And while locals are masters of improvisation and will eventually find you some place to sleep, it may not be the most comfortable option. Time: 4 days (plus time spent in Ushguli), Difficulty: Medium (moderate level of fitness required). But don't take any unnecessary risk and use a horse if you don't feel confident. Another day and another tricky part in the morning - fording of the Adishi river. How to book the flight to Mestia with Vanilla Sky I did not use a guide and made it with just a few minor glitches (and I was not using a gps). Behind you, views of the valley open up. The place is not too large so it keeps a "local feeling". Travels of a Bookpacker are participants in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and the Booking.com Affiliate Partner Program. Go from the train station to the main road (Rustaveli street), turn left and follow it towards the city, just before the bridge turns left and go in the Gulua street about 200 m. There should be a sign saying "MESTIA" on the right hand side. Good places along the trail tend to fill up fast, especially since many of them got registered on booking portals. Few years ago, the best option used to be the overnight train to Zugdidi. Follow along with this complementing blog post: The Complete Guide to the Mestia to Ushguli Trek in 4 Days, Where to Next? The interior looks a bit "rustic" and "lived in", but it only gives place more charm. After a hearty breakfast youll start your second day from Zhabeshi to Adishi. Theres an opportunity to purchase snacks and beverages, or sleep here. Follow the path which passes the house and tower in western direction, cross the belt of trees and reach a junction. Robinzon guesthouse - Another pleasant, family operated guesthouse. I've been traveling slow over 10+ years and have experienced over 70 countries. If downloading the Mestia to Ushguli trek map, please verify that the map is correct and follows the waypoints. Georgia. The trail turns south-east and climbs over a series of pastures and through a light forest. Georgia unplanned, or Ushguli-Mestia non-standard. Answer 1 of 4: Hi, As evidenced in my title, I want to figure travel plans between mestia and ushguli. My favourite place to eat is Sunseti cafe. The views overlooking Davberi are nice and this path is easy to navigate. Too much water, too fast a current and men with horses had already left. Advertisements The downside is that they seem not to operate outside of the summer season and will get you only as far as to Zugdidi. So you will have to ask taxi drivers loitering at the arrivals hall, they may be willing to give you even a better price. The place was opened only in 2018 and it shows, it looks new and clean. For those who didnt opt for the upper trail to Adishi, this will be the max elevation point of the Mestia to Ushguli trek. What sets Svanetian cuisine apart is the use of local ingredients and Svan salt. Gunter Avaliani guesthouse - Classic Adishi guesthouse, ran by Gunter, his wife Zaira and their daughters Nana and Jameki. In the busy summer months this might be necessary. But, again, when the place gets full (20+ people), you may have to wait for a while for one of two bathrooms. This is a beautiful little township on the banks of the Mulkhura river. If it is not running all the way to the top, hike under the tram cables. Safety first. I also love to check and plan my routes with useful tools like graphhopper. August 1, 2021; 1K; 0; . Oftentimes there are updates to the site, map platforms, and other things, which can cause a bug in downloading. The top is popular lunch spot and a great place to rest and take in the views before a steady downwards walk followed by a valley leading to the town of Iprali. That wont be an option if you start trekking right after getting off the bus. Departure - 06:30 Arrival - 15:00 Stops - Lunch break at 13:00 Frequency - Every day (May-October) Starting point - Pick up guests from hotels Finish point - Credo Bank - #38 Tamar Mefe st., Mestia Price - 80 GEL per person There are many locals with horses, so its obvious on where to cross. Follow the path until it meets up with the road with a signpost that welcomes you to the small villages that make up Ushguli. Detour through Murkmeli to finally reach Ushguli. Its a common practice and landlords usually offer this service, especially if you book one more night on your way back. Nowadays tourism is the main source of income. I come to Mestia by first morning marshrutka. And it's easy to see why. Its also easy to arrange, offers excellent views and passes through several traditional Svaneti villages (with guesthouses - so you dont need a tent). Svaneti (Mestia & Ushguli) Mestia is well-equipped to handle the many hundreds of tourists that visit Svaneti each year, with a good range of guesthouses and restaurants. Drivers probably took two other passengers and went away. Regular marshrutkas (1-3 per day) to Mestia wait on Gulua street or Nikoladze street in Zugdidi. Coming to the bridge at 4:30, we saw our marshutka go. Or staying in Mestia on. Still being fairly undiscovered, this is an amazing experience and one of the most stunning multi day hikes weve ever done. Answer 1 of 4: What are the normal timings for a marshrutka to Ushguli from Mestia? Chalaadi