[2025 Ushguli Attraction] Travel Guide for Ushguli Village (Updated Apr)

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?

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

### 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

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.

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.