[2025 Mestia Attraction] Travel Guide for Ushguli (Updated Oct)

Georgia Travel Guide 1. Overview of Georgia Are you tired of crowded European attractions? Then come to Georgia! This country in Asia has beautiful scenery, few people, and a high degree of economic freedom, ranking 16th in the world. The public security here is also first-class, making it the third safest country in the world. For those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle and pursue tranquility, this is definitely an ideal place. 2. Visa-free entry No visa worries, Chinese citizens are visa-free to Georgia, saving the hassle of visas. You only need to prepare your passport and necessary cash. 3. Language and transportation Russian is mainly used in Georgia, but English is also common. You can exchange some US dollars or euros in China, and then exchange them for local currency after arriving at the local airport. As for transportation, you can choose to fly from China to Tbilisi, and the round-trip ticket price is about 2,000–6,000 yuan. There are also public transportation options such as buses and taxis for you to choose from. 4. Preparation before travel Remember to bring some clothes, including a light down jacket, as the temperature here is around 10°C in autumn. Don't forget to bring an umbrella, as the weather here is changeable. In terms of time difference, Georgia is in the Eastern Fourth District, 4 hours behind China. Remember to activate international roaming or rent a Wi-Fi device to stay connected during your trip. 5. Must-see attractions 1. "Ananuri Fortress": One of the attractions on the cover of Lonely Planet, located on the way to Kazbek, is a must-see. 2. "Holy Trinity Church": The history and architecture here will fascinate you. 3. Outdoor enthusiasts' paradise: Whether you like climbing or hiking, you can find it here. The Caucasus Mountains in the north and the rugged terrain in the south add endless possibilities to your trip. 6. Itinerary recommendation Day 1–3: Visit Tbilisi and surrounding attractions. Day 4–5: Go to Batumi Mestia on the Black Sea and enjoy the tranquility of the seaside. Day 6–8: Experience hiking for the first time, challenge the Iprari line hiking, and visit Ushguli and Kutaisi. Day 9–10: Return to Tbilisi after wine tasting at the winery and end a wonderful journey. Life is a wilderness, a vast mountain and river. Why not take this opportunity to go abroad and see the world? Pack your backpack and camera and go on a trip! So, who are you ready to go with?

Road Trip in winter is so awesome!!!! Distributing a driving plan for 8 days, covering all landmarks For those who are going to Georgia, the hottest country 📌 Our 8-day, 8-city travel plan Day 1 Tbilisi - Mestia, sleep in Mestia Day 2 Mestia-Ushguli-Mestia, sleep in Mestia Day 3 Mestia-Kutaisi, sleep in Kutaisi Day 4 Kutaisi - Uplistsikhe -Gori, sleep in Gori Day 5 Gori - Borjomi- Mtskheta, sleep in Mtskheta Day 6 Mtskheta - Gadauri, sleep in Gadauri Day 7 Gadauri - Kezbegi -Tbilisi, sleep in Tbilisi Day 8 Tbilisi, travel around the city #100TravelWays

Ushguli is located at an altitude of 2,100, it’s one of the highest summits of the Greater Caucasus mountains. The most notable feature of Ushguli are the defensive tower houses( Svan tower) which were built primarily between the 9th and 12th centuries. Besides, The area is snow-covered for 6 months of the year, and often the road to Mestia is impassable. It used to need 4 days of hiking from mestia to this hidden heaven, but now there’s unpaved road that took only 2 hours drive from mestia. We went there by late May, took a day trip from mestia to there. If yiu were in Georgia, you should definitely pay a visit here.#georgia #Ushguli

💚🏔️ If you’re chasing mountain magic, crazy delicious Kubdari pies, and the friendliest locals ever, this region is where you need to be! 🏡 Hotel Lamala (Mazeri village, Becho Municipality, Zemo Svaneti) – Absolutely recommended! The views are majestic. Book in advance for those mountain mornings! Travel Tips: 🚙 Getting Around: Local marshrutkas or group taxis help you hop between villages easily. Hire a car if you want max flexibility (remember: roads are winding, go slow!). 🍽️ Eat: Don’t leave without eating Kubdari, Svaneti’s signature meat pie—most homestays and hotels serve their own. 💬 Must-Do: Get to know the people. Svaneti’s locals are famously warm: chat with hotel staff, swap stories, ask for tips! Cash is king here, so keep GEL on hand. Summers are lush yet cool; pack a jacket and sturdy boots for hikes. Skip the crowds by traveling mid-week. #SvanetiMagic #MountainLife #GeorgianEats #HiddenGems #Tripcom

