2024 Mestia Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in November)

Chalaadi Glacier

The start of the trail is about 10km from mestia, you can choose to hire a taxi to there or like us, we choose to walk. But we were lucky enough that there’s a truck driver stop and save us about 5km of walking. At the trail start we have to cross a quite scary metal bridge, after the bridge it’s so closed to russia border that you might be asked by soldier to check your passport. Then there’s only 2.5km of hike to the glacier. #glacier #outdoor #hiking

heaven on earth!

we Georgians often say if you come to Georgia you must visit Svaneti, otherwise you will miss a lot! Svaneti is the most beautiful region in Georgia, it's full of mountains and amazing views. you can visit Svaneti any season and be satisfied with your experience at Svaneti. you can go there by car, by bus or by plane, but for plane you have to book tickets before 2 months maybe. the bus from Tbilisi takes around 10 hours and 30-40 lari, and by car 8 hours is enough. Svanetis center is called Mestia, there you can find guest houses, hotels and local restaurants with delicious local food #yearofrabbit #newyearadventure #tripblazers #mytripvlog #本地遊 #georgia #svaneti #mestia

So this isn't really Mestia. These photos were taken during my backpacking trip in Svaneti but only Mestia shows up as a location. This landscape comes with a blazing sun cooled by glacial breeze and friendly locals who make everything from their own yoghurt to their own bread. The last photo was taken as I climbed the steps of the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi.

Mestia is known as the "Caucasian secret" of Georgia. When the winter comes with heavy snow, the road up and down the mountain will be blocked. For centuries, the Svans who lived in Mestia came out of the mountains only in the summer and were isolated from the rest of the world. The village under the mountain still retains the medieval towers, dense forests, huge glaciers, which is an unknown hideaway.

Half of Mestia is a paradise even without hiking.

Half of Mestia is a paradise even without hiking. I stayed in Mestia for three days, didn't go to Ushguli, and didn't hike. I just wandered around, and the town itself was beautiful. I was lucky enough to experience two seasons. Many local drivers on the road would ask if you were going to Chali or Koruldi Lakes. There are signs in the town showing the kilometers and directions of various routes. If you have the energy, you can hike directly. Photos 2–5: I woke up early in the morning to find the world outside my window covered in snow. I walked from the town to the cable car (currently out of service), and it was all winter scenes with snow falling. After just two hours, it suddenly turned from winter to autumn, and the two seasons coexisted. Photo 6: I took this photo when I went out, and when I returned to my room in the afternoon, the same spot had become the photo below. Photos 7–8: Around 7:30 am, the sun shines on the mountains, turning the entire mountain range golden. Photos 9–15: I wandered from the town to the airport, surrounded by mountains. There are snow-capped mountains to the east and west, and autumn colors to the north and south. It's amazing. Photos 1/16–18: Taken in the evening. The golden mountains start at 6 pm and last for about 17 minutes. I was limited in my thinking, always thinking that the golden mountains only appear at sunrise.

Georgia | A museum worth visiting in Mestia.

Many people choose Mestia as a transit point when traveling in Georgia. From here, you can hike 🚶‍♀️ or take a minibus or chartered car 🚙 to Ushguli. The town is small and can be explored in a day. In Mestia, the Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography 🏛️ is a great place to visit. The museum's collection and exhibits are exquisite. 👍 🏛️ Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography 📍 Address: A.loseliani 7, Mestia, Georgia 🎫 Tickets: GEL 20 for foreign visitors 🕙 Opening hours: 10:00–18:00 (closed on Mondays) ✅ The Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography 🏛️ is said to have been built in 1936. It is located on the way from Mestia to Hatsvali Ski Resort ⛷️, about a 10-minute walk 🚶 from the town center. ✅ The museum is divided into several exhibition areas: archaeological finds from the 3rd century, golden icons from the 11th to 14th centuries, manuscripts 📝 and books in Georgian, traditional handicrafts and furniture 🪑 of the Svan people, etc. ✅ Important exhibits include: stone, pottery, bronze, glass, and ancient coins 🪙 unearthed by archaeologists; golden icons and wood carvings and paintings 🖼️ preserved in ancient churches ⛪️; the first printed book 📚 in Georgian published in Rome in 1629, and various beautifully decorated ancient books. ✅ The museum has English guides, and the exhibits are labeled in English. The exhibits are well organized and the overall layout is exquisite. ✅ The museum has only one floor. Although it is not large, it has a rich collection of exhibits. It takes about 1.5 hours to visit the museum. ⭕️ Other: 🔸 Near the exit of the museum, you can see part of the tower complex (Svaneti) through the glass window. 🔸 There is a restroom 🚻 and a small souvenir shop in the museum. 🔸 There is a church ⛪️ not far from the museum, which you will pass on the way. 🔸 There is also 🎿 Hatsvali Ski Resort nearby, where you can take a cable car 🚡 to the top of the mountain.

