The Svaneti Highlands Trek has been carefully crafted to showcase one of the most beautiful and culturally rich regions of the Caucasus while directly supporting local communities and sustainable tourism.

Georgia is home to a remarkable diversity of ecosystems, from alpine meadows and ancient glaciers to subtropical valleys and forests. Around 20% of its land is protected, reflecting a growing national commitment to conservation. By exploring Svaneti on foot, you’ll help sustain this delicate balance – supporting locally owned guesthouses, guides and transport providers who help preserve both nature and tradition.

Svaneti itself is a living museum of mountain culture. Its striking watchtowers, ancient churches and enduring customs have survived centuries of isolation, creating a rare opportunity to experience a way of life shaped by the rhythms of the mountains.

This exclusive point-to-point trek, designed by Adventurous Ewe together with our local team, follows part of the pioneering Transcaucasian Trail through pristine valleys, panoramic passes and remote highland villages. It’s a chance to step beyond the familiar, connect deeply with local heritage, and witness Georgia’s mountain spirit at its most authentic – all while travelling responsibly as a proud Travelife Partner adventure.

Once you’ve booked your Svaneti Highlands Trek, all your trip details will be ready and waiting for you in our mobile travel app, Vamoos.

You’ll have everything you need at your fingertips – your full itinerary, kit list, “know before you go” info, weather forecasts, live updates, contact details and even a trip countdown – all available 24/7 on your phone.

It’s simple, convenient and paper-free, helping us reduce waste and keep your adventure that little bit greener. No bulky folders, no missing pages – just everything you need for your journey through the Svaneti Highlands. A’ppy days.

As a small family business, we take great pride in offering a personal, professional and friendly service for your Svaneti Highlands Trek. We know that every adventurer has their own motivations, experience levels and goals – and we’re here to support you every step of the way, from the moment you join the flock to long after you’ve returned home.

Our small team bring decades of experience in leading and crafting adventures around the world. Their first-hand knowledge of Georgia, combined with our trusted local team in Svaneti, means you’ll receive the most accurate and up-to-date advice in preparation for your journey.

Whether it’s questions about kit, training or travel logistics, you’ll always receive honest, tailored guidance from a team who genuinely care about your experience and your adventure.

Flights are not included in your Svaneti Highlands Trek, giving you the flexibility to travel from your nearest airport, use frequent flyer points, or extend your stay in Georgia if you wish.

On signing up, we’ll provide you with the recommended flights to Tbilisi International Airport, which typically align with the British Airways service from London Heathrow (departing 21:25, arriving 05:30 the next day).

A single group airport transfer is included for the designated flight arrival and departure times. Travelling on the recommended flights ensures you’re met at the airport by our local team and transferred directly to your hotel in Tbilisi to begin your adventure with ease.

If you choose alternative flights, we can assist in arranging private transfers at an additional cost, or you’re welcome to make your own arrangements.

Passport

• Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Georgia, with at least two blank pages for entry/exit stamps. 

• Georgia is not part of the EU or EEA, therefore the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) does not apply to Georgia.

• ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is not required for travel between the UK and Georgia. 

• For safety, carry a copy of your passport’s photo page, and leave a copy with someone at home.

Visa

• Citizens from the UK, USA, EU and many other countries can enter Georgia visa-free for up to one year. 

• Visa policies may change, and it is entirely your responsibility to obtain any required visas.

• Use the links below for trusted, up-to-date visa guidance for your country of origin:
   Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations
   Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations
   United Kingdom: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
   USA: www.travel.state.gov

• Georgia also offers an e-Visa portal for eligible nationalities.

Travel insurance is compulsory for the Svaneti Highlands Trek. You must be covered for the full value of your trip and for the activities and altitude involved.

Your policy must include (at a minimum):

• Emergency medical expenses, evacuation and repatriation

• Trip cancellation and curtailment (including travel delays)

• Personal liability

• Baggage, equipment and personal effects (loss, theft, damage)

• Cover for trekking at altitude (up to approx. 2,800–3,000m)

• Pandemic-related disruption and medical cover

UK residents: we’ve partnered with specialist brokers Campbell Irvine Direct who can arrange suitable cover for this trek. If you’d like a quote, please visit Campbell Irvine Direct.

