ProSvanetiSvaneti Travel Blog
Practical guides written by people who drive these roads — no brochure talk, just what actually matters for your trip.
"Svan" — a film that helps you understand Svaneti more deeply
The Georgian film "Svan" (2007) by directors Soso and Badri Jachwliani tells the story of blood feud and family conflicts, offering a deeper understanding of Svaneti's culture and people's mentality. This artistic work complements travel impressions by revealing the complex relationships between individuals, family, and society within the context of Svan traditions.
Updated 2026-10-13newsElectricity in Mestia: Consumption Down 22% After Meter Installation
Electricity consumption in Mestia municipality has fallen 22% thanks to newly installed smart meters deployed in the fight against illegal cryptocurrency mining. Authorities are considering new payment rules for electricity, but the tourism sector remains concerned about reliable power supply heading into the winter season.
Updated 2026-10-11newsGeorgian Folklore in Chuberi and Mestia: Traditional Music Evenings
Two evenings of traditional Georgian music are coming to Svaneti: October 11 in Chuberi and October 12 in Mestia. The Georgian folk song and instrumental ensemble Iberia will perform alongside the Svan ensemble Neneskra, sharing a program of traditional songs and national melodies.
Updated 2026-10-10newsSki Season 2024: Tetnuldi and Hatsvali Prepare for Opening
M.T.A. has announced the opening of Tetnuldi and Hatsvali ski resorts on December 20. Major upgrades are underway before the season: the dirt access road is being paved with concrete, parking facilities are being renovated, and cable car systems are receiving full technical maintenance.
Updated 2026-10-09newsFirst Snow on Zagara Pass in Upper Svaneti
Zagara Pass in Upper Svaneti has seen its first snowfall, making road conditions hazardous for cars equipped with summer tires. Plan your route carefully and account for current weather conditions before heading out.
Updated 2026-10-02newsMestia Airport Terminal Tender Fails to Attract Bidders
A tender for building a new passenger terminal at Queen Tamar Airport in Mestia closed without receiving a single bid, though the 15.047 million lari project remains on the agenda. A re-tender is expected, but no timeline has been announced yet.
Updated 2026-10-01newsSvaneti at Tourism EXPO Japan 2026 in Tokyo
DMO Svaneti is representing Svaneti at the international tourism exhibition Tourism EXPO Japan 2026 in Tokyo (September 24–27). Exhibition visitors learn about Svan towers, mountain routes, winter resorts, and the region's legendary hospitality.
Updated 2026-09-27newsSvaneti's Slopes Turn Red: Barberry in Autumn Splendor
Each autumn, Svaneti's mountain slopes become covered with bright red barberry berries (kotsakhuri in Georgian), a staple of Georgian cuisine used as a spice and souring agent. The striking red bushes create a picturesque landscape against the backdrop of autumn grasses and rocky terrain.
Updated 2026-09-25newsSolo on Ushba: Georgian alpinist repeats a 30-year-old record
Georgian alpinist Levan Mosashvili completed a solo ascent of Ushba, one of the most challenging peaks in the Caucasus. This marks the first solo climb of this summit by a Georgian alpinist in three decades.
Updated 2026-09-23newsElectricity Meters Coming to Mestia: GNERC Installation Timeline
Georgia's energy regulator GNERC announced that smart meters will be installed in Mestia by late autumn to identify consumption spikes and illegal cryptocurrency mining. However, no concrete timeline for solving electricity outages or new billing terms for residents has been provided.
Updated 2026-09-17newsWarm Weather in Svaneti September 10-14: Perfect for Trekking and Outdoor Activities
After a period of rain and cooler temperatures, good weather is returning to Svaneti. September 10-14 brings warm, dry conditions with temperatures of +24…+26°C in Mestia. It's the perfect time for trekking, visiting Ushguli, and enjoying outdoor activities in the mountains of western Georgia.
Updated 2026-09-09newsZagaro Road Reopens: Temporary SARM Bridge Ready for Traffic
On August 30th, installation of the temporary SARM bridge near Sakdari village on the Lentekhi–Lasdili road was completed. The temporary bridge is now open to all vehicles. The Lentekhi–Zagaro Pass–Ushguli route has been restored. Work continues on-site to install railings and build out the sidewalk. Plans are in place for a permanent bridge to be constructed in the future.
Updated 2026-08-30newsMestia Airport Gets New Terminal: 15 Million Lari Tender Announced
Georgia's airports authority has announced a tender for a new passenger terminal at Queen Tamara Airport in Mestia. The project, worth approximately 15.05 million GEL, will be designed to handle around 50,000 passengers annually. Tender submissions are scheduled for September 2026, with construction taking up to 24 months. The new terminal will increase airport capacity, improve passenger conditions, and support continued tourism growth in Svaneti.
