Reviews
Photos below were taken by SvanAlp and show travelers who left these reviews.
Their effort, trust and enthusiasm are much appreciated
Their effort, trust and enthusiasm are much appreciated
We had a super experience with Misha , we did a 4 days hike with him to Mount Layla in the Svaneti . He speak very well English and also some french . He knows a lot about the culture , history and ecology . He is very flexible to accommodate our needs and respectful of our speed of climbing. Always positive .
Thank you Misha for this great adventure and helping us to discover this beautiful country and people. We strongly recommend him as a guide if you plan a trip to Georgia.
Louise, Pat, Danielle, Alain (Montreal, Canada)
First time I went hiking with SvanAlp in June 2015 and climbed the Three Beauties pass and attempted to climb Chrinda peak. This hike was a great experience for me. We had to cross snow bridges over streams, climb rocky slopes and walk over snow fields and glaciers.
I was amazed by SvanAlp's knowledge about the mountains and passes. While there are many great touristic places in Svaneti, he can bring you to unexplored areas known only by locals.
In July 2016 we went to Banguriani mountain. That was one of the most beautiful travels I ever made.
Looking forward to go hiking with him again.
Alex (Dresden, Germany)
Went with Misha to climb Mt. Laila in the end of July.
Usually I like to go alone.
But to cross a glacier and go on snow to a 4.000 meters summit of course I needed a partner.
Misha explained a lot of things about the nature and the people of Svaneti.
But we could also walk in silence just to enjoy the great views.
Misha respected me also to have enough time for my own to enjoy the time while we had to stay at the wonderful camp at the bottom of the glacier. Great experience with awesome summit-day, best possible weather and views to the giants of the Caucasus. To go with Misha was one of the best decisions I could make the time I was staying in Svaneti
Matthias (Berlin, Germany)
In 2015 we climbed with SvanAlp one of the most eye-catching peaks there is in Georgia - the mountain of Kazbek (5033m) or rather the Mkinwarcweri peak. Although the summit itself is not situated in the region of Svanetia - this guide had no problem with finding himself around.
Perfect knowledge, experience and precise preparation, including hand written crevasses - scheme, made it possible to walk through during night and reach the top as the first team that day to admire the sunrise from above the clouds. If you're looking for someone who can drive you safely there and back - you couldn't have found better. With SvanAlp, I'd do it again, anytime and anywhere - definately recommend this guy.
Ania and Mikolaj (Lublin, Poland)
Looking for hiking trips in Caucasus through several internet resources finally I got to Misha. I’m so glad about that! Me and my two teenage sons hiked with Misha 3 different routes (Mt.Latraldash, Herazh Plateau and Panorama Ridge) and all of them were absolutely great. We enjoyed Misha’s calm and patient guidance, kind character, intelligent and interesting conversations. Misha is a happy person because he does what he really loves. I highly recommend Misha’s partnership to every hiker
Liega (Latvia)
Dear Misha,
Many thanks to you. It was a great experience not only to be thoughtfully guided but also to learn so much about the history of this interesting region. This tour to Mt.Banguriani will always stay in my mind as very special
Andreas (Wien, Austria)
I'm so glad I chose to walk with SvanAlp. We did two day-hikes and, as promised, had the trails completely to ourselves. His knowledge of the area is fantastic ...and, equally importantly, his consideration for his companions means it'll never feel too fast or too slow; I could have gone further or stopped sooner according to my fitness; we could have taken more breaks if I needed them. The views were incredible and I like to think that one day I'll be back for a multi-day hike!
Again, thank you for a wonderful time.
Kat (Cape Town, South Africa)
We had a fantastic time with Misha. We usually hike without a guide, but this time we were so happy we choose to hike 3 days with him. He really added to the great experience we had in the beautiful mountains of Georgia. Misha has a very nice personality and is also very flexible. Due to the weather he proposed a different hike than we originally planned. He took very good care of us, found a camping spot with beautiful views. It was luxury for us that all we had to do was enjoy our time and that he showed us the best places.
Monique (Bergschenhoek, Holland)
We (me and my group) went hiking near Mestia with SvanAlp in July 2017. He had a full freedom of proposing a picturesque route for us and we enjoyed the choice. Amazing views, perfect place for the camp and interesting stories and conversations about region, mountains and hiking all thanks to SvanAlp.
Alexey (Minsk, Belarus)
We were hiking with SvanAlp at the beginning of July 2017, we reached 2750m on Panorama Ridge on a perfect weather. The hike was great - the trail is not monotonous, the views and surroundings changes a few times before reaching the ridge itself. There are no technical problems, although of course you have to be prepared for a bit of elevation and being a bit tired. I guess it might be a good first-day hike for many people. SvanAlp is a great guide, with a huge knowlege of the region (not only mountains) so there are lots of things to talk about - it just felt like hiking with a good friend! Highly recommended
Veronika and Michal (Krakow, Poland)
Spending the day with Misha was truly rewarding. Not just that he has a broad knowledge about the area and is happy to share it, he's a very pleasant & gentle companion to spend time with. Thank you for the photos and the great day with you! In case we will come to Svaneti again we will go on a hike with you again for sure!