Glacier 1,944m 24.19km 661m elevation gain 7hours Supposedly it is not so difficult and offers the view of glaciers in the warmer season. Things to do in Mestia: the gateway to Svaneti, The Shkhara glacier hike in Svaneti Georgia. Most of all I remember the delicious food. Here, you need make a decision - there are two ways to enter the valley. en Gorgie. Camping is free and easy but you will need to bring supplies as there are no shops along way. Includes cafe and restaurant recommendations. Do not accept invitation from strangers and dont drink alcohol with them in private, especially if you are the only woman around. Marshutka took us to Ushguli and the departure back was planned to 5PM, from bridge where all marshutkas are parked. Follow the street to the river, cross it and turn left - this is where the marked route starts. How much should you spend in Georgia? If you want something more central, we heard good things about BapshaGuesthouse. In Ushguli, most people catch a Marshrutka back to Mestia, which offers frequent connections to Tbilisi; Mestia to Ushguli Trek Map Milage: 33.75 miles; Difficulty: Moderate; 4 Day Mestia to Ushguli Multi-Day Trek Logistics. We paid 80GEL for a taxi for 4 people by talking to the only people in the village. Until recently, this was the only guesthouse in Adishi available on Booking.com so was always packed with hikers. The Svaneti region in the north of Georgia near the Russian border is set along a spectacular mountain range. We highly recommend staying at the Guest House Gogia with comfy rooms and amazing dinner and breakfast. Another one departs at 8:00 from Samgori railway station. If you want to travel from Mestia to Ushguli with marshutka, choose wisely the company you travel with. Mestia to Ushguli trek description Day 1 - Mestia to Chvabiani - 5 hours It was not a great start as i'd slipped on the wet bathroom floor the night before and smashed my elbow on the floor. Chvisthari is cornbread with cheese and Tashmijabi is a stretchy cheese mix with potatoes. Follow the downhill for around 1 mile and make a right turn towards Tsvirmi hamlet. Together with some other caucasus mountain villages like Juta and Xinaliq who claim the same. Only a few marshrutkas were awaiting the ones arriving from Mestia. You can shorten the hike by taking a jeep that brings you deeper into the valley. After Cholashi, the trail bends south towards the Mulkhura river. If you can, try to spend at least one night in Mestia so you can rest, slow down a bit and see some local attractions.
Ten minutes later, you will reach a spot where a small trail branches off to the left, little uphill and into some bushes, while a large track keeps going down. Cross the road and take a right and begin to look for an uphill gravel path on the left hand side. Or is i possible to go by marshrutka at noon also (to reach the train around 18 to Tbilisi)? Before you pay, I recommend to walk some 50 meters upstream where the river branches a bit more and check if you can cross on your own - that doesnt mean its always possible, but its worth checking out. Tetnuldi peak. Before the main road is a tiny building used as church. Answered: Hi, I am looking at doing the 4 day hike Mestia-Ushguli in early June and have a couple of questions about logistics. 2 10 Best Things to Do in Svaneti. After gaining some 50 elevation meters, the dirt track becomes more pleasant again - it goes through the light forest and over pastures from which you will have a nice view of Mt. Mestia has to be your starting point for the hike to Ushguli, from here you can organise your trip and return transport from Ushguli after the hike. Expect to pay 200 lari for a car. There is a sign that says 'Mestia - 7am' right in front of the entrance to the station. Leaving it through the gate by the new Queen Tamars statue and turn right. Mestia Tourism Mestia Accommodation Mestia Bed and Breakfast Mestia Holiday Rentals Mestia Holiday Packages The Mestia to Ushguli trek is a multi day hike through the Caucasian mountains in the north of Georgia. The water is freezing so you won't be able to spend too much time in the river. June-October is the official season as the rest of the year becomes cold and snowy making the trail unsafe. Read my full story here. Elisabeth Kaldani's guesthouse - large, blue-painted wooden guesthouse situated at the bottom part of the village. Spend a day or two relaxing in Ushguli and maybe add on the gentle day hike to the scenic Shkhara Glacier. The church itself is simple, but has some old frescoes. As you can see, the first day is the main difference, with Tsvirmi replacing the village of Zhabeshi village. Photos (302) Directions. We kept walking since we didn't want to support this behavior and they even followed us half an hour by car. Booking: guesthouse@gamarjoba-ushguli.com or send them a message via their fb page. Do the 4 day hike return to. Will I get one in the afternoon? Once you get to Mestia the process will pretty much be the same as in Zugdidi, however on a much smaller scale. Turn left to walk through Davberi village and continue uphill until you reach the forest footpath route. Also a very beautiful time because of the autumn colours. Not yet on booking.com. And when do they usually come back?