#mytraveldiary Tucked deep in the Svaneti region of Georgia, Ushguli is one of the highest continuously inhabited villages in Europe (over 2,100m above sea level!). Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and ancient Svan towers, it feels like stepping into a medieval fairytale. 🏰❄️ The road there is an adventure in itself 🚙💨 — winding mountain passes, waterfalls, and endless alpine views. Once you arrive, time slows down: cobblestone paths, horses roaming freely, and locals who preserve centuries-old traditions. 💡 Travel Tips: 🚗 Getting there: Best accessed by 4x4 from Mestia (approx. 4–5 hrs). 🍲 Try local Svanetian specialties like kubdari (meat-filled bread). 🥾 Best season: Summer (June–September) for hiking and clear skies. 🏔️ Don’t miss: Hike towards Shkhara Glacier, the highest peak in Georgia. If you crave untouched landscapes, ancient culture, and dramatic mountain scenery — Ushguli is pure magic. 🌌 #Ushguli #GeorgiaTravel #HiddenGem #CaucasusMountains

🌄 If you're looking for a destination that's both tranquil and picturesque, Ushguli, Georgia, is the answer! Perched 2,100 meters above sea level amidst the majestic Caucasus Mountains, Ushguli is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the highest permanent villages in Europe. 🏰 Comprising four small villages: Zhibiani, Chvibiani, Chazhashi, and Murqmeli, it's filled with ancient stone towers, traditional houses, and ancient churches that reflect the rich Svaneti culture. ⛪ A must-see is the Lamaria Church, perched on a hillside, offering views of the snow-capped Shkhara peaks year-round, making it a stunning spot for sunrises. 🥾 Nature lovers will love the hiking trail to the Shkhara Glacier, or the equally breathtaking drive through the Zagari Pass. 🍲 Don't forget to sample traditional Svan cuisine made with local ingredients and sip on warm herbal tea in the cool air. 📸 Whether it's the lush summer months, Whether it's the white winter, Ushguli has a unique charm at every moment. 🧳 Ready to travel? Ushguli awaits you to experience its timeless beauty. #Ushguli #Georgia #TravelGeorgia #WorldHeritage #CaucasusMountains #Svaneti #EuropeanVillage #Naturelover #TravelAbroad #GeorgiaTravel #HiddenGem

It's not that Switzerland is unaffordable, but Georgia offers better value for money. Hiking? It's way more exciting here than in a gym!​​ Why Choose Hiking in Georgia?​​ ✅ Visa-Free Entry: Chinese passport holders can travel without hassle ✅ Incredible Value: Daily expenses ≈ 200 RMB (including food, accommodation, and transport) ✅ Diverse Scenery: Snow-capped mountains, glaciers, ancient villages, meadows, and forests all in one trip ✅ Unique Culture: Pass by thousand-year-old churches and nomadic villages along the way Click the product card below to join a group tour and travel worry-free! 🏔️ "Hiking in Georgia will get you hundreds of likes on social media!"​​ • Mestia to Ushguli​​: A 4-day trek featuring snow-capped mountains, ancient towers, and glaciers, ending with a hearty meal in Europe's highest village. • Kazbegi​​: Perfect for the lazy! Drive halfway up the mountain, then hike for just an hour to reach the iconic church with a stunning snowy backdrop—every shot is Instagram-worthy. ⚠️ Safety Tips​​: 1. Carry a copy of your passport in border areas (e.g., Ushguli) 2. Watch out for afternoon thunderstorms in July and August; start early 3. In the Tusheti region, beware of bears and keep food sealed "Hiking in Georgia means daily feasts of snowy mountain views and cultural wonders, enjoying Alpine-like scenery at Southeast Asian prices!"

