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Svaneti 2-Day 4x4 Tour from Kutaisi: Mestia and Ushguli

Tbilisi & the Caucasus, Georgia2 daysGuided in English

Spend two days in the high valleys of Svaneti by 4x4, from the tower town of Mestia to Ushguli, one of the highest villages in Europe, starting in Kutaisi.

2 daysExplore at your own pace
Small groupKeeps the experience personal
EnglishLive guide or host
CancellationCancellation terms are confirmed in writing with your quote, before you pay

Highlights

  • The Svan defence towers of Mestia
  • A 4x4 ride to Ushguli under Mount Shkhara
  • The Enguri dam and the valley road
  • Two days in the high Caucasus
  • Starts and ends in Kutaisi

Full description

Svaneti is the most remote region of the Georgian Caucasus, a land of medieval stone defence towers, wooden villages and snowy peaks. This two-day trip starts in Kutaisi, Georgia’s third city, about three to four hours by road from Tbilisi, and climbs north past the Enguri dam and up the long valley road to Mestia, the main town of upper Svaneti, where you have time to walk among the towers.

On the second day a 4×4 takes you on the rough mountain road to Ushguli, a cluster of tower-house hamlets at about 2,100 metres beneath Shkhara, Georgia’s highest mountain. After time to explore, you drive back down to Kutaisi in the evening.

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. Day 1: Kutaisi to Mestia

    Morning pickup in Kutaisi, a stop at the Enguri dam, and the drive up the valley to Mestia; free time among the towers.

  2. Day 2: Ushguli

    4x4 ride to Ushguli, time to explore the tower hamlets beneath Shkhara.

  3. Return

    Drive back to Kutaisi in the evening.

Included

  • Transport in a 4x4 vehicle with driver from and to Kutaisi
  • 4x4 transfer from Mestia to Ushguli and back
  • Pickup in Kutaisi

Not included

  • Museum entry fees in Mestia and Ushguli
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips (optional)

Meeting point

Pickup from your accommodation in Kutaisi (time confirmed with your quote)The exact spot and your host's details arrive with your confirmation.

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Know before you go

  • Whether your overnight guesthouse in Mestia and meals are included is confirmed in writing with your quote
  • This trip starts in Kutaisi, not Tbilisi; ask us about a transfer from Tbilisi if you need one
  • The road to Ushguli is unpaved and rough, and can be closed by snow or landslides, especially outside June to September
  • Expect long drives: about 4–5 hours each way between Kutaisi and Mestia
  • Bring warm clothes; nights are cold in the mountains even in summer

Frequently asked questions

Where does the tour start?

In Kutaisi, in western Georgia. It is about 3–4 hours by road or train from Tbilisi, and the nearest city to Svaneti with an airport.

Is the 4x4 road safe?

It is rough and narrow in places, which is why the trip uses a 4x4 with an experienced local driver; in bad conditions the driver may change or shorten the route.

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