About Flying in Mestia
Why Mestia?
Mestia is the center of the Svaneti region — the highest and most dramatic part of the Greater Caucasus, where peaks rise above 4,000–5,000 meters. The launch site sits at 3,150 meters altitude, on the Hatsvali ski plateau or the Koruldi Lakes direction, making it the highest paragliding location in Georgia. This altitude delivers long flights, powerful thermal currents, and a panorama that is normally only accessible to mountaineers.
Svaneti is part of the UNESCO World Heritage list — medieval Svan defense towers, deep valleys, glaciers, and untamed mountain wilderness surround you in every direction. This is not an ordinary tandem flight — it is a completely different, top-tier high-mountain experience.
What You'll See
From the first seconds, the twin-peaked summit of Mount Ushba (4,710 m) rises before you — one of the most recognizable and photogenic mountains in the Caucasus. To the left, snow-capped Tetnuldi (4,858 m) fills the horizon, while on the valley floor below, green villages and stone Svan towers dot the landscape. In summer, alpine meadows are covered in wildflowers, and glacial rivers cut through the valleys as silver ribbons.
The scale of the scenery far exceeds any other Georgian paragliding location — the entire horizon is filled with 4,000-meter peaks. During the flight, you see several glaciers simultaneously, and below, the Svan towers of Mestia look like miniature game pieces. This is a sight that exists nowhere else in Georgia.
Best Time to Fly
Mestia flights operate primarily in summer and early autumn, as high-mountain conditions make winter flying impractical.
- Summer (June–August) — Strong thermal currents provide flights up to 25 minutes. Green alpine meadows, blue skies, glacier views. The most popular season.
- Early Autumn (September) — Stable air, fewer visitors, and golden mountain tones. Excellent for photography.
- Late Spring (May) — In some years, flights begin in May — the snow line is still low, creating dramatic contrasts.
Safety
Every tandem flight in Svaneti is led by a certified pilot with specific expertise in high-mountain flying — turbulence zones, glacial winds, and variable thermal patterns.
- Certified tandem pilots trained specifically for Svaneti high-altitude conditions
- EN-certified paragliders — inspected before every single flight
- Real-time weather monitoring: wind speed, direction, turbulence, and visibility
- Flights only proceed when conditions are 100% safe — in high-mountain terrain this is especially critical
How to Book
- Pick your flight — Standard (10–15 min scenic flight), Extreme (with acrobatic maneuvers), or Long (20–25 min extended soaring)
- Choose a date — Our team checks the weather forecast and confirms your slot. Svaneti weather changes quickly — flexible rescheduling is guaranteed.
- Fly — Meet your pilot at the Mestia launch site, get a safety briefing, gear up, and take off above the highest peaks of the Caucasus.
Prices
Standard Flight from €145 (450 ₾ / $165). Extreme and Long flights from €175 (550 ₾ / $200). GoPro video recording is included in every package — Insta360 for an extra fee.