#summervacay Ushguli is wild, in the best way. It’s this super remote village way up in the mountains of Svaneti, and getting there is already an adventure (bumpy road but so worth it). Once you arrive, it’s like stepping back centuries. Stone towers, cobbled paths, and that dramatic backdrop of Mount Shkhara staring you down, it’s unreal. The village is tiny and super rustic, but that’s part of the charm. Cows wander the streets, locals go about their day, and the pace is slow in the best possible way. You can hike around or just take it easy and soak in the views. Everything’s surrounded by snowy peaks and green hills, it’s like a live postcard. Don’t expect luxury here, it’s raw and real, and that’s what makes it awesome. Plus, the silence? Crazy peaceful. If you want to feel small (in a good way) and totally off the grid, Ushguli is it. Just you, the towers, and the mountains. Total magic.

### Ushguli Travel Guide 1. Destination Overview Ushguli, located in the Svaneti region of Georgia, is one of the highest permanently inhabited settlements in Europe, at an altitude of approximately 2,100 meters. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its ancient towers, breathtaking views of the Caucasus Mountains, and pristine natural environment. 2. Best Time to Visit - **Summer (June–September)**: Warm weather and accessible roads make it ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. - **Autumn (September–October)**: Vibrant scenery and fewer tourists create a perfect setting for photography. - **Winter (November–March)**: Stunning snow-covered landscapes, but limited accessibility, suitable for skiing and adventure. 3. How to Get There - **From Tbilisi**: 1. Take a car or train to Zugdidi (approx. 5–6 hrs). 2. From Zugdidi, take a bus or hire a car to Mestia (approx. 3–4 hrs). 3. From Mestia, hire a car or hike to Ushguli (approx. 2–3 hrs by car or 2 days on foot). - **From Mestia**: 1. Hire a car or take a local bus to Ushguli (approx. 2–3 hrs). 2. Hiking enthusiasts can opt for a 2–3-day trek with scenic views along the way. 4. Main Attractions - **Svan Towers**: Ushguli is famous for its ancient defensive towers, built in the Middle Ages to protect against invaders. - **Lamaria Church**: Built in the 9th–10th centuries, it is one of Georgia's significant religious sites. - **Mount Shkhara**: The third highest peak in the Caucasus Mountains, standing at 5,068 meters, it's an ideal destination for mountaineers. - **Ushguli Villages**: Comprising four small villages, it preserves traditional ways of life, offering an authentic cultural experience. 5. Hiking Trails - **Mestia–Ushguli Trek**: A classic hiking route, taking approximately 4 days, passing through alpine meadows, forests, and villages, with magnificent scenery. - **Ushguli–Mount Shkhara Trek**: Suitable for experienced hikers, offering close-up views of the majestic Mount Shkhara. 6. Accommodation and Dining - **Accommodation**: Ushguli offers guesthouses and inns with basic but clean and comfortable amenities. Advance booking is recommended. - **Dining**: Local cuisine mainly features traditional Georgian dishes such as Khachapuri (cheese bread), Khinkali (meat dumplings), and grilled meats. 7. Things to Note - **Transportation**: The roads to Ushguli are challenging; 4x4 vehicles or hired cars are recommended. - **Weather**: Mountain weather is unpredictable; pack warm clothes and rain gear. - **Health**: Be mindful of altitude sickness in high-altitude areas; acclimatization is advised. - **Cultural Respect**: Respect local culture and customs; dress modestly when entering churches. 8. Recommended Itineraries - **3-Day Itinerary**: - Day 1: Depart from Mestia, travel to Ushguli by car, visit the towers and church. - Day 2: Hike and explore the surrounding villages and natural landscapes. - Day 3: Return to Mestia, enjoying the Caucasus Mountains scenery along the way. - **5-Day Itinerary**: - Day 1: Hike from Mestia to Ushguli, camping or staying in villages along the way. - Days 2–3: Hike in and around Ushguli, exploring Mount Shkhara and Lamaria Church. - Day 4: Return to Mestia. - Day 5: Relax in Mestia, visit the local museum and cultural sites. Ushguli is a place rich in history and natural beauty, ideal for hikers, photographers, and culture enthusiasts. Whether it's a short trip or an in-depth trek, Ushguli offers an unforgettable experience.

