Ushba Glacier: A Majestic Hike in the Svaneti Mountains
Hike to the foot of the majestic Ushba Glacier in Georgia's Svaneti region for breathtaking views and an unforgettable adventure.
The Ushba Glacier, nestled in the Svaneti region of Georgia, offers a challenging yet rewarding hiking experience with stunning views of the Caucasus Mountains. The glacier descends from Mount Ushba, a peak renowned for its beauty and difficulty, attracting mountaineers and hikers alike.
A brief summary to Ushba Glacier
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Local tips
- Bring your passport, as the area is close to the Russian border.
- Wear sturdy hiking boots and appropriate clothing for changing weather conditions.
- Start the hike early in the morning to allow ample time to reach the glacier and return.
- Consider hiring a local guide for a safer and more informative experience.
- Check the weather forecast before you go and be prepared for sudden changes.
Getting There
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Walking
The final approach to Ushba Glacier involves a challenging hike from Mazeri village. From the center of Mazeri, follow the marked trail west. Cross the large bridge over the Dolra River and turn right. The trail then follows the old road past farmhouses and a chapel. After approximately 3.5 km, you'll reach a bridge over the Dolra and Hikers Inn. Continue along the river, gradually climbing. After 2.2 km, you'll find Dau restaurant. Continue on the forest trail to a wooden bridge, cross it, and pass through border patrol. The path ascends steeply from here. Be prepared for a steep climb on a slippery trail with loose stones. Hiking sticks are recommended. There are no entrance fees to access the trail or glacier.
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Taxi
To reach the Ushba Glacier trail from Mestia, take a taxi to Mazeri village, the starting point of the hike. The taxi ride costs approximately 80-100 GEL. From Mazeri, follow the walking directions to the glacier. There are no parking fees in Mazeri. Taxis can be arranged at the Mestia bus station.
Discover more about Ushba Glacier
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Waterfall/წყარო
6.0 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Mestia's waterfall, a hidden gem nestled in the Caucasus Mountains, perfect for hiking and nature exploration.
Lia Jamdeliani's Guest House
7.7 km
Discover the heart of Svaneti at Lia Jamdeliani's Guest House, where authentic Georgian hospitality meets stunning mountain views.
Becho Pass
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Experience the stunning natural beauty and adventure of Becho Pass, a hidden gem in the heart of Georgia's breathtaking landscapes.
Mestiachala River
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Explore the beauty of the Mestiachala River in Georgia, a breathtaking destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
SvanAlp. Mountain guide in Svaneti and Mt.Kazbek
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Discover the thrill of rock climbing amidst the stunning Caucasus Mountains at SvanAlp in Mestia, Georgia – an adventure awaits!
WinterFell LLC
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Roza Guesthouse
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Old Mestia
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Guesthouse Lanchvali
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Latour Mestia
11.4 km
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Cafe Lanchvali
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Hilltop Mestia
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Mächvib Mestia • მაჩვიბ მესტია
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Discover the essence of Svaneti at Mächvib, a unique art café blending local art with delicious Georgian cuisine in the heart of Mestia.
Guesthouse data
11.5 km
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Laghami
11.5 km
Experience authentic Georgian hospitality at Laghami, a charming guest house in Mestia, surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes and rich culture.
Unmissable attractions to see
Shdugra Waterfall
4.6 km
Discover the breathtaking Shdugra Waterfall in Georgia's Svaneti region, a majestic natural wonder offering stunning views and a memorable hiking experience.
Koruldi Ridge
5.0 km
Hike to Koruldi Ridge for breathtaking Caucasus views. A challenging trek with rewarding panoramas of Mount Ushba and the Svaneti region.
Chalaadi Glacier
5.0 km
Hike to the Chalaadi Glacier near Mestia for an unforgettable adventure amidst Georgia's stunning Caucasus Mountains.
Hikers Cafe
6.2 km
Relax and recharge at Hikers Cafe in Mazeri, Georgia, with stunning mountain views, delicious Georgian cuisine, and horseback riding adventures.
Koruldi Lakes
6.7 km
Hike or drive to the Koruldi Lakes near Mestia for breathtaking alpine views and stunning reflections of the Caucasus Mountains.
