Hiking Mestia to Ushguli | 4 Day Svaneti Transcaucasian Trail, Georgia (film + guide)

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This video is split into two parts, first the hike from Mestia to Ushguli (with no dialogue), followed by a chat about the hike and our travel tips for the region.
➤ JUMP AHEAD TO OUR MESTIA TO USHGULI HIKE INFO 21:12
Subtitles are available in English and Georgian.
სუბტიტრები ხელმისაწვდომია ინგლისურად და ქართულად
Hiking the Mestia to Ushguli section of the Transcaucasian Trail in Svaneti, Georgia. We hiked this route in September 2020, following our Nakra to Mestia trek. We split the trek into 4 days, however it's possible to complete the distance over 3 days by combining the first two days into one. We stayed in guesthouses every night, but it's also possible to camp if you prefer.
Day 3 hiking on trail from Adishi village to Chkhunderi Pass and down to Iprali was the undoubted highlight of the trek, getting up close to Adishi Glacier and far away from any road for the most part. We also really enjoyed our stay in Ushguli village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the highest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe. Not to mention all those historic defence towers!
For full hike details, including our GPX track download, a detailed map, and breakdown of the trek, check out our complete guide over on the blog (www.goingthewholehogg.com/tra.... We also discuss our experience on the trail and share 3D route maps in the second half of this video.
Happy Hiking!
Kim and Del Hogg
www.goingthewholehogg.com
Instagram + Facebook | @goingthewholehogg
FILM CHAPTERS
➤ PART ONE (SILENT HIKING):
00:00 Intro
00:54 Day 1 Mestia to Chvabiani
05:48 Day 2 Chvabiani to Adishi
10:44 Day 3 Adishi to Iprali
17:09 Day 4 Iprali to Ushguli
➤ PART TWO (HIKING GUIDE):
21:12 Trek Overview
21:58 Day 1 Overview
23:54 Day 2 Overview
26:14 Day 3 Overview
28:58 Day 4 Overview
29:50 Ushguli Info
31:04 Our Thoughts About The Trek
32:23 Travel and Trek Practicalities
33:31 What To Pack
34:22 Filming Gear
35:05 Outro
36:06 Del Comedy Montage
OUR GUESTHOUSE RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE TRAIL:
➤ MUSHKUDIANI MANOR, MESTIA
www.booking.com/hotel/ge/mush...
➤ MAIZER QALDANI GUESTHOUSE, CHVABIANI
www.booking.com/hotel/ge/maiz...
➤ STONE HOUSE MAREXI, ADISHI
www.booking.com/hotel/ge/3161...
➤ GUESTHOUSE KHALDE, KHALDE
www.booking.com/hotel/ge/gues...
➤ GUESTHOUSE ANGELINA or XII CENTURY, USHGULI
www.booking.com/hotel/ge/xii-...
WATCH THE BEHIND THE SCENES VERSION OF OUR HIKE IN OUR INSTAGRAM STORIES HIGHLIGHTS
➤ PART ONE saGlnaGxpZ...
➤ PART TWO
saGlnaGxpZ...
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#Hiking #Caucasus

[@GoingTheWholeHogg]

The second half of our Transcaucasian Trail trek through Svaneti in northwestern Georgia. The Mestia to Ushguli hike is the most popular in the country, and we were pretty lucky to have the trail to ourselves when we walked this route in September 2020. As always, the accompanying guide with detailed trail notes, GPX track download, maps, photos, and more is over on the blog to help you plan your own trek - www.goingthewholehogg.com/transcaucasian-trail-svaneti-mestia-to-ushguli/ Happy Hiking! Kim & Del

[@chirsbom337]

Hi! Going this route this summer. What kind of footwear do you recommend? It seems to be a lot of easy paths and roads. Is there a need for ancle supporting boots or will trail runners do?

[@GoingTheWholeHogg]

@@chirsbom337 Hi, yeah, if you're used to wearing trail runners that should be fine. Not sure if you've seen it already, but we have lots more info about the route in the guide over on our blog - www.goingthewholehogg.com/transcaucasian-trail-svaneti-mestia-to-ushguli/ Have a great hike! Cheers, Kim

[@the-same-lines-with-you]

I am so amazed even now beyond words every time I revisit the videos of your journeys that I always remember, finding myself sharing your perspectives on how greater your journey is and on how magnificent the mountainous areas you have passed through are. Furthermore, whenever I read the sincerer records of yours, especially after trekking Georgia, I am so amazed simultaneously at the tremendous scenery and your sincerer records. Two of you must distinctively be both the greatest trekkers and most courageous travelers just like nowhere else in the world! However! So far as I’m concerned, the number of views is so small, which is very, very, very....very regrettable. In other words, the fewest number of views, compared with your sincere editing efforts and the greatest records that would never again exist in the world! I always feel grateful so much for your glorious and excellent records! ( From Seoul)

[@GoingTheWholeHogg]

Really thank you so very much for your kind words! It’s always great to know how well our efforts are appreciated. And yes, despite all that, KZbin is a sometimes a tough place to grow and get more views. But sincerely, thanks for the support 😃

[@simonnewman5597]

Such a fabulous country to explore and looks so untouched, can almost smell that clean mountain air as we watch you both. Very enjoyable as always. Thanks you 2👍👍

[@GoingTheWholeHogg]

Thanks Simon! Svaneti is one of the more 'touched' mountain areas in Georgia, but we were fortunate to have the trail to ourselves last September, so it felt very quiet. Lots of fresh mountain air!

