Legendary Svaneti – Land of Towers & Horseback Trail to Shkhara

Tour Program

Departure: Tbilisi | Start Time: 09:30 – 10:00

Meeting Point: At an agreed location

Day 1: Tbilisi → Kutaisi → Zugdidi (En Route to Mestia)

• Early morning departure from Tbilisi
• Stop in Kutaisi – visit to Bagrati Cathedral
• Explore Martvili & Okatse Canyons (optional short hikes)
• Overnight stay in Kutaisi

Day 2: Toward Mestia – Mountain Adventure Begins

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Scenic drive along the Enguri River
• Photo stop at Enguri Dam
• Visit the Ethnographic Museum of Mestia
• Traditional Svan dinner in the mountains
• Overnight stay in Mestia

Day 3: Ushguli & Horseback Ride Toward Shkhara Glacier

• Morning 4×4 Jeep ride to Ushguli (~2 hours)
• Explore Lamaria Monastery, medieval towers, and ancient alleyways
• Panoramic views of Mount Ushba & Shkhara Glacier
• Optional horseback riding route toward Shkhara valley or picnic in nature
• Return to Mestia for the night

Day 4: Mestia → Kutaisi

• Breakfast at the guesthouse
• Drive back to Kutaisi
• Visit to Sataplia Cave (home of ancient dinosaur footprints)
• Tour of Gelati Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Overnight in Kutaisi

Day 5: Kutaisi → Chiatura → Tbilisi

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Visit the old mining town of Chiatura and its iconic Soviet-era cable cars
• Stop at the breathtaking Katskhi Pillar – a natural rock tower and sacred hermitage
• Evening return to Tbilisi

Tour Includes:

• Transportation throughout the entire route
• Professional tour guide for 5 days
• Bottled water during the trip

Not Included:

• Meals (lunches/dinners) – available upon request
• Personal expenses
• Entrance tickets to attractions
• Accommodation (can be arranged separately)