[2025 Mestia ] Travel Guide for Mestia (Updated Jul)

Georgia Travel Guide: A Comprehensive Guide to the Hidden Gem of the Caucasus Georgia, this hidden gem nestled in the Caucasus Mountains, captivates travelers with its breathtaking natural landscapes, rich history, and unique cuisine and wines. Whether it's the vibrant atmosphere of the capital Tbilisi, the snow-capped mountains and churches of Kazbegi, or the wine town of Sighnaghi, every corner of Georgia is worth exploring. Below is a detailed travel guide to help you plan the perfect trip to Georgia. --- ### 1. Pre-Trip Preparation 1. **Visa & Entry** Chinese citizens with ordinary passports can enter Georgia visa-free for up to 30 days (confirm the latest official policies). - It’s recommended to purchase travel insurance covering medical and accident protection. 2. **Best Time to Visit** - **Spring & Autumn (April–June, September–October):** Pleasant weather, ideal for hiking and city tours. - **Winter (December–March):** Ski resorts like Gudauri and Bakuriani are in peak season. - **Summer (July–August):** Cool in the mountains, but Tbilisi can be hot. 3. **Currency & Costs** The currency is the Georgian Lari (GEL), with 1 CNY ≈ 0.4 GEL (check real-time rates). - Prices are low: a meal at a local restaurant costs around 20–30 GEL per person, while upscale restaurants may exceed 50 GEL. 4. **Language & Communication** - The official language is Georgian. English is not widely spoken in tourist areas, so download a translation app or learn basic phrases like "Gamarjoba" (hello) and "Madloba" (thank you). --- ### 2. Must-Visit Cities & Attractions 1. **Tbilisi – The Ancient Capital** - **Old Town:** Stroll through the sulfur bath district (Abanotubani) and soak in traditional baths; hike to Narikala Fortress for panoramic city views. - **Modern Landmarks:** Visit the Peace Bridge and the Dry Bridge Market for Soviet-era antiques. - **Food Recs:** Try Khinkali (dumplings) and Khachapuri (cheese bread). 2. **Kazbegi – Snowy Mountain Sanctuary** - **Gergeti Trinity Church:** Reachable by hike or 4x4, with the 5,047-meter Mount Kazbek as its backdrop. - **Gudauri:** A ski paradise in winter; paragliding in summer. 3. **Sighnaghi – Wine Country** - **Wine Tasting:** Visit local wineries (e.g., Khareba Winery) to experience traditional Qvevri winemaking. - **City Walls:** Walk along the well-preserved 18th-century defensive walls in this "City of Love." 4. **Mestia & Ushguli – Hiking Paradise** - **Svaneti Region:** Explore Ushguli, Europe’s highest inhabited village (a UNESCO site), and hike to Chalaadi Glacier. - **Svan Towers:** Medieval defensive towers showcasing unique Caucasus culture. --- ### 3. Unique Experiences 1. **Food & Wine** - Must-try dishes: Adjarian Khachapuri (boat-shaped cheese bread), Badrijani Nigvzit (eggplant rolls with walnut paste). - Wine tours: Georgia is the birthplace of wine—visit Kakheti’s wineries. 2. **Outdoor Activities** - Hiking: The 4-day Mestia-Ushguli Trek. - Skiing: Gudauri offers the best slopes in the Caucasus. 3. **Cultural Festivals** - **Tbilisoba (October):** A harvest festival with traditional music and food. - Easter & Christmas: Experience Georgian Orthodox rituals. --- ### 4. Transportation & Accommodation 1. **Domestic Transport** - **Train:** Overnight trains from Tbilisi to Batumi are budget-friendly. - **Marshrutka (minibus):** Frequent between cities but less comfortable. - **Private Taxi:** Ideal for groups; use Bolt or Yandex Taxi. 2. **Accommodation Recs** - **Tbilisi:** Boutique guesthouses in the Old Town (e.g., Fabrika Hostel). - **Kazbegi:** Rooms Hotel Kazbegi (iconic mountain-view hotel). - **Mestia:** Family-run guesthouses for authentic Svan hospitality. --- ### 5. Tips & Notes 1. **Safety:** Generally safe, but avoid remote areas at night. 2. **Etiquette:** Dress modestly in churches (women should cover their heads). 3. **Internet:** Buy a local SIM (e.g., Magti), though mountain coverage is spotty. --- ### Final Thoughts Georgia’s magic lies in its diversity—in one day, you can go from a sunset at a winery to sunrise over snowy peaks, from Soviet-era nostalgia to the serenity of ancient churches. With this guide, embark on your Caucasus adventure!

