Svaneti region is one of the mountainous region of Georgia. Located on the western part, it shares its border with Russia. Surrounded by 3,000–5,000 meter peaks, four of the 10 highest peaks of the Caucasus mountains and glaciers, upper Svaneti offers amazing and unspoiled winter panoramas. There are 2 small ski resorts which offer also some possibilities of fresh powder.
The region is notable for its glaciers, picturesque summits and charming villages. Svanetia is also well known for its architectural treasures: the famous Svan towers have been erected mainly in the 9th-12th centuries. Georgia is also well known for one of the best powder ever.
D1 : TBILISI
Pick up at the airport. Depending on your arrival time, free time. Diner and overnight in hotel located in the very center of Tbilisi.
D2 : TBILISI-Night train ZUGDIDI
We start our day visiting Mskheta located at 15 km of Tbilisi. Mskheta is the former capital of the Georgia kingdom in the 5th century and its beautiful 1000 years old cathedral is a very important symbol in the Georgian orthodoxy. On our way back we have a look at the old soviet district. Quick lunch. In the end of the afternoon visit of the old center, the bath district, the Narikala fortress and stroll around in the small streets. Dinner quite early in a restaurant before getting then night train which leads us to Zugdidi. Overnight in train. 2 or 4 berths per cabin.
D3 : MESTIA
Arrival around 6am. A minibus is waiting for us. On our way, after 1h drive, we have a breakfast. Arrival in Mestia at around 11h. We are welcomed in a confortable guesthouse (double room) located in the very center of Mestia. Free afternoon in Mestia and introduction of the ski tour itinerary. Overnight in the guesthouse.
The following itinerary give you some ideas about itineraries we will take. Depending on snow conditions and weather, we will decide what to do. The only thing we will spend 3 nights in Ushguli and at least 1 night in Mestia. The others nights we will adapt according to the conditions.
D4 - D9 : SKI TOUR
We could think about :
• 3 nights in Ushguli
• 1 night in Adishi
• 1 night in Tetnuldi
1. MASERI (a village located at 20 mn from Mestia) to BARCHI.
Via Detsil Mount. Start at 1500m; Detsil (2590m), descent to Barchi more than 1200m down. Difference in altitude (+)1000m. A jeep come to pick us up at Barchi. back to Mestia guesthouse. Descent to Barshi.
2. CHALATI glacier (USHBA)
Ascent on the crest in direction of Ushba and Chalati glacier via Guli Pass. Descent of Chalati glacier. Difference in altitude (+) is almost 2000m. A jeep come to pick us up at then end of the descent, at the foot of the glacier. OR Descent to Guli valley and glacier: Once up we ski down to Maseri on the Guli valley/glacier. Difference in altitude (+) is almost 2000m.
3. USHGULI
Ushguli is an amazing beautiful place in the middle close to many glaciers. We go there by car. We can spend there 3 days. One day to Karetta glacier or Dadiashi mount or Tchubedishi. Accommodation by a family guesthouse in Ushguli.
4. UGIRI pass-SIGMIEUKI summit- ADISHI
The car give us a lift at the Ugiri pass. Ascent to Sigimieuki mount (3180) and descent to Adishi village (2100). (amazing place where one or 2 families live there all the winter). Accommodation by a family guesthouse in Adishi.
5. TETNULDI
A good idea would be also to take one day ski pass and go up to Tetnuldi. Descent to Djabeshi is simply pure fun, all the day.
D9 : MESTIA-ZUGDIDI
After the last ski tour day, we leave Mestia around 4-5 pm.
We have a diner in Zugdidi in restaurant. We take the night train to Tbilisi at 10pm. Overnight in the train
D10 : TBILISI-DAVID GAREJA-TBILISI
At the arrival we take the minibus and have a breakfast in the city before exploring the desert ecosystem of Georgia. We go to David Gareja, a cave dweller city and a monastery founded in the 6th century by David Garejeli one of the 13 Assyrian fathers. The both Lavra and Udabno monasteries offer beautiful panorama over the steppes. Visit around 3 h. After a picnic we drive back to Tbilisi. Free time to stroll around. Dinner. Overnight in a 3/4 stars hotel.
D11 : Departure
Transfer to the airport
Include:
- Full board except the free meals
- Transportation described in the itinerary.
- Accommodation: nights in 3/4 stars hotels in the very center of Tbilisi. Single room extra charge of 60 euros / night. Overnights in guesthouses in Adishi, Ushguli, Mestia no single room possibility.
- Lunch is often a picnic.
- Entrance fees described in the program.
- French, English and German speaking guide.
Not included:
- Airline ticket
- Full Insurances compulsory
- D1 all meals before diner.
- D11 all meals except breakfast
- Ski pass if needed in Tetnuldi
- Alcoholic beverage in restaurant.
- Free meals
Next Departure on: 2023