The standard Mestia to Ushguli trek is one of the most popular multi-day hikes in Georgia – the only downside is it can feel busy during peak season!

I much prefer this alternative route to Ushguli via Tsvirmi which avoids the worst of the crowds. Like the standard route it's moderate difficulty and can be done in three days, staying in guest houses overnight.

The route

From Mestia, you ascend onto the Zuruldi massif, then descend to the village of Tsvirmi, head to the Tetnuldi ski resort before merging with the classic trail to Ushguli via Adishi on day three and finish with Iprali to Ushguli on day four.

I prefer this path because it offers much more pleasing scenery from the beginning and fewer hikers. The only downside is that the start of the first (if you can't take the cable car) and the second days are less scenic.

From the cable car's top, the path goes to Zuruldi Ridge, where incredible panoramic vistas open up. The descent to Tsvimri goes through a steep forest with several vertical drops at some places.

The beginning of the Tsvimri-Tetnuldi resort path follows the main road of Mestia-Ushguli - the least favourite part of the trek, but the views of Mt. Ushba make up for it.

Need to know

Guesthouses along the way offer a comfortable stay with meals. I love hiking this trail in September when the crowds are smaller, the weather is still warm, and the landscapes are gorgeous. June through October is generally a good time for this hike.

You can take the new cable car from Mestia to the top of Zuruldi Ridge to skip the more challenging and least picturesque part. However, be prepared that the cable car might be closed, and you would still have to hike the unappealing first part of the trail. I suggest enquiring with the host in Mestia