Guided Hikes and Climbs in Svaneti.
"Space, light and shadow are the characteristics of Svanetia. Its scenery has no parallel in the Alps, or elsewhere in the Caucasus."
(Douglas Freshfield, "The Exploration in the Caucasus", 1902)
(Douglas Freshfield, "The Exploration in the Caucasus", 1902)
This user-friendly website belongs to SvanAlp, one-person guiding company (est. 2013)
based in Mestia and known for it's high standards.
"No matter if you are a first time visitor or a seasoned traveler these well-planned trips and climbs will be unforgettable. They will give you a chance to escape the crowds, get better understanding of the region and appreciate the value of connecting to wild spaces few people ever visited. The trails are unmarked and mountain environment is totally unspoiled. I am proud of my high rating (check REVIEWS page) and never stop to improve. I work extra hard to deserve all these positive reviews and make every effort to provide guiding that is 100% reliable and safe ." Misha, guide and owner
Why choose SvanAlp?
- Signature routes. On all the routes guided by SvanAlp you will have mountains completely (or almost so) for yourself and with growing number of visitors it makes total sense to see places which are still unknown.
- Knowledgeable on many subjects that bring the Svaneti landscape to life - local traditions, history and geography and all introduced in excellent English. There is no substitute for experience and you can be sure that you are joining trips that are safe, enjoyable and have been exhaustively researched.
- The itinerary is adapted to suit the fitness abilities and interests. You will never feel patronized.
- Probably nowhere else you will find as much information, great photos and ideas. Visit instagram and fb page.
- Useful (and Free!) EQUIPMENT RENT for participants of multi-day trips and climbs (you will save up to 30 euro per day).
- Never crossed a glacier or climbed a peak? Together we can make it possible. Complete introduction to off-trail alpine travel and to all the fundamental mountaineering skills is provided free of charge.
- All the trips are private (events that I create on demand are not) i.e. the trip you book is yours only. It has a huge advantage - you won't depend on anyone but yourself.
- Easy booking procedure without deposit. Affordable prices without hidden costs.
CONTACT
For questions contact me through fb or svanalp@gmail.com
(if using email please add it to your contact list so my reply doesn't end up elsewhere).
Please, visit FAQ page with answers to most common questions.
Check news, stories and much more at fb, instagram and blog
Few more words from Misha, SvanAlp
"I have climbed in the Caucasus for more than 30 years and still love it. My parents initiated me into climbing when I was only 9 and I am happy they did it. My guiding let me meet some fantastic people and journey together through seldom visited places that they would never go to alone. The opportunity to develop people's skills and confidence in that environment whilst making it fun keeps me venturing out again and again."
Qualification: 1988-1989 Mountaineering courses (24 days each) at Camps "Alibek" and "Uzunkol" (Western Caucasus)
Experience: Mt.Elbrus (2 ascents), Mt.Kazbek (5 ascents), years of climbing in the Western and Central Caucasus, guiding in the Himalayas of Garhwal and Kumaon, guiding in Svaneti and Kazbegi since 2013
"I have climbed in the Caucasus for more than 30 years and still love it. My parents initiated me into climbing when I was only 9 and I am happy they did it. My guiding let me meet some fantastic people and journey together through seldom visited places that they would never go to alone. The opportunity to develop people's skills and confidence in that environment whilst making it fun keeps me venturing out again and again."
Qualification: 1988-1989 Mountaineering courses (24 days each) at Camps "Alibek" and "Uzunkol" (Western Caucasus)
Experience: Mt.Elbrus (2 ascents), Mt.Kazbek (5 ascents), years of climbing in the Western and Central Caucasus, guiding in the Himalayas of Garhwal and Kumaon, guiding in Svaneti and Kazbegi since 2013
Interested to join these trips?
I am guiding on Mount Layla in June 2019 (17.6-20.6.)
Two people have already joined and two more are welcome.
Watch (click on photo below) this short video to see how it feels.
Two people have already joined and two more are welcome.
Watch (click on photo below) this short video to see how it feels.
This season I will be guiding on Mount Banguriani (see description at "Mountain Climbing" page) only two times.
Join this beautiful 3-day climbing trip (the last week of June and the first week of July) because it offers
splendid views which are among the best in the Caucasus and the opportunity to practice or learn an important alpine skills.
