Mestia town – Chalaad Glacier
Type of road: trekking; Length: 19 km
Duration: 6-8 hours
Height: at start 1400 m at finish 1920 m
Type of road: path, sledge road, car road
Recommended season: 1 June – 30 October
Trail marking: on trees, boulders, rocks
This route starts at the guide-post in the center of Mestia (1400 m) (1), goes along the main street and in abot 500 meters it crosses the bridge over the riv. Mestiachalai and continues toward the airport along the tarmac road. After 700-800 meters passing the airport we head north toward the rocky massif of Mt. Dalalakhvra, passes v. Lavlaadash (2) (3430 m) along a dirt track on the left bank of the riv. Mestiachalai.
Within about 7 kilometers from the start, at 1650 m a right confluent stream – the river Chalaad flows into the river Mestiachalai, which takes its source of the Lekhzir glacier in the north.
We cross the suspension footbridge (3) located 200 m upstream of the confluence and continue on the right bank of the river Mestiachalai. To the north of the bridge the Mestiachalai valley and Mt. Ulutauchana are seen. The path goes into the woods; We pass the border guards’ hut on our left and walk upstream along the left bank of the river Chalaad.
The route goes across a scree slope at 1800 m above sea level and it finishes at 1920 m (4) from here the Chalaad icefall and glacial drift, the source of the river Chalaad, are seen.
Chalaad is the only glacier in Georgia with its tongue extending below 2000 m into the tree-line. This glacier forms in the Mt. Chatin (4370 m) area. The north Face of Chatin Known in climbing literature as “Chatin Iozenge” is considered one of the hardest climbing routes on the Caucasus mountains.
The route passes along riv. Mestiachalai gorge up to Chalaad glacier tongue.
>>
Mestia town – Koruld Lakes
Type of road: trekking, horseback; Length: 15,6 km
Duration: 8 hours
Height: at start 1400 m at finish 2740 m
Type of road: path, car road
Recommended season: 15 June – 30 October
Trail marking: on trees, boulders, wooden posts
The route begins in the centre of Mestia (1400 m) (1), it follows Vittorio Sella street through the Lekhtagi neighbourhood, it crosses a stream, roughly 200 m after the neighbourhood it turns right, goes into the woods and hads up North through the woods to mount Tskhakvzagar. (here one can see sight with binoculars). The alpine belt start from 2200 m. altitude (3), where an axtraordinarily beautiful panorama comes into view: to the South the Svaneti ridge and the borough of Mestia are seen; to the north – alpine meadows and rocky massif of mountains which terminates with a snowy crown of Mt. Bzhedukh; to the northwest is seen the double-peaked Mt. Ushba. Here we reach the first steel signpost, where we may choose to continue to pristine koruldi lakes or hike back to Mestia via the Lanchvali road.
If we chose the former, we continue north to so-called Lamaaja, where another steel signpost is placed (4), the signpost determines the direction of our further movement. We head up to pristine Koruld lakes along a clearly visible path going through alpine meadows. Our progress is made easier by wooden guideposts placed along the trail. Mountains are all around us: the Ushba-Chatin massif is seen straight ahead, the rocky slopes of Mt. Dalalakhvra and the Mestiachalai river valley are viewed to the right; Mt. Banguraini is seen to the east and steel further is the snowy cone of Mt. Tetnuld. the Svaneti ridge is seen to the south. We arrive at Koruldi lakes at 2740 m altitude above see level.
After the lakes the trail descends along the same path to the first signpost, from thence we continue in the direction of Mestia’s historic neighborhood of Lanchvali. In the vicinity of a giant iron cross we reach a dirt road and descend to the river Mestiachalai valley through pastureland. At 1900 m we deviate from the car road onto a sleigh track, which will cross a stream and enter the woods; it crosses a dyke made of logs hammered together in a gully. From here we can easily see Mestia’s old neighborhood of Lanchvali where we descend down a scree slope.
