10+ Best Things to Do in Mestia & What to Skip
In the Upper Svaneti Region of Georgia, find the small village of Mestia. With a unique culture, there are a diverse range of things to do in Mestia Georgia. During the summer months, hiking Mestia is a delight. Nestled in the stunning Caucasus Mountains, the village of Mestia altitude is close to 5,000 feet. So it’s an understatement to say the nearby hiking trails and views of the surrounding valley and mountain peaks are incredible. On the flip-side, the winter months in Mestia provide a haven for skiers and snowboarders.
Besides the the fabulous recreations that the jagged mountains provide, one of the best things to do in Mestia is learn about the ancient Svan culture and customs. Mestia and the surrounding villages are dotted with their distinct Svan towers, hearty mountain cuisine, and a medieval feudal history. As Georgia was invaded throughout the years, the Upper Svaneti Region remained mostly untouched, isolated by its towering mountains and lack of modern roads. These two factors helped preserve the unique Svan culture.
Mestia is a top destination to add on any Georgia itinerary. While Mestia Georgia is rich with lovely things to do, there are some Mestia attractions that can be skipped if you’re short on time. This Mestia travel guide includes: an overview on how to get to Mestia, things to do in Mestia, hiking in Mestia, things to skip, and top rated Mestia guesthouses.
Here are some awesome things to do in Mestia Georgia that highlight this unique and special region in the Upper Svaneti Georgia.
Table of Contents
- How to Get to Mestia Georgia
- Popular Things to Do in Mestia
- Hiking Things to Do in Mestia
- Things to Skip in Mestia… (Maybe)
- Where to Sleep in Mestia
- Summary of Best Things to Do in Mestia
How to Get to Mestia Georgia
Most travelers visiting Mestia will come from the bustling capital city of Tbilisi. However, the distance from the Black Seaside city of Batumi to Mestia is shorter and takes less time, but still passes through Zugdidi.
There are tons of ways to get to Mestia from Tbilisi. The most popular route is combining a train from Tbilisi to Zugdidi and then hopping in a shared mini-bus, or a marshrutka. However, if the train schedule doesn’t fit into your schedule, these little mini buses cover the whole 240+ miles from Tbilisi to Mestia. Travelers not worried about budget can also hire a private driver or join organized tours.
☛ Travel Tip | Here’s a detailed guide on how to get from Tbilisi to Mestia
There’s also a prop plane run by Vanilla Sky that flies 4-5 times a week into the tiny Mestia airport. Flight schedules and frequency change every few times a year, so it’s best to confirm the current departs from Tbilisi to Mestia on the official Vanilla Sky Facebook Page. These tickets book out far in advance, so purchase as soon as you can. Keep in mind, those who plan for some serious hiking in Mestia can not carry-on luggage that exceeds 33 pounds.
✔ More Tbilisi Travel Resources | Are the Tbilisi Sulfur Baths Worth it? | Things to Do Around Tbilisi’s Marjanishvili Street | 2 Day Tbilisi Itinerary to See the Best Tbilisi Highlights | 10 of the Best Places to Eat in Tbilisi
Popular Things to Do in Mestia
While in Mestia, enjoy the peaceful Seti Square in the morning, and at night listen to the centuries old traditional folk music. Appreciate the medieval Svan towers that dot the village and watch the movie Dede at the local theater. It will help clarify the importance these towers played in the notorious ancient blood feuds. For more details, head over to the Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography. Ride the Hatsvali Cable Car to gawk at the Caucasus mountains and understand the significance they helped play to maintain the culture of this isolated region.
Enjoy Coffee in Seti Square
In the morning hours, head to the centerpiece Seti Square and enjoy a coffee or a hearty breakfast at one of the many cafes lining the plaza. There are no shortage of outdoor patios that offers up splendid views of the surrounding mountains. There’s a small park in the center with many friendly street dogs, who like to stop by to see if you’ve ordered correctly. The little cafes have warm blankets and heaters on request.
Try this Mestia cafe with an outdoor terrace: Cafe Laila | Find them here | Hours: Daily, 10:00 – 23:00
Listen to Traditional Folk Music & Dance Along
At night, when the mountains are covered in darkness, Mestia becomes a haven for traditional folk music. It’s not uncommon for locals to participate and show-off their unique styles of dance. There’s a sense of pride in the the way they move. The restaurants and cafes clear and move their tables and chairs and transform the space into a dance floor.
Many Mestia restaurants showcase folk music with traditional and modern instruments. In fact, on one given summer night there were at least 5 different establishments, both indoor and outdoors, hosting some sort of live music. It should come as no surprise that chacha, or Georgia’s most prized grape brandy, is being passed around by all.