There is a 360-degree scenic spot

📍Mestia, a small snow town - a paradise for hiking enthusiasts Mestia is located in the center of Svaneti, the oldest, most unique, most remote, and most inaccessible area of Georgia. It is known as the 'Caucasus Secret' of Georgia and is a paradise for skiing enthusiasts. Mestia, a small town in Georgia surrounded by snow-capped mountains🏔️, is known as a hidden paradise deep in the Caucasus and also as God's backyard. Surrounded by verdant mountains, misty clouds☁️, and magnificent mountain ranges, it is also a world-famous hiking destination with stunning scenery. In the town of Mestia, you can take two segments of the ski mountaineering cable car🚠 to reach the high mountains and overlook the 360-degree snow-capped mountains. Along the way, various wildflowers, nearby green plants, and distant snow-capped mountain scenery are breathtaking. The top platform offers a distant view of the majestic snow-capped mountains opposite, making it a great spot for checking in👍🏻👍🏻.

Walking on the country road

After a bumpy 6️⃣-hour journey, we finally arrived at the small town of Mestia in Georgia🇬🇪. Although the journey was long, the scenery was endless. Along the way, there were suspension bridges, waterfalls, green mountains, and clear waters. Unexpectedly, we could see double rainbows🌈 up close, which was super Lucky Lucy! 📍Svaneti Towers in the village of Mestia These towers are the most prominent symbols of the original residential areas in this region. The architectural style is somewhat similar to the watchtowers in Batan Village, Sichuan, China. The tower was built by the Svans (Georgians living in the Svaneti region) in the 8th century to protect their families. The entire tower was constructed entirely by human labor, without any mechanized facilities. Therefore, the Svaneti Towers also symbolize the strength of the family; the stronger and wealthier the family, the more male members it has, and the higher the Svaneti Tower will be. The high towers stand under the blue sky, white clouds, and snow-capped mountains, making them look full of spirit.

Hiking Selection! Walking in the Visa-Free Garden of God

🌟Highlights: The Mestia hiking route in Georgia is a world-class classic route, one of the must-walk routes for hiking enthusiasts. 🚉Transportation Guide: First, fly to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia 🇬🇪, then take Vanilla Air from Tbilisi directly to Mestia. Alternatively, fly from Tbilisi to Kutaisi, then take a bus to Mestia. 🗓Route Arrangement: Mestia Village - Zhabesi Village - Adishi Village - Iprali Village - Ushguli Town Make sure to buy water and dry food in Mestia Village. 🧳Clothing Preparation: I went in the summer, wearing a quick-dry short-sleeve shirt + sun protection jacket on top, quick-dry pants on the bottom, and a softshell jacket in the backpack for rain. 📝Tips: The total distance is about 65 kilometers, completed in 4 days. There are places in the villages for resupply, meals, and accommodation. I personally think the difficulty is moderate, suitable for enthusiasts with some hiking experience. Prepare the hiking app AllTrails in advance to avoid getting lost. Prepare cash in advance, with an average cost of 1600 RMB per person for food and accommodation.

