Mestia (Georgia) is a colorful and somewhat mysterious settlement in the mountainous region of the country. This part of Georgia is known for its amazing architectural structures and is called “The Land of a Thousand Towers”. For thousands of years, local Svans built tall structures-towers of a quadrangular shape, and such buildings were assigned economic and defensive tasks. In addition to the towers, Svaneti attracts tourists with its picturesque landscapes, architectural sights, and ancient churches. The architecture of the settlement is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The region has long been considered the guardian of Georgian treasures collected and displayed as exhibits in the Museum of History and Ethnography.
General information
Mestia (Svaneti) is located in the southern part of the Greater Caucasus at a distance of 128 km from the administrative center of Zugdidi (in a north-easterly direction). The settlement is located at an altitude of 1.5 km. Local residents-Svans-are an ethnic group that is distinguished by masculinity, special culture and centuries-old traditions.
Interesting fact! Svan culture and traditions have been known for 4 thousand years.
The special flavor and identity of the Svans were formed for many millennia. The mountain dwellers led a separate way of life, because in winter the passes in the mountains were covered with snow, and Svaneti was cut off from the rest of the world. As a result of this isolation, the region was never invaded by invaders.
It is important! Svaneti has retained its inaccessibility – the paved highway is laid to Mestia, the capital of the region, then you need to move exclusively on dirt roads. Travel to the villages in the mountains is better by taxi.
In Svaneti, Georgia is represented in a concentrated form. The small territory contains all the distinctive features of the country-picturesque mountains, centuries-old legends, amazing lamb with tkemali sauce, the best honey in the whole world and, of course, harsh and laconic svans.
Interesting to know! The main enemy of Svaneti is litsvri. This is a custom of blood feud, which in the highlands has acquired special significance. According to historical data, over 5 centuries, more than two hundred Georgian families died as a result of blood feuds. The famous Svan towers were built primarily to protect against attacks by local residents.
Mestia makes an impression on tourists who come to Georgia. There are neat houses decorated in Alpine style, the city Hall, built in a modern style, an inconspicuous police building, the House of Justice, temples and monuments.
The historical center of Mestia is the only place in the settlement that has not been restored. Externally, it looked like this-a bit of old Tallinn, mountain landscapes, cobbled streets and a dozen Svan towers.
What to see and where to go
Museum of History and Ethnography in Svaneti
The most striking attraction of Mestia, residents call the museum “Georgian Louvre”, because it has a unique collection that demonstrates the culture, customs and traditions of the Svans.
Among the exhibits are objects made of gold and silver, armor of warriors, coins, works of art by local craftsmen. Notably, all the exhibits were donated by parishioners to local churches. The collection of ancient Georgian manuscripts dating back to the 9th-11th centuries is recognized as the richest.
The attraction was founded in 1936, the total number of exhibits totals 4 thousand. The main exhibition is located on the second floor, in the halls arranged in a ring. On the ground floor there is only one hall dedicated to ethnography.
On a note! In hot weather, there is a cafe inside where you can enjoy refreshing drinks.
To experience the world of Svans, book a guided tour.
- The price of the excursion is 45 GEL.
- If you want to see the exhibits of the attraction on your own, an adult ticket will cost 5 GEL, and a student ticket-1 GEL.
- You can visit the attraction in Svneti from Tuesday to Sunday from 10-00 to 18-00 at the address: 7 A. Lozeliani str., Mestia.
It is easy to find the museum – it is located in the south-east direction from the central square of Mestia. Traveling from Mestia to Ushguli, you pass by a two-story building where the attraction is located.
Chalaadi Glacier
The main attraction of Mestia in Georgia is its hiking trails. One of the most popular is a guided tour to the Chalaadi Glacier.
The scenic location is close to Mestia. An excursion to the glacier does not require serious physical training, so the walk will be comfortable even for families with children. The route is equipped with convenient paths.
The ascent to the glacier starts from the central square. You must go to the suspension bridge (in the direction of the airport). There is a cafe near the suspension bridge where you can buy water and picnic supplies. You can park your car here. Then there is a walk through the forest, you need to navigate by indicators.
It is important! The route is 12.5 km long and takes about 8 hours to complete. GPS coordinates of the Chalaadi Glacier: 43.117124, 42.696214.
If you prefer comfort, take a taxi or rent a car. Transport will take you to the forest. The cost of the trip is 40-50 GEL.
On the glacier there is a huge cave made of ice, inside there is a lake. Unfortunately, you can’t go too close to the cave, as rocks fall from above. On the way, you can stop for a picnic.