>>
Mestia town – Zuruld ridge
Type of road: trekking, horseback; Length: 14 km
Duration: 6 hours
Height: at start 1400 m at finish 2330
Type of road: carroad, ropeway
Recommended season: all year long
The route starts from a guide-post (1400 m) (1) in the center of Mestia. On the southwords to the museum, in some 500 meters, it crosses bridges over riv. Mestiachalai and riv. Mulkhura, from here in about 200 meters theese two revers join each other and through the deep valley follows towards to v. Latli where it affluents to the main basin of river Enguri. From the museum to the left side road follows througdh asphaltic road which heads to the ropeway of Hatsval. At the firs fork of the road we take right side (2), then we will meet another fork of the road and here we must take the left one (3). After 9 kilometers the road heads us to lower station of ropeway (4). From here there are two possibilites to reach to the redge: 1. Go up to the redge with the ropeway; 2. Go up by foot throug the agricultural ground way under the roepway. At upper station of ropeway there is resturant and sight with binoculars (5). 2330 m from the mountain range, you can periodically catch a glimpse of villages to the south Ieli, Tsvirmi, to the west Latli, Tskhumar, Lenjaar, Mestia and the major peaks of the Caucasus: Mazer, Ushba, Chatin, Bzhedukh, Jantugan, Dalalakhvra, Banguraian, Gestola, Tetnuld and others, including part of Svaneti mountain range and its highest peak Lahil 4010m.
In summer if you hire bicycle at the lower station of ropeway you will be able for downhill from upper station to the lower one.
>>
Mestia town – vil. Zhaabesh (Mulakh community)
Type of road: trekking, horseback; Length: 14 km
Duration: 8 hours
Height: at start 1400 m at finish 1600
Type of road: path, sledge road
Recommended season: 15 May – 30 October
Trail marking: on trees, boulders
The route starts at a guide-post (1400 m) (1) in the center of Mestia, and in about 500 meters crosses abridge over riv. Mestiachalai, where it turns left and through the car road continues towards the former mountaineering base. At the gates of the mountaineering base (2) the route turns right going uphill by a ground track and continues through woods and pastures towards Mt. Bangurian peak. After 60-70 minutes walk from the mountainiaring base the smaal stream crosses hayfields. Before reaching the stream route turnes to the right and 1900 m crosses Kakhur ridge – the higst point of the route. (3)
This is a place fromwhere descending starts. In some 150-200 m, the path turns up to the left and follows through pine woods growing on a knoll. To the east, we can see villages of Mulakh community against the background of Mt. Tetnuld, and to the west – Svaneti mountain range and its higst peak Lahil. We will pass from uppwards side vill. Murshkel, from where we continue walking via sledge road. We loss hight quickly and easily. From 1700 m hight descending via car roud and through vill. Zhamush crossing stream Kherash
The route continues by a ground track to villages Zhamush and Cholash down to riv. Mulkhura embankment and further by a path running along right embankment of riv. Mulkhura to village Zhabeshi.
Another way to return to Mestia is follow a tarmac road.
This route provides a unique opportunity to visit the picturesque riv. Mulkhura gorge and one of the most important historical communities of Svaneti – Mulakh, with its medieval towers and churches.
>>
Mestia town – vil. Tsvirmi (Tsvirmi community)
Type of road: trekking, horseback; Length: 16 km
Duration: 8 hours
Height: at the start 1400 m at the finish 1900 m
Type of road: path, car road
Recommended season: 1 June – 30 October
Trail marking: on trees, boulders
The route begins in the center of Mestia (1400 m) (1), roughly 500 m on it crosses the rivers Mestiachalai and Mulkhura, it turns right at the signpost, passes the museum on the left and continues on the asphalted road to the resort direction. About in 7-th kilometers from Mestia we continue walking to vil. Ieli, at the former village Heshkil we will se signpost. Here road forks into two ways – we move straight on the right side towards vil. Ieli. Road elevation varies between 1750 and 2000 m. The Svaneti Ridge and its snowy peaks are continuously seen to the right, and villages Ieli, Ats, Tsvirmi Zegani, and the river Enguri flowing in a deep canyon at 1400 m altitude will be visible from time to time straight ahead.
At the tenth kilometer from Mestia the trail passes through the village of Ieli (5). This is the only place on earth where the ancient method of sedimentation of gold using sheepskins is still practiced (so called Golden Fleece). The road terminates at Ieli. At the top of the village a clearly visible path enters the woods. At 2010 m the trail splits into two forks. The trail follows the right fork, which descends to the village of Tsvirmi along a sleigh track. The village of Tsvirmi is 15-20 minutes’ walking distance from the stream.
The village of Tsvirmi (1) is located at 1900 m altitude on a plateau. It is noted for the great number of churches. The route terminates at the signpost placed in the village center.
