One of the most beautiful corners not spoiled by civilization is located in a country such as Georgia, Svaneti - a place that has retained its unique beauty. Here you can find nature that has not changed its original appearance over the past few centuries. Despite the fact that now there is an asphalt road leading here, and even a small airport, due to which tourists began to come here, Svaneti continues to keep its pristine beauty.
Svaneti, Georgia. General information
Svaneti is divided into Upper and Lower. Borders pass along the Greater Caucasus Mountain Range in the north and Svaneti Mountain Range in the south. The administrative center of Upper Svaneti is the urban-type village of Mestia with a population of 2,600 Svans, and Lower - the village of Lentekhi, where 1,800 people live.
This place is often called the lost world, because even the majority of indigenous people know about Svaneti only by hearsay. This is due to the fact that this region is located so high in the mountains that until recently it was practically impossible to get here. Even the enemies made no attempt to conquer Svaneti.
History of Svaneti
The freedom-loving and courageous people who inhabit this beautiful corner have preserved their unique language to this day, which is the only one for communication. The history of Svaneti has several millennia, during which there were no conquests and wars. This is due to the fact that the Svans, who previously inhabited the coastal strip of the Colchis Lowland and modern Abkhazia, moved to the mountainous region, preferring freedom of dependence on the enemy.
Let us turn to the pages of the past, which Georgia (Svaneti) is proud of. History says that serfdom never existed here, and the nobility was conditional. The absence of wars of conquest, the proud people who keep the history of their ancestors and live by their own laws - these are the characteristics that can be found in the past of this beautiful land.
Both valleys of Upper Svaneti entered the Russian Empire only in 1840. But even after that, for a long time there were neither representatives of the Russian administration, nor the Russian Orthodox Church.
Modern Svaneti - the center of mountain climbing and tourism
Today, this impregnable region is a favorite destination for backpackers. Upper Svaneti (Georgia), located in the most picturesque part of the Greater Caucasus Mountain Range, attracts lovers of high-mountain recreation to spend time in fabulously beautiful mountains. Mestia, which is the administrative center, is now also called the tourist center - this is where the new highway leads, and it is here that the airport was built. Also, ascents to the most famous mountain peaks begin here, and now a modern ski resort functions in Mestia.
Hatsvali resort - mountain fairy tale
This resort opened recently, in 2011. It can not yet be attributed to the famous all over the world, but nevertheless, thousands of tourists from all over Europe already annually come to Hatsvali.
The ski season here lasts long enough, from November to mid-April. This is due to the location of the resort, whose altitude exceeds 1,500 meters.
Due to the young age of Hitsvali, the length of the ski runs is not very large, but the government is actively working on this issue. Every year new routes are laid.
Another place that attracts thousands of tourists annually is the forest on the slopes of Hatsvali, which is an excellent option for hiking and picnics. Thus, if you are planning an active winter holiday, Georgia (Svaneti) will be a great choice. Alpine skiing is one of the most popular sports here.
Hiking in the mountains of Svaneti
One of the best ways to travel in Georgia is hiking. This is especially true for Svaneti, where during the transitions you will admire the majestic mountains, turbulent rivers and emerald meadows. In addition, a trip to Svaneti (Georgia) is a continuous feast. Nowhere else in the world will you be able to try so many delicious dishes and hear so many interesting stories that seem to have come down from the pages of fairy tales.
There are many tours around the edge, from which you can choose a trip to your liking. A nice addition, which offers a hike in Georgia (Svaneti), is the sea in Batumi, where you can then go by bus. Anyone can go on such trips, regardless of their physical fitness. Conductors take responsibility for transferring food and things to themselves, you will carry only the most necessary items in backpacks. Also, duty and cleaning are not provided. Thus, everyone can go hiking in Svaneti.
At the same time, spending the night in tents in the open air and surrounded by majestic mountains will be among your most vivid memories. In addition, during your unusual trip to such a fabulously picturesque region as Svaneti (Georgia), you can take a lot of photos, and they will become the most beautiful in your archive.
Hotels for vacationers
In recent years, when local tourism began to actively develop, Svaneti (Georgia) has become a place where you can find hotels of various levels and prices, from the highest class to budget. Given that the center of tourism is Mestia, it is here that their largest number is located. Despite the traditional difference in the number of stars, here you will find the highest level of service, regardless of the class of the hotel.
Every year, new hotels are built in different architectural designs. If your travel destination is Georgia (Svaneti), the hotels you can stay in meet the highest requirements.
sights
The most famous sights of which Georgia (Svaneti) is proud are Svan towers, architectural treasures, thanks to which this region is also called the country of a thousand towers. These are buildings consisting of five or six floors, which served as a Svan fortress and a house at the same time. They hid from the enemy by all means, stocking up on food and drink. History knows no example when the Svan tower was taken by an attack. Even now, a small number of fortresses, preserved to this day, can shelter in their walls more than a hundred people. Svan towers are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Another attraction for which you can visit this beautiful land is Lake Kvedi. It was formed due to a landslide that blocked one of the rivers of the gorge.
This place is famous for its extraordinary purity and healing properties of local air. To the nearest village from the lake, a city called Kvays, an automobile road stretches, which gradually turns into a dirt road. On it you can make cycling tracking.
