One of the most beautiful places, not spoiled by civilization, is located in a country like 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 asph alt road leading here, and even a small airport, thanks to which tourists began to come here, Svaneti continues to preserve its original beauty.
Svaneti, Georgia. General information
Svaneti is divided into Upper and Lower. The borders run along the Greater Caucasus Range in the north and the Svaneti Range in the south. The administrative center of Upper Svaneti is the urban-type settlement of Mestia with a population of 2600 Svans, and the Lower Svaneti is the settlement of Lentekhi, where 1800 people live.
This place is often called the lost world, because even the indigenous people for the most part 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 did not attempt to conquer Svaneti.
History of Svaneti
The freedom-loving and courageous people who inhabit this beautiful corner have retained 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's turn to the pages of the past, which Georgia (Svaneti) is proud of. History says that there has never been serfdom here, and the nobility was conditional. The absence of aggressive wars, a proud people who keep the history of their ancestors and live according to their own laws - these are the characteristics that can be found in the past of this beautiful land.
The two valleys of Upper Svanetia became part of the Russian Empire only in 1840. But even after that, neither representatives of the Russian administration nor the Russian Orthodox Church were here for a long time.
Modern Svaneti is a center of mountaineering and tourism
Today, this impregnable region is a favorite place for tourists involved in mountaineering. Upper Svaneti (Georgia), located in the most picturesque part of the Greater Caucasus Range, attracts lovers of high- altitude recreation to spend time in fabulously beautiful mountains. Mestia, which is the administrative center, is now also called a tourist center - this is where the new highway leads, and it is here that the airport was built. Alsoclimbing to the most famous mountain peaks begins here, and now a modern ski resort functions in Mestia.
Khatsvali resort - mountain fairy tale
This resort just opened in 2011. It cannot yet be attributed to the well-known all over the world, but nevertheless, thousands of tourists from all over Europe come to Hatsvali every year.
The ski season here lasts long enough, from November to mid-April. This is due to the location of the resort, the altitude of which exceeds 1500 meters.
Due to the young age of Khitsvali, the length of the ski slopes here is not very large, but the government is actively working on this issue. New routes are laid every year.
Another place that attracts thousands of tourists every year is the forest on the slopes of Hatsvali, which is a great option for hiking and picnics. Thus, if you are planning an active winter holiday, Georgia (Svaneti) will be an excellent 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 crossings you will admire the majestic mountains, turbulent rivers and emerald meadows. In addition, a trip to Svaneti (Georgia) is a complete feast. Nowhere else in the world will you be able to taste so many delicious dishes and hear so many interesting stories that seem to have stepped out of 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 that offers a hike in Georgia (Svaneti) is the sea to Batumi, where you can then go by bus. Anyone can go on such trips, regardless of their physical fitness. The guides take on the responsibility of carrying food and things, you will carry only the most necessary things in your backpacks. Also, there are no duties and cleaning. 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 journey through 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.
Holiday hotels
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 the budget. Given that the center of tourism is Mestia, it is here that the largest number of them are located. Despite traditional star ratings, here you will find the highest level of service, regardless of the class of the hotel.
New hotels are built every year in different architectural solutions. If your travel destination is Georgia (Svaneti), the hotels where you can stay meet the highest requirements.
Attractions
The most famous sights that Georgia (Svaneti) is proud of are the 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 the Svans as a fortress and a home at the same time. The whole family hid here from the enemy, stocking up on food and drink. History does not know an example when the Svan tower was taken by storm. Even now, a small number of fortresses that have survived to our times can shelter more than a hundred people within their walls. The Svan towers are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Another attraction for which you can visit this beautiful region is Lake Kvedi. It was formed as a result of a landslide that blocked one of the rivers of the gorge.
This place is famous for its extraordinary cleanliness and healing properties of the local air. To the nearest village from the lake, a city called Kvays, a road stretches, which gradually turns into a dirt road. It can be used for cycling.
The next attraction of Svaneti is the airport named after Queen Tamara, which is designed like the Svan towers. The modern building stands apart among the natural splendor of the mountainous region. The airport has been operating since the end of 2010, however flights are often delayed due to changeable local weather conditions.