>>
Mestia town – vil. Mazeer (Bechvi community)
Type of road: trekking, horseback; Length: 17 km
Duration: 9 hours
Height: at the start 1400 m at the finish 1650 m
Type of road: path, sleigh track
Recommended season: 20 June – 30 October
Trail marking: on trees, boulders, wooden posts
The route begins in the center of Mestia (1400 m) (1), it follows Vittorio Sella street through the Lekhtag neighborhood, in roughly 200 m after the neighborhood it turns up to right, goes into the woods and heads up north through the woods to mount Tsakhvzagar, where a steel signpost (3) is placed. Here the tree line ends and the trail heads up to the Lamaaja ridge through alpine meadows. At Lamaaja ridge path forks into two ways, we move to north-west side towards pass of Gul, continue walkin in order to devious on hemicucle of cave. Wooden signposts mark direction. Elevation range between 2350-2400 m. After the cave at the tributary of streams path crosses a ravine. This section of the route is difficult. From the stream route goes to signpost placed on the ridge on 2450 m. At the signpost path turns right and climbs up to the pass. We keep moving to right on the ridge and rise elevation untill we reach to the next signpost (7). After the wooden guidepost the trail descends to the left zigzagging to Becho community. At 2460 m altitude the trail continues along a small ridge and then descends to herdsmen’s summer huts. After the huts the trail goes past the pinewoods (1) along a clearly visible path and descends to the site of the former village Gul. We come to St. Gabriel church and the site of the former settlement. From here we descend to the village of Bagvdanar along a sleigh track and then reach a steel signpost placed on the highway. Here we turn to right. From this signpost it is ten minutes’ walking distance to the village of Mazeer, where the route terminates.
>>
vil. Zhaabesh (Mulakh community) – vil. Hadiish (Ipar community)
Type of route: Trekking; Length: 12 km
Duration: 5-6 hours
Height: at start 1650 m at finish 2030 m
Tipe of road: Path, Sledge road
Recommended season: 15 June – 15 October
Marks: on the trees, on the stones, on the rocks
The route begins at the signpost placed in the center of village Zhaabesh (1650) (1) and follows the pathway to the south. We leave village below us, cross the stream to right after passing the village and go into the forest of birch trees and rhododendron bushes. Our elevation steadily increases (2) until we reach a car road. We follow the road to left. After passing three serphantins we will appear on the alpin belt at 2700 metres on the watershed ridge rivers of Mulkhura and Hadishisckali. far to the west we see the village of Tsvirmi, the Ughvir mountain pass and the Zuruld ridge; to the east is the aforementioned Tetnuldi (4860m). The road turnes here to right and we should take this path, (3). after short time walking road forks, our path descends Southwards. A marker indicates that we should continue moving to right. We descend quickly and after two kilometres we reach an elevation of 2350 metres, where we come across another fork in the road. (4) We take the right fork, which leads to cattle farms a few hundred metres down the road. Soon the village Hadiish comes into view.
>>
vil. Zhaabesh (Mulakh community) – Tvibeer Glacier
Type of road: trekking; Length: 11 km
Duration: 6-7 hours
Height: at start 1650 m at finish 2310 m
Type of road: path
Recommended season: 15 June – 20 September
Marks: on the trees, on the stones, on the rocks
The route starts from a guide-post (1600 m) at village Zhaabesh (check-in at border-guard is needed), and then crosses bridge over riv. Mulkhura and along the right side of riv. Tviber continues further northward, through narrow gorge of Kariel.
At 1600 m the path goes by the ruins of two fortification structures two huge masonry gates, which were once erected in Kariel gorge. At this section of the Caucasus watershed, there are about a dozen passes (Lekhzir, Bashil, Laskhadar, Tviber, Kvitlod and others). Narrow foot-paths running through the place meet at riv. Tviber basin to connect to Mulakh through the only outlet – Kariel gorge.
In about an hour’s walk from the starting point, the route passes caves formed by giant cobbles and cascades, and through Mashelani plain continues further up to high mountain meadows. This section of the route is aslope and difficult. From here main landmark is rocky massif of Diebach.
From Diebach (2290) you can see Kvitlod glacier, Tikhtingen mountain peak (4618 m), passage Sem, Tot mountain peak and Tviber icefall.
From here, the route continues through a snow covered slope to slide-rocks – a place, where on the right side of mineral springs you will find a huge boulder with a sign Finish on it (9). Altitude – 2310 m above sea level. Here comes in view magnificent panprama of Caucasus – here gathers glaciers of North circle (Ser, Tviber, Tot, Bashil, Dzinala) and Kvitlod glacier connects from East.