Psst… Learn more about chacha when visiting Georgia’s wine region of Kakheti. Sighnaghi village makes an ideal location to relax and learn more about Georgia’s wine and spirits.
As the night continues on, everyone soon becomes an “expert” at traditional folk dancing, or so they think. Either way, the nightlife in Mestia is really fun, whether you participate whole heartedly, or simply watch from the sidelines. Catching live music is one of the best things to do in Mestia at night.
My favorite Mestia Restaurant for traditional folk music: Lile | Find them here | Hours: Daily, 10:00 – 00:00
Lile Restaurant also has a delicious menu, an excellent house red wine, and reasonable prices. The interior is cozy, and there is a lovely outdoor terrace. This was my go-to restaurant to eat authentic dishes of the region.
Stroll by the Medieval Svan Towers
The Svan Towers may be the most iconic image of the Svaneti region. These medieval structures were vital to the survival of the harsh mountain life. The Svans were almost “clan-like,” and each settlement or village was represented by one or more family. Due to the severe isolation of this area, these villages oftentimes took disputes into their own hands. These towers acted as look outs and defense towers from attacks by neighboring clans.
It’s estimated that the Svans have been in this region for over 5,000 years. Throughout the years, many blood feuds and acts of revenge had just been a way of life. These towers were essential to protect and defend the small hamlets of the Caucasus Mountains.
The Upper Svaneti region has been listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for these towers and their accompanying medieval homes. Some of these hamlets, including the ones that consist of the four community villages of Ushguli, have over 200 standing today. It’s incredible when you realize some of these were built in the 9th century and the resilience they have sustained, including the unpredictable mountain terrain and the severe winters.
In Mestia, follow the Mestia river in the direction of the airport. In this section of town, there are many towers and museums to climb and visit today.
Two Popular Tower Museums in Mestia are Mikhail Khergiani House Museum & Margiani’s House Museum
Watch the Movie Dede at the Local Cinema
At the local cinema, don’t miss the opportunity to watch the beloved film Dede. This movie was filmed in Ushguli and the surrounding Caucasus Mountains and depicts the life, traditions, and shines lights on the blood-feuds that haunt this region. This drama won multiple international film festival awards across the world. This is also one of the best things to do in Mestia on a rainy day.
If tackling the trek to Ushguli from Mestia, don’t be surprised if you recognize some faces. Many local villagers had roles in this independent film. Dede can be hard to watch, especially for women, but it left me with a better understanding of the Svans, their cultures, and their clan lifestyles.
The Pub & Cinema DEDE is simple, and shows only this film. Upon entrance, find a bar and a few tables. It’s possible to order beer, wine, coffee, and snacks. Head downstairs to watch the film. There are options of bean bag chairs and fold out chairs. The movie is shown on a projection screen, but it’s cozy and the film is moving and worth the watch.
If you missed movie in Mestia, there is one establishment in Ushguli that also plays the film Dede.
Pub & Cinema DEDE | Find it here: Avtandil Ioseliani 6 | Movie Ticket Cost: 20 GEL ($6.75 USD) | Screening Times: 13:00, 15:00, 17:00, 19:00, 21:00 | Movie Length: 1 hour 40 minutes | Arrive a little before show time to snag a good seat. During off-peak months, there maybe only three screenings | Official Facebook Page to verify the showtimes
Visit the Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography
The Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography is packed full of relics discovered during archaeological excavations. If interested in learning about the Svan traditions and cultures, this museum will help fill in any missing gaps.
Many of the artifacts include: religious works, jewelry, clothing, and weapons and is considered one of the best museums in Georgia.
Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography | Find it here: A. Ioseliani 7, Mestia | Entrance Ticket: 10 GEL ($3.25 USD) | Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 – 18:00
Ride the Hatsvali Ski Lift
The Hatsvali Ski Lift is a nice way to appreciate the surrounding mountain views from a different and higher angle. There are two sections of the ski lift. Before purchase, verify that both are up and running. The final destinations of the lift is to the Hatsvali Ski Resort along the Zuruldi mountain ridge. Be mindful that the lift can be unreliable, even during the busy summer season.
The Hatsvali Ski Lift consists of 2 Sections
➜ Mestia – Hatsvali lift
➜ Hatsvali – Hatsvali Ski Resort (Zuruldi mountain ridge)
If the second section of the Hatsvali Ski Lift is not running, it’s possible to walk below the lines up to the Hastvali Ski Resort. This happened to me, so plan on adding a one hour climb to reach the building and viewpoint.