Non-UK residents: please arrange a comparable policy in your country of residence that meets the requirements above.

Before you go:

• Send us a copy of your Travel Insurance Policy (schedule and emergency assistance number) no later than one month before departure.

• Disclose any pre-existing medical conditions to your insurer and ensure they’re covered.

• Note that GHIC/EHIC does not replace travel insurance.

Vaccinations
There are currently no mandatory vaccination requirements for Georgia however we would recommend the following jabs are up to date: Hepatitis A, Diphtheria, Hepatitis B, Rabies and Tetanus.

For the most up to date details on vaccinations, please consult with your GP or travel healthcare practitioner 6 – 8 weeks in advance of travel. For up to date vaccination information please check the NHS government website ‘Fit for Travel’.

Severe allergies
If you have a severe allergy please inform us at the time of booking. We will do all we can to help, but unfortunately we are unable to guarantee an allergy free environment on this trip. You will need to carry your own treatment for the allergy with you, as ‘adrenaline auto-injectors’ are not carried as standard by AE leaders and crew. Whilst your leader is aware of our trekkers medical history, please also inform your leader on arrival of your allergy, and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.

Your Local Mountain Guide is at the heart of this adventure. Expertly trained and highly experienced, they’re bilingual, qualified in first aid and/or Wilderness First Responder, and have an in-depth knowledge of the Svaneti region. Passionate about their homeland, they’ll bring the landscapes, culture and history of the Caucasus to life as you trek from village to village. They’re also responsible for ensuring the team’s safety, well-being and enjoyment throughout the journey – always with a friendly and flexible approach.

For groups of 10 people or more, an Adventurous Ewe Leader will accompany the trip alongside the local team. All our Leaders are first aid trained, experienced in mountain and multi-day trekking, and chosen for their professionalism, care and sense of fun. They’ll work closely with our local crew to ensure everything runs smoothly, from logistics to morale on the trail.

Both your Leader and Local Guide have contact with our local office and Adventurous Ewe HQ, so you’re always in safe and well-connected hands.

We believe the best adventures are shared in small groups – it helps minimise our impact on the environment, enhances safety and creates a more personal, authentic experience.

The minimum group size for this trek is 6 people, and the maximum group size is 12. This allows us to keep things flexible, friendly and supportive on the trail.

You’re very welcome to join as a solo traveller, with family or friends, or as part of a private group. This trip also makes a brilliant charity trek, offering the perfect balance of adventure and purpose.

If you have a group of 6 or more, we’d be delighted to arrange a private departure tailored to your dates, goals or organisation – whether it’s for a team, charity or company.

For more details or to chat about a bespoke trip, we’d love to hear from you:
📧 info@adventurousewe.co.uk | 📞 01492 588 069

The Svaneti Highlands Trek is graded as Tough. This is a multi-day mountain trek involving long days on varied terrain, with sustained ascents and descents and some steep, uneven sections at altitude.

You’ll be trekking for consecutive days, averaging 5- 7 hours per day, with altitude gains of up to 1,000m and reaching a maximum elevation of 2,730m at Chkhutnieri Pass. The route follows well-established trails through remote valleys and mountain passes, but paths can be rocky, muddy or slippery in parts – particularly after rain or snowmelt.

Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, adding an extra layer of challenge. You may experience warm sunshine one moment and cold winds or showers the next, so being prepared with the right kit and mindset is key.

A solid level of fitness, stamina and mental resilience is essential. You don’t need prior high-altitude trekking experience, but regular hill walking, endurance training and time outdoors in changeable weather will help you feel comfortable and confident on the trail.

Throughout the trek, your Local Mountain Guide (and Adventurous Ewe Leader for larger groups) will be there to support you – setting a steady pace, keeping morale high and ensuring plenty of rest and refuelling stops along the way.

This is a challenging but hugely rewarding journey through one of the most remote and awe-inspiring corners of the Caucasus – perfect for those ready to embrace the elements, curious about remote mountain life with a genuine spirit of adventure.