Paragliding in Svaneti Mestia
9.5 km
Soar above the stunning Svaneti mountains in Mestia for an unforgettable paragliding experience. Certified pilots, breathtaking views, and pure adventure!
The Cross Over Mestia
10.0 km
Hike to the Cross Over Mestia for breathtaking panoramic views of Svaneti's mountains, lush valleys, and ancient watchtowers. A must-see!
Laghami Church
11.3 km
Discover ancient frescoes and unique architecture at this historic two-story church in the heart of Svaneti's stunning landscape.
Margiani's House Museum
11.4 km
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Mikhail Khergiani House Museum
11.4 km
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Seti Square
11.6 km
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Blue Mountains • ცისფერი მთები
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Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography
11.9 km
Discover Svaneti's soul: Explore millennia of history, art, and culture at Mestia's renowned regional museum.
Sour Springs
12.3 km
Discover Mestia's natural springs: Refreshing mineral waters with a hint of fizz, straight from the heart of Svaneti.
Hatsvali Cable Car - Mestia
12.3 km
Experience breathtaking panoramic views of the Caucasus Mountains. Ride the Hatsvali Cable Car in Mestia for adventure and natural beauty.
Essential places to dine
Elie's Café
7.4 km
Experience authentic Georgian flavors at Elie's Café in Mazeri – a hidden gem surrounded by breathtaking mountain views.
Twin Peaks
11.5 km
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MAG Shawarma & Fast Food
11.5 km
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Qoruldi Restaurant
11.5 km
Experience authentic Georgian flavors at Qoruldi Restaurant in Mestia, where traditional cuisine meets stunning mountain views.
Old House
11.6 km
Discover authentic Svanetian flavors at Old House in Mestia – where tradition meets taste in a cozy setting.
Doesn’t exist anymore
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Experience authentic Svanetian cuisine in Mestia’s charming restaurant, where tradition meets taste in every dish.
Ailama
11.6 km
Discover authentic Georgian cuisine at Ailama in Mestia - where tradition meets flavor in every dish.
Chalet Mestia Restaurant
11.6 km
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New Cafe Daeli
11.6 km
Experience authentic Georgian cuisine amidst breathtaking mountain views at New Cafe Daeli in Mestia.
Lile
11.6 km
Experience authentic Georgian cuisine at Lile in Mestia - where tradition meets flavor in every dish.
Cafe Laila
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Shiola
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Turkish Restaurant Ritur Georgia
11.7 km
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BBQ Garden
11.7 km
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Lushnu Qor Restaurant Beer Garden
11.7 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Cafe "Chalaadi"
7.6 km
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Mestia Chali bridge
7.7 km
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Cafe with a great view
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SHAMPRIANI Guesthouse
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Sweet Cherry in Mestia
11.5 km
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Magazin
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Mtidam
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Kate's Cakes
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Coffee Kor
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აქსესუარები
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Georgian bread bakery
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Spar
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Guli Cafe
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Sakhli bar
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Sakhli Laghamshi Homestay
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Wine shop.ღვინის მაღაზია
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Sweetnight
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Bar-restaurant Prince Jafraan
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KRK BAR
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ტერასა თაუერი • Terrace Tower
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Cafe-bar Little Svaneti Cafe
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Experience authentic Georgian cuisine at Cafe-bar Little Svaneti, the perfect blend of local flavors and breathtaking mountain views in Mestia.
Karaoke Bar in Mestia
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Experience lively nights of fun and music at Mestia's favorite karaoke bar, where locals and tourists gather for unforgettable performances.
Wine & Theater
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Hotel Posta Mestia
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Discover the exquisite flavors and stunning views at Hotel Posta Mestia, your gateway to the breathtaking Svaneti region of Georgia.
Kafe Kolkhishi
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Experience the authentic flavors of Georgia at Kafe Kolkhishi, a charming bar in Mestia offering delicious local cuisine and a cozy atmosphere.
Ezo
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Discover the authentic taste of Georgia at Ezo, a charming grill restaurant in Mestia, perfect for food lovers and culture seekers.
Terrace Bar at Hotel Gistola in Mestia
12.0 km
Experience breathtaking views and local flavors at the Terrace Bar in Mestia, your perfect mountain retreat.