#Traveling Abroad If you are looking for snowy mountains, old castles, wine, and nature, but think Switzerland is too expensive, Georgia is the perfect choice! Plus, you can stay for 30 days without a visa! It's the best value for money travel destination! 📍 Why Georgia? ✔ No visa required! You can stay for 30 days! ✔ Low prices and full of exotic atmosphere! Great value for money! ✔ Enjoy the spectacular views of the Caucasus Mountains, monasteries, and wineries at the same time! ✔ Over 8,000 years of wine culture! The birthplace of the world's oldest qvevri wine! 🌟 TOP 8 recommended cities 1️⃣ Kazbegi - A spectacular view highly praised by Lonely Planet! 2️⃣ Tbilisi - The capital where old and new coexist! 3️⃣ Sighnaghi - "The city of love" and wine town! 4️⃣ Mestia - Georgia's "Little Switzerland" ⛰️ 5️⃣ Mtskheta - A historic "holy city" ✨ 6️⃣ Batumi - The setting for the "Georgian Romeo and Juliet" 💙 7️⃣ Gorri - Stalin's birthplace! For history lovers ◎ 8️⃣ Kutaisi - A small town where you can enjoy a leisurely city walk🌿 📌 Model itinerary (6 days) 🚶 City walk + nature 🌄 D1: Japan ✈️ Arrival in Tbilisi D2: Tbilisi → Winery (Khareba) → Sighnaghi → Tbilisi D3: Tbilisi → Kazbegi / Gudauri D4: Kazbegi → Mtskheta → Tbilisi D5: Tbilisi → Gori → Uplistsikhe Cave City → Tbilisi D6: Tbilisi ✈️ Return home 👑 Trekking heaven! Many routes that even beginners can enjoy! Georgia has more than 300 trekking courses, from beginner to advanced! Please try this moving experience of walking in the great outdoors.

