Zheleznovodsk to Mestia

Zheleznovodsk to Mestia Travel Guide

This guide will provide you with all the information you need to plan your trip from Zheleznovodsk to Mestia, including language, currency, distance, how to reach, expenses, best time to go, what to eat, where to go, and frequently asked questions.

Language

The official language of Russia is Russian. However, English is widely spoken in major tourist destinations like Moscow and St. Petersburg. In Mestia, Georgian is the official language, but Russian and English are also spoken by many people.

Currency

The official currency of Russia is the Russian ruble (RUB). The official currency of Georgia is the Georgian lari (GEL). You can exchange currency at banks, exchange bureaus, and hotels in both countries.

Distance

The distance between Zheleznovodsk and Mestia is approximately 650 kilometers (404 miles).

How to Reach

There are several ways to reach Mestia from Zheleznovodsk:

• By plane: There are no direct flights from Zheleznovodsk to Mestia. You can fly from Zheleznovodsk to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, and then take a domestic flight to Mestia.
• By train: There are no direct trains from Zheleznovodsk to Mestia. You can take a train from Zheleznovodsk to Vladikavkaz, and then take a bus or taxi to Mestia.
• By bus: There are several bus companies that operate buses from Zheleznovodsk to Mestia. The journey takes approximately 12 hours.
• By car: You can rent a car and drive from Zheleznovodsk to Mestia. The journey takes approximately 10 hours.

Expenses

The cost of your trip will vary depending on your travel style and the time of year you travel. However, here are some general estimates:

• Accommodation: Hostels and guesthouses start at around $10 per night. Mid-range hotels start at around $30 per night. Luxury hotels start at around $100 per night.
• Food: Street food and local restaurants start at around $5 per meal. Mid-range restaurants start at around $10 per meal. Fine dining restaurants start at around $20 per meal.
• Transportation: Public transportation starts at around $1 per ride. Taxis start at around $5 per ride. Rental cars start at around $20 per day.
• Activities: Entrance fees to museums and other attractions start at around $5. Guided tours start at around $10 per person.

Best Time to Go

The best time to visit Mestia is during the summer months (June to September), when the weather is warm and sunny. However, the shoulder months (April to May and October to November) can also be a good time to visit, as the weather is still mild and there are fewer tourists.

What to Eat

Georgian cuisine is known for its use of fresh ingredients and spices. Some of the most popular dishes include:

• Khinkali: Dumplings filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables.
• Khachapuri: A cheese-filled bread.
• Shashlik: Grilled meat skewers.
• Lobio: A bean stew.
• Badrijani nigvzit: Fried eggplant rolls filled with walnuts and spices.

Where to Go

Mestia is a small town, but there are plenty of things to see and do. Some of the most popular attractions include:

• Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography: This museum houses a collection of artifacts from the Svaneti region.
• Mestia Ethnographic Museum: This museum showcases the traditional architecture and lifestyle of the Svaneti people.
• Mestia Botanical Garden: This garden is home to a variety of plants and flowers from the Caucasus region.
• Mestia Central Park: This park is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery.
• Mestia Ski Resort: This ski resort is one of the most popular in Georgia.

FAQ

Do I need a visa to travel to Georgia?

No, citizens of most countries do not need a visa to travel to Georgia for up to 90 days.

What is the currency exchange rate between the Russian ruble and the Georgian lari?

The current currency exchange rate is approximately 1 RUB = 0.03 GEL.

What is the best way to get from Zheleznovodsk to Mestia?

The best way to get from Zheleznovodsk to Mestia is to fly from Zheleznovodsk to Tbilisi and then take a domestic flight to Mestia.

What is the cost of accommodation in Mestia?

The cost of accommodation in Mestia varies depending on the type of accommodation and the time of year. However, you can expect to pay between $10 and $100 per night.

What is the best time to visit Mestia?

The best time to visit Mestia is during the summer months (June to September), when the weather is warm and sunny.