Things to do in Svaneti
Discover the best attractions and experiences Svaneti has to offer
Historic Monuments
Explore Upper Svaneti's ancient stone architecture, where towers and fortifications crown remote villages.
Ushguli Tower Ensemble
A dramatic cluster of medieval defensive towers in the high-altitude village of Ushguli, part of Upper Svaneti's UNESCO landscape.
Mestia Fortress and Tower Complex
Historic fortifications and rows of stone towers in Mestia that once guarded mountain routes.
Lamaria Church, Ushguli
A small medieval church set among the towers of Ushguli, framed by snow-capped peaks.
Museums
Delve into Svaneti’s history and daily life through its intimate museums.
Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography (Mestia)
Exhibits highlight Svanetian culture, costumes, crafts and mountain life.
Ushguli Local Lore Museum
A compact museum in Ushguli showcasing village life and local traditions.
Religious Monuments
Religious sites tucked in the towers and valleys reveal Svaneti’s spiritual heritage.
St. George's Church, Ushguli
A venerable Orthodox church perched amid towers high above Ushguli.
Lamaria Church, Ushguli
A tiny medieval church in Ushguli, part of the valley's sacred landscape.
National & Theme Parks
Explore mountain landscapes and resort areas that define the Svaneti experience.
Tetnuldi Ski Resort
A high-altitude resort offering panoramic mountain views and varied runs near Mestia.
Hatsvali Ski Resort
Popular slopes with alpine scenery and summer hiking options.
Koruldi Lakes Trail
Scenic alpine lakes and glacier vistas on a popular Mestia day hike.
Neighborhoods
Base yourself in classic Svan villages that anchor your Upper Svaneti adventure.
Mestia
The main town and cultural hub, gateway to Upper Svaneti’s towers and hikes.
Ushguli
A cluster of remote villages famous for towers and UNESCO status.
Adishi
A highland village known for its towers and proximity to Adishi Glacier.
Free Things to Do
Enjoy the mountains without spending a fortune with these activities.
Stroll Mestia’s old town and view the Svan towers
Walk the cobbled lanes and photograph the iconic stone towers.
Hike the Chalaadi Glacier Trail
A rewarding day hike through pine forests to a glacier-front setting.
Sunrise or sunset in Ushguli
Experience dramatic light over the towers and peaks without a fee.
Gastronomy
Taste Svan and Georgian specialties, straight from the mountain kitchens.
Kubdari
Georgian meat-filled bread, a regional favorite in Svaneti.
Svan Cheese with local bread
Try fresh local cheese paired with traditional bread.
Churchkhela
Candy made from walnuts and grape juice, a sweet mountain treat.
Nightlife
Cozy evenings in Mestia with music, wine, and mountain atmosphere.
Mestia cafes and wine bars
Relax with local wines and snacks after a day outdoors.
Traditional Svan polyphonic singing evenings
Live vocal performances showcasing Georgia’s famous choral traditions.
Entertainment
Cultural experiences and live performances in the mountain towns.
Georgian folk music and dance evenings
Evening programs featuring regional costumes and songs.
Cultural evenings at local centers
Occasional film nights or small performances in Mestia.
Sports
Active adventures in Georgia’s highlands for every season.
Skiing on Tetnuldi
Glittering slopes and high-altitude panoramas.
Trekking in Upper Svaneti valleys
Multi-day and day hikes through glaciers, pastures and villages.
Snowshoeing around Mestia
Winter exploration with peaceful snow-covered landscapes.
Off the Track
Take the scenic routes that connect Svaneti’s most dramatic places.
Mestia to Ushguli trek
A legendary highland trek through valleys and towers.
Adishi Valley trek to Adishi Glacier
Remote valley hike ending at a scenic glacier terminus.
Koruldi Lakes day hike from Mestia
An accessible hike with spectacular ridge and lake views.