Boomtown Mestia

After two days in the quiet Mazeri, we made our way to Mestia, the administrative center of the region. Since there are no marshrutkas or other public transportation options from Mazeri, Antonia had her first experience hitchhiking. Mestia is currently experiencing a tourist boom. Originally known for winter sports, more and more hikers are now coming in the summer. The streets are filled with people wearing hiking boots and backpacks, as well as construction workers in flip-flops. Guesthouses are popping up everywhere. Every family clears out one or more rooms and nails a sign saying "Guest House" to their gate. The region of Svaneti and Mestia are known for their many defensive towers. In the past, every family built their own tower to seek protection from enemies or snow avalanches.

The hiking trails around Mestia are popular. The classic four-day hike that most tourists come to Mestia for is still ahead of us. For now, we started with a two-day hike that took us up to the Koruldi Lakes.

After 6 hours and 1,400 meters of elevation gain, we set up our tent for the first time. Despite camping at an elevation of 2,800 meters, it was not as cold as expected - our new sleeping bags and Antonia's fleece onesie passed their trial by fire. At least Antonia slept like a baby.

The next morning, Matthias climbed to the summit of the Koruldi Range (3,328 m). From there, you have a phenomenal view of Mount Ushba with its glaciers and the surrounding mountains of the main ridge of the Greater Caucasus. In the afternoon, we descended back to Mestia.