In total, we climbed close to 2000 vertical meters in about 12 hours. Zugdidi to Mestia by minivan, trek Mestia to Zhabeshi (16 km) - Day 1. In the shoulder season you maybe able to negotiate or find a cheaper offer. Or staying in Mestia on. But we have heard that if you head down to the main road you can get a ride for as little as 5GEL per person. For sure, we will be back in the warmer season to do the Mestia - Ushguli thru-hike. The usual price is 20 GEL per person. Pass the village (least affected by tourism, with many houses in derelict state), cross the bridge and follow the trail on the other bank of Enguri till you make it to Chazhashi hamlet, more or less the center of Ushguli. Top Thing to Do in Mestia: Explore the Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography. It will divert you from the dirt road onto a short, but very steep trail through the forest. The 4-day Mestia Ushguli trek is the most popular thing to do in Svaneti. Mestia/Ushguli Trek Duration. The Svaneti region in the north of Georgia near the Russian border is set along a spectacular mountain range. Best regards David. The Lamaria church is in Zhibiani, the northernmost village within Ushguli. Sleep only at official guesthouses with other hikers around. Otra forma de llegar es en tren nocturno+ . The trail here turns into a dirt track. Check out this 34.7-mile point-to-point trail near Mestia, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. In total am platit 27 GEL (aprox 10 euro). While the beds weren't too comfortable, the food was good - if you don't expect luxury, you should like this place. Ushguli to Mestia by taxi/van (25-35 Lari) - Day 5. Distance 45 km. However, if you have enough time in your schedule I recommend staying at least one night. The trek is great but it is pretty arduous since every day except for the last bit includes a steep mountain pass - but if you get tired or pressed for time, it is possible to arrange a car to get from village to village. For example, as mentioned down below, I stayed in the village of Lalkhori instead of Iprali. Located at an altitude of 2,100 meters (6,900 ft), and a community of four villages at the head of the Enguri gorge in Svaneti, Ushguli is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the highest continuously . Right behind it branches a track to the left which is a nice shortcut to the Davberi village but as of 2021, it was blocked by a fence with barbed wire - I think that sooner or later, we can expect 2 GEL "entry fee" sign here. This map is solely a planning tool. Still, if there is one group I would like to warn, it would be solo women. This is an excellent place to take a break and climb around the viewpoints of the nearby ridges. I am from Iran and I will run this program for August 2022. The walk takes you along the valley leading to some stunning views of the glacier and surrounding mountains range. Outside the high season or if there are few hikers, it is good to ask around in the village about the water level and hire a horse if necessary - several locals offer this service. So, if you prefer the bus, it's better to take comfortable long-distance buses operated by the Turkish company Metro bus. There are two walking routes from Iprali to Ushguli, the first being partly along the main road to Ushguli and not very interesting. If you hike in the opposite direction than most, you will meet almost all other hikers in a span of one or two hours and for the rest of the day will have the trail for yourself. Each period has its pros and cons. Trek can be certainly finished even in sneakers but its not the optimal solution since some parts of trail are slippery and muddy. hard (70) Mestia, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti, Georgia. I already visited the Chalaadi glacier from Mestia. It's like cab mafia there, we managed to get in a bus for 20 GEL but the cab guys saw it, followed by car, stopped the bus and made us leave it. The most popular multi-day trek in Georgia and for a good reason. However, it's quite dusty because of passing jeeps so I prefer to spend on it as little time as possible.
