cycling

Svaneti Cycling Tour

Ride the Enguri valley deep into the heart of the Caucasus, finishing in UNESCO-listed Mestia

Private Tour

Plan Your Own Trip

Your group, your dates, your pace. Any size — couples, families, colleagues.

From

580 GEL/person

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Scheduled Departure

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Fixed-date group departures. Solo travellers and pairs especially welcome.

Next · 6 this season

21 Jun 2025

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The Experience

The Svaneti cycling tour follows the spectacular Enguri River valley deep into the heart of the Georgian Caucasus, culminating in the UNESCO-listed town of Mestia beneath Georgia's highest peaks. Riders pass through traditional Svan villages, ancient tower clusters, and lush river gorges over four days of riding, with the soaring summits of Ushba and Shkhara as a constant backdrop. A support vehicle accompanies every stage — so the only question is how hard you want to push.

You're Ready If

40–70 km per day with 800–1,200 m of cumulative climbing. Road cycling fitness required. A support vehicle accompanies the group throughout — no rider gets left behind.

Minimum age: 14 years

Highlights

  • 01Ride 228 km through the Enguri valley to Mestia
  • 02Pass through UNESCO-listed Svan villages and medieval tower clusters
  • 03Uninterrupted views of Ushba, Shkhara, and the main Caucasus ridge
  • 04Mix of smooth tarmac and scenic gravel tracks
  • 05Support vehicle accompanies every stage
  • 06Optional 4WD excursion to Ushguli, Europe's highest inhabited village

Day by Day

The Journey

Day 1

Tbilisi to Zugdidi – Transfer & Bike Fitting

🏠 Guesthouse

Morning departure from Tbilisi by minivan with bikes secured to the roof rack. The four-hour drive crosses the Likhi Range and descends into the lush Samegrelo lowlands. Arrive in Zugdidi early afternoon for bike fitting, gear check, and a full route briefing. Overnight at a local guesthouse — a calm start before the riding begins.

Day 2

Zugdidi to Khaishi – Reservoir Road

4–5 hrs55 km+820 m🏠 Guesthouse

First saddle time. Leave Zugdidi on smooth tarmac, cross the Enguri dam, and begin following the vast turquoise reservoir northward into the foothills. The road transitions to packed gravel as the valley walls close in, with roughly 820 m of cumulative climbing through chestnut forest and scattered farming villages. Overnight in Khaishi.

Day 3

Khaishi to Lentekhi – Through the Gorge

5–6 hrs62 km+950 m🏠 Guesthouse

The valley narrows into a dramatic gorge as the Enguri river squeezes between limestone walls. A mix of paved and unpaved sections keeps concentration sharp. The gradient eases mid-route before a final push into Lentekhi, a tucked-away highland town with a strong Svan identity. Overnight at a family guesthouse.

Day 4

Lentekhi to Upper Valley – Peak Views

6–7 hrs68 km+1150 m🏠 Guesthouse

The defining riding day. The valley opens into wide alpine meadows and the main Caucasus ridge fills the horizon — Ushba's twin peaks and the bulk of Shkhara are impossible to ignore. The climbs are serious but the descents are long and fast. Reach the day's end camp as the light turns golden on the peaks.

Day 5

Arrival in Mestia – Into the Tower Town

3–4 hrs43 km+620 m🏨 Hotel

The final push into Mestia. The road climbs through meadows past ancient stone watchtowers as the town gradually comes into view. Roll into the UNESCO-listed town for a celebratory dinner and a well-earned evening walk through the medieval tower district. Return transfer to Tbilisi departs after breakfast the following morning.

Elevation Profile

228 km · max 1,500 m

1,500m1,50090228 km total distance

What's Covered

We Handle

  • Professional English-speaking cycling guide
  • Support vehicle throughout all riding days
  • Mountain or gravel bike rental (helmet included)
  • Transport Tbilisi–Zugdidi and Mestia–Tbilisi
  • All accommodation (guesthouses and hotel in Mestia)
  • Meals as per itinerary (breakfast and dinner daily)
  • Group first-aid kit and basic bike repair tools

You Bring / Arrange

  • International flights to Georgia
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Personal cycling gear (padded shorts, gloves, cleats)
  • Lunches and personal snacks
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Ushguli 4WD excursion (6-day variant only — included in price)
  • Tips for guide and guesthouse hosts

Gallery

Book This Tour

Choose Your Path

Private Tour

Plan Your Trip

Itinerary

Group Size

2× 480 GEL/person

Optional Add-ons

2 people × 480 GEL960 GEL
Total960 GEL
30% deposit to confirm288 GEL

Scheduled Departure

Join a Departure

Questions

FAQ

Is this road or mountain biking?+

A mix of both. Roughly 60% paved or hard-packed gravel road, 40% rougher unpaved track. The bikes provided are mountain or gravel bikes suited to both surfaces. A premium gravel bike upgrade is available as an add-on.

What is the daily distance and climbing?+

Between 43 and 68 km per day, with 620–1,150 m of cumulative climbing. Day 4 is the hardest. The support vehicle is available at all times — any rider who needs a lift at any point is welcome to take it without question.

Do I need to bring my own bike?+

No — a quality mountain or gravel bike is included in the price. If you prefer to bring your own, let us know when booking and we'll confirm it fits the support vehicle rack.

What is the difference between the 5-day and 6-day?+

Both include the same four riding days from Zugdidi to Mestia. The 6-day adds a rest day in Mestia with a shared 4WD excursion to Ushguli — Europe's highest inhabited village and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We strongly recommend it.

Can this be done in reverse — Mestia to Zugdidi?+

Yes. The route runs in either direction. Riding Mestia to Zugdidi flips the elevation — you descend more than you climb, which some riders prefer. Contact us to discuss logistics.

What is the cancellation policy?+

Full refund up to 14 days before departure. 50% refund between 7–14 days. No refund within 7 days of departure. In the event of road closures or extreme weather making the route unsafe, we reschedule at no penalty.

From

580 GEL/person

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