[@anaezdil9441]

This is absolutely soothing to watch. You’ve captured the charm of the area so well. I went there this summer for the first time. And despite me being Georgian, I was still absolutely amazed by the nature and the people. The moment we left, I immediately wanted to return. We were on a car though and did road trips most of the time. And now, watching this, I am so encouraged to do this trail one day.

[@GoingTheWholeHogg]

Thanks Ana, soothing is what we're aiming for, so glad it worked! It's pretty amazing how different all the regions of Georgia are, with a huge variety of scenery, and diverse cultures. Hope you can get back to explore more on foot next time! Cheers, Kim

[@Otto-tm5ki]

You guys are great, just a pleasure to watch seriously amazing routs that are almost forgotten

[@GoingTheWholeHogg]

Thanks for watching and appreciating our work, Otar! We've enjoyed hiking lots of these amazing trails in Georgia : )

[@christinapeebles361]

Delightful video! Thank you for all of the beautiful scenery and tips :)

[@GoingTheWholeHogg]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it, hope you have a great time on the trail too (I think I saw in the FB group that you're hiking it soon!). Cheers, Kim

[@davidkardava8848]

Amazing, i really enjoy watching this video. I remember when you said about this tour, when we met at Udziro Lake, Racha. As I remember you were filming there too, can't wait to see it.

[@GoingTheWholeHogg]

Thanks, David! And nice that you've found us here : ) Yeah, there will be an Udziro Lake film some time! Cheers, Kim

[@MrAlexspearo]

Beautiful video as usual 👏 Very relaxing and inspiring. I appreciate very much the time and effort you put in filming and editing! Keep it up 👍

[@GoingTheWholeHogg]

Thank you Ahmed! And thanks for appreciating our work. More videos to come!

[@xeenslayer]

Love your videos guys! We're heading to Georgia as well and doing this route too. Your videos (including the one on Juta-Roshka) have been very helpful in prepping us. Can't wait to be there next month!

[@GoingTheWholeHogg]

That’s great, thanks very much! Good luck and have an amazing time next month 😃

[@OlgierdTybinkowski]

Another great video. Can't wait for next one. 🙂

[@GoingTheWholeHogg]

Thank you, Olgierd!

[@CoastalBird]

Day 3 , that river crossing and view to the glacier slide, simply amazing! I didn't know Georgia has such natural wonders until I was hooked on your hiking videos. Drone and camera works are top!

[@GoingTheWholeHogg]

Yeah, that glacier view on Day 3 was just amazing, definitely the highlight of the whole trek!

[@johnnychaijialin7753]

One of my favourite hike at Georgia. Your video remind my good time i was traveling at Georgia. Very informative and a lots of handwork.

[@GoingTheWholeHogg]

Thank you! Glad to help bring back those memories.

[@innag8598]

It is beautiful and useful. Thank you!

[@GoingTheWholeHogg]

Thanks for watching and appreciating, Inna!

[@winrajunus6879]

Great content, my wife and I just binged your Manaslu-annapurna-Upper Mustang series, as we are researching those area for next trek. Loved it, subscribed, and look for more contents, end up here. Appreciate how much effort you put in to get the footages, especially the walking away scene, we keep saying he has to came back foe the camera, so that last section "del comedy montage" floored us. keep up the good work!

[@GoingTheWholeHogg]

Cheers, Winra! Very happy to hear you're enjoying our videos and that you're planning some treks in Nepal! Haha, I get such a laugh out of editing those Del skits. Need to add them all together one day into the ultimate comedy montage video. Thanks for watching and appreciating our work, and have a great trek when the time comes! Kim

[@eddydewilde4958]

This a most enjoyable video about an area new to me so the info was very welcome. What pained me was to see you carry such monstrous loads. Best wishes

[@GoingTheWholeHogg]

Hey Eddy, glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Svaneti is such a great place to trek (or just visit in general). Haha, yeah, trimming the weight load is a constant battle, but we’ve made a few adjustments since then… have invested in more SD cards and don’t carry the laptop and hard drives anymore 😅… either way, it’s good strength training 💪😂

[@oeyt1982]

Thank you for this video. You just rekindled beautiful memories i had of Svaneti. I did the Mestia-Ushguli hike in 2018 around May when the mountains are very lush. Though we struggled hiking on snow on the day we were headed to Iprali right after that river crossing. But the view of the glacier after the ascent was so rewarding. Just splendid memories 🥰 Thank you 🙏 i Wish both of you more success on this channel. Keep hiking 🥾

[@GoingTheWholeHogg]

Thanks for watching and appreciating! We have never been to Svaneti as early as May, I bet it was very beautiful with so much more snow covering the mountains, but that must have been tough on the river crossing day! That glacier view is really amazing, it feels so close. Glad to have brought back good memories for you. Cheers! Kim

[@stiflearlYT]

Amazing!