The next attraction of Svaneti is the airport named after Queen Tamara, which is designed as Svan towers. The modern building stands apart from the natural splendor of the mountainous region. The airport has been operating since the end of 2010, but flights are often delayed due to changing local weather conditions.
If your destination is Svaneti (Georgia), the sights to visit include the Mikhail Khergiani Museum. This is an exhibition dedicated to the great Soviet mountaineer. The museum is located directly in the house of Mikhail Khergiani and consists of four ethnographic halls dedicated to his ascents, a personal room and a memory hall. This place will be significant for every climber and will allow you to get acquainted with the history of Soviet mountaineering through preserved old photographs and equipment of those times.
One of the most beautiful places in Svaneti is the Inguri River, originating from the glaciers of the Greater Caucasus. First of all, it is famous for the largest hydroelectric power station in the Caucasus, on which the largest arched dam is located. This place is popular among tourists who are allowed here, despite the fact that the hydroelectric power station belongs to sensitive facilities. You can get here only on foot, because the roads, like the previously existing railway line, are closed. Another feature of Inguri is its unusual azure hue, which is extremely rare in rivers.
Lake Paleostomi, the water in which is close to the sea, is a real gem of Georgia. It is part of the Colchis Nature Reserve. A remarkable fact of this place is the traces of a settlement of the 2nd century AD that were discovered at the bottom of the lake.
Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Savior - an ancient church, which is on the list of Svaneti's attractions. It opens only during the service, but you can ask the locals to open it for you. Here you can find frescoes that have survived to our times, as well as an ancient relic - the minted icon of the 13th century Savior, made of an alloy of gold and silver.
Thus, visiting Svaneti, in addition to natural beauty, you will find a lot of unique attractions that everyone should see.
How to get there
If the goal of your route is Georgia (Svaneti), how to get here, the question is quite relevant. The asphalt road to Mestia was laid recently, but with its advent a trip to this inaccessible region has become quite simple. It is easily accessible to the administrative center of Svaneti. You can get to Mestia from several cities of Georgia, the most options are from the capital of the country. From Tbilisi, a fixed-route taxi goes there daily, from 6 in the morning. Travel time takes 8 hours. You can also get from here to the administrative center of Zugdidi nearest to Mestia, and from there take a minibus to the final destination.
Another way to get to Svaneti from Tbilisi is by air. Since the local airport was built, this method has become available to everyone. In winter, the airport accepts single-engine and small passenger aircraft with a capacity of not more than 18 people, and in summer - aircraft designed for 50 passengers. However, it should be borne in mind that local flights are very dependent on the changing local weather. Therefore, you should be prepared for the fact that, having arrived in Svaneti by plane, you will have to get back by car. You can also take a taxi that will take you from the Georgian capital to Mestia for a fairly modest amount. You can get from Kutaisi to Svaneti by shuttle buses that run every day.
As for the other large Georgian city, Batumi, there is no direct connection with Mestia. Therefore, you will first have to get to Zugdidi by minibus, and from there transfer to another transport. A trip without long stops from Zugdidi to Mestia takes 3 hours.
If you intend to use the highway, it is worth considering that in the evening and at night public transport does not drive on it. This is due to the fact that in a certain section of the road there is always a danger of stones coming off the mountain peaks. At this point, the driver almost does not follow the road, paying all the attention to the mountains in order to catch time in time in case of a rockfall. That is why it is unsafe to ride this road in the dark. In the daytime, you can get to Mestia by any motor vehicle in fairly comfortable conditions.
Reviews of tourists about Svaneti
When a decision is made to travel to a place that has never been before, the impressions of the people who visited him are of great importance. As for a place like Georgia (Svaneti), the reviews of tourists about staying here are only admired. The beauty of this region does not leave anyone indifferent who at least once saw him. Reasons to visit Svaneti, based on reviews from tourists:
- the unique beauty of nature;
- A wonderful ski resort, where there is not yet a large crowd due to its youth;
- rich excursion program;
- hiking in the most beautiful corners of the earth;
- interesting culture;
- hospitality of the Svans;
- delicious dishes, which Georgia is famous for.
This place did not leave a negative impression on any of its guests. Everyone who came here seeks to return to Svaneti again to once again see one of the most beautiful places in the country.
Mountain Svaneti - paradise on earth
If you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of megalopolises, enjoy unity with nature, and see interesting places, Georgia (Svaneti) will be an excellent choice of travel destination. Having been here, everyone leaves a part of himself in a mountainous country, changing in something. That is why this place is worth visiting for everyone who is tired of the monotony of big cities and wants to get fresh impressions.
In Svaneti you will meet real centenarians who can tell you the amazing story of their land. However, it should be borne in mind that you will need the help of a translator, few know the Russian language here. Most of the locals don’t even speak Georgian, so if you want to chat with indigenous Svans, take care of a guide who will help your communication.
Goodwill, hospitality, sincerity and kindness are qualities that distinguish the proud inhabitants of Svaneti. Having been here, chatted with the Svans and seen the pristine beauty of this place, which is not spoiled by civilization, perhaps you yourself will change in something. In any case, everyone who wants to see one of the most beautiful places on earth should visit Svaneti, which is rightly called the pearl of Georgia.