Do you know Ushguli village? It takes 8 hours by bus from Tbilisi to Mestia. The one-way fare is about 3000 yen. The round trip from Mestia to Ushguli village is about 3000 yen. This is a town near the Russian border, with beautiful rural landscapes and mountain views. There is also a trekking route to the Shkhara Glacier that takes about six hours, so if you have time, definitely check it out. You can do a day trip from Mestia, but if you stay overnight, the hotel owner will serve you local self-sufficient cuisine, so staying overnight is also a good option. 📍Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1AYH6UChbC55eLeg6

Let's go experience the snow in the highest village in Europe Ushguli, Georgia, a world heritage village in the Caucasus Mountains, is located in the Svaneti region. The village is located in the foothills of Shkhara Mountain, more than 2,100 meters above sea level. Ushguli is considered one of the highest villages in the world. It has a beautiful view. The old houses were built since the 12th century. There are about 70 families in total. The villagers still live a simple life and preserve their traditional culture very well. It was registered as a world heritage site in 1996. 📌To travel to Ushguli village, we have to take a car to Mestia first and then start from Mestia by renting a car to travel. We asked the hotel owner to help contact a driver to drive to Ushguli to visit the village that is known as the highest in Europe. The uncle, the owner of the accommodation, contacted a car for us at a price of 70-80 GEL per person. The car will pick us up at 11.00 am. We returned to the accommodation around 3-4 pm. Let me tell you that anyone who has a plan to travel here, I recommend renting a car. The road is quite steep and narrow, plus the snow is thick all the way. I don't recommend driving yourself because you might fall off the mountain. 📌Traveling to Mestia You can travel by plane. We will have to board the plane at another small airport in Tbilisi, which is Natakhtari Airport. Fly to Mestia or take a train from Tbilisi to Zugdidi. It takes 8 hours to travel and then take a van to Mestia for about 3 hours. #travelholiclifeaddictedtotravel #Georgia #100waystotravel

At the foot of Mount Shkhara, which stands at 5193 meters above sea level, lies Ushguli. According to research, Ushguli is the highest permanently inhabited village in Europe and one of the three sites in Georgia listed as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites (the other two being the ancient city of Mtskheta and the Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastery in Kutaisi). 🌈Ushguli originally consisted of four natural villages: Zhibiani, Chvibiani, Chazhashi, and Murkmeli. In 1987, Murkmeli was affected by an avalanche, and the villagers were relocated elsewhere. Currently, more than seventy families, approximately 250 people, reside in the remaining three villages of Ushguli. 🌟From Mestia to Ushguli, the four villages appear in the following order: Murkmeli - Chazhashi - Chvibiani - Zhibiani. ✅Murkmeli is the first village encountered, relatively more primitive. ✅Chazhashi is where the bus station is located, known for the prominent bridge over the Inguri River and the famous Queen Tamari Castle. ✅Chvibiani: The best guesthouses and the most famous restaurants in Ushguli are here, and the village has a dense cluster of defensive towers. ✅Zhibiani: The famous Lamaria Church is located in this village, facing the snow-capped mountains and embraced by the mountains, making it a must-visit for tourists. Additionally, it is the starting point of a hiking route that leads northeast to a glacier. It is said that the harsh winter season here lasts nearly 8 months each year, from mid-November to April, during which the village is inaccessible due to heavy snow. It is also said to be the highest inhabited point in Europe, with less than 200 villagers, making Ushguli one of the most isolated villages in Europe. 🌟Lamaria Chapel A short walk up from the village leads to the Lamaria Chapel on a small hilltop, dating back to the 12th century. Inside, there are old medieval frescoes. 🏨The best guesthouse is Hotel Koshki Ushguli, opposite the most famous restaurant here, Cafe Koshki. Tips: If you choose to stay in Ushguli, it is recommended to bring a tripod, as the high altitude and low light pollution make it ideal for photographing the starry sky, comparable to Lake Tekapo. ⚠️The roads in the village are not easy to walk on, some places are even muddy, and goats, pigs, and cows happily mingle with the local residents on the narrow cobblestone paths. . 🚗 1. Renting a car from Mestia to Ushguli is slightly expensive, with prices varying depending on whether the driver stays overnight or returns the same day (make sure to ask if it is door-to-door service to the guesthouse). If staying overnight in Ushguli, a round-trip fare is charged; for a same-day return, a one-way fare is charged. The reference price is 250-300 GEL. 2. Minibus: From Mestia bus station, there is only one bus per day, departing at 10 am. If you miss this bus, you can rent a car or find someone to share a ride. It is usually easier to find someone to share a ride when the minibus from Zugdidi arrives in Mestia. The return trip departs from Ushguli at 4 pm. Tips: The distance from Mestia to Ushguli is only 45 kilometers, but due to poor road conditions, it takes two and a half hours to drive, especially the last 15 kilometers near Ushguli, which can be described as a 'disaster,' comparable to the Tongmai section of the 318 National Highway five years ago.