The Hatsvali Ski Resort has a simple, yet nice terrace with views and a restaurant. I visited in September, and sadly the restaurant was closed. However, the patio still had chairs sitting out, to savor those incredible Caucasus Mountains.
From the ski resort, those looking for more of a hike can continue to the Mentashi transmitter tower to see nice views of the Zuruldi mountain. This is also an excellent alternative route of the Mestia to Ushguli trek. The next village is is Tsvirmi, which infrequently sees tourists and one of my favorites villages in the Svaneti region.
Hatsvali Ski Lift Logistics | Find the ticket booth and first section of the cable car here | Round Trip Ticket: 20 GEL ($6.75 USD) | Ticket valid for both lifts and is the same price whether or not both lifts are working | Summer Hours: 10:00 – 16:30 | Some days the Mestia cable car does not run at all, verify at the Tourist Information Center or ask around town
Hiking Things to Do in Mestia Georgia
Of course, the most popular thing to do in Mestia is to prepare for the 4 day Mestia to Ushguli trek. Mestia boasts tons of incredible hiking trails that pass by villages that, up until recently, have been cut off from the modern world. Believe it or not, some of these villages first got electricity in 2012.
However, there are handfuls of day hikes in Mestia if a multi-day trek doesn’t fit into your schedule.
Plan for the Multi-Day Mestia to Ushguli Trek
One of the biggest draws to the Upper Svaneti regions is to tackle the Mestia to Ushguli trek. The standard hiking route takes about 4 days. This epic hike passes through the stunning Caucasus Mountains, picturesque hamlets, winds through valleys, glaciers, and forests, and offers travelers the chance to stay in guesthouses. Intrepid hikers can choose to camp along the way.
The typical Mestia to Ushguli hiking route is as follows and can be completed casually in 4 days.
🥾 Mestia ➜ Zhabeshi ➜ Adishi ➜ Iprali ➜ Ushguli
An alternative hiking route to Ushguli departs Mestia via the Hatsvali Cable Car follows along the Zuruldi ridge and stops in the untouched village of Tsvirmi. It meets up with the standard Ushhguli trek at the Tetnuldi Ski Lodge on Day 2
🥾 Mestia ➜ Tsvirmi ➜ Adishi ➜ Iprali ➜ Ushguli
Interested in this Georgia trekking route? The Complete Guide to the Mestia to Ushguli Trek in 4 Days With Tsvirmi
No matter which route you choose or how long it takes, the final day of this Mestia trek finishes in Ushguli. Ushguli is a Unesco World Heritage Site that consists of four tiny hamlets Murkmeli, Chazhashi, Chvibiani and Shibiani. In the Chazhashi community, there are over 200 standing and preserved medieval towers (Svan towers).
The Mestia to Ushguli trek is truly a highlight of the Upper Svaneti Region.
Ushguli Day Trip
If you have no intentions of hiking Mestia, a day trip to Ushguli is still one of the best things to do in Mestia. The easiest way to reach Usguli is with a guided tour. However, there are marshrutkas that depart early in the morning to Ushguli. The ride takes about 2 hours and should cost around 40 GEL ($13.50 USD).
There are plenty of Ushguli guesthouses, so it is possible to simply spend a few days here and relax. Make sure to visit the Shkhara Glacier if you have the time. This mostly flat walk is scenic and takes more than 4 hours round-trip, or hire a horse. Always check the conditional of the animal before participating in animal tourism.
➜ Browse the best Ushguli Guesthouses here
Hike to the Mentashi Transmitter
The Mentashi Transmitter is a fairly easy day hike from Mestia and offers incredible views of the the Zuruldi massif. This hike is especially doable if you hop on the Hatsvali cable car and ride it all the way to the top (if it’s running).
The Mentashi Transmitter is huge and kind of hard to miss, but the path is often lonely and does offer some stellar views over the Enguri River Valley. If you are lucky enough to catch the lift on a day it’s running to the top, the Mentashi antenna can be reached in about an hour. Be mindful that near the antenna it can be steep.
Ambitious hikers can continue towards Mount Zuruldi and continue to the small village of Tsvirmi, with its medieval towers. It’s best to sleep in Tsvirmi and hike back the next day, or continue on the trail to Ushguli.
Koruldi Lakes
Another popular day hike in Mestia is to hike up to the three Koruldi Lakes. These alpine lakes have nice views of Mt. Ushba and the surrounding Caucasus Mountains. This out and back trail is a pretty steep uphill climb. There’s an option to continue past the lakes of Koruldi to a better viewpoint of the mountains.
Those who don’t wish to hike all the way up to the Koruldi Lakes can stop about half way at the cross over Mestia on the Tshakazagari Mountain.
