Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti: Nature, Trails and Cultural Heritage

Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti brings together the historic regions of Samegrelo and Zemo Svaneti. Zugdidi and Mestia are their respective centers. This regional guide is a good starting point for planning your trip: would you like to focus mainly on Samegrelo, its river and wetland landscapes, and historic sites, or are the highland churches and hikes in Svaneti your main interest?

Destinations range from short walks and canyons to hikes lasting several hours or several days. Culture enthusiasts will also find a range of points of interest: palaces and museums, archaeological sites, churches and recurring festivals. If you are looking for hotels in Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti, you can use the planned focus of your trip as a guide when searching.

Landscapes, Water and Nature Destinations

Samegrelo has a humid subtropical climate and is characterized by mighty rivers, swamps, springs and lakes. Kolkheti National Park is in the western part of the historic region. In 1996, it was granted the status of a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. Visitors can explore the park’s Colchian forests and wetlands by boat, motorboat, pontoon boat or kayak. Up to a hundred species of migratory birds can be observed from the observation towers.

Caves and unusual waterways are also among the natural attractions. Shurubumu Cave, near Mukhuri, contains stalagmites and stalactites and is a destination for caving enthusiasts. The character of the Deizakhi River near Shurubumu changes over the course of the year: in spring it emerges from underground, then later disappears among the mosses.

The canyons vary in length and in the activities they offer. Balda Canyon is 1,400 meters long and a destination for relaxation and swimming; picnicking, fishing and kayaking are also possible there. Water conditions can change seasonally. At Martvili Canyon, a 700-meter forest path passes two natural bridges and three viewing platforms. Conditions on site may change, so it is worth checking them before your visit.

Palaces, Museums and Historic Sites

Zugdidi is home to the Dadiani Palace, one of the first European-style palaces built in the historic region of Odishi. The museum housed in the two Dadiani palaces contains more than 44,475 ancient objects. The 67-hectare Zugdidi Botanical Garden surrounds the palace. Together, the palace, collection and garden offer different ways to explore the history and culture of the place.

Another historic focal point is the Nokalakevi Museum-Reserve. It is located at the ancient political center of the Kingdom of Colchis and the former capital site of Lazica. On display are archaeological objects dating back to the 8th or 7th century BC. The remains of a fortress built by Levan Dadiani II, Prince of Samegrelo, are preserved at Rukhi Fortress. People camp in the surrounding area and tell local stories.

In Chkhoria, near Zugdidi, the Sisa Tura Ethno-Village presents Samegrelo traditions through traditional structures and household objects in an open-air setting. Visitors can fish at an artificial lake and walk in nature. Check the latest operating details before visiting.

The churches also differ in their locations and histories. The Church of the Savior in Zhamushi dates to the 10th or 11th century and has well-preserved frescoes. One of Georgia’s first episcopal cathedrals was in operation in Tsaishi from the 7th century onward. The Dormition Cathedral there was built in the 13th or 14th century over the fragments of an older church. The Archangel Church stands on Mount Mkheri at an altitude of 2,490 meters; it has a 14th-century fresco of the Ascension.

More than 200 medieval tower houses, churches and castles are preserved in the village of Chazhashi in the municipality of Ushguli, within the Upper Svaneti World Heritage area. The highland village of Adishi is also associated with medieval religious monuments and typical Svan towers.

Planning Hikes and Festivals

The routes offer different timeframes to help you plan. The walk to Intsra Waterfall follows the Intsra River valley to a waterfall near Chkvaleri. It is considered a three-hour route of moderate difficulty; check trail conditions and the current estimated walking time before setting out. There is no direct bus connection between Zugdidi and Chkvaleri for this route. Alternatives include taking a taxi or a minibus to Jvari followed by a taxi ride. Check current connections before traveling.

A two-day hike leads from Chkvaleri to Mount Kvira, with the unusual Kuakantsalia Swinging Rock among its sights. Another option is the route from Ushguli via the Shkhara Glacier to Namkvami Lake: it is 9 kilometers long and takes 7 to 8 hours. The trail reaches the foot of the Shkhara Glacier at an altitude of 2,900 meters; Namkvami Lake, also known as Romisghele Lake, is the final stop on the route at 2,500 meters. Trail details may vary with conditions. The Tsaneri and Adishi glaciers are also on Tetnuldi, where the Enguri River rises.

Festivals offer culture enthusiasts specific dates to plan around. Lataloba is celebrated on the last Monday in July in Latali. The festivities include a church service, Svan songs and food, as well as a market for Svan products. Vlakernoba is celebrated every year on July 15. Check the exact festival arrangements before your trip.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Ushguli, Nashtkoli, Tvebishi, Adishi, Martvili, Lalkhori, Chvabiani, Lakhushdi, Chkhorotsku, Darcheli, Jvari.

For the main travel overview: Georgia.