Multi-day Trips around Svaneti
Multi-day trips offer an excellent opportunity to soak in a mountain air, to camp on the meadows and above the glaciers, to enjoy cup of tea under myriads of stars and (most important!) coffee of the early morning.
These "off the beaten path" routes will bring you higher (than the day hikes) and the views are even more impressive.
This is the TOTAL experience of unspoiled areas of Svaneti mountains.
1. For hikers who are relatively fit and posses motivation and endurance
2. There will be ridge walks, short non-technical scrambling, boulder fields and snow (earlier in season)
3. Larger or smaller parts of these routes are off-trail so you have to be sure-footed
4. Trips may be combined for more comprehensive experience
5. Mountaineering equipment is not required
For multi-day trips you should bring (or rent) camping equipment, screw-in gas cartridge (one per trip), warm clothes, trekking poles, food and snacks. A pair of good hiking boots with semi-rigid soles is essential.
Detailed information will be provided upon your reservation. No questions are left unanswered!
Check EQUIPMENT RENT page to see what you can rent from me.
These "off the beaten path" routes will bring you higher (than the day hikes) and the views are even more impressive.
This is the TOTAL experience of unspoiled areas of Svaneti mountains.
1. For hikers who are relatively fit and posses motivation and endurance
2. There will be ridge walks, short non-technical scrambling, boulder fields and snow (earlier in season)
3. Larger or smaller parts of these routes are off-trail so you have to be sure-footed
4. Trips may be combined for more comprehensive experience
5. Mountaineering equipment is not required
For multi-day trips you should bring (or rent) camping equipment, screw-in gas cartridge (one per trip), warm clothes, trekking poles, food and snacks. A pair of good hiking boots with semi-rigid soles is essential.
Detailed information will be provided upon your reservation. No questions are left unanswered!
Check EQUIPMENT RENT page to see what you can rent from me.
Meadows of Kurashi
This excellent route will lead you to secluded Kurashi meadows and further - up the
ridge to 3200m and above the glacier.
Apart from close views of imposing snow peaks you will enjoy the terrain
which is never the same: steep grassy ridges, easy rocks, hunter's trail cut into sheer face of the cliff
and much more! Possibly this is the best multi-day trip you can do around Mestia.
ridge to 3200m and above the glacier.
Apart from close views of imposing snow peaks you will enjoy the terrain
which is never the same: steep grassy ridges, easy rocks, hunter's trail cut into sheer face of the cliff
and much more! Possibly this is the best multi-day trip you can do around Mestia.
Day 1 Transfer from Mestia (20 min). Walk to the the meadows of Kurashi where we set up a camp (2650m) next to clear streams and with views of high peaks (6 hours).
Day 2 After early breakfast we climb along the rocky ridge to the edge of the glacier (3200m) and then return back to camp (4 hours). On return we prepare lunch then pack up and take a different return route and descend to the valley (3,5 hours). Transfer to Mestia.
Time > 2 days
Elevation > 3200m
Route > Circular route. Grassy slopes, easy rocks and snowfields.
Day 2 After early breakfast we climb along the rocky ridge to the edge of the glacier (3200m) and then return back to camp (4 hours). On return we prepare lunch then pack up and take a different return route and descend to the valley (3,5 hours). Transfer to Mestia.
Time > 2 days
Elevation > 3200m
Route > Circular route. Grassy slopes, easy rocks and snowfields.
Lake Tsisperi
In many ways this route is truly extraordinary.
Most lakes in Svaneti are similar to ponds (e.g. Koruldi) and those which deserve attention are remote.
Tsisperi is a quintessential mountain lake of rare beauty yet totally unknown. The access route is relatively short and
your efforts are rewarded by views to major peaks of Svaneti. Cool, transparent water is ideal on hot summer day.
Itinerary also includes climbing a mountain with excellent view from the top.
Most lakes in Svaneti are similar to ponds (e.g. Koruldi) and those which deserve attention are remote.