As to mount ushba, it is not in the mestia valley but about half an hours drive from mestia ( becho valley). After an hour hike on a dirt road, reach the village of Iprali. In spite of recent renovations, has still managed to retain its authentic spirit. Packing up the Pieces is all about authentic off-the-beaten-path experiences, comprehensive travelogues, detailed hiking and adventure guides, alongside my personal struggles and heartfelt moments while on the road. Days 7, 8 & 9: Mestia & Ushguli - overnight in Mestia. The better way to reach the village is to turn after 500 meters right, onto a trail heading to Murkmeli, one of four communities forming Ushguli. These towers were still used up until the not so distant past. From Mestia there are daily minivans that run to Ushguli. Moreover, several of these guesthouses are at best average - the facilities are very basic, food only decent, prices quite high and the owners are often moody, sometimes very friendly and sometimes not so much (the only bright exception being Panorama guesthouse). From Batumi to Mestia: Marshrutka is the only option, it departs from the main bus station . Mestia marks the start of the very popular four day hike to Ushguli which we plan to do during our stay. Better bring some good walking shoes (even if you dont plan to hike) but if its too late for that, this is one of treks where the lack of proper shoes doesnt constitute an unpassable obstacle. In June, one can enjoy green scenery with blooming flowers,
Kubdari are Svanetian meat pies. Please comment below if something doesnt download right or email me here, as it helps me keep the maps up to date and maintained. There is a fixed depoarture at 10:00 am but if you want to secure your spot, get there between 9:00 - 9:30 am. Its located right in the middle of the village and the price (50 GEL per person) included an amazing dinner and breakfast, although you could pay just 20 GEL for the night. I would advise to buy snacks in advance though. Check out those incredible views of the stunning Adishi Glacier. Will I get one in the afternoon? Costing GEL 50 per person and taking 2 hours to reach Ushguli, we decided to hop in. Please have all the proper equipment, verify the weather conditions, and take into consideration your own physical abilities and/or limitations. In past years, the trek was pretty popular, with 100-150 trekkers starting from Mestia each day during the summer season (Jul-Aug). A good walker with a tent could comfortably finish this trek in three days, but if you want to sleep in guesthouses, you probably need to split it into four days. From Tbilisi to Mestia:
But each night there is a screening of the movie Dede, which was filmed in the area. Eventually, begin the descent down towards the village of Tsvirmi. The path follows along the Khaldeschala River (left hand side). Not to be perturbed, we began walking after a leisurely start at 10.30 am from Mestia. Here, you can find red and white markers, showing you the way. Still worthwhile if you can find other people to share the costs. if you do not use private guide and driver you have always problems. The village is quite small, there is only a handful of guesthouses and these mostly had no online presence so booking far in advance always posed a problem. The place would not be my first choice since it kinda lacks character but saved loads of people - the owners are good at finding that one extra spot for some hapless guy who trekked without prearranged accommodation. Contact: (+995) 598 477180 (Nana speaks also English ). After the river crossing, take the steep elevation gain to reach the Chkhunderi Pass. You can take an easy walk along the top of the ridge to a view point. We arrived in Iprali on day 3 of the Mestia to Ushguli hike and decided we had seen the best parts of the hike and to take a taxi further to Ushguli, allowing us an extra day to explore. After several days hiking relaxing might be the perfect activity. There is a signpost showing you the way to Ushguli so you shouldn't get lost. Before you reach them, turn right uphill. Its outstanding universal value lies in its unique traditional architecture reflecting the Svan culture. For ushguli you need a 4x4 car to take you on this bumpy ride. Prices were pretty set when we were there as it was peak season and there was no shortage of trekkers to fill the rooms. Also, this trekking itinerary begins at the last stop of the Zuruldi cable car, from Mestia Georgia. Most are actually in a bad shape, but with the new interest in this unique landscape hopefully they will be renovated soon. The trail is well-trodden and not that difficult. After some 20 minutes, roughly at 2500m altitude, a marked trail (Hadiish) branches off to the south-east. I will visit your beautiful country on 11th of November - I already know Tusheti is out of the question in that time, however I would really like to see Mestia and Ushguli. The trail often seen as "the classic one" follows the large track downhill. A lot of the trails are fairly well marked. Ucha Margveliani's guesthouse - And last but not least, Uchas, the largest guesthouse (or rather a hotel) in the village, able to accommodate 50 people or even more. At 20GEL for a barely 30-second ride across the river this is one of the most overpriced but necessary horse rides youll ever take. But it got cancelled when covid hit and not yet reinstated. Please comment below if something doesnt download right or email me here, as it helps me keep the maps up to date and maintained. Day 1 - Hiking Mazeri via Guli Pass to Koruldi Lakes The first day is the toughest one. These 10km will take you steadily upwards along a narrow track until you come out at a large gravely slope which is used for skiing in the winter.
