ProSvaneti
Mount Mkheer and the Archangel Gabriel Church
The high Archangel Gabriel Church at about 2,500 m, with a full panorama of the Svaneti range and the main Caucasus ridge.
Gallery
Why visit
- ✓ A 360° view: Ushba, Elbrus, Tetnuldi, Gistola and Laila on a clear day
- ✓ The church stands on a meadow — no walking from the car
- ✓ One of the best sunrise and sunset spots in Svaneti
How to get there
From Mestia, about an hour (22 km) by 4x4 on a rough mountain track, depending on its condition. The car drives right up to the church meadow.
Best time to visit
Summer and early autumn, on a clear day. Sunrise trips leave around 05:00, sunset trips around 18:00; the time moves with the sun.
Mount Mkheer is one of the few places in Svaneti where you reach about 2,500 m without a hike. The Archangel Gabriel Church stands on a meadow with a 360° panorama: on a clear day you see Ushba, Elbrus, Tetnuldi, Gistola and Laila.
It's about an hour by 4x4 from Mestia. We run sunrise and sunset trips here — see the tours section below.
Things to do
- Watch the sunrise or sunset at the church
- Picnic on the meadow — there's a covered gazebo for sun or rain
- Photograph the Caucasus panorama
Tours here
FAQ
Do I need to walk?+
No. The car drives right up to the church meadow; you can stroll around.
Planning a trip to Mount Mkheer and the Archangel Gabriel Church?
Tell us your dates — we'll suggest the realistic way to fit it into your Svaneti plan.