Svaneti by car: Mestia and Ushguli
A mountain road via Zugdidi to the Svan towers of Mestia and on to Ushguli. How long it takes and which car you need.
Upper Svaneti is a mountain region with ancient defensive towers, one of the most beautiful parts of Georgia.
Getting there
- From Kutaisi to Mestia: about 230 km via Zugdidi, roughly 5 hours.
- From Tbilisi: about 470 km, 8–9 hours; better to stop overnight in Kutaisi or Zugdidi.
- The last 130 km from Zugdidi is a mountain road along the Enguri. It is paved but winding — drive in daylight and take your time.
Ushguli
One of the highest villages in Europe, about 45 km from Mestia. The road is harder and parts of it may be unpaved, so a car with all-wheel drive and good ground clearance is best.
Good to know
- Fill up in Zugdidi or Mestia.
- In winter and spring there may be snow and avalanches — check the weather and our winter roads tips.
- Insurance does not cover accidents off the road or off-road driving — stay on the road.