Tsisperi is a quintessential mountain lake of rare beauty yet totally unknown. The access route is relatively short and
your efforts are rewarded by views to major peaks of Svaneti. Cool, transparent water is ideal on hot summer day.
Itinerary also includes climbing a mountain with excellent view from the top.
Day 1 Morning transfer from Mestia. Walk through woods and meadows brings us to Lake Tsisperi (7 hours). We set up a camp beside the lake, make dinner and enjoy the views.
Day 2 Walk around the lake, breakfast, swim. We leave before noon and climb Mt.Lakhra (3300m) from the top of which we enjoy the 360 degrees panorama of Svaneti mountains and Mt.Elbrus. Climb down the ridge to Lakhra pass, descend to adjacent valley and set up a camp in the evening (6-7 hours)
Day 3 After breakfast we walk through alpine meadows and woods to the village (5 hours) and return to Mestia by late afternoon.
Important! in June-mid July there still plenty of snow around the lake so this route must be taken later in season. Snow conditions differ from year to year so ask in advance.
Time > 3 days
Elevation > 3300m
Route > Circular route. Local trails and off-trail with some steep sections.
Day 2 Walk around the lake, breakfast, swim. We leave before noon and climb Mt.Lakhra (3300m) from the top of which we enjoy the 360 degrees panorama of Svaneti mountains and Mt.Elbrus. Climb down the ridge to Lakhra pass, descend to adjacent valley and set up a camp in the evening (6-7 hours)
Day 3 After breakfast we walk through alpine meadows and woods to the village (5 hours) and return to Mestia by late afternoon.
Important! in June-mid July there still plenty of snow around the lake so this route must be taken later in season. Snow conditions differ from year to year so ask in advance.
Time > 3 days
Elevation > 3300m
Route > Circular route. Local trails and off-trail with some steep sections.
Ushguli Circular Route
This is indisputably the best trip around Ushguli. It offers magnificent views, relatively easy approach and
solitude of secluded valley. Apart from Shkhara (5193m) and her high neighbors you will
appreciate an extensive panorama of the Caucasus Main Range with Mt.Elbrus.
solitude of secluded valley. Apart from Shkhara (5193m) and her high neighbors you will
appreciate an extensive panorama of the Caucasus Main Range with Mt.Elbrus.
Day 1 Morning transfer from Mestia and introduction tour around Ushguli (1 hour). Then we travel (3,5 hours) to secluded valley where we set up a camp (2550m). If you have extra energy it is possible to climb further up and camp higher on Kheskuri pass ( 2 hours). Lower camp is less windy and water is available.
Day 2 After breakfast we climb Kheskuri Pass (if camping in the valley). On clear day the views from the pass are among the best in Eastern Svaneti. For even grander views another 3-4 hours (round trip) will take us to the top of high summit (3550m) above the pass. Upon return from the summit we make lunch and walk along Kheskuri Ridge back to Ushguli (4-5 hours). This last stretch of the route is extremely beautiful as ice-covered wall from Tetnuld (4835m) to Shkhara (5193m) is never out of view.
Time > 2 days
Elevation > 3100m (Kheskuri Pass)
Route > Circular route. Steeper scree slopes, snow fields (till mid July). Mostly off-trail.
Day 2 After breakfast we climb Kheskuri Pass (if camping in the valley). On clear day the views from the pass are among the best in Eastern Svaneti. For even grander views another 3-4 hours (round trip) will take us to the top of high summit (3550m) above the pass. Upon return from the summit we make lunch and walk along Kheskuri Ridge back to Ushguli (4-5 hours). This last stretch of the route is extremely beautiful as ice-covered wall from Tetnuld (4835m) to Shkhara (5193m) is never out of view.
Time > 2 days
Elevation > 3100m (Kheskuri Pass)
Route > Circular route. Steeper scree slopes, snow fields (till mid July). Mostly off-trail.