Serafine and Florian (Zurich, Switzerland)
Having solicited Misha's services two summers in a row, both times we remained absolutely satisfied. He knows the mountains, their history and local lore profoundly and freely shares his knowledge, which he does always in an interesting and unobtrusive way, not forcing himself upon you and leaving you enough time and space to enjoy the scenery. The day hikes we undertook with him were exactly as described - we had the feeling to be led off the beaten path and have Svaneti's beautiful scenery completely for ourselves. Misha competently assessed our levels of skill and fitness and chose the hikes from his broad portfolio accordingly. This was the key to make the most out of our activities in Svaneti. With Misha as our guide, we invariably felt safe and in good company throughout. As a nice surprise, he will mail you the beautiful photos he has discreetly shot during your hikes as a memory of your joint activities. We definitely will take him as a guide again to further explore Svaneti. Highly recommended!
Thomas (Wiesbaden, Germany)
With Misha we did 4 difficult hikes in a row in June 2018 and couldn’t be happier with the decision. The hikes were absolutely amazing with beautiful views over the mountains and as promised-no other visitors. We can only recommend Misha as a guide - he is very intelligent and knowledgable about Svaneti, history and mountains and makes sure everyone is safe. We are sure we will want to do another hike with him when we visit Georgia next time.
Alena and Miso (Bratislava, Slovakia)
Our group of 12 people hiked with Misha for 7 days in Svaneti and we seriously could not have had a better guide. Misha guided us on a circular trek around Ushguli and a trek to Mt. Kvamp, both challenging but very beautiful, rewarding and off the beaten track. We had great sunny weather despite a rainy forecast and the views were amazing throughout. Misha is a very passionate and skilled mountain guide, extremely knowledgeable about the mountains and Svaneti in general, and such a genuine person and great company. We are so glad that we chose him to guide us and would highly recommend him to anyone hiking in Svaneti, especially for those wanting to get off the beaten track. A huge thank you again from all of us!!!
1000 ft Hiking Club (London, UK)
Misha (SvanAlp) was an outstanding mountain guide during our climb of Mt.Layla. He provided excellent advice and allowed us to make the most of a limited time frame with some unfortunate weather. In addition to supplying us with equipment, Misha was a technically excellent guide for novice mountaineers such as ourselves and there was never a moment when we felt unsafe. Misha also provided us with commentary on the local landscape, history and culture. Our trip with him was a fantastic introduction to the Caucasus and a truly spectacular mountaineering experience. We can without reservation recommend him to anyone wishing to trek or climb in the Caucasus.
Max and Jacob (Canberra, Australia)
Misha guided us on two hikes around Mestia. Both off the beaten track - we met no other human beings - rewarding and very beautiful. We had clear blue skies and overwhelming views off the several famous Caucasus peaks. The mountain valleys with endless different shades of green, flowers, butterflies, rasp-, blue- and blackberries, the sound of water always not far away. Misha is a skilled mountain guide and storyteller with lots of knowledge about the Svaneti mountains, nature, culture and history. He is sociable, great company and adjusted hikes to the wishes and possibilities of our group of two. We highly recommend him to those who prefer to get off the beaten tracks. A BIG thank you again, Misha!
Karin and Pieter (The Netherlands)
Great and knowledgeable guide, fluent in both English and Russian.
Our 3 day climb of Layla was perfect in every way.
Thomas and Maria (Lithuania)
We took part in two treks with SvanAlp in September 2018. He is a very professional and experienced guide, who really knows a lot about the mountains in Svaneti. Misha guided us to the most beautiful spots in Svaneti and it was great fun to be on the way with him. If you would like to do something special, he‘s your man!
Andrea and Berna (Stuttgart, Germany)
If you are traveling to Svaneti then we highly recommend hiking with Misha. We spent 2 days hiking with him and he was able to guide us up to sweeping views of a glacier and valley. He’s also able to pivot and recommend something a bit easier if, like us, you are a bit sore on day two. We really appreciated his knowledge of nature and local history. He was very easy to communicate with before and was great about telling us what to expect and what to bring.
Greg and Ricardo (NYC, USA)
I have been on many trekking experiences and I would say with all sincerity - Misha is an exceptional guide with a brilliant perspective that made my trip truly worthwhile. I was the slowest in my group and this trip was very challenging for me, but Misha was patient, encouraging, and his expertise and experience helped me immensely. Misha gave us a journey far off the beaten path where we saw no other tourists, just the true nature and beauty of the mountains.
