Mountain season in Georgia: Kazbegi, Svaneti, passes

Summer is the best time for Georgia’s mountains. From late spring to early autumn the high-mountain roads and passes are at their most accessible, and the peaks are more often clear — the most predictable season for trips to Kazbek and Svaneti.

A few pointers for the season:

• The Georgian Military Road and Kazbegi. In summer it’s easiest to reach Stepantsminda and climb up to Gergeti Trinity Church. A ready-made plan is in the Tbilisi → Kazbegi in 2 days route.
• Svaneti. The road to Mestia and higher up to Ushguli is at its most passable in summer; in winter the high mountains are often cut off by snow.
• The passes. Even in season the mountain weather is changeable — check the road conditions and the forecast before you set off, especially if you’re driving.

In winter the high-mountain sections can close due to snow and avalanche risk, so it’s best to plan mountain trips for the warm season. And when to visit Georgia for the sea, wine or cities is in our best time to visit by season guide. For the trip itself, line up a car in advance (with good ground clearance for the high mountains) and somewhere to stay in the mountain villages — see the boxes below. For more ideas, see the routes section and what to see.