Mestia Travel Guide

Discover the beauty of Mestia, Georgia with this comprehensive travel guide. Learn about the best places to visit, activities to do, accommodations to stay, local culture, customs, and more.


Introduction to Mestia

Mestia, located in the northwestern region of Georgia, is a small town known to be a gateway to the spectacular Svaneti region. This charming town is surrounded by awe-inspiring landscapes, snow-capped Caucasus Mountains, and historical medieval towers that make it a popular tourist destination. Mestia is perfect for those who love outdoor adventures, hiking, and exploring cultural and historical sites.

List of Places to Visit in Mestia

Mestia has a lot to offer to tourists, ranging from historical towers to natural sights to museums. Here is the list of the top places to visit in Mestia:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography
  • Margiani Brothers Museum
  • Latali Museum

Natural Attractions of Mestia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mount Ushba
  • Chalaadi Glacier
  • Koruldi Lakes
  • Hatsvali Ski Resort

Hiking/Biking Routes of Mestia

Mestia is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The town offers many hiking and biking trails, from easy to challenging. Here are some of the best trails:

  • Mestia-Chalaadi Glacier Trail
  • Mestia-Koruldi Lakes Trail
  • Mestia-Ushguli Trail

Best Things to Do in Mestia: Activities and Tours

Apart from hiking and biking, Mestia offers a variety of activities and tours. Here are a few of the best things to do in Mestia:

  • Paragliding
  • Horseback Riding
  • 4x4 tours to Ushguli – the highest altitude inhabited village in Europe
  • Day Trip to Ushguli

Week-Long Itinerary for Mestia

Here is a suggested week-long itinerary for Mestia:

Day Activity
Day 1 Arrival in Mestia, visit Margiani Brothers Museum
Day 2 Hike to Chalaadi Glacier
Day 3 Koruldi Lakes Hike
Day 4 Paragliding or Horseback Riding
Day 5 4x4 tour to Ushguli
Day 6 Visit Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography
Day 7 Departure from Mestia

Food and Drink Scene of Mestia

Mestia’s cuisine is not only delicious but also unique in its way. The food of this region is heavily influenced by neighboring countries like Turkey and Russia. Some of the classic dishes to try in Mestia are:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kubdari: Svanetian bread stuffed with minced meat
  • Chvishtari: Cornbread filled with Sulguni cheese
  • Kupati: Georgian sausage filled with spices and meat

Local Beverages

  • Chacha: Georgian brandy
  • Wine: Georgia is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world. Try Saperavi or Khvanchkara.

Where to Stay in Mestia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Mestia has many lodging options for budget, mid-range, and luxury travelers. Here are some of the suggested accommodations:

  • Hotel Old Mestia: A budget-friendly hotel with mountain views.
  • Hotel Tetnuldi: A mid-range hotel with great amenities.
  • Hotel Chubu: A luxury hotel with a restaurant and spa.

What to Buy in Mestia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Mestia has a variety of unique souvenirs that represent the local culture and tradition. Here are some of the suggested products to buy in Mestia:

  • Svanetian Salt: A mix of salt, cumin, coriander, and chili pepper.
  • Honey: Georgian honey is famous for its taste and health benefits.
  • Handmade Crafts: Handmade woolen, ceramic, and wooden crafts made by the locals.

Local Culture and Customs of Mestia

Mestia is the heart of the Svaneti region, known for its unique culture and traditions. The Svans, the locals of Mestia, are proud of their heritage, and they value hospitality more than anything. Here are some of the local customs and culture of Mestia:

  • The Svans are known for their unique twelve-century-old towers that were used as fortresses in ancient times.
  • The Svans speak their language, which is different from Georgian.
  • The locals of Mestia love to celebrate festivals like the Saloba, a new year celebration, and Kvirikoba, a spring festival.

Best Time to Visit Mestia

The best time to visit Mestia is from June to September, when the weather is mild, and there is less precipitation. The town is usually crowded during this season, so it is essential to book accommodations in advance. Winter (December to March) is also an ideal time to visit Mestia for skiing and winter sports enthusiasts.

Do’s and Don’ts of Mestia

Here are some of the do’s and don’ts of Mestia:

Do:

  • Respect local customs and culture.
  • Try local food and drinks.
  • Take your waste with you when you are hiking.

Don’t:

  • Wear inappropriate clothes at religious places.
  • Litter in nature or streets.
  • Be disrespectful to locals.

Safety and Health

Safety in Mestia

Mestia is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is good to be cautious, especially during hiking and outdoor activities. Here are some safety tips to follow:

  • Always hire a local guide for hiking and outdoor activities.
  • Make sure to check the weather conditions before heading out to the mountains.
  • Keep a first aid kit with you.

Health in Mestia

Mestia has decent medical facilities, but it is also good to carry your medication with you. Make sure to have travel health insurance before traveling to Mestia. The tap water is safe to drink, but it is advisable to carry a water filter during hiking and camping.

Getting to Mestia: Transportation Options and Logistics

Mestia is not directly connected to the major cities of Georgia, and the nearest airport is in Kutaisi. Here are the different transportation options to reach Mestia:

Airports Near Mestia

  • Kutaisi Airport: 266 km from Mestia
  • Batumi Airport: 345 km from Mestia

Bus Stations Near Mestia

  • Zugdidi Bus Station: 137 km from Mestia
  • Tbilisi Didube Bus Station: 471 km from Mestia

Other Options

You can also hire a private taxi or a car to reach Mestia from the nearby cities.

How to Get Around in Mestia

Mestia is a small town, and you can easily cover the places by foot. Taxis are also available, but it is good to negotiate the fare before hiring.

Where to Go Next from Mestia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Mestia is a perfect base to explore the nearby destinations and excursions. Here are the suggested places to visit:

  • Ushguli: The highest altitude inhabited village in Europe.
  • Becho: A beautiful village located near Mestia.
  • Zugdidi: A lovely city located near Mestia known for its beautiful botanical garden.

Conclusion

Mestia is a hidden gem of Georgia that offers a unique blend of culture, nature, and adventure. Whether you are a history buff, nature lover, or adventure seeker, Mestia has everything to offer. Follow this comprehensive guide to plan your perfect trip to Mestia.

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