Tvebishi: Hiking Trails Toward Mazeri

In the Upper Svaneti trail network, Tvebishi is a junction on the route toward Mazeri. The Etseri–Meziri–Becho route also reaches the village after its forest section and then continues toward Mazeri. For planning your trip, it helps to distinguish between these details: the first describes how to orient yourself within a trail network, while the second describes a named hiking route with information about its length, difficulty, and duration.

Finding your way on the trail to Mazeri

On the trail toward Mazeri, hikers pass a mineral spring, cross the Dolra River, and go by the Grand Hotel Ushba. At a T-junction, the trail then branches off toward Mazeri. The river crossing and the turnoff are two different landmarks; their order helps you follow the route. Check local trail conditions before setting out: trail routes and minor infrastructure can change, and conditions on the trail vary seasonally.

The Etseri–Meziri–Becho route

This route is 18 kilometers long, rated moderate, and described as doable in one day. Its forest section descends to Tvebishi and then continues toward Mazeri. The three details answer different planning questions: route length, difficulty, and time frame. The one-day estimate complements the distance; together with the moderate rating, it gives an indication of the hike’s duration and level of challenge.

Terrain, views, and Lake Meziri

The Etseri–Meziri–Becho route offers views of southern Ushba and the villages of the Becho community. It passes through alpine meadows, forests, and mountain terrain. This lets you take both the views and the different landscapes along the way into account when choosing your route. The very small, high-altitude Lake Meziri is also on the hiking route. In summer, it may be relatively dry; at the same time, it reflects the surrounding peaks and alpine nature.

Church on the Etseri–Meziri–Becho route

On the route, the Mezuris Angelosi Church stands on a hill and is believed to date from the 11th century. A small lake and a shelter are located below it. The route passes through the wider Becho Valley and reaches Tvebishi. Since access conditions may vary seasonally, take them into account when planning your hike.

Regional context: Samegrelo and Upper Svaneti

Within the wider destination of Samegrelo and Upper Svaneti, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti comprises the historical and geographical regions of Samegrelo and Zemo Svaneti; their centers are Zugdidi and Mestia, respectively. Upper Svaneti was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996. Zemo Svaneti features alpine nature, clear lakes, the Enguri River with fast-flowing tributaries, and waterfalls.

Another hike in Samegrelo and Upper Svaneti runs from Mestia to Ushguli and takes four days; its length is about 57 kilometers. Compared with the Etseri–Meziri–Becho route, at 18 kilometers and described as a one-day hike, it has a different time frame. Mountain conditions and route logistics can change; take these factors into account when planning.

Discover more destinations: Adishi, Chkhorotsku, Lakhushdi, Chvabiani, Ushguli, Martvili, Nashtkoli, Lalkhori

For the wider travel overview: Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti.