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Mestia

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Mestia is a city in Upper Svaneti, Georgia. It's the regional capital.

[edit] Get in

There is exactly one road from Kutaisi to Upper Svaneti. There is a small airport. Flights are in a small propeller plane and only twice a week, but are provided free of charge, from the Georgia Police (as of June 2009) between Kutaisi and Mestia.

There is a 'marshrutka' (small bus) running from Tbilisi for 35 Lari, but it takes 12 hours mostly on twist. The scenery is wonderful.

In the summer time a plane flown by the Georgian military will give you a ride between Kutasi and Mestia. The plane will only work on "perfect" days. This is a very fun experience! The cost is free to the locals, or ~$15USD for foreigners. It will take off from a grassy field in Mestia, and land in Kutasi in less then an hour! This will cut off about 6-8 hours of travel time to the capital! The plane fly's on Saturdays and leaves Kutasi at 9. The pilot's name is Leri - 877-199-689.

A new airport in Mestia has recently opened, and flights between Mestia and Tbilisi are now available 5 times a week for 75 lari each way. Reserve tickets at least a week in advance.

[edit] Get around

Marshrutki. Plane.

[edit][add listing] See

The Svaneti Historical-Ethnographic Museum, which has one of the oldest New Testament manuscripts in Georgian on display.

House and Museum of the world-famous alpinist Mikhail Hergiani

[edit][add listing] Do

Mountain Tourist activities, supported by the Mountain Tourist Centre of Svaneti, Pereulok Stalina No. 7, two-hundred metres from the main square in Mestia.

Mestia is also the embarkation point for a trip to Ushghuli, the highest altitude inhabited point in Europe. There is another small ethnographical museum there, containing 12th century religious artwork.

[edit][add listing] Buy

Beautiful works of Folk art can be bought at the Mountain Tourist Centre.

[edit][add listing] Eat

[edit][add listing] Drink

Lots of interesting mineral water. And of course, as anywhere in Georgia, marvellous Georgian wine. And Raki!

[edit][add listing] Sleep

Accommodation options are limited.

  • Hotel "Mestia", Zurab Devdariani, 577721211,590721211
  • Nino Ratiani's Guesthouse, 1 Queen Tamari Street Akhalsheni, ☎ +995 99 18 35 55 +995 90 52 78 18 (), [2]. Guesthouse with private and single rooms, internet, hot water and wonderful Georgian meals. Six bedrooms total. Warm and friendly owners that speak English. Additional services and airport pick ups, meal requests, cooking lessons, etc. can be arranged. $20-25 per person (including three meals).  edit
  • Nino Tstulukiani's Guesthouse, Guladi Japarise Street no 8, ☎ +595 58 98 39 (). Nice family run guesthouse with spacious rooms, shared sitting room and bathroom with hot water. The owner is an excellent cook. Currently (summer 2011) the family is building a hotel, located next to the guesthouse. GEL 30 per person (includes dinner and breakfast).  edit

Several people rent rooms in their houses as well:

  • House of Elguji Jorjoliani
  • House of Ketevan Gabliani (Tel. +599-56-93-58)
  • House of Malkhaza Argviliani (Tel. +599-25-90-80)
  • House of Irma Khergiani (Tel. +598-97-72-38)

[edit] Contact

[edit] NOTE

As of August 2011, massive construction works are in progress at Mestia. Therefore the place might not look so scenic.

[edit] Get out

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