Svaneti Tour: Mestia, Ushguli & Chalaadi Glacier Hike

Hike a glacier and walk among medieval towers in two mountain days

A 2-day tour from Kutaisi into Svaneti combines a glacier hike and museum visit in Mestia with a full day exploring Ushguli's ancient Svan towers and churches. An English-speaking guide leads the route in an air-conditioned vehicle, with three hours to walk through Ushguli's UNESCO-listed settlement on day two. The itinerary moves at a moderate pace suited to hikers comfortable with mountain terrain.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Kutaisi to Mestia exploration

• Visit Enguri Dam
• Explore Margiani House Museum
• Hike to Chalaadi Glacier

Day 2: Mestia to Ushguli and back

• See Tower of Love
• Off-road to Ushguli
• Explore ancient towers and churches

The experience

The tour departs Kutaisi and heads into the Caucasus on day one, starting at Enguri Dam before moving to the Margiani House Museum, a 14th-century family tower that opens the history of Svan architecture and daily life. From there, the route climbs to Chalaadi Glacier: a hike through forest paths and rocky terrain that ends at the glacier itself, where the mountain views frame the scale of what you're standing in front of. The guide handles navigation and context. You handle the walking.

Day two takes a different shape. The route passes the Tower of Love, a landmark tied to a local story of forbidden romance, then continues by off-road vehicle deeper into the mountains to Ushguli. Once the vehicles park in the center, you have three hours to move through the settlement on foot: ancient towers rise around you, churches sit among them, and the Svan people still live in the towers rather than below them. This is not a quick stop. The time is built in so you can actually look.

The guide speaks English throughout, and the vehicle is air-conditioned for the long stretches between villages. Bring water and sturdy shoes for the glacier hike. The terrain is uneven and the altitude is real, though the pace is steady rather than aggressive.

What’s included

• English-speaking guide service.
• air-conditioned vehicle for both days.
• entry to Margiani House Museum and access to the Tower of Love and Ushguli's ancient towers and churches.
• three hours to explore Ushguli on foot.

Before you book

Days and timesSaturdayDeparts at 08:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (3 to 10 years) · Infant (1 to 2 years)

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Budget Georgia

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're comfortable hiking on uneven terrain and want to see both a glacier and a living medieval settlement in one trip. The two-day format is what makes both Mestia's mountains and Ushguli's towers fit into a single journey from Kutaisi. A one-day version would force a choice between them.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (1 to 2 years).

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 the Chalaadi Glacier hike actually like?

Chalaadi Glacier sits at the end of a trail mixing forest paths and rocky ground, with views of the Caucasus opening as you climb. The hike is moderate in difficulty and leads to a pristine glacier you can stand near and photograph. It's the physical centerpiece of day one.

How much time do I get to explore Ushguli?

Ushguli gives you three hours to walk through the settlement after the vehicles park in the center. That span lets you move through the towers and churches without rushing, and to sit in the village if you want to.

Is this tour suitable if I've never hiked before?

The glacier hike requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness and comfort with uneven mountain terrain. The operator notes the tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy. If you're new to hiking but fit, the steady pace and guide support make it manageable. If you have concerns, contact the operator before booking.

What's included in the price?

The tour includes English-speaking guide service and air-conditioned transport between Kutaisi and both villages. Meals are not included. Entry fees to Margiani House Museum (10 GEL) and the Tower of Love (2 GEL) are separate. Enguri Dam has a mandatory entry fee of 6 GEL, with an optional boat ride for 50 GEL per person.