>>
vil. Hadiish (Ipar community) – vil. Ipraal (Kaal community)
Type of route: Trekking; Length: 16 km
Duration: 6-7 hours
Height: At start - 2030 m at finish - 1870 m
Tipe of road: Path, Sledge road
Recommended season: 15 June – 15 October
Marks: on the trees, on the stones, on the rocks
The route begins atop of the village Hadiish(2030 m) (1), by a foot-bridge over the right tributary of the Adishistsqali river nearby at an old water mill. The route follows along the right bank of the Hadishichalai. To the left of the path we see the Chaneshi Church of Saint George and the ruins of a tower and, after about one hour from the start, we see the Adishi glacier, one of most beautiful natural monument. It is the source of the Adishischala River. Near this place (2390 m) (2) we cross the river and follow steep slopes covered in mixed forest (when river is swollen it is dangerous and one should cross it with horse which one can hire in village Hadiish). The path takes us towards the Chkhutnieri pass (2720 m) (3). From here beautiful sight comes into view, you can see mountains: Tetnuld, Jangha, Rustaveli, Shkhara and other mountains. After descending to 2200 metres, we approach the Khaldechalai and follow along its right bank up to the village of Khalde (1900 m) (5). From Khalde we again descend down the right bank of the river to the village Iprali (1), here the trail ends. Directly ahead of us, across the Inguri at a distance of about 1.5 km to the west, we can see one of Svaneti's most important churches - that of Saint Kvirike. If you have enough energy, you can visit this site as well.
>>
vil. Ipraal (Kaal community) – vil. Chazhash (Ushgul community)
Type of route: Trekking; Length: 10 km
Duration: 4-5 hours
Height: At start - 1870 m at finish - 2100 m
Tipe of road: path, sledge road, car road
Recommended season: 15 June – 30 October
Marks: on the trees, on the stones, on the rocks
The trail begins in the village Iprali at an elevation of 1870 metres (1). From here we descend to the village Lalkhor, we move to leftwards on the car road, pass the bridge over Khaldechalai and through the car road we enter to village Davber (3) which locates on the opposite side of the river Enguri. We cross the river and trough the sledge road moving towards to wood. After entaring to the wood we turn to right. We move towards to village Ushgul along the river Enguri against the current. Before entaring to Ushgul path joins to car road (5) and after 2 km goes in village Ushgul (1). Four or five hours after leaving Iprali, a beautiful panorama unfurls before us - we surrounded by the middle-age towers of Ushguli.
>>
vil. Lalkhor (Kaal community) – vil. Chvelp (Cholir community)
Type of road: trekking; Length: 13 km
Duration: 11-12 hours
Height: at start 1780 m at finish 1250 m
Type of road: path, sledge road
Recommended season: 15 Jjune – 20 September
Marks: on the trees, on the stones
The route starts at the village of Lalkhor (1780m) (3) at the confluence of the Enguri river and its left tributary river Mushur. The path runs along the right side of the Mushuri rivulet. On your way there is a spring where you can stock up on water. On reaching the fork at an altitude of 2100 m take the left-hand track. At an altitude of 2300 m the road levels out, crosses the grassland and then goes through the birch-grove and the Caucasian rhododendron undergrowth. from an altitude of 2400 m there is a panorama of a snowy cone of Tetnuld to the north, the Ushba massif to the north-west and Mt. Mushuri to the south-east; you can also see the road landmark – two relay towers. At an altitude of 2600 m we follow ground car road untill the pass (3). At the highest point of the pass – 2820 m (9) the lake will appear on the ridge and a tower structure-mark. From here path descend to the western slope towards the shepherds’ hut ruins. from the hut the path leads into the undergrowth and descends to the 3-4 meter rocky edge where the tskhenistskali gorge, some populated areas and the lake on Mt. Chvelp come into view to the south-east. The path goes into the fields and winds towards the lake. At the foot of the slope near the dry stream there is the lake and potable water available.
From the fields the path leads into the forest leaving the lake to the right and heads towards the village of Chvelp. At an altitude of 1990 m there are two stock-breeding huts from which, in 20 minutes walk, the path joins the sleigh-road at an altitude of 1650 m, it then goes past some derelict houses across the hayfields and enters the village of Chvelp along a wide stream (14).
>>
vil. Chaazhash (Ushgul community) – Shkhara Glacier
Type of route: Trekking; Length: 8 km
Duration: 5-6 hours
Height: At start - 2100 m at finish - 2400 m
Tipe of road: Path, car road
Recommended season: 15 June – 30 October
Marks: on the trees, on the stones, on the rocks
The route begins in Chazhash, village of the Ushgul community (2100m) (1). It goes via Chvibiani and Zhibiani villages, leaves to the right side one of the most important church in Svaneti – Lamaria and descends to the bank of river Inguri. we cross a bridge over to the right bank of the Inguri river (2) and continue going north-east in the direction opposite the flow of the river. For the first seven kilometres, the trail follows to the village road. About a half hour's walk from the start we get a good view of Mount Shkhara (5150 m). In front of it we see a snow-capped mountain, On the right we see the Namqvani glacial plateau and on the left - the face of Shkhara together with the glacier, The mountain is a good landmark. We go towards it and head for the base of the Shkhara glacier. On the way we will cross several right tributaries of river Inguri, at 2300 we will se the left tributary of river Inguri. The trail leads to the forist through moraine. At the head of moraine, at an elevation of 2390 metres, we approach the source of the Inguri (5). Three glacial streams take shape at the rocky summit of Mount Shkhara and join at 3000 to form the Shkhara glacier. The lower part of the glacier is covered in detritus. The Inguri River gushes out from the bottom of the glacier.
>>
vil. Chaazhash (Ushgul community) – vil. Mam (Cholir community)
Type of road: trekking, horseback; Length: 23 km
Duration: 8 hours
Height: at start 2050 m at finish 1100 m
Type of road: path, sleigh road
Recommended season: 1 July – 15 October
Trail marking: on trees, boulders, wooden posts
The route begins at the signpost (2100 m) (1) placed by the bridge in the village Chaazkash of Ushgul community. The trail heads past the local history museum and follows the river Enguri to the village Murkmel, where it turns left by a stream (2) and heads up to the ridge along a sleigh track. At 2150 m altitude the stream splits into two tributaries. The trail follows the left tributary. At 2350 m altitude the trail goes through rhododendron shrubbery. The trail turns right at a wooden guidepost placed at 2600 (4) m altitude and continues almost level along a clearly visible path on the approaches of the Gorvash pass. The trail heads up the pass (6), where a signpost is placed.
We move on the ridge to right Westwards. Altitude varies between 2750-2890 m. To the right the trail passes a small lake located between the rocks, it bypasses the rocks to the right and approaches another lake (8), which will be passed on the left. after the second lake the trail continues almost level and than it descends zigzagging to the right to a depression on the ridge; the trail continues almost level to the right where a third lake and tower-like two stone structures come into view. A signpost placed here indicates four directions: Ushgul, Mam, Ipral and Chvelp. This is the Latpar pass (9). it’s five and half hours walking distance from Ushguli to the Latpar pass. The trail descends from the Latpar pass to the village of Mam down southern slopes of the Svaneti Ridge. The trail crosses a rocky terrain and trail marking is clearly visible on boulders and rocks. the Tskhenistskali River valley and villagesof Lower Svaneti are constantly visible to the south.(13) The trail crosses several sreams and from 2600 m altitude it descends through vast pastures (12). On the fringe of the woods there is a brook on the right of the trail, a little way down the slope there are herdsmen’s two summer huts in the field. One of them is in good condition. This might be stop-over point. After the huts the trail descends to the village of Mam through the woods and reaches it (14) roughly in an hour. On the outskirts of the village there is a family hotel, where one can stay the night. After the village the trail crosses the river Tskhenistskali and 100 m from the bridge we reach a highway Leading to Lentekhi. A steel signpost is placed at this point.
>>
vil. Tsvirmi (Tsvirmi community) – vil. Zhaabesh (Mulakh community) – vil. Hadiish (Ipar community)
Type of road: trekking, horseback
Length: 10 km 12 km
Duration: 6 hours 7 hours
Height: at start 1900 m at finish 1600 m 2030 m
Type of road: path, car road
Recommended season: 15 June – 30 October
Trail marking: on trees, boulders
Route starts at the sign-post placed in the center of village Tsvirmi (1900 m) (1). We start moving eastwards to Mt. Tetnuld direction. We must keep moving on ground road towards Ughvir pass. Roughly three kilometers from Tsvirmi the trail crosses the Mestia-Ushgul highway, where a signpost is placed (2). After the signpost we can hike back to Mestia along the highway (it is 12 km to Mestia) or we can continue along a car road towards Mt. Tetnuld that enters thick woods and steadily climbs to 2370 m that leads to the path which goes from village of Zhaabesh to the village of Hadiish. A signpost is placed at the intersection. If we wish to, we can go from here to Zhaabesh and from thence hike back to Mestia, or we can go to Hadiish and from thence hike to Ushgul. (Use Zhabeesh-Hadiish rote description)
>>
vil. Mazeer (Bechvi community) – vil. Lantel (Etser community)
Type of road: trekking, horseback; Length: 15 km
Duration: 8 hours
Height: at start: 1700 m at finish 1450 m
Type of road: path, sleigh road
Recommended season: 15 July – 30 October
Trail marking: on trees, boulders, wooden posts
The route begins at a steel signpost placed in the center of village Mazeer (1700 m) (1), it will pass anther steel signpost placed along the village road, it descends to the river Dolra and crosses Tvebish bridge, where the trail splits into two forks. After the steel signpost placed at this point the trail follows the left fork, which is a sleigh track heading downstream to the village of Tvebish.On the outskirts of the village the trail crosses a stream (3), turns left, climbs steeply and enters spruce woods. At higher altitude the woods are sparse and deciduous forests are prevalent. Mt. Ushba and Mt. Mazer are continuously visible along the trail before reaching the pass.
At 2230 m the trail goes into a field where trail marking is mainly done by means of wooden guideposts. Reaching the first such wooden guidepost (5) we can see the Svaneti Ridge to the South and Mezir church of Archangel straight ahead where the sleigh track is headed.
After the church it’s a steady climb through sparse birch woods. At 2300 m the trail levels out a little, turns right and then it climbs again. This is the last tiring ascend, the trail climbs up the Baki pass (8).
After the pass the sleigh track crosses varied terrain overgrown with rhododendron shrubbery. Altitude varies between 2400 and 2450 m.
From 2450 m altitude, where the last wooden guidepost is placed, we descend to Etseri. The snow-capped peak of Mt. Chirinda and alpine meadows are seen to the north. We pass by villages of Etser community – Cheril, Barsh, Kurash, and Iskar and soon we reach the Zugdidi-Mestia highway, where a signpost (1) is placed at a bus stop. Altitude is 1450 m.
>>
vil. mazeer (Bechvi community) – Ushba Glacier
Type of road: trekking Length: 9.5 km
Duration: 8-9 hours
Height: at start 1700 m at finish 2700 m
Type of road: path, ground track
Recommended season: 1 July – 15 October
Trail marking: on trees, boulders, wooden posts
The route starts from a guide-post (1700m) (1), at village Mazeri. trough village road it crosses the bridge over riv. Dolra (1600 m) and follows down to the right embankment. Approximately at the fifth kilometer it passes over the left embankment of riv. Dolra. The path runs into a dense forest, leavs guarders’ wooden hut on the right side (here registration is needed) and follows towards north-east. Approximately at the altitude of 2000 m above sea level from the forest comes up to moraine, glacial drifts observable on either side. Here starts the route.
Above, you can see the main landmark of the route – a rocky plateau of cascades. At the foot of rocks, the route turns to the left climbing a steep slope covered with grass. It is approximately 200 m section.
we will reach to the place above waterfolls. At about 2500 m altitude crosses a stream from where water is falling in three cascades (8). From here, you can already catch a glimpse of the twin-peaks Ushba.
Route continues on the slope covered with avalanche snow. After a half an hour walk route follows the fourth and the biggest cascade falling down from Ushba glacier. From here we reach to Ushba glacier (2700 m). From here you can see twin-peaks Ushba (4710 m and 4690 m) to the east and Mazeri peak (4012 m) to the south.
>>
vil. Mazeer (Bechvi community) – vil. Matskhvarish (Latli community)
Type of road: trekking, horseback; Length: 9.4 km
Duration: 6 hours
Height: at start: 1700 m at finish 1350 m
Type of road: path, sledge road, car road
Recommended season: 15 May – 30 October
The route starts from village Mazeer (1700m) (1) and leads to the direction of village Ushkhvanar. Ushba, one of the most featured peaks of the Caucasus is clearly visible from this section. In village Ushkhvanari, from the turn of main road (2) the route goes through a narrow sledge path between the houses and then through the foot-path enters the forest, where slightly inclined rise is. At the end of the ascent the road is leveled and after several-hundred meter walk you go down to the field, where the private hayfields are located. This place can be used for a short break (suitable for tents). The route follows slightly inclined ascent, which leads you to the pass (3). The pass is a place, where several routs meet and accordingly different directions can be selected. It should be noted, that from this pass excellent views of riv. Enguri valley and Latli community villages, as well as Svaneti ridge with its beautiful peak Lahil are observed. From the pass the route continues to the direction of village Ipkh and follows the sledge road. From vil. Ipkh (5) the ground road descends to Vil. Matskhvarish and leads to Zugdidi-Mestia main highway (1).