Share an 8-day, 8-city road trip plan to visit all the landmarks. For anyone who is planning to travel to Georgia, share this so you don't miss out. 💁🏻♀️ As you can see, Georgia is the most viral country in this era. Is Georgia really good? Should you go? Is it really cheap? How to travel? How much money do you need? How many days do you need? We have summarized a review of a Georgia trip for 8 days, 8 cities, with a budget of 18,000 baht (excluding airfare). 📌 We traveled from December 15-23, 2019. 📌 This trip, we traveled with GULF AIR during the promotional ticket period. The trip to Georgia took about 13 hours. Most of the time, you have to connect flights. There are not many airlines from Bangkok to Tbilisi. The most prominent ones that most people choose to have promotions are Gulf Air and Air Astana. If you get a promotional ticket, you will save a lot on the trip because if you really want to go, you have to check the airfare promotion page. (ARPAE, Brother Chang, friends tell me the promotion) If the ticket price is 17,500 baht, you can book it. If it's cheaper, it's the finale. 📌 Our 8-day, 8-city trip plan is as follows: Day 1 Tbilisi - Mestia (8-hour drive) Sleep in Mestia Day 2 Mestia-Ushguli-Mestia Sleep in Mestia Day 3 Mestia-Kutaisi Sleep in Kutaisi Day 4 Kutaisi - Uplistsikhe -Gori Sleep in Gori Day 5 Gori - Borjomi- Mtskheta Sleep in Mtskheta Day 6 Mtskheta - Gadauri Sleep in Gadauri Day 7 Gadauri - Kezbegi -Tbilisi Sleep in Tbilisi Day 8 Tbilisi Tour around the city Return the car at the airport 🚘 Driving around Georgia, you can rent a car to drive around by yourself. The driver must have an international driving license. You can contact the transport department nationwide. When renting a car, we must use both an international driving license and a Thai driving license at the same time every time. Most rental cars there already have insurance that covers car accidents. The rental price is not expensive. We rented a PRIUS for 8 days for 7,300 baht, including everything. The gas price there is the same as in our country. For 8 days, we spent 2,400 baht on gas throughout the trip. If anyone can drive and has some experience driving up mountains, we recommend that you drive around because it saves time and money. If you go with friends and split the cost, it is much cheaper than the cost of a van between cities. Plus, you have plenty of time to travel. You can take pictures wherever you want and manage the place and time by yourself. We will share the ROAD TRIP PLAN below, so you can travel around the city with us without going around in circles. 📌Cost for the whole 9 days 8 nights 1. Food costs 500 baht per day, the whole trip costs 5,000 baht per person 2. Accommodation for 8 nights, average 1,100 per night, divided by two, 4,400 per person 3. Car rental for the whole trip + gas costs 9,500 baht, divided by two, 4,750 per person 4. Transportation to Usguli village costs 550 baht per person 5. Transportation to Kazbegi bypass costs 250 baht per person 6. Tasting card costs 170 baht 7. Taxi fare into town costs 350 baht, divided by two, 175 baht per person 8. Entrance fees to various attractions costs 300 baht per person 9. Souvenirs, wine, snacks, chocolate, and others costs 1,000 baht 📌Total budget for the whole trip is 16,595 baht, which, if you include the airfare of 17,500 baht, means you can visit Georgia for 9 days and 8 nights for the price of Only 35,095 baht, so cheap! 📌After we returned from our Georgia trip, we were not surprised because while we were there, we kept telling ourselves why we had just come to Georgia. Where had we been? It was really great. The nature was magnificent, the architecture was beautiful, the food was cheap, and the price of living was Thai, but it felt like we were in Europe. It’s so good that it’s not strange if it’s popular. It’s really good. Let’s follow us to see where we went on our 8-day Georgia trip. Which cities are not to be missed? What to eat and where to sleep? Follow us to Georgia through this review. #GeorgiaTravel #Georgia #TravelAbroad #TravelAbroadByYourself #TravelEurope #TravelEurope #tripFreeAccommodation

Who would have thought that Georgia has such beautiful nature hidden in it? My first trip to Georgia, I decided to travel in late December because I would experience both Christmas and New Year at the same time. This trip, I rented a car and drove to many provinces here. It was very lucky to drive here because along both sides of the road, there was beautiful nature surrounding this country. I started my trip from Tbilisi - Mtskheta - Gudauri - Stepantsminda - Gori - Kutaisi - Zakdidi - Mestia, etc. It was a 10-day drive. It was very worthwhile because of the beauty of this country. It is an enviable country with beautiful cities and nature. If anyone is wondering whether Georgia is worth visiting, I can tell you that it is very worthwhile to travel. We will see European views along with the tourism. And most importantly, there is a free visa for traveling to Georgia. #georgia #travel #phototravel #withmyshutter #travelabroad #tripแจกโรงแรมฟรี

The start of the trail is about 10km from mestia, you can choose to hire a taxi to there or like us, we choose to walk. But we were lucky enough that there’s a truck driver stop and save us about 5km of walking. At the trail start we have to cross a quite scary metal bridge, after the bridge it’s so closed to russia border that you might be asked by soldier to check your passport. Then there’s only 2.5km of hike to the glacier. #glacier #outdoor #hiking

Georgia; stay in the vibrant, bustling Tbilisi or choose a small town embraced by snow-capped mountains. For the latter, the trade-off is a long journey, requiring advance room bookings and hiking preparations, but the rewards will be immense. We stayed at two five-star hotels: Kazbegi Rooms Hotel Mestia Gistola Hotel Don't set your room expectations too high, yet we still highly recommend them. From the first light of dawn to the sunset glow, the scenery of snow-capped mountains surrounding you, with shifting light and shadows, plus a hearty breakfast, starts each day joyfully—especially the Rooms Hotel. Those who've stayed there, you know what we mean!

