Chalaadi Glacier — Attraction in Samegrelo-Upper Svaneti

A nice opportunity to see closely and experience a walk on a glacier. Could have a nice hike either from Mestia towncentre as a long route or go by horses or a vehicle up to the point where the narrow pedestrian drawbridge over Mestiachala river suspends which you need to cross towards left to the valley where the glacier is. Beautiful scenery and flora with amazing flowers on the route before reaching the glacier. Although some go under the ice cave on the lower edge of the glacier where the glacier ice is melting to form a small river, it is certainly dangerous to get close the edge of the glacier due to falling rocks from upper slopes and the cracking ice which could collapse. A must see nature wonder if you are visiting Mestia region in Svaneti...

By the way, it is pity that construction works were ongoing for a new hydroelectric dam on the river which I believe will change the flora and the balance of the nature negatively :( Let's hope...

A visit to the glacier is a perfect half day trip from Mestia. From Mestia town a 12-14 km drive gets you to the parking area. The road is a little bumpy in patches but doable in a sedan. There is an old rickety wooden bridge across the river that one needs to cross to begin the hike.

The hike takes 3- 3.5 hours with plenty of stops for photos. The path is uphill in the start and after that its a walk through the forest, the stream keeps company on one side. Through the trees you get glimpses of the mountains and later you reach the boulder strewn valley. Watch your footing here as you walk/scramble on the boulders to reach the glacier. The glacier is the destination and its a wonderful sight. Do not go too close since small rocks and boulders keep rolling down the glacier in short intervals.

There are no cafes after the initial ascent so carry water and snacks. The visit is well...

This is a beautiful moderate hike. The beginning is a little steep, but then it gets a bit easier, but still has ups and downs. Most part of it is through the forest, so it's not hot. The last part of it (probably last 15 minutes) is rock scramble - it can be challenging for older folks. We're a fit couple in our mid-40s and for us it was FUN! It's not a boring trail, the forest is nice and has a lot of flowers, mushrooms and berries, the river flows by and some small springs; the view on the glacier is good and peaceful - it's a little chilly near it, but I was good in a t-shirt. We made it in under 3 hours back and forth in a leisure pace. I didn't have any expectations before we started and boy I'm...