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Mestia to Ushguli Trek

Mestia to Ushguli Trek — the trail guide

The Mestia to Ushguli Trek is a 47.0 km trek in Georgia, typically walked in 3–4 days, with 3140 m of total ascent. It rates Moderate on our published rubric (67 m of gain per km, topping out at 2979 m).

Georgia's most famous trek follows the Transcaucasian Trail east through Upper Svaneti, a UNESCO-listed corner of the Greater Caucasus. Over roughly 47 kilometres it strings together the stone defensive towers of Mestia, Zhabeshi, Adishi and Ushguli, crossing the 2,655-metre Chkhunderi Pass with the Adishi Glacier filling the horizon. Hikers sleep in village guesthouses rather than tents, so you carry only a daypack.

Quick facts

Distance47.0 km
Total ascent3140 m
Typical duration3–4 days
Difficulty (computed)Moderate
Steepness67 m gain per km
High point2979 m
CountryGeorgia
RegionGeorgia

Difficulty is computed from gain-per-km and maximum altitude on a published rubric, identically for every trail in the catalogue — so an "Moderate" here means the same thing everywhere on DirtbagMaps.

Elevation profile

Low point 1399 m · high point 2979 m · 3140 m total ascent over 47.0 km.

Historical climate normals — month by month

ERA5 reanalysis averages (2015–2024) for the trail area, referenced to approximately 1403 m elevation. These are gridded historical estimates, not observations from every stage and not a forecast. They cannot show current snowpack, river levels, fire restrictions, closures or whether a pass is safe.

MonthAvg highAvg lowAvg precip
Jan0°-8°149 mm
Feb2°-6°125 mm
Mar5°-3°181 mm
Apr10°1°148 mm
May14°5°148 mm
Jun20°10°144 mm
Jul23°14°164 mm
Aug24°14°76 mm
Sep20°10°130 mm
Oct13°3°144 mm
Nov7°-3°134 mm
Dec2°-7°144 mm

Planning notes

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Mestia to Ushguli Trek?

The Mestia to Ushguli Trek is 47.0 km, and most hikers complete it in 3–4 days. Total elevation gain is 3140 m.

How difficult is the Mestia to Ushguli Trek?

It rates Moderate on DirtbagMaps' computed rubric: 67 m of climbing per km walked with a high point of 2979 m. The rubric classifies every trail from gain-per-km and maximum altitude, so ratings are comparable across the whole catalogue.

Can this climate table tell me when the Mestia to Ushguli Trek is open or safe?

No. The table contains historical ERA5 averages, not a forecast or a report of snow, flooding, fire, closures or route condition. Check the responsible land manager and a current local forecast before departure.

Where is the Mestia to Ushguli Trek?

In Georgia. The route starts near 43.044, 42.726 — the interactive 3D map above shows the full line, and the planner splits it into daily stages.

Can I get the GPX and plan daily stages?

Yes. Open the trail in the DirtbagMaps planner to drag the elevation profile into daily stages, see huts and accommodation along the corridor, and export a per-day GPX for your watch or GPS.