Practical recommendations:
- it is very cold near the glacier even in the hottest weather, do not forget to bring a jacket;
- the height difference is more than 500 m;
- the best time to visit is in summer and in the first half of autumn;
- do not go to the glacier in the rain – the road becomes wet and dangerous;
- wear comfortable, athletic shoes.
Mount Ushba
Ushba is one of the most famous in Georgia and the Caucasus. Its height is 4,690 m, its shape is pointed, and several climbing routes of different difficulty levels are laid. In Europe, Ushba is called the Caucasian Matterhorn, because it resembles an Alpine mountain.
Ushba has two vertexes:
- South – it can be seen from the direction of the settlement of Becho;
- North – it can be seen from the Ugir pass.
Interesting fact! The Northern peak of the mountain was first conquered in 1888. The first ascent to the Southern peak was recorded in 1903. The famous “Mirror of Ushba” – a vertical section in the northern part of the mountain-was conquered by mountaineer Mikhail Khergiani.
For tourists, there are trails of different levels of difficulty-from 4A to 6A. The mountain is best seen from the territory of the Bacho settlement. You can also see the peak from the village of Lahushti.
The ascent usually starts from the village of Mazeri in the village of Bacho. From here, experienced climbers and ordinary tourists start climbing. The ascent is 10 km long and takes about 8 hours to complete. The elevation difference is more than 1 km. The trail passes near waterfalls and mineral springs.
On a note! You can travel on a horse that is rented in Becho or Latali.
Mikhail Khergiani Museum
Another attraction of Mestia is the Mikhail Khergiani Museum, dedicated to the legendary mountaineer from Svaneti.
This outstanding athlete is called the tiger of the rocks, a fearless conqueror of mountain peaks. During his life, Khergiani became a champion 7 times and was awarded for achievements in alpine skiing.
The house-museum is organized in the family nest where the boy was born. His father, also a mountaineer, conquered Ushba in 1932. In the main room where the boy was born, the environment created by his parents was preserved — a hearth, a lamp, a large table and cradle, family photos on the walls. Love for mountain peaks was instilled in the boy from birth, because all the men in the family were fond of mountaineering-father, uncle, cousin.
In 1951, Khergiani graduated from the school of mountaineering instructors, and a year later he got a job at a mountaineering camp in the Elbrus region. After 5 years, Mikhail works as the head of a rescue team in a camp located in the Shkhelda gorge. Since 1952, the athlete’s career has been actively developing.
Here you can find the mountaineer’s equipment, clothing, personal diaries, and many photos taken by the athlete during the ascent.
The great mountaineer died in 1969, at the age of 37, after falling from a height of 600 meters in the Italian Dolomites. The rope that insured Mikhail is displayed in the museum and is kept under the roof. Works by Yuri Vizbor, Vladimir Vysotsky, and Yevgeny Yevtushenko were dedicated to the great mountaineer.
Interesting fact! The museum has a book where anyone can leave a memorable entry.
- The address of this attraction in Svaneti is 34 M. Khergiani Street, Mestia.
- The ticket price is GEL 3.
Koruldi Lakes
The route to the top of Koruldi and mountain lakes is one of the most popular tourist routes in Georgia. Traveling to the sights does not require special ammunition, the main thing is sufficient physical training, because during the walk you will have to go up and down many times. The landmark is located at an altitude of 2700 m, it is 1200 m higher than the location of the settlement of Mestia.
Useful information! There is a tourist office in Mestia’s main square, where you can get a map of the area and specify the route.
Practical recommendations:
- the best time to travel is from June to the first half of October;
- choose comfortable, athletic shoes, and warm clothing;
- be sure to bring water and groceries for a snack;
- it is not superfluous to use sunscreen.
How to find a route:
- head east from Mestia’s main square;
- after 500 m, turn to Khergiani Street;
- go under the svanka tower.
Always follow the path up. It is better to follow the main trail, which will lead to a country road. If you want to enjoy nature, take a left turn at one of the branches. This route is shorter and more scenic.
The trail leads to a metal cross and a small hut. Here you can make a stop and admire the surrounding area from the observation deck. The journey to the cross takes about 5 hours. Next to the cross, there are signs that you need to follow to move on. The road to the lakes from the cross takes about 2 hours.
It is important! The total length is 15.6 km, the road takes from 6 to 8 hours.
Ski resorts
Mestia is a ski resort in Georgia, which attracts with its free slopes and always fresh snow. The inaccessibility of the region affects, so only the most courageous and courageous people come here. Ski resorts host beginners and experienced athletes from December to the second half of spring.