The Svaneti Highlands Trek reaches a maximum altitude of 2,730 metres at Chkhutnieri Pass, with several other passes around 2,400–2,700 metres. While this is considered moderate altitude, it’s still high enough for some people to feel mild effects such as shortness of breath or fatigue, particularly during steep ascents.

The itinerary has been designed to allow your body to acclimatise gradually, gaining height steadily over several days. Daily treks involve regular breaks, plenty of hydration, and time to adjust to the thinner mountain air.

At these elevations, the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is low but not impossible. Our guides are trained to recognise the early signs and will monitor everyone’s well-being closely throughout the trek. 

To prepare, we recommend building your aerobic fitness through hill walking, hiking or endurance training before departure. Staying well-hydrated, eating regularly and getting plenty of rest during the trek will also help you adapt more comfortably.

With good preparation, a steady pace and guidance from our experienced Local Mountain Guide, most trekkers find the altitude manageable and enjoy the incredible sense of achievement that comes with trekking among the high peaks of the Caucasus.

The Svaneti Highlands Trek is rated as Tough, so a good level of fitness and preparation will make your experience far more rewarding. You’ll be trekking for several consecutive days, often on steep, uneven terrain with ascents and descents of up to 1,000 metres.

We recommend regular hill walking or hiking with a daypack, along with strength and cardio training in the months leading up to your departure. Building stamina, leg strength and endurance will help you feel comfortable and confident on the trail.

To support you, we’ll provide a comprehensive Training Guide once you book, packed with practical tips, exercises and a tailored training plan. The more prepared you are, the more you’ll enjoy the journey – and everything it brings along the way.

Our motto is: Train hard, smile harder and enjoy the journey!

Having the right kit is key to staying comfortable, safe and prepared for the changing conditions of the Svaneti Highlands Trek. You’ll be crossing varied terrain – from forest trails and alpine meadows to rocky passes – and weather in the Caucasus mountains can shift quickly from sunshine to rain, wind or cool evenings.

Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a comprehensive Kit List tailored specifically for this trek, covering everything you’ll need from head to toe. It includes guidance on essential clothing layers, footwear, trekking gear and optional extras to make your experience more comfortable.

To reduce waste, you’ll receive a complimentary Adventurous Ewe Water-to-Go bottle (or a new filter if you’re a returning trekker), helping you stay hydrated while cutting down on single-use plastic bottles.

If you have any questions about your gear or need advice on what to bring, we’re always happy to help. We also offer exclusive discounts with UK outdoor retailers to help you get adventure-ready with quality kit at a fair price.

The weather in the Svaneti Highlands can be as varied and dramatic as the landscapes themselves. Expect everything from warm sunshine in the valleys to cool winds and occasional rain or even snow flurries on the higher passes.

The trekking season runs from June to September, when trails are clear of snow and the mountains burst into colour. In June and September, daytime temperatures in the valleys range from 10–20°C, dropping close to freezing at night. July and August tend to be warmer, with daytime highs around 20–25°C, though short afternoon showers are common.

Conditions can change quickly in the mountains, and it’s not unusual to experience several seasons in a single day. Waterproofs, warm layers, and good-quality trekking boots are essential to keep you comfortable and protected.

Whatever the weather brings, your Local Mountain Guide will monitor conditions closely and adjust plans if necessary – ensuring you can enjoy the journey safely while experiencing the ever-changing moods of the Caucasus.

Your Svaneti Highlands Trek includes 10 nights of accommodation, carefully chosen to balance comfort, character and authenticity – from boutique city stays to traditional mountain guesthouses.

In Tbilisi and Kutaisi, you’ll stay in comfortable 3-star hotels with twin-share, en-suite rooms – the perfect place to relax before and after your trek.

During the trek, you’ll spend 6 nights in simple, family-run guesthouses in the mountain villages of Mestia, Mulakhi, Adishi, Iprari and Ushguli. These cosy, traditional homes offer clean shared rooms, hearty home-cooked meals and a genuine glimpse into life in the Svaneti Highlands. Facilities are basic but welcoming, often with shared bathrooms and limited hot water. Electricity and Wi-Fi may also be intermittent in some areas, adding to the sense of adventure and remoteness.

