About Svaneti

Welcome to Georgia, a small country tucked between the Great Caucasus Range, Turkey, Armenia, and the Black Sea. A traditionally agricultural society, Georgia is quickly modernizing, with a strong focus on tourism, and is a safe and welcoming destination.

Located right on the slopes of the Great Caucasus, Svaneti is the highest inhabited area in Georgia and a perfect summer getaway for mountain lovers. Svaneti’s small villages are clustered into communities with the regional center in Mestia.

Svaneti is a secluded world, unexplored by mainstream tourists. It’s a heaven for hikers and trekkers, photographers, nature-lovers and ethnographers. The landscape is majestic and the nature bears the spirit of untouched wild purity. But there’s more to Svaneti than just that. Svaneti is a unique ethnographic museum under open sky, with well-preserved medieval architecture, traditional way of life, and its own ancient language — Lushnu. Recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site, Svaneti invites you to experience a delightful blend of history and natural beauty.

HERE'S WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT SVANETI

THE TALLEST MOUNTAINS OF THE GREAT CAUCASUS

The region showcases a stunning 13-km wall of 5-thousander snow-covered peaks: the Bezengi wall. Explore the tallest summits of the Caucasus. Fall in love with the iconic 2-horned Ushba — probably the most remarkable mountain in the world.

Nothing compares to the spirit of freedom which sweeps you away on the ridges. And there is no need to do technically demanding trails to immerse yourself in this extraordinary sense of wilderness and liberation: we have included a number of fantastic viewpoints in every itinerary.

A DIVERSITY OF TRAILS, LANDSCAPES AND IMPRESSIONS

Our carefully designed itineraries gradually take you through altitudes from 1000 to 3000 m above sea level, from the forest zone to the rugged beauty of the high rocks in the mountains. Each trail offers a variety of landscapes, natural sights and culture-heritage gems. The trails vary in difficulty, however both the more challenging hikes and the easier treks take you through all the range of Svaneti’s amazing scenery.

WORLD-CLASS CULTURE HERITAGE SEAMLESSLY WOVEN INTO THE SCENERY

Svaneti boasts an abundance of world-class culture heritage. Well protected by the mountains, the harsh climate and its fierce warriors, it has accumulated a remarkable amount of beautiful architecture an art. Svaneti has formed a unique and extremely sustainable authentic environment with medieval buildings, age-old traditions and ancient methods of agriculture still in use. The Svan towers, seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape, are the standout feature of the region.

THE SVANS - FULLY LOCAL SINCE THE STONE AGE

The authentic architectural and social environment is still home to the old language, tradition, and folklore. Svaneti is fiercely loyal to age-old beliefs, where honour and piety define the essence of the human character. Ancient feasts, customs, everyday rituals frame life in Svaneti until this day. Familial bonds are unbreakable, courage, hard work and mutual assistance are essential for the harsh mountain life. The fields are still often plowed by wooden plow and a pair of bulls and locals still often go about on horseback. The Svans may not speak much, but they open their hearts and homes to those who share a love for the beauty of their homeland.

FOOD AND WARM HOSPITALITY

These two things consistently top the ratings in tourist reviews about their experiences in Georgia. In Svaneti the specifically local dishes to try are kubdari (minced meat pie baked in a wood stove) and petviani (cheese and millet pie). The traditional local spice, Svan salt, prepared with garlic and herbs is the perfect souvenir to take away with you. In the mountains, it’s the simple joys – hearty meals, warm shelter and a reliable helping hand – that give the sense of happiness and belonging.

SHEER BEAUTY - IN BREATHTAKING QUANTITIES

The southern slopes of the Great Caucasus boast a natural beauty that unfolds in perfect forms and vivid colours. Each day in Svaneti offers a week’s worth of experiences and a feast for all your senses, especially your sense of beauty.