Tetnuldi
The new ski resort, which opened in February 2016, is located 15 km from the capital of Svaneti. The management of Tetnuldi plans to create a ski resort that successfully competes with Gudauri. There are plans to open 16 ski slopes and increase the ski area to 35 km. Today, there are four ski lifts in operation. The lowest point of the ski area is located at an altitude of 2260 m, and the highest – at an altitude of 3160 m. The ski resort has facilities for freeriding. The longest route is 9.5 km long.
Useful to know! Svans tell a beautiful legend, according to which the most prominent and beautiful mountains – Tetnuldi and Ushba-are a separated and enchanted couple in love. When lovers are sad, the mountain peaks are covered with thick fog.
Hatsvali
The ski resort is located just 8 km from Mestia, near the mountain peaks in Georgia – Shkhara and picturesque Ushba. The lower station of the ski lift is located at an altitude of 1865 m, and there is a ski equipment rental service nearby.
The ski resort has a four-seat ski lift, which takes just 10 minutes to reach an altitude of 2,350 m. In addition, there are several tow lifts.
Tourists are presented with three routes:
- krasnaya (medium difficulty) – 1900 m;
- blue (difficult) – 2600 m;
- for beginners – 300 m.
Master such sports as freeride and backcountry can be accompanied by an experienced instructor.
Important information! All infrastructure is concentrated in Mestia. There is housing for every budget – from guesthouses to luxury hotels, equipment rental points. A one-day rental will cost approximately $ 10. From the capital of Svantia to the ski resorts, transport runs – comfortable seven-seat minibuses, the fare is GEL 80.
How to get from Tbilisi and Kutaisi Airport
There are several ways to get to the Mestia Ski Resort in Georgia. The option of taking a minibus may be too difficult if you have problems with your vestibular apparatus. Another way to get to Svaneti is by taking a small Cessna plane. But in this case, the impressions of the unique Georgian nature will be quite different.
If you are a brave daredevil, rent a car, but no one can guarantee that the trip will be successful. In the worst case, you will have to leave the transport in the mountains, use the services of an airplane.
How to get from Tbilisi to Mestia by plane
This method is fast, but very unreliable. Flights are operated from the capital’s Natakhtari Airport, which is 35 km from Tbilisi. You can get there by:
- taxi (the cost of the trip is approximately$13);
- take bus # 37 from the Vokzalnaya Ploshchad metro station;
- a minibus that goes to Gudauri or Kazbegi.
It is important! Flights to Mestia are organized by Vanilla Sky Airline, and the transport of this airline follows from Rustaveli metro station 2 hours before the flight. For passengers of the plane, travel in a minibus is free.
Flights from Natahtari to Mestia depart from Monday to Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 9: 00. The cost of the flight is GEL 90. The journey takes 1 hour. There is a limit on the weight of luggage – no more than 15 kg. You can check the current schedule and buy tickets on the official website of the carrier — ticket.vanillasky.ge.
It is important! You can also get to Mestia from Kutaisi. Flights are scheduled for Monday and Friday. The ticket price is$17.
The weather in the mountains is too unpredictable, you should take this into account and always have an alternative option. From October to early spring, it often rains in Svaneti, and the weather does not allow planes to fly.
By bus
This is the most popular transport. There are minibuses to Svaneti from different cities – Tbilisi, Batumi and Kutaisi. The ticket price and duration of the trip depend on the city from which you are leaving. The journey from Tbilisi takes 9 hours, the ticket costs$15. Transport starts from the entrance to the central railway station of Tbilisi.
The road from Kutaisi to the mountain resort takes about 5 hours. Given that the route runs along a mountain serpentine, some people may get seasick. It is better to sit in front of the car or next to the driver.
It is important! Before you go, check the bus station bus schedule, because it is constantly changing
By taxi
A taxi ride from Kutaisi to the mountain resort will cost from$100. You can drive from Batumi to Mestia for $ 125.
On a note! Where is the best place to stay in Batumi for tourists to read here, and what to see in the resort city-on this page.
By car
There is nothing intimidating about the trip, the main thing is to observe the speed limits. The advantage of traveling by car is that there are no toll roads in Georgia.
The longest road to Mestia is from Tbilisi, and the way from Kutaisi is twice as short.
It is important! There is a good paved road to Mestia, and road signs are installed everywhere. On the way you will definitely meet picturesque rock tunnels.
It is better to set off early in the morning to arrive in Mestia during daylight hours.
Mestia (Georgia) is a special village that differs from flat Georgia. The inhabitants of the mountains look harsh, taciturn, but hospitable and friendly. During the trip, you will experience unforgettable emotions and get acquainted with the unique, inimitable Georgia.