>>
vil. Matskhvarish (Latli community) – Church of Mkheer
Type of road: trekking, horseback; Length: 14 km
Duration: 7 hours
Height: at start: 1350 m at finish 2450 m
Type of road: path, sledge road
Recommended season: 15 May – 30 October
The route starts in village Matskhvarish, near the kindergarten, at the turning to vil. Kvanchianar (1350m) (1) stands the pole with sign on it. You follow the motorway. From Kvanchianar center take a left turn, through ground motorway cross the village and descend to Riv. Enguri, mainly to the South direction. Then you cross the bridge (2) (1200m). First from the left and then from the right side of the bridge you follow the motorway, rising up to village Lahil, which is located on the other side of river Enguri. You bypass the temple from the right side; you will pass the village from above to the leftthrough the mowing lands. Here is a demolished church of Virgin. To the right from the church you enter the forest through the sledge road. You move to the South vertically and will appear in the field, cross it vertically and enter the forest through the upper right corner of the forest, from here you follow sledge, twisted and steep road. You will appear in a small, steep field. From here you may see peak Tetnuld Gestola. You keep walking on the same relief; going to the cone of ridge, height 1850m. From here you go to the cone of ridge through a flat road. Direction – the South. On 2150m you walk on a shale stone sledge road. From here you may see Ushba, Chatin and the fragment of Lahla. On 2250 you come out of the forest. Then you meet summer tents. After 30 minutes you go up to Mkheer Archangel Church (3), height 2450.
>>
vil. Matskhvarish (Latli community) – vil. Kashvet (Lenjaar community)
Type of road: trekking; Length: 11.7 km
Duration: 7 hours
Height: at start: 1350 m at finish 1340 m
Type of road: path, sledge road
Recommended season: 15 May – 30 October
The route starts in vill. Matskhvarish (1350m) (1) and through the main highway goes to the East direction. At the end of a settlement you take a turn to vil. Lakhushd road. After overpassing an iron bridge on Riv. Mulkhura the route turns to the left from the road and moves to the path, which leads to the forest (2). From here the path to Vil. Kashvet follows left bank of Riv. Mulkhura upstream direction. This section is not difficult to pass, though there is a place, where the river has destroyed the road and you have to bypass from above. Then the route leads to the open field, from where you can see the villages of Lenjaar community. First the path directs you to the village and then you see the sledge road. Before crossing Riv. Mulkhura, you meet mineral water spring (3). The sledge road moves to the right bank of the river and leads to the bridge, which is set on the linking road of vil. Kashvet to abandoned vil. Heshkil. Here the route is divided into two paths: to the right, in 0,7km, sledge road brings you to vil. Kashvet, where the Pilpani family – flawless performers of local folk live. They can provide visitors wit guesthouse.
>>
vil. Kashvet (Lenjaar community) – Mestia town – vil. Tsvirmi (Tsvirmi ommunity)
Type of road: trekking; Length: 9 k 11 km
Duration: 4 hours 7 hours
Height: at start: 1340 m at finish 1400 m 1900 m
Type of road: path, sledge road
Recommended season: 15 May – 30 November
The route starts in vil. Kashvet (1340) (3). To the right, through passing over the bridge on Riv. Mulkhura, sledge road leads to abandoned vill. Heshkil. This section of the route is very inclined. It should be mentioned, that on this way, the visitor encounters amazing views of Riv. Enguri valley, Lenjaar community villages, the Caucasus and Mt. Ushba; after crossing the path, Svaneti ridge with its beautiful peak Lahil can be observed. After ascending the pass, the ground road leads to abandoned vil. Heshkil, which joins Mestia-Tsvirmi car ground road (4). In the abandoned village you may take a look at remains of several towers and churches. Afterwards, you may go either to the direction of Mestia or Tsvirmi community or go back to vil. Kashvet. Here please use Mestia Town – vil. Tsvirmi (Tsvirmi community) description.