#cheaptravel If visiting the Dolomites feels out of reach, the Caucasus Mountains in Svaneti, Georgia are the perfect alternative for budget travelers. This stunning region is home to dramatic peaks, medieval stone towers, and glacier-fed valleys without the high prices. You can stay in cozy guesthouses for $15–30 a night, often with home-cooked meals included. Hiking trails are free, incredibly scenic, and much less crowded than in Western Europe. The village of Mestia makes a great base, and you can take a public minibus (marshrutka) from Tbilisi or Zugdidi for just a few dollars. #georgia #travelonabudget #travel

#cityplaybook Top Things to Do in and Around Mestia 1. Koruldi Lakes Hike One of Mestia’s most popular hikes, this moderate-to-challenging trail takes about 4–5 hours round trip. You’ll be rewarded with mirror-like alpine lakes and panoramic views of Mount Ushba. A 4WD option is also available. 2. Ushguli Day Trip Ushguli, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is about 2.5–3 hours by jeep from Mestia. It’s one of Europe’s highest settlements and features stunning medieval towers, rustic charm, and breathtaking views of Mount Shkhara. It’s a must-do. 3. Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography This well-curated museum in Mestia houses centuries-old icons, manuscripts, traditional weapons, and jewelry. A highlight includes early photographs of the region by Italian photographer Vittorio Sella.#georgia

Georgia in early-mid October, good weather, beautiful view, all seasons 💞🫶🏻 This is another trip that I planned to be a road trip without walking a lot. In the end, I walked a lot from the first day at Mestia. My legs were so tired. 🥶 But when I went up and saw the wide open view of the snowy mountains and the frozen lake, I felt no more tired. 😊 Cheap accommodation, reasonable food prices, and most importantly, very cheap wine. This is another country that is worth coming to (but the tickets are a bit expensive).

The changing leaves season in Georgia 🇬🇪 is so romantic 👑Let me tell you that this is another season that you must not miss. This route is surrounded by yellow, orange, green, black trees and you can see the snow-covered mountains. Driving with my boyfriend, listening to music, the mood is so good! ⏳It was 4 months before the end of the winter season on the road to Mestia village. 🚙Went in late Oct 2024 For more details, see the previous post or you can chat with us😙 #TravelGeorgia #Georgia #mestia

### Ushguli Travel Guide 1. Destination Overview Ushguli, located in the Svaneti region of Georgia, is one of the highest permanently inhabited settlements in Europe, at an altitude of approximately 2,100 meters. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its ancient towers, breathtaking views of the Caucasus Mountains, and pristine natural environment. 2. Best Time to Visit - **Summer (June–September)**: Warm weather and accessible roads make it ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. - **Autumn (September–October)**: Vibrant scenery and fewer tourists create a perfect setting for photography. - **Winter (November–March)**: Stunning snow-covered landscapes, but limited accessibility, suitable for skiing and adventure. 3. How to Get There - **From Tbilisi**: 1. Take a car or train to Zugdidi (approx. 5–6 hrs). 2. From Zugdidi, take a bus or hire a car to Mestia (approx. 3–4 hrs). 3. From Mestia, hire a car or hike to Ushguli (approx. 2–3 hrs by car or 2 days on foot). - **From Mestia**: 1. Hire a car or take a local bus to Ushguli (approx. 2–3 hrs). 2. Hiking enthusiasts can opt for a 2–3-day trek with scenic views along the way. 4. Main Attractions - **Svan Towers**: Ushguli is famous for its ancient defensive towers, built in the Middle Ages to protect against invaders. - **Lamaria Church**: Built in the 9th–10th centuries, it is one of Georgia's significant religious sites. - **Mount Shkhara**: The third highest peak in the Caucasus Mountains, standing at 5,068 meters, it's an ideal destination for mountaineers. - **Ushguli Villages**: Comprising four small villages, it preserves traditional ways of life, offering an authentic cultural experience. 5. Hiking Trails - **Mestia–Ushguli Trek**: A classic hiking route, taking approximately 4 days, passing through alpine meadows, forests, and villages, with magnificent scenery. - **Ushguli–Mount Shkhara Trek**: Suitable for experienced hikers, offering close-up views of the majestic Mount Shkhara. 6. Accommodation and Dining - **Accommodation**: Ushguli offers guesthouses and inns with basic but clean and comfortable amenities. Advance booking is recommended. - **Dining**: Local cuisine mainly features traditional Georgian dishes such as Khachapuri (cheese bread), Khinkali (meat dumplings), and grilled meats. 7. Things to Note - **Transportation**: The roads to Ushguli are challenging; 4x4 vehicles or hired cars are recommended. - **Weather**: Mountain weather is unpredictable; pack warm clothes and rain gear. - **Health**: Be mindful of altitude sickness in high-altitude areas; acclimatization is advised. - **Cultural Respect**: Respect local culture and customs; dress modestly when entering churches. 8. Recommended Itineraries - **3-Day Itinerary**: - Day 1: Depart from Mestia, travel to Ushguli by car, visit the towers and church. - Day 2: Hike and explore the surrounding villages and natural landscapes. - Day 3: Return to Mestia, enjoying the Caucasus Mountains scenery along the way. - **5-Day Itinerary**: - Day 1: Hike from Mestia to Ushguli, camping or staying in villages along the way. - Days 2–3: Hike in and around Ushguli, exploring Mount Shkhara and Lamaria Church. - Day 4: Return to Mestia. - Day 5: Relax in Mestia, visit the local museum and cultural sites. Ushguli is a place rich in history and natural beauty, ideal for hikers, photographers, and culture enthusiasts. Whether it's a short trip or an in-depth trek, Ushguli offers an unforgettable experience.

