and return to Kutaisi

• Wander Mestia old town and Svan towers
• Take ski lift or drive to mountain viewpoint
• Visit Ethnographic or Mountaineering museum
• Leave for Kutaisi after lunch
• Return to Kutaisi in the evening

The experience

The route starts in Kutaisi and climbs into Svaneti on a mountain road built for 4x4s. On the first day you'll visit the 9th-century Lamaria Church, hike to Shkhara Glacier, and photograph Ushguli from the Queen Tamar Castle viewpoint before arriving in Mestia for the night. The second day moves through Mestia's old town among its Svan defense towers, takes the Hatsvali ski lift (or a drive to the viewpoint if it's not running) for views across the Caucasian peaks, and includes a stop at an ethnographic or mountaineering museum before the drive back to Kutaisi, arriving around 7–8 PM.

You travel in an air-conditioned 4x4 with an English-speaking guide who knows the region's stories and logistics. The vehicle holds three to six passengers depending on which option you choose. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Kutaisi are included, so you don't arrange separate transport to the start. Accommodation in Mestia is not included in the tour price, but the operator can suggest hotels within walking distance of Seti Square.

Moderate fitness is needed for the glacier hike and the mountain terrain. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, cardiovascular concerns, or pregnancy. If you need to return to Kutaisi by a specific time on day two, let the operator know in advance.

What’s included

• 4x4 vehicle with air conditioning.
• English-speaking guide leading the glacier hike and town walks.
• hotel pickup and drop-off in Kutaisi.
• photo stops along the mountain road.
• overnight stay arranged in Mestia (you book the hotel separately).

Options for this experience

3 options

Small group tour lasting 2 days in SvanetiGuide in English · 07:30Pickup is included

Private 2-day tour in SvanetiGuide in English, Spanish or Russian · 5 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 09:00Private tour, with pickup included

Private 3-day tour in SvanetiGuide in English, Spanish or Russian · 5 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 09:00Chaladi Glacier and Shdugra W: this choice suits travelers who want more time hiking through the Caucasus mountains with a guide. Pickup is included

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 09:00

Book up to12h before

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 31

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Megobari Tours Georgia

Is this one for you?Choose the small group option if you want to share the cost and meet other travelers. Pick a private tour if you prefer the vehicle and guide to yourselves. The 2-day version fits a tight schedule, while the 3-day private option gives an extra day in the mountains for a slower pace.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Russian.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Ushguli like when we get there?

Ushguli is one of Europe's highest continuously inhabited villages, sitting at 2,100 meters with around 200 residents who stay year-round and are cut off by snow each winter. You'll see it from the Queen Tamar Castle viewpoint and experience the remote mountain setting firsthand.

Do I need to book accommodation in Mestia separately?

Yes, accommodation is not included in the tour price. The operator recommends booking a hotel in Mestia within walking distance of Seti Square and can suggest options if you ask.

What's included in the 4x4 vehicle and the guide?

The tour includes the 4x4 or AWD vehicle (seating three to six depending on your option), an English-speaking guide, air-conditioned transport, photo stops along the route, and hotel pickup and drop-off in Kutaisi. The guide leads the hike to Shkhara Glacier and shares stories about Svaneti.

Can I choose between a small group and a private tour?

Yes, you can book a small group option with up to six passengers per vehicle, or a private 2-day or private 3-day tour. The 2-day and 3-day private versions differ in length. Both follow the same route on day one and return on day two or three.

What happens if the Hatsvali ski lift isn't running on day two?

If the ski lift is not operating, your guide will drive up to the viewpoint instead so you still get the panoramic views of the Caucasian mountains from above Mestia.

Is the Enguri Dam or the Svanetian tower house included in the tour?

Both are optional stops with separate fees: the Enguri Dam costs 25 GEL and a traditional Svanetian house with tower costs 10 GEL. You can add them at checkout or ask your guide about them on the day.