>>
vil. Lantel (Etser community) – vil. Svip (Tskhumar community)
Type of road: trekking, horseback; Length: 6.8 km
Duration: 4 hours
Height: at start: 1440 m at finish 1220 m
Type of road: path, sledge road
Recommended season: 15 May – 30 October
The rout starts in Etser community at the waiting point on the main road (1). You go to the east direction. In 300 meters you make a turn to the South-East direction and continue route to vil. Lantel and vil. Kalash. Here the route follows slightly inclined descent of the sledge road. The route passes through the villages what gives the opportunity to observe Svaneti village life. There is a small temple at the end of vil. Kalash. From here the route still follows the sledge road and leads to the forest through a hanging bridge over Riv. Enguri. In the forest the route follows foot path and goes along the left steep slope of Enguri. At the end of the forest the route leads to the open, vast meadow, where the private haylands are located. Shtavler – a beautiful peak of the branching of Caucasus main watershed as well as the northern slopes of Svaneti ridge are well observed from this point; the route continues to the direction of Tskhmar community villages which leads to vill. Ghvebald and follows a narrow country-road. You keep walking, pass through vil. Svip and still keep walking. At the public school the road turns to the right (1) towards vil. Tviber. Here the route ends.
>>
vil. Lantel (Etser community) – vil. Ienash (latli community)
Type of road: trekking; Length: 11 km
Duration: 7 hours
Height: at start: 1440 m at finish 1340 m
Type of road: path, sledge road, car road
Recommended season: 1 May – 15 October
The rout starts in Etser community at the waiting point on the main road (1440m) (1). First it heads to the North-East, passing through several villages of Etser community. The road goes up, gradually opening a beautiful view on Svaneti ridge. The path still ascends. On your way you cross a stream, from here take a right turn (10), pass through vil. Kurash, where st. George Church is located. The path still ascends, reaches 1770m level after what the descent starts. From temple to vil. Hebud the path goes through different landscapes: shrubs, forests and small meadows. Exactly from these meadows is observed a visit card of the route – Ushba peak, which is represented with entire beauty at vill. Hebud (3). The path goes exactly in the middle of the village, where you become a direct participant of Svaneti village life. Leaving vil. Hebud you cross small stream and the path brings you to vil. Dol. From here the route follows asphalt road which leads to vil. Mazeer where mineral water is. Then the path turns to the right (4) towards the forest. The path brings you up, to the North you see peak Ushba and Becho community villages; to the South – Svaneti ridge with its highest peak Lahil (4009m). From the pass the path follows car road, enters vil. Ipkh (5) and again descends down the hill, passes through Latli community villages and ends in vil. Matskhvarish (1).
>>
vil. Svip (Tskhumar community) – Karst cave
Type of road: trekking, horseback; Length: 11 km
Duration: 5 hours
Height: at start: 1220 m at finish 2670 m
Type of road: path, sledge road, car road
Recommended season: 1 June – 15 October
The route takes start in Tskhumar community village Svip, near the school (1). From here it goes to the direction of vil. Tviber, passes the village, where the spring water is. From the village the path follows the road to the forest. Along with ascending, a beautiful view on Riv. Dolra valley progresses. The path going through the coniferous forest is enough long, however beautiful landscape and fresh air makes walking more pleasant. On the way you meet livestock summer sheds. Near the third shed the forest line ends and subalpine zone starts. Here you can enjoy watching Mt. Ushba. From here the route again ascends, then again straightens. This is a place where the crossroad of Mt. Lahil route and Karst Cave route lays.
The path to the Karst Cave turns to the left towards limestone massif, the path crosses a small river and after slight ascend it goes to a flat place, whereyou may set up tents if desired. The pathway to the cave sometimes descends or follows flat place. In some places it goes through rhododendron shrubs and finally follows stony clasts. The sign at the end of the clasts points to the location of the cave (3). Icy columns and Karstic shapes of the cave leave unforgettable impression on the visitors.
>>
vil. Svip (Tskhumar community) – Mt. Lahla
Type of road: trekking, horseback; Length: 14 km
Duration: 2 days
Height: at start: 1220 m at finish 4009 m
Type of road: path, sledge road, car road
Recommended season: All year long
Up to here you use Tskhumar – Karst Cave description
In order to reach the peak, it is necessary to pass Chishd pass directly through steep ascend (1100-1300m) and after the nature has already prepared a deserved award for the visitor: peak Lahlawith its glaciers and waterfalls unexpectedly opens before your sight. If you are lucky, you may have a look at snow-cocks and mountain eagles. The path descends to the direction of glacier, where the lodging place is located. From this place it is obligatory to continue your route to the peak with insurance belts and ropes for safety reasons.