[@GoingTheWholeHogg]

Thanks Earl!

[@akakigvilava5571]

Quality Content !

[@GoingTheWholeHogg]

Thank you!

[@dwaynepabillar3943]

Great! What a peaceful place..nice to share keep on hiking.. I miss Georgia esp Tbilisi & Gudairi ❤️💕❤️

[@GoingTheWholeHogg]

Thanks for watching!

[@guramiarsenashvili3686]

I love your content

[@GoingTheWholeHogg]

Thank you!

[@temogalustian389]

Amazing ♥️ მადლობა! I will hike this trail one day ☺️

[@GoingTheWholeHogg]

Thank you, Temo! Enjoy the hike whenever you can do it : )

[@totoatalat]

Your videos are amazing and deserve an Oscar

[@GoingTheWholeHogg]

Hehe, very high praise, thank you!

[@nadherajm7622]

Tanks for you tanks very much good adventure hiking 🌹🌹🌹🇬🇪👍👍👍👍❤❤❤

[@GoingTheWholeHogg]

Thanks Nadher!

[@placesingeorgia]

Hello from Georgia sakartvelo . Very good video 😊

[@GoingTheWholeHogg]

Thank you!

[@siarzhukhuryn8754]

Nice!

[@GoingTheWholeHogg]

Thanks!

[@nikakura]

First of all amazing cinematography as always, i know from first hand experience how much effort it takes to film all of this :) I even thought you would double cross the river to film the whole thing :D I did a similar hike couple of weeks ago (more of a trail run) from Mestia to Lalkhori, that is the last village before a road walk. This is where you end the video basically :) However there are more interesting route (i later discovered) from the pass after the glacier river crossing which goes directly to Ushguli, without going down on the road via Iprari. That would be much more beautiful and interesting to film.

[@GoingTheWholeHogg]

Thanks Nikoloz! Ah yes, Lalkhori is just after Iprali. We thought about camping at the bottom of Chkhunderi Pass and crossing the pass you are talking about (sometimes called Karetta or Lagem) to get to Ushguli, but it was raining and it sounds like a steep climb and descent on slippery grass, so we took the easier option! Next time ; )

[@nikakura]

@@GoingTheWholeHogg yeah that is the one I'm talking about, the trails split at Chkhunderi pass, one of them is going through the glacier (you can make a detour I guess) and down to Ushguli.

[@GoingTheWholeHogg]

@@nikakura Sounds like a great route!

[@datobachilava3111]

Khalde is legendary places, The Svaneti uprising of 1875-1876 also known as Svaneti-Khalde revolt, was an anti-colonial uprising directed against the policy of Russian Tsar Alexander II's administration in Svaneti.

[@GoingTheWholeHogg]

We enjoyed learning about the history while in Svaneti, it was very interesting.

[@Badala21]

❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@GoingTheWholeHogg]

😃❤️

[@tristanrowson2451]

wish i was there

[@GoingTheWholeHogg]

Hope you can be some time: )

[@user-fp6cr1wt5t]

Tetnuldi mountain, Adishi glacier, my favourite places on this trip

[@GoingTheWholeHogg]

Yeah, two of our favourite places too!

[@user-fp6cr1wt5t]

@@GoingTheWholeHogg it's me, Anri off-road

[@TealMaria]

Hello, would you recommend this route for an experienced mountaineer and trail runner in late October? Thank you for your videos!

[@GoingTheWholeHogg]

Hey, thanks for watching! In terms of your question, it really depends on the weather conditions at the time. If there’s already been a lot of snow, then crossing the Adishi river and Chkhunderi pass might be problematic. There will be fewer guesthouses open at that time of year too. We would recommend no later than September if you can help it, but late October is certainly possible. Hope that helps 🙂

[@adkh5826]

Wow

[@GoingTheWholeHogg]

Thanks!

[@TamaEnergy]

I want to do this solo in March? Any idea I'd that's possible or too snowy!!

[@GoingTheWholeHogg]

Definitely too snowy in March unfortunately. July to September is best. It’s possible to do it in June although there may still be a fair bit of snow in places. Some people still trek in October although it’s very cold, there’s a chance of heavy snow, and many guesthouses are closed.

[@innasverdlova3842]

can we do this hike for 2 or 3 days, and if yes for 3 days which days would be better to combine?

[@GoingTheWholeHogg]

You could combine days 1 and 2, trekking all the way from Mestia to Adishi, then Adishi to Iprali, then the third day to Ushguli is already quite short, so a total of 2.5 days

[@VarangianOblast]

can this trek be done in October or November?

[@GoingTheWholeHogg]

Possibly, depends if snow has already fallen, especially on the pass on day 3. Also, fewer guest houses will be open in Adishi and iprali. October is better out of those two months.

[@VarangianOblast]

@@GoingTheWholeHogg so i take it with snow certain passes would be impassable?