Single Travellers

Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation to help keep costs down and foster a friendly team atmosphere. Single travellers share with people of the same gender as on their passport, in rooms that range from twin to multi-share depending on the accommodation.

Single rooms may be organised for an additional cost, depending on availability in Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Mestia. However, please note that single rooms are not available in the Svanetian villages due to the traditional, shared nature of the guesthouses.

Each night on this trek offers a new experience – from the alpine meadows of Mulakhi to the ancient watchtowers of Ushguli – giving you a true taste of Georgia’s mountain hospitality and life in the highlands.

Food is a memorable highlight of any journey through Georgia – a country renowned for its warmth, hospitality and rich culinary traditions. All breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 dinners are included during your Svaneti Highlands Trek, with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced produce and hearty mountain meals.

Breakfasts are typically continental-style, featuring bread, jams, eggs, cheese, and tea or coffee. Packed lunches are provided during trekking days and usually include bread, cheese, meats, fresh vegetables, fruit and biscuits whereby you make these yourself. Evening meals in the mountain guesthouses are homemade, traditional Georgian dishes such as Khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), Khinkali (dumplings), Lobio (spiced bean stew), and hearty soups served with potatoes, rice or pasta. Expect plenty of cheese, vegetables, and the generous use of walnuts, herbs and spices.

For those with dietary requirements, vegetarians are catered for, as Georgia’s cuisine includes a wide variety of vegetable, dairy and bread-based dishes. Vegans and those with dairy or wheat intolerances will find more limited options but can still be accommodated with advance notice. Please note that walnuts are widely used in Georgian cooking, so travellers with nut allergies should take care to inform us at the time of booking.

Your Local Mountain Guide will advise when it’s safe to fill up your water bottles. To help reduce plastic waste, you’ll receive a complimentary Adventurous Ewe Water-to-Go bottle (or new filter for returning trekkers). We do not encourage the purchase of single-use plastic bottles. You are welcome to bring water purification tablets or your own filtration system if you wish.

Georgia also has one of the world’s oldest winemaking traditions – with evidence of viticulture dating back over 8,000 years and more than 500 indigenous grape varieties. During the trip, you’ll have the chance to enjoy Georgia’s famous hospitality with a glass of local wine or Chacha, the traditional grape spirit, to toast your time in the Caucasus.

The impact of single use plastic is having on our landscape, wildlife and oceans, it is now more important than ever that we all make changes in order to help our planet. We may not be a huge global company but we’re passionate about playing our part and trying to make a huge difference collectively. Together we can dramatically reduce our consumption of single use plastics and support our responsible travel ethos of ‘Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but boot-prints, keep nothing but memories.’

You can make a difference too with taking part in the Georgia Trek. As part of our commitment to helping the planet, members of the flock you join us for this mountain trek, you will receive a free Adventurous Ewe Water-to-Go bottle. This is our way of saying thank-ewe and also making a difference to the consumption of single use plastics in developing countries.

For more info please click here or email us at info@adventurousewe.co.uk for more info.

Your Adventurous Ewe Leader/s and Crew will have a satellite phone, mobile phones and radios communications in case of emergencies. The team are trained to deal with these situations. Please ensure you listen to your Leader during these times and refrain from putting any posts on social media. Should you find yourself unable to continue with the trek, your Leader and crew will make the necessary arrangements. Depending on the situation, you will be met by the support vehicle (depending on access) and you will be transferred back to your accommodation or nearby medical facility as required.

Your Emergency Contact at Adventurous Ewe HQ is Jim Young on +44(0)7747 346 588.

Cool Earth

We are very excited to have teamed up with leading climate change charity Cool Earth, who share our mission to protect the planet’s precious environment in a sustainable manner. The future of rainforest protection is where everyone makes a difference to climate change! We invest a % of our revenue into supporting critical conservation projects around the world through Cool Earth. You are most welcome to help make a difference too by sparing a few pennies. Please give what you can and help save the world’s rainforests today by clicking here. Just £2.50 will save 10 trees and lock up 10 tonnes of CO2.

Together, we can all make a difference in helping preserve this precious and wonderful planet.

Thank-ewe