About Mestia
Mestia, nestled high in the Caucasus Mountains, is the cultural heart of Georgia’s Svaneti region. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and ancient stone towers, it offers a gateway to stunning alpine landscapes and traditional Svan heritage.
Major Attractions in Mestia
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Svan Towers
The iconic symbol of Svaneti.Dozens of medieval defensive towers (9th–13th century) still stand tall over.
Svan Towers
Mestia Museum of History & Ethnography
A small but excellent museum showcasing: Ancient icons, gold treasures, religious manuscripts.
Mestia Museum of History & Ethnography
Chalaadi Glacier
One of Mestia’s most popular natural attractions.A half-day hike (about 4–5 km one way) from Mestia takes you through pine forests.
Chalaadi Glacier
Koruldi Lakes
Small alpine lakes at 2,740 meters with mirror-like reflections of the mighty Ushba peak.
Koruldi Lakes
Hatsvali Ski Resort & Viewpoint
Just 8 km from Mestia, a small uncrowded ski area with forest runs and freeride slopes.
Hatsvali Ski Resort & Viewpoint
Tetnuldi Ski Resort
About 15 km from Mestia — Georgia’s highest ski slopes. Great for skiing, snowboarding, and freeride adventures in winter.
Tetnuldi Ski Resort
St. Nicholas Church of Mestia
A beautifully painted small church right in the heart of Mestia. Known for colorful frescoes and its simple, authentic feel.
St. Nicholas Church of Mestia
Mikheil Khergiani House Museum
Dedicated to Mikheil Khergiani, the legendary Svan alpinist known as the “Tiger of the Cliffs”.
Mikheil Khergiani House Museum
Adventure and Activities in Mestia
Hiking & Trekking
The #1 reason people visit Svanet is Day Hikes. Chalaadi Glacier, An easy-moderate hike (3–4 hours round-trip) through forests.
Hiking & Trekking
Mountaineering & Glacier Trips
For experienced adventurers: arrange guided climbs to nearby peaks like Mount Tetnuldi, Mount Ushba (for pros only!), or short glacier walks.
Mountaineering & Glacier Trips
Mountain Biking
Svaneti’s rugged dirt roads, forest trails, and mountain passes make it a hidden gem for mountain biking.
Mountain Biking
Horseback Riding
Short rides to nearby churches and towers or multi-day trips through Svaneti’s wild meadows.
Horseback Riding
Skiing & Snowboarding
Hatsvali Ski Resort: Small, forested slopes right next to Mestia — great for beginners and intermediate skiers.
Skiing & Snowboarding
Paragliding
Soar over Mestia, the Enguri Valley, and the dramatic Caucasus peaks with a professional pilot.
Paragliding
4WD Off-Road Adventures
Hire a local 4x4 for scenic off-road trips to Koruldi Lakes, Remote towers and churches in tiny mountain hamlets.
4WD Off-Road Adventures
Photography & Stargazing
Svaneti is one of the best places in Georgia for dramatic landscape photography — medieval towers, glaciers, wildflowers, and high peaks.
Photography & Stargazing
Winter Snowshoeing & Ice Climbing
In winter, guided hikes through deep forests and frozen rivers. For thrill seekers arrange ice climbing trips with local mountain guides.
Winter Snowshoeing & Ice Climbing
Most popular hotels in Mestia