Updated 2026-08-29newsTemporary SARM Bridge on Lentekhi-Lasdili Road: Traffic Restoration in Svaneti
A temporary SARM bridge will be installed on the Lentekhi-Lasdili road near Sakdari village to restore traffic flow. The existing bridge was destroyed by a swollen river following heavy rainfall. A detour for high-clearance vehicles is currently in operation. Plans for a permanent bridge are already prepared.
Updated 2026-08-29newsHaldeoba 2026: Traditional Festival in Khalde Village on August 15
On August 15, the traditional Haldeoba festival will take place in Khalde — a day of remembrance for the uprising of 1875–1876. Guests can enjoy Svan cuisine, view a historical photo exhibition, and watch performances by Mestia's folk ensemble 'Riho'. The event begins at 1:00 PM and is organized by the Mestia Municipality administration.
Updated 2026-08-14newsMestia-Khatsvali Cableway Operating Again: Schedule and Details
Svaneti's cableways have resumed regular service. Since August 13, both lines operate daily: Mestia-Khatsvali and Khatsvali-Zuruldi. Hours: 10:00–17:00, with tickets available at the ticket office until 16:30.
Updated 2026-08-13newsZugdidi to Mestia Road Open: Clarification on August Road Works
ProSvaneti clarifies the situation with road works in August: the main Zugdidi to Mestia route remains accessible on August 14-15. Repairs do not affect the primary tourist corridor.
Updated 2026-08-13newsRoad Closure Mestia–Zugdidi August 14–15: Tourist Information
On August 14–15, the Khaishi–Mestia road section will close for road maintenance work. Minibuses will operate via an alternate route through Lentekhi and Zagaro Pass. If you're traveling in or out of Svaneti those dates, confirm departure times with your transport operator in advance, especially if you have connecting flights or trains.
Updated 2026-08-12newsPerseids Over Svaneti — Night Mountain Excursion on August 12
Join us for a night trip to watch the Perseids meteor shower in the mountains of Svaneti. On August 12, we depart from Mestia to reach high altitude with zero light pollution, where you can see shooting stars, the Milky Way, and the silhouettes of the Caucasus ridge. In 2026, conditions are especially favorable thanks to minimal moonlight interference.
Updated 2026-08-09newsPerseids Over Svaneti: The August 2026 Meteor Shower
The night of August 12-13, 2026 is the perfect time to watch the Perseid meteor shower in Svaneti. A new moon and dark mountain skies will create ideal conditions to see 30-50 meteors per hour. Practical tips for watching and preparing.
Updated 2026-08-09newsAugust 8 — International Mountaineering Day: History and Significance for Svaneti
August 8 marks International Mountaineering Day—a date tied to the first successful ascent of Mont Blanc in 1786. For Svaneti, mountaineering is far more than a sport; it's woven into the culture and fabric of life. The region is renowned as the birthplace of outstanding alpinists, including the legendary Mikhail Khergiani, known as the "Tiger of the Rocks." His house-museum operates in Mestia. This article pays tribute to mountaineers, mountain guides, and rescue workers, reminding us of the most important truth of the mountains: the greatest victory is coming home.
Updated 2026-08-08newsMaster Class from Italy's Speed Climbing Coach in Mestia
An international speed climbing master class will take place in Mestia, led by Stanislao Zama—coach of Italy's national team. The event aims to develop young athletes in the region and strengthen cooperation between Georgia's National Climbing Federation and Mestia's sports school.
Updated 2026-08-08newsHatsvi Cable Car Opens for Summer Season on August 8
The Zuruldi (Hatsvi) cable car officially opens for the summer season on August 8. Hours: daily 10:00–17:00. Tickets are sold at the resort office until 16:30; MultiCard 10-day passes from previous seasons can also be reactivated.
Updated 2026-08-06newsQuirikoba in Svaneti: Ancient Religious Holiday on July 28
On July 28 in the village of Kala in Svaneti, Quirikoba takes place — one of the most revered religious holidays in the region. Thousands of pilgrims from across Georgia travel to this holy site to participate in divine services and ancient rituals. It is a sacred day filled with faith and centuries-old traditions, not a tourist festival.
Updated 2026-08-01eventsMestia Ultra 2026 Results: Every Distance, Every Winner, and What the Race Tells You About Svaneti
On 18 July 2026, 711 runners started from Seti Square in Mestia and 657 finished. Full results by distance, the standout stories, and what the course reveals about the region's best hikes.
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