Private Day Tour from Kutaisi to Svaneti Zagar Pass and Ushguli

5.0 (13 reviews) 12–13 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

13 reviews

5.0

Private Day Tour from Kutaisi to Svaneti Zagar Pass and Ushguli — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Private Day Tour from Kutaisi to Svaneti Zagar Pass and Ushguli, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Explore Svaneti on a unique 4x4 adventure from Kutaisi to Ushguli via the legendary Zagar Pass (2,620m). Unlike standard tours via Mestia, we take the rugged route connecting Lower and Upper Svaneti. Visit the ancient 6th-century Lamaria Church, UNESCO towers, Rachkha Waterfall, and Muashi springs. Perfect for those wanting to skip the crowds in a high-performance vehicle.

Available from April to November . (sometimes until December, weather permitting)

Highlights:

Off-road via Zagar Pass to Svaneti

6th-century Lamaria Church & Ushguli

Rachkha Waterfall & Muashi springs

Private 4x4 tour (Skip the crowds)

Day Trips Nature and Wildlife Tours Full-day Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours 4WD Tours

At a glance

Duration: 12–13 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–6
Guide: English
Operated by: Caucasus Voyage

Ages: Adults (1–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Private transportation
Included: Bottled water
Included: On-board WiFi: WiFi on board
Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Air-conditioned vehicle

Not included

Not included: We'll stop at a local restaurant in Ushguli for lunch (at your own expense). You can try authentic Svanetian flavors, including the famous Kubdari and other traditional dishes.

Itinerary

Stop 1

30 min

Stop at the magnificent Rachkha Waterfall, a hidden natural wonder located right by the road. Travelers can enjoy the refreshing mist, take stunning photos of the powerful cascades, and experience the wild beauty of the Racha region's landscape before we continue the off-road journey toward Svaneti.
Stop 2

2 h 10 min

Experience the thrill of crossing the Zagar Pass (2,620m), the highest point of your journey. This rugged mountain pass offers breathtaking 360-degree panoramas of the Greater Caucasus peaks and serves as the wild gateway between Lower and Upper Svaneti. You will see untouched alpine landscapes, dramatic ridges, and deep valleys. This is a true off-road adventure that very few travelers get to experience, providing incredible photo opportunities at every turn.
Sasashi

one hour

Visit the hidden alpine resort of Muashi, located near the village of Sasashi. Known for its therapeutic mineral springs and lush coniferous forests, Muashi offers a serene escape with stunning mountain views. Travelers can taste the natural mineral water directly from the source and enjoy the pristine landscape of Lower Svaneti before we begin your ascent toward the Zagar Pass.
LaMaria Church

30 min

Visit the ancient Lamaria Church of the Mother of God, a site of immense spiritual importance dating back to the 6th-10th centuries. Located at the highest point of Ushguli, this stone complex is a true fortress of faith. Inside, you will discover remarkably preserved medieval frescoes and ancient inscriptions. The church offers a profound connection to Svaneti's early Christian heritage, all while standing in the shadow of the massive Shkhara Glacier. It is one of the most sacred and photogenic spots in all of Georgia.
Ushguli

3 hours

Explore Ushguli, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the highest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe (2,100m). You will step back in time as you walk through a village frozen in the Middle Ages, surrounded by dozens of iconic Svan defensive towers dating back to the 9th-12th centuries. These unique stone structures served both as family homes and fortresses to protect locals from invaders and avalanches. Standing against the backdrop of the massive Shkhara Glacier, the highest peak in Georgia, Ushguli offers a mystical atmosphere where ancient traditions and mountain law still breathe. It is the crown jewel of Svaneti, offering an unforgettable blend of history, culture, and wild Caucasian nature.

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

WhatsApp and meet them on the bus stop right next to Kolkha Fountain, in front of McDonald’s, 1 Tbilisi Street, Kutaisi, Georgia. The driver and vehicle will display the company sign, and the vehicle will stop at the designated area for easy pickup

End point

WhatsApp and meet them on the bus stop right next to Kolkha Fountain, in front of McDonald’s, 1 Tbilisi Street, Kutaisi, Georgia. The driver and vehicle will display the company sign, and the vehicle will stop at the designated area for easy pickup

Pickup points

Kutaisi Airport

Pickup is at the entrance of the provided location. The driver-guide will contact you in advance by phone or WhatsApp and wait with a sign displaying the company name. The vehicle will also have the company sign.

Please be punctual. As this is a private tour, we offer a 15-minute grace period. Significant delays may require us to shorten the itinerary to ensure we reach all sites before closing time.