Those seeking to hike the trail to the Koruldi Lakes should plan on at least 6 – 7 hours. The trail one way is about 4.5 miles. Here’s a detailed post on hiking from Mestia to Koruldi Lakes.
However, those who don’t want to hike can share a taxi to the cross over Mestia, making it one of the more scenic things to do in Mestia.
Things to Skip in Mestia (Maybe)
There are many things to do in Mestia, but there’s one thing I could have skipped and utilized my time differently.
Chalaadi Glacier
The Chalaadi Glacier is about 7.25 miles from Mestia’s Seti Square. The trail follows along the Mestiachala River, past the airport, and up to a cafe. At this point, there is a wooden bridge to cross which follows a path through a forest and along another river. From the trailhead bridge, the trail is 1.5 miles. Although it’s interesting to see a glacier, there are more beautiful glaciers in the Upper Svaneti region.
If planning on visiting the Chalaadi Glacier, I recommend hiring a taxi or hitchhiking to the trailhead at the bridge. At the time I visited Chalaadi Glacier there is a lot of construction happening near the trailhead. Workers were driving to and from. I was able to hitch a ride back to Mestia. This would make a visit to the Chalaadi Glacier a short trip instead of a full day event.
💬 Real Talk | Instead see the Chkhunderi Glacier, day 3 of the Mestia to Ushguli trek or the the Shkhara Glacier near Ushguli Georgia
Chalaadi Glacier Hike from Mestia
- Out & Back Trail
- Distance: 7.25 miles
- Walking Time: Plan on 3 hours each way
Here’s a basic over view on how to walk to the Chalaadi Glacier
- Leave Mestia’s Seti Square and head towards the airport
- Cross the River. Soon after you’ll have views of the tiny airport on the right. There are nice views of Mestia to the left. This is section is along a paved road
- After the airport, continue on the road. Eventually, it will become a gravel road.
- The trailhead begins right after Cafe Chalaati
- Cross the wooden bridge and follow the trail markers to the Chalaadi Glacier
☛ Travel Tip | If catching a ride to the cafe, the trail is only 1.5 miles and will take less than an hour for those first glimpses of the the Chalaadi Glacier
Where to Sleep in Mestia Georgia
There are tons of Mestia Guesthouses to choose from for any type of budget. Due to the mountain location, many of the guesthouses offer extra blankets, hot beverages, and some cook homemade meals.
➜ Browse the best Mestia Guesthouses and places to sleep
Popular Mestia Guesthouses
➜ Guest House Kaldani is close to Seti Square and has lovely hosts with a wealth of information. They offer home-cooked meals that can be packed up for trekking. Some rooms have terraces.
➜ Ioska’s House is a little outside of Mestia but has a lovely garden, cozy room, and breakfast is included.
➜ Guesthouse Data is a popular Mestia guesthouse with friendly owners, stellar views, and a lovely garden.
➜ Guesthouse Mountain View is close to Mestia town center, but boasts incredible views of the Caucasus Mountains, there’s an option to add breakfast, wonderful hosts, and a garden with hammocks to relax in.
Summary of the Best Things to Do in Mestia Georgia
In conclusion, there are so many diverse things to do in Mestia, a small mountain village tucked away peacefully in the Upper Svaneti Region of Georgia. From enjoying the tranquil Seti Square, to appreciating traditional folk music with Svan cuisine, to strolling past the medieval Svan towers, and visiting a Mestia museum, a visit to the village of Mestia is an unforgettable experience.
While Mestia is a top trekking destination in Georgia, there are other ways to appreciate the stunning Caucasus Moutains. Ride the Hatsvali Cable Car or watch the dramatic film of Dede that was taped in Ushguli. It’s easy to day trip to Ushguli from Mestia. There is something for every type of traveler in this distinctive region that has been cut off from Georgia for a majority of its settlement. This has left the area culturally rich in traditions and customs.
One of the most popular things to do in Mestia is hike to Ushguli. However, there are other desirable Mestia hikes, like to the cross over Mestia, the Mentashi antenna, the Koruldi Lakes, and the Chalaadi Glacier, well maybe.
Georgia Travel Guide | The Ultimate 3 Week Adventure Itinerary for Georgia
Have you visited the Upper Svaneti region and visited Mestia? Did you do any of these best things to do in Mestia activities? Is there something you absolutely loved doing in Mestia that I am missing? Let me know in the comments below!
Disclaimer: There’s a chance this post contains affiliate links, and I receive a small (but grateful) portion of the sale. There’s no extra cost to you, and I only promote things that I use and love.
Like!! Thank you for publishing this awesome article.