This winter in Ushguli, the whole city is white. In fact, Ushguli village is located beyond Mestia village, which is the main city. Before traveling to Ushguli village, we can stay overnight and experience the beautiful nature of this city first, and then continue our trip to Ushguli the next day. Where to travel this winter? If you want to experience the cold weather, you have to look for a country that is really cold, has a cold landscape, and we can travel to the fullest in that cold. This city is definitely cold in Georgia. If anyone comes to Georgia, they must not miss Ushguli. Ushguli is located in the northern part of Georgia. It is the most famous city that everyone must come to experience the cold and beautiful nature. The uniqueness of this village that everyone must come to has houses that are tall chimneys, creating a difference and beauty for tourists. Each house has its origin and purpose to be used to prevent wars in the past, as a shelter and a place to protect from enemies. And this is what makes this village popular with tourists who have to come in the winter alternating with beautiful mountain landscapes, which in late December will start to snow and the weather is cold, making it another highlight for skiers who have to come here to see the beautiful view of the Caucasus Mountains. For this winter, anyone who wants to visit Georgia and this city recommends two ways to travel: find a private guide who can drive us in a private car to this village, which must be said that the roads and paths must be along the mountain, which is not easy, so it is necessary for most tourists to find a guide and a private car to tour. But for the page, we chose to rent a car to travel to this city ourselves. From past experience, it is not so difficult that you cannot drive yourself. But we will have to park and sleep in Mestia first and then go to Ushguli. As for this city, you may have to find a guide and a private car to take you there because the roads will be narrower, which if you are not a local, it will be difficult to go. For this village, I chose to use a local guide through a tour. For Georgia, it will start to get cold in late December. December is a very attractive city because it has very beautiful nature. If anyone goes, they will experience the beauty and coldness of Georgia. For friends, don't miss traveling in the winter in this city. #WinterTravel #TravelAbroad #TravelGeorgia #Withmyshutter

Georgia is located in the Caucasus Mountains, so there are some places that are located in high areas, such as this village, Ushguli. You can go up to sleep in this village, with lovely people and Home Stay available. When I went during New Year, it should be the low season, so I met mostly Thai people who like snow. The roads were iced over and there were little kids playing sleds on the road. #HighestVillageInEurope

Sometimes translation is a very interesting thing, ushguli is translated by the Chinese as "the hometown of Wushu." Once in the hometown, people feel very intimate, but also far away. After two or three hours of bumps, I finally came to the village under the snowy mountains. At first glance, you will fall in love with its long distance and beauty. The green hills that can't be seen outside the door, I really want to stare at each eye seriously, because this situation can only be seen once in this life. When the ushguli arrived, the weather was gloomy. I first found a place to stay and then eat. Because we are not used to eating, we cook ourselves, scrambled eggs with tomatoes and potatoes, and the rest are local pies. Although it is also a snowy mountain with Kazbek, the village in front of it is so old and old, as if time has changed everything here. The cow grazes on the unreachable mountainside, and the clouds quickly dissipate in the sunshine. The cute little dog learns that the mother is calling at the door, and people will not say that they want to develop it as a tourist attraction. The house is also a small wooden house. This is the so-called secluded place, not to be disturbed.