Chalaadi Glacier

The crown jewel of Mestia, Georgia, is not a building or monument, but its breathtaking hiking trails. Among them, the journey to the Chalaadi Glacier stands as one of the most popular and accessible adventures for visitors of all levels.

The Chalaadi Glacier is a six-kilometer-long glacial tongue that descends from the slopes of the towering Mount Ushba and neighboring Chatini, cascading down through the narrow gorge of the Chalaadi River and eventually into the valley of the Mestiachala River. This glacier serves as a route for experienced alpinists ascending to Ushba and Chatini’s heights. But for the everyday traveler, a well-trodden path leads to the glacier’s lower edge—making it the most easily reachable glacier in the region. If you find yourself in Mestia and have never set foot near a glacier before, Chalaadi is the ideal place to begin. Other glaciers in the area are more remote and demand greater effort to reach.

The glacier descends to an altitude of 1,920 meters above sea level, where its ice begins to melt. From Mestia, a road winds up to 1,730 meters, allowing you to drive most of the way before continuing on foot. The entire route is clearly marked from start to finish.

At first, you may imagine that reaching the glacier and strolling across its icy surface will be easy. However, it’s important to understand the difference between reaching the glacier’s edge and climbing onto its pristine, upper layers—two entirely separate challenges. Most visitors only reach the terminus of the glacial tongue, where the hike ends and the ice begins. Attempting to climb higher requires stamina, proper gear, and careful planning.

Approaching the glacier carries risks, particularly in summer or early autumn, when the sun’s warmth triggers melting. Rocks that have fallen from the cliffs above and become embedded in the ice are gradually released as the glacier thaws, tumbling down into the river and across the surface—a serious hazard for those venturing too close.

Despite the dramatic terrain, this is a remarkably scenic and family-friendly outing. The hike does not demand serious physical training, and the route is well maintained with marked paths that wind through forested trails. The journey begins at Mestia’s central square. From there, head in the direction of the airport until you reach the suspension bridge. Nearby, a café offers refreshments and picnic supplies, and you can leave your car in the area before continuing on foot.

Once across the bridge, the trail leads into the forest. Follow the signs and trail indicators—they will guide you all the way to the glacier. The walk is gentle, and most travelers complete it without fatigue or hunger. In good weather, the trail offers stunning views and a relatively comfortable experience. If you’re planning a more strenuous ascent, such as the hike to Koruldi Lakes, a trip to Chalaadi is an excellent warm-up for your body and mind.

The full round-trip trek to the glacier and back takes around three hours, assuming a steady pace and no extended stops. The route stretches over 12.5 kilometers in total.
GPS coordinates of the Chalaadi Glacier: 43.117124, 42.696214.

• Even during hot summer days, the area near the glacier is cold—be sure to bring a warm jacket.
• The total elevation gain on the hike is over 500 meters.
• The best time to visit is summer and early autumn.
• Avoid the hike during rainy weather—the trail becomes slippery and dangerous.
• Wear comfortable, sporty footwear suitable for uneven terrain.