From Mazeri to Mestia via Guli Pass: Svaneti’s Greatest Challenge

If you think you’ve already seen Svaneti, if you believe you know its peaks well, and if you’re looking for a real, grand adventure that will test your limits, then get ready. Crossing the Guli Pass is not just a hike. It is a two-day epic, a battle with yourself, and finally, a reward that words cannot describe – a panorama of the Caucasus that will stay with you forever.

This is a path for those who are ready to leave their comfort zone and look into the heart of Svaneti.

Day 1: The Endless Ascent – From Mazeri to the Campsite

Everything begins in the village of Mazeri, right before the eyes of Ushba. The first few kilometers are deceptively easy – you follow a forest path, cross the Gulichala River, and gradually gain altitude. At first, everything is idyllic: meadows full of flowers, the coolness of the forest, and Ushba looming in the distance.

But very soon, the trail reveals its true character. A grueling, endless ascent begins. Every step demands strength, your lungs feel the lack of oxygen, and your heart beats like crazy. This is the section where you ask yourself, “What was I thinking?”. But as soon as you look back and see how high you’ve climbed and how the valley unfolds at your feet, you find new strength.

At the end of the first day, at the base of the pass, at about 2600 meters, you will reach an ideal camping spot. Pitching a tent, lighting a fire, and spending the night surrounded by the giants of the Caucasus – this is the reward for the first day.

Day 2: Over the Pass and to the Other Side – From the Clouds to Mestia

The second day begins with the ascent to the pass. This is the last, most difficult section, but the motivation is immense. And then, there you are, standing on the Guli Pass, at an altitude of 2960 meters! In this moment, all fatigue is forgotten. Before you is a 360-degree panorama: on one side, the twin-peaked Ushba is so close it feels like you could reach out and touch it; on the other side, you can see the Mestia valley, Tetnuldi, Laila, and the endless peaks of the Svaneti Range. This is a view that changes your life.

But that’s not all. A long, tiring descent that is a true test for the knees awaits you – the way down to Mestia. The trail returns from the alpine zone back into the forest, and after several hours of walking, the towers of Mestia will appear in the distance. This is the feeling of victory!

Hike Details at a Glance

Route: Mazeri – Guli Pass – Mestia
Difficulty: Very Hard
Duration: 2 days (1 night of camping)
Total Distance: Approx. 20-22 kilometers
Highest Point: 2960 meters
Total Elevation Gain: Over 1500 meters

⚠️ What You Need to Know!

When to go? Only from mid-July to mid-September, when the pass is free of snow.
Experience: This route is not for beginners! It requires very good physical fitness, endurance, and basic navigation skills.
Equipment: Full trekking gear is necessary: a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and a camping stove. Sturdy hiking boots, poles, a GPS, and a map are essential.
Safety: The weather can change in seconds. Be sure to check the forecast and be prepared for anything.

Crossing the Guli Pass is an adventure that will test you, but in return, it will give you something money can never buy – belief in yourself and memories that will last a lifetime.