If the purpose of your trip is Svaneti (Georgia), attractions,must-sees 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 hall of memory. This place will be significant for every climber and will allow you to get acquainted with the history of Soviet mountaineering through the preserved old photographs and equipment of those times.
One of the most beautiful places in Svaneti is the Inguri River, which originates 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 arch dam is located. This place is popular among tourists who are allowed to come here, despite the fact that the hydroelectric power station belongs to sensitive facilities. You can only get here on foot, because the roads, as well as the previously operating railway line, are closed. Another feature of the Enguri is its unusual azure hue, which is extremely rare near rivers.
Lake Paleostomi, the water in which is close to the sea, is a real pearl of Georgia. It is part of the natural Colchis reserve. A notable fact of this place are traces of a settlement from the 2nd century AD, which were found at the bottom of the lake.
The Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior is an ancient church that is on the list of sights of Svaneti. It only opens during the service, but you can ask the locals to open it for you. Here youyou can find frescoes that have survived to our times, as well as an ancient relic - a chased icon of the Savior of the 13th century, made of an alloy of gold and silver.
Thus, visiting Svaneti, in addition to natural beauty, you will find quite a lot of unique sights that everyone should see.
How to get there
If the purpose of your route is Georgia (Svaneti), how to get here, the question is quite relevant. An asph alt road to Mestia was laid recently, but with its appearance, a trip to this remote region has become quite simple. On it you can easily get to the administrative center of Svaneti. You can get to Mestia from several cities in Georgia, most of the options are from the capital of the country. A fixed-route taxi goes there from Tbilisi every day, from 6 in the morning. Travel time takes 8 hours. From here you can also get to the nearest administrative center to Mestia Zugdidi, and from there by taxi 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 no 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 changeable 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 forquite a modest amount. You can get from Kutaisi to Svaneti by fixed-route taxis that run every day.
As for another major Georgian city, Batumi, there is no direct connection to Mestia. Therefore, you will first have to take a minibus to Zugdidi, and from there transfer to another transport. The road without long stops from Zugdidi to Mestia will take 3 hours.
If you are going to use the highway, it is worth considering that public transport does not travel along it in the evening and at night. This is due to the fact that on 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 his attention to the mountains in order to have time to slow down in time in case of a rockfall. That is why driving on this road at night is unsafe. In the daytime, you can get to Mestia by any 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 it are of great importance. As for such a place as Georgia (Svaneti), the reviews of tourists about staying here are only admiring. The beauty of this region does not leave indifferent anyone who has seen it at least once. Reasons why you should visit Svaneti, based on the reviews of tourists:
- unique beauty of nature;
- a beautiful ski resort, where there is not yet a large crowd due to its youth;
-rich excursion program;
- hikes in the most beautiful corners of the earth;
- interesting culture;
- Svan hospitality;
- delicious dishes that Georgia is famous for.
Negative impressions of this place did not leave any of its guests. Everyone who comes here strives to return to Svaneti again to see once again one of the most beautiful places in the country.
Mountain Svaneti – heaven on earth
If you want to take a break from the bustle of megacities, enjoy unity with nature, see the most interesting places, Georgia (Svaneti) will be an excellent choice of travel direction. Having been here, everyone leaves a part of himself in the mountainous country, changing in some way. That is why this place is worth visiting for anyone who is tired of the monotony of big cities and wants to get fresh impressions.
In Svaneti you will meet real centenarians who will be able to tell you the amazing story of their land. True, it should be borne in mind that you will need the help of an interpreter, only a few speak Russian here. Most of the locals do not speak Georgian either, so if you want to communicate with native Svans, take care of a guide who will help you communicate.
Goodwill, hospitality, sincerity and kindness are the qualities that distinguish the proud inhabitants of Svaneti. Having been here, talking with the Svans and seeing the primordial beauty of this place, which is not spoiled by civilization, perhaps you yourself will change in some way. In anyThe occasion to visit Svaneti, which is rightfully called the pearl of Georgia, should be for everyone who wants to see one of the most beautiful places on earth.