Keep this route guide for the Ushguli Glacier hike

The Shkhara Mountain behind Ushguli, with an elevation of 5193 meters, is the third highest peak in the Greater Caucasus Mountains, second only to Mount Elbrus, the main peak of the Greater Caucasus Mountains at 5642 meters, and Mount Dykh-Tau at 5205 meters. Shkhara Mountain is the border between Georgia and Russia and is also part of the dividing line between Europe and Asia. Behind Ushguli, a wide valley follows the Enguri River northward, passing through alpine meadows filled with flowers, leading to the foot of Shkhara Mountain. This is also a glacier hiking route, which takes six hours for a round trip. 🌟 Shkhara Glacier Hike 1⃣️ Rent a car to the foot of the mountain: 100 Lari/car, 1-hour drive. The road is quite flat and not difficult to walk, but driving is not easy and relies on the driver's skills to navigate. 2⃣️ Hiking: If you hike here, it should take 2-3 hours. From here to the depths of the glacier takes 40-60 minutes one way, and a round trip from Ushguli takes 5-6 hours. . 🌟 Chalaadi Glacier Hike Chalaadi Glacier is a half-day hiking route 11km north of Mestia, with an elevation gain of 600m. The destination is the Chalaadi Glacier, which is also the most popular route in Mestia. The first half follows a road along the river for about 4-5km to the end of the road, then crosses a suspension bridge over the river and starts climbing until the end of the glacier at the mountainside. Since the first half is a monotonous road trip, you can rent a car for 40 Lari round trip from Mestia Square to the suspension bridge, about a 40-minute drive. From the bridge, if you hike, it takes about 3 hours round trip. From the starting point of the suspension bridge, first cross a forest to reach a rocky river valley. From a distance, you can see the glacier, like a large waterfall flowing through the mountains. Keep walking towards the glacier, and in half an hour you can reach the glacier and even touch it, which is very impressive. But it is important to note the danger under the glacier, as melting causes rocks to fall intermittently. Since we arranged the Ushguli Glacier hike, we did not go to the Chalaadi Glacier hike. 🌟 Cross - Koruldi Lake Route Koruldi Lakes is an 18km hiking route north of Mestia, with an elevation gain of 1400m. The destination is a small lake on the mountain top. This route is very steep, so not many people go, but it is highly recommended. The two lakes on the snow mountain are ordinary, but the scenery along the way and the reflection of the snow mountain in the water are beautiful. The section from Cross (the cross) to the mountain top is especially wonderful, surrounded by snow mountains. A round trip hike from Mestia town takes about 8 hours, or you can rent a car to Cross and then hike for about 2 hours round trip. Beyond Koruldi Lakes, there is a 1.7km uphill path with an elevation gain of only 220 meters, which is the closest viewpoint to Ushba. The hiking path is steep, and to the north, you can see into Russia. There is no need for border lines or checkpoints; the natural barrier of the Caucasus Mountains is the best shield. 🌟 Tsvirmi is a 19km hiking route south of Mestia, with a destination of Tsvirmi village, an elevation gain of 1000m, and a relatively high intensity. The southern snow mountains can be seen via the Mestia cable car. 🌟 Mestia—Ushguli A 66km 3-4 day hiking route. Many people come to Mestia to experience this hike. The three half-day hiking routes around Mestia are just appetizers for the Mestia—Ushguli hike. If it is a 4-day trip, the daily stages are: D1 Mestia-Zhabeshi (14km); D2 Zhabeshi—Adishi (10km); D3 Adishi—Iprali (15km); D4 Iprali—Ushguli (10km)

🏔️ Mestia's Finest: Gistola Hotel Highlights 🌄

Nestled in the heart of the Svaneti region, Gistola Hotel Mestia at 39 Boris Kakhiani street offers a serene escape with a touch of luxury. Though it's a stone's throw from the bustling town center, this spacious and modern hotel stands out for its cleanliness and top-notch facilities. The suites are a real treat – think roomy, with chic blue and white decor that adds an elegant flair to your stay. Each comes with a generous balcony, perfect for soaking in the views of the surrounding slopes dotted with ancient watchtowers and cradled by snow-capped peaks. Imagine waking up to a full moon hanging over the mountaintops – simply magical! But let's talk about the breakfast 🍳 – it's a feast for the eyes as well as the palate, with views of Mestia's historic towers. And when you're ready to explore, the town is just a quick 10-minute walk away, with hiking trails only half an hour from your doorstep. The on-site restaurant is also a gem, ensuring you're never far from a delicious meal. 🌲🍽️🏞️ #Mestia #MestiaHotel #MestiaTravel

Travel with me in Georgia 🇬🇪

⛄️ Stunning view at MESTIA HOTEL 🏨 : WinterFell Mestia IG : apaaa_san #mytravelhacks #falltrip #travelinspiration

Mestia town, place like heaven

Mestia is a town about 1500m above sea level, the town is the starting point for many hiking trails, like the hike to ushguli, chalaadi glacier, lake koruldi and so on. We spent four days in mestia, and went on a few trails. We normally start our hike early in the morning, and come back to the town to chill by the afternoon. A leisure walk around the town is very recharging. The snow mountains are always in sights, the svan tower tower with thousands years of history is all around and the animals are eating grass by the hills.#mestia #mountain

Amazing hike to lake Koruldi, Georgia

Mestia is one of the best place to visit in Georgia, there’s plenty of hiking tract there. We love the hike to lake Koruldi the most. It is quite tough with 1400m elevation, but the 360degree of snow mountain view is totally worth it😊#hiking #georgia #mountain #mestia

love this places✨💕#georgia #mestia

Good trip

Getting There - Attractions - Hotels - Food & Restaurants - Shopping -

Mestia, Hatsvali

if you go to Mestia don't miss Hatsvali. from city center 15minutes by walk to the cable car. two ways(go-back) only 20 or 25 Lari.#gooutside #staycation #georgia #travelinspiration