You wont see any bears, wolves, vipers or aggressive shepherd dogs. Ford the river by foot, or take a horse for 20 GEL. HI how can you go to Mestia I mean from Tbilsi to Mestia.. To go from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Hotel Nato - wonderful small guesthouse situated in the Chazhashi village, not far from the bridge. Leave Iprali village and cross Khaldechala river by a bridge. You can read all the details about transport from Tbilisi to Mestia here. The place is clean and the owners Giorgi and Katia work hard to keep it that way, food is also very good. Going by marshrutka takes over 10 hours from Tbilisi and about half . Eventually, youll have to cross the river. The people from Ushguli are used to taking care of themselves. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 19 h 7 min to complete. There is certainly no lack of choice in Ushguli - every other house got already got converted into a guesthouse, not counting those newly built. After several visits to Mestia, my best experience is still with Nino Ratiani guesthouse. Find out all the logistics on this 4 day multi day trek, including what to pack, details on the cable car, tips on where to sleep, and the total cost of this epic adventure. When we arrived back in Mestia, Guest House Khergiani was booked out so they recommended a place across the road which was just as nice, set in a beautiful garden and with delicious food. Down in the valley, you will find a couple of huts which can provide shelter in case of rain. However, in the past years, drivers became reluctant to bring hikers back since the Ushguli drivers try to claim all hikers that reached village on foot and other drivers don't want to have problems with locals. We're never without our trusty backpacks and a good book! For some amazing views of the town and surrounding mountains head around to the left of the building and climb the stairs to the roof where there is a rooftop garden space. In winter there will be lots of snow making it difficult to reach Ushguli. There are also others, but I have no feedback about them - feel free to write me how you like them :), Panorama guesthouse - Hands down the best (and most expensive) guesthouse in the village. Also, it's easier to cross the dangerous stream beyond Adishi which should be done in the morning, when the water level is lower (later during the day is rises due to the melting glacier). Lalis guesthouse - a popular guesthouse lying in the eastern end of Zhabeshi village, not far from the river. Disclaimer: This post with a travel guide about a day trip guide from Mestia to Ushguli contains affiliate links. Here are some of the better guesthouses where stayed either me or my friends. For those who didn't opt for the upper trail to Adishi, this will be the max elevation point of the Mestia to Ushguli trek. And even if this fails, you can always try to leave earlier in the morning and reach your destination before crowds arrive, so you will have more places to choose from. Visiting Mestia and Ushguli in November. Most minivans leave in the early morning. From Mestia there are daily minivans that run to Ushguli. When ready, depart on the red and white marked trail to Iprali. There is also a caf and restaurant at the top. Still, I dont recommend it. You can check out pictures and prices of LuSvan Guest House here. The Mestia to Ushguli trek is a beautiful multi-day hike through Georgia's incredible Upper Svaneti region. The first bus departs at 8:00 am, then there should be another one at 9:30 am. Answered: I am planning the hike between Mestia and Ushguli at the end of August, and a bit puzzled with logistics. Opened only in 2019, owners Tamara and Davit decided to bring services provided in Adishi up to the next level. Below is a short list of places where stayed either me or my close friends and can be recommended. . Follow the road, but then, steer right and walk through the first village, Murkmeli. Its good reputation is well-deserved cos this guesthouse does almost everything right - rooms are clean, beds comfortable and bathrooms have enough hot water (which is not always the case in other guesthouses). Oftentimes there are updates to the site, map platforms, and other things, which can cause a bug in downloading. Disclosure: This is part of my Hikes & Adventures series, which means these treks can be strenuous and challenging. You should arrive at Ushguli in time to catch shared taxis which take daytrippers back to Mestia (and manage a short walk around the village). After that, continue on the path and enjoy stunning viewpoints of the Caucasus Mountains. About 70 families (about 200 people) live in the area, enough to support a small school. The second section is from Zhabeshi to Adishi, about 6 miles. The family running it is really friendly and Laila is a great cook. Receive the latest content, tips, updates & more! Ushba. Trek is as safe as it can get in Georgia. Like accomodation there are lots of places to eat in Mestia. We reach Batumi in the evening, the downpour is waiting for us to sit down in a bar.
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