Chalaadi Glacier
ჭალაადის მყინვარი
The most accessible glacier near Mestia. A forest trail round trip of about 3–4 hours takes you to the glacier tongue for close-up views of ice caves and moraines.
Chalaadi Glacier lies about 8 km north of Mestia. From town, a taxi takes about 20 minutes to the footbridge over the Mestiachala River. Past the bridge, follow the valley through birch forest and across rocky moraine. The route is about 4 km one way with roughly 300 m of ascent. Wooden signs along the way mark where the glacier has retreated over the years, which makes the change very clear. Near the glacier tongue, watch for falling rocks and do not enter the ice caves. The hike is easy and family-friendly, making it a good half-day outing.
Opening hours
All day (summer and autumn)
Nearby sights
- Koruldi Lakes
- Mikheil Khergiani House Museum
- Margiani House Museum
- Svan Towers of Mestia
- Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography
- Hatsvali Ski Resort
- Ushba & Shdugra Waterfall
- Zuruldi Ridge