Mkheereti — Journey to One of Europe's Highest Mountain Churches

🏔 Mkheereti — Journey to One of Europe's Highest Mountain Churches

If you want to see Svaneti from a height that few reach, head to Mount Mkheereti.

At 2,500 meters sits the Church of Archangel Gabriel — one of Europe's highest mountain churches.

Getting here is an adventure in itself. From Mestia, expect about 1.5 hours (22 km) in a 4x4 vehicle along a challenging mountain road. The route is only accessible in good weather, and an experienced local driver is essential.

At the top, you'll find a 360° panorama of the Svaneti and Greater Caucasus ridges. On clear days, you can see Ushba, Elbrus, Tetnuldi, Gistola, Laila, and many other peaks from here.

Mkheereti isn't a rush-through destination. You'll want to linger: walk around the church, set up a small picnic, take photographs, or simply soak in the mountain silence.

The trips are especially stunning at sunrise and sunset. The first rays of sunlight gradually illuminate the snow-capped peaks, while in the evening, the mountains glow in warm golden and pink hues. This is why we organize special trips:

🌅 05:00 — sunrise meeting.

🌄 18:00 — sunset tour.

The total route duration is about 5 hours.

To make the trip as comfortable as possible, bring a warm sweater or windbreaker — even in summer, it's cool at this elevation. Don't forget sturdy closed-toe shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, and a light snack if you're planning a picnic. And definitely charge your phone or camera — you'll want to take hundreds of photos from here.

💰 Pricing

• Group tour — 100 GEL per person (August 8, August 12, August 20, subject to weather conditions)

• Private tour — 600 GEL per vehicle (up to 6 people)

⚠️ Due to challenging road conditions, the possibility of the trip always depends on weather conditions.

If you've already explored Svaneti's most famous spots and want to see the region from a fresh perspective, Mkheereti is one of those routes that stays with you long after you leave.