A snow hunting trip and sleeping in the pine forest in Mestia is an exciting and challenging experience, filled with the beauty of nature covered in thick snow, especially when staying in the middle of a pine forest surrounded by pure white snow. The quiet and refreshing atmosphere of the forest makes every breath feel pure and natural. At night, sleeping in the pine forest is extremely private. The sound of the gentle wind and the falling snowflakes create a peaceful and beautiful atmosphere, especially if you sneak a peek at the night sky, with stars and sometimes the aurora borealis, which you might be lucky enough to see. Snow hunting in Mestia will allow you to experience the challenge of traveling along the snow trails, up the mountains or down the valleys, in search of the most beautiful viewpoints. Here, you can see the breathtaking view of the Caucasus Mountains. The tall pine trees covered in snow make the whole trip feel like you are in a fairy tale world. Whether it is the challenging journey, the tranquility of sleeping in the middle of the forest or the unparalleled view of pure white snow, Mestia is a place that must be visited once in a lifetime for those who love nature and adventure!

A vast field with tall snow-capped mountains!!! That travel destination that everyone on Instagram asked if I had been to Switzerland! It's Mestia in Georgia :) I went there 5 years ago and I really liked the image so I visited again... The prices have gone up a lot compared to before,,, Not only racial discrimination but also taxi scams... I had a lot of bad memories, But it looks really pretty when I look at the pictures..! There are 3 routes to Mestia! 1. Light aircraft that takes 50 minutes: It's often canceled and hard to get on a plane 2. Bus + train + bus: It takes about 10 hours 3. Car: I won't say more... It was actually a really great travel destination,,, I really have a lot of time!! If the flight back gets canceled (even if the weather is good, it gets canceled if the wind blows a little..), it's okay! It's about a 10-11 hour trip!! I recommend it to those who do it..ㅎㅎ.. Taxi is about 20,000 won for a 10-minute ride... Since there is no public transportation at all, I had to pay with tears in my eyes... #Overseas travel #Georgia travel #Mestiya

Mestia is a town about 1500m above sea level, the town is the starting point for many hiking trails, like the hike to ushguli, chalaadi glacier, lake koruldi and so on. We spent four days in mestia, and went on a few trails. We normally start our hike early in the morning, and come back to the town to chill by the afternoon. A leisure walk around the town is very recharging. The snow mountains are always in sights, the svan tower tower with thousands years of history is all around and the animals are eating grass by the hills.#mestia #mountain

Mestia is one of the best place to visit in Georgia, there’s plenty of hiking tract there. We love the hike to lake Koruldi the most. It is quite tough with 1400m elevation, but the 360degree of snow mountain view is totally worth it😊#hiking #georgia #mountain #mestia

love this places✨💕#georgia #mestia

Getting There - Attractions - Hotels - Food & Restaurants - Shopping -