Louis & Co. (Philadelphia, USA)
Louis & Co. (Philadelphia, USA)
Misha guided us on Mount Laila in Svaneti in August 2018, a truly unforgettable experience. While we had done a lot of trekking and hiking before, we had limited mountaineering experience. The ascent of Mount Laila was a perfect way to practice glacier crossings and higher altitude hiking and at the same time enjoy the beauty of Svaneti and the Caucasus mountains around us. Misha is extremely knowledgable about mountaineering and its history as well as about the mountains and culture of Svaneti. He was happy to adapt the trip to our needs and ideas and was extremely flexible. We would absolutely recommend for anyone looking for routes off the beaten track to choose Misha as a guide.
Dorit, Lisa, Juliane, Clare (London, UK)
Misha planned walks for us for two days, adapting to our changing needs brilliantly. He kept in regular contact in the lead up to the days we had booked, adapting plans to the weather right up until the last minute. He also made recommendations and emailed maps to help us plan a third day on our own, he even gave us ideas as to where to eat in the evening! He is hugely knowledgeable about the area, the culture, the history, and it was lovely to talk flowers and wildlife too. My two sons (19 and 21) really enjoyed his company and the walks and we definitely went to places that we would not have reached without Misha's guidance. He thoughtfully allowed us time and space to reflect on the majestic surroundings. We haven't used a guide before but the area around Mestia is not well marked or well mapped and this was a great way to get out and about with confidence and in good company. I would heartily recommend Misha to everyone. His English is excellent too.
Jill & family (Chelmsford, UK)
Misha kindly guided us for a 3 day off-track circular walk around Ushguli. The walk and views were absolutely enchanting, and so was the company. Misha is discrete, honest, friendly and extremely supportive. I always felt at ease and safe with him around. For me the trek was a magical experience. I'm so glad I found a new beautiful spot of the world and a new friend!!!
Agnese & Nicolo (Milan, Italy)
We did a 4 day hike with Misha to Mount Layla in Svaneti. It was a great hike that we thoroughly enjoyed: challenging and with amazing views. This was our first time hiking to 4000m, and we are happy we had Misha to guide us along.
Misha knows Svaneti like the back of his hand, as we witnessed him giving thorough advice to a group of British hikers who had an outdated Caucasus map.
He is also a very good conversation partner and we greatly enjoyed his company.
Alina & Cole (Cambridge, UK)
Although the mountain (peak Kakhiani, 3702m) is not high it was still challenging. Definitely no walk in the park. We could not ask for a better guide then Misha. He has loads of experience & knowledge. Always friendly and helpful. Took good care of us.
Raitis & Dace (Riga, Latvia)
I really can’t recommend Misha highly enough to you. We spent over a week together on both low and medium altitude treks and his knowledge of the area is seemingly encyclopedic all delivered with quiet, reassuring professionalism.
Mark & Nikki (Beer, UK)
I had a great time in Svaneti over the past couple of weeks and would highly recommend Misha! We did a really enjoyable one day trek to the summit of Latraldesh. And also planned to complete a 3 day trek to summit Mount Laila - which unfortunately we had to abandon due to the conditions - can't argue with the weather! Many thanks Misha - excellent guide and nice guy. Will look forward to hiking with you again in Svaneti sometime.
Peter ( London, UK)
Awesome guiding, thank you Misha! The 3-day climb to the top of Laila was immensely fun and interesting. You made the experience richer by adding so much background information about culture, region, mountains, and climbing technique! We seemed to always be 'in the moment' and enjoyed every step of the way. Including the great dinner at the end.
Liza & Lee (New Jersey, USA)
I couldn’t be more happy with Misha as a guide. He has a zen like approach of guiding that gives an uttermost enjoyable experience and a true sense of security. And that while moving in treacherous terrains. Besides him as a skilled mountain guide, Misha has a wonderful personality and is just great to have around - I’m assuming in any nature environment, treacherous or not. As an experienced hiker of the Georgian Caucasus, it’s very refreshing to meet a mountain guide like Misha. And worth more than the money I’m paying him to guide me and my friends. (Thomas Van Hemert, Holland) |
We climbed Layla with Misha in early September 2021. Everything went very smoothly, from the communication and planning to the actual climb. You can see that he loves mountains and what he does, and he shared many interesting things with us along our hike. He made sure that we felt secure during the peak day and was patient and waited for us in more delicate areas.
We hope to have another adventure with him soon! Thank you, Misha! Annete & Dan (Hungary) |
Misha is a very experienced mountain guide who knows the Caucasus mountains
like the back of his hand. He speaks perfect English. He is very easy to get to
know and is very likeable.
He genuinely wants to get his clients to the summit and works very
hard to make that happen.
Yet when faced with difficult decisions he will make the right call with safety as the top priority.
Knowing when to go on and when to turn back is one of the most difficult decisions
for a mountain guide.
I trust Misha's judgement and feel safe in his hands.
Ashley (Sidney, Australia)