There are many villages and towers scattered along the way from Mestia to Ushguli. From the heights, it is really beautiful. So I am also a whimsy. If the weather is good, my physically strong friends can also consider walking from Mestia to Ushguli. The distance between the two is about 46 kilometers. There are villages in the middle to replenish. It is entirely feasible to arrange a two-day trip. The hillside on the side of the Mestia church, these thousands of years of existence, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, is like a non-born peach flower source. It is said that there will be more than 100,000 tourists coming from all over the world every year. Perhaps this number is far less than the number of tourists waiting for the Forbidden City, Jiuzhai, Huangshan, etc., but it is free to the world, and no external charges are charged. Mountain tickets, in a sense, are not only the property of Georgia, but also the property shared by all mankind. There are many accommodation options in Mestia, mainly hotels and family hotels, spring and summer are the peak season, winter is relatively low season, family hotels are generally 20GEL per person per night, the hotel price is 100+GEL, if you book in advance The hotel can tell the driver that the driver will take you to the hotel door. The night view of Mestia is very good, and the sky is also awkward. If you have the energy to climb the slopes on both sides at night, if you feel trouble, climb to the church.

Mestia has a famous small cable car, no glass wall, no armrests, just simple protection, the small cable car is all suspended, only one safety protection, compared to the glass cable car that you see every day, this is closer to nature, Hanging on the cable car at the foot is also relatively dangerous. But it is this kind of fun that puts more of our love and play, learns the locals' look and sits on the cable car, and slowly draws on the top of the mountain. There is a coffee shop on the top of the mountain. It is also the best place to watch the snowy mountains. A girl from Georgia is photographed in the corridor, wearing a wreath on her head, like a flower fairy, I cant help but shoot her. A few. In Georgia, there is a beauty that is local girls. I have met many cool girls on the road. Dyed with various colors of hair, thick eyebrows, twinkling eyes, rubbed dark lipstick, hidden in the body, and see the old man standing up and taking the bus. Sometimes sitting across from me looking at me, sometimes passing by, there is a kind of careless beauty.

There is a famous small cable car in Mestia, there is no glass wall, no armrests, just simple protection, the biggest feature is that there is a temper, and if you are in a bad mood, you will not open it. We went to the top of the mountain with a cable car and there was a coffee shop. We ordered a mint tea and spit it out. It was a strange smell. When I went down the mountain, I wanted to go down the cable car and waited for more than an hour before the cable car started. The tourists lined up with a long queue, and we waited by the side, thinking about going up again. In front of the Russian family of three, the staff told us that the cable car was completely broken, you have to go down the mountain yourself. In my heart, the muddy horses rushed, then I asked a lot, what about the tourists who just took the cable car, the staff said, they would use the rope to pull the cable cars back, and they went down the hill. Five of you are lucky. In this way, we climbed another 3 kilometers of mountain roads. When the mountain went down, the cable car did not move. It has been two hours, and the tourists who are on the cable car are still swaying. When the sun is shining, I can't go anywhere. I finally understand why we are lucky.

The hiking route of Mestria in the Caucasus Mountains is very mature and can be completed in 4 days. We walked for 20 kilometers and 20 hours before standing on this snowy mountain sign. It is also the place where many hikers stay and rest. The snowy mountains of the stalwart are in front of them, and the sound of ice and snow avalanches can be heard from time to time. A large green meadow is dotted with yellow small wildflowers, and wildflowers are dotted with the glacier world. All of this is marveled by the creation of nature. Standing in front of the snow-capped mountains, our smallness is like a smoothie. Hiking is really a test of people. Since I completed my first long-term walk in Nepal in 2015, I vowed never to hike again in this life, but as soon as I came to the foot of the snow-capped mountains, the vows that were vowed at the time were thrown into the air, and it was so good that the scars forgot the pain. The tiredness is also defeated by the will, the scenery is a gift, and the biggest receipt is to defeat oneself.

Mestia winter is a ski paradise and summer is a walking place. At the foot of the Caucasus, beautiful villages are scattered. The entire area is occupied by a stone defensive tower called "Svan towers", consisting of a tower, an adjacent house and other family structures surrounded by defensive walls. Ancient buildings can be seen everywhere, forming a unique historical landscape in the natural scenery. took more than 10 hours to change the three-car to Mestia, and the snow came to the door, accompanied by traditional Georgian music, only to know that the day was Mestia. A festival, people from all over the town gathered in the square, sharing free food in the afternoon, starting a music festival in the evening and performing traditional Georgian dance. Traveling is especially not only to see the scenery of different dimensions, but also to meet different interesting cultural stories.

The towering towers were built of stone and used to be a guard post for harassment and aggression. It is said that the tower has four floors and the lower floors are used to store water, cheese and wine. During the war, the family hid in the third floor of the tower, while the top was used to fight. Most of them were built between the 6th and 9th centuries, and have been surrounded by the majestic Caucasus Mountains for thousands of years. They are known as the land on the Melaleuca Tower, among which the most built in the 9th century Famous, sporadic scattered throughout the village, according to incomplete statistics of more than 200. In 1990, it was named a World Cultural Heritage by the United Nations.