2025 Ushguli Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in April)

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

Due to its remote location and inconvenient transportation, relatively few Chinese tourists visit Ushguli. As a hiking destination, it is more popular with Europeans and Americans. We took a train from Tbilisi to Zugdidi, then took a bus to Mestia, and then took a car to get here. Every winter❄️the roads here are closed due to heavy snow, which also allows many medieval Svanta🏯 to be preserved intact. Ushguli is more than 2,000 meters above sea level. We stayed in the deepest village, Zhibiani, for one night. Wandering around the village, looking at the snow-capped mountains within reach 🏔️ and enjoying the sun on the plateau ☀️, this is also the most relaxing time of the entire trip to Georgia ✅There are actually quite a lot of homestays and restaurants here, and most of them are in average condition. The local villagers are very simple and friendly ✅The roads in the village are dirt roads, which are quite dusty. Horse manure and cow manure can be seen everywhere. The whole environment is relatively pristine. ✅The more important attractions are the watchtowers, La Maria Chapel⛪️, the snow-capped mountains of Shkhara Mountain🏔️, and glacier hiking ✅You can experience horse riding here🐎, and the villagers will lead you around the village. The price is💰30gel ✅There is a cinema in the village that only plays one movie, DEDE. This movie was shot in Ushguli. There is an English version. It is played every afternoon at 1/3/5/7/9 o'clock. This is also the only night entertainment place in the village. ⭕️Food 🔸Stumari: 👍Recommended, the view is great, the restaurant's yard faces the snow-capped mountains. When you come here to eat in the evening, you can see the setting sun shining on the snow-capped mountains, and the soft golden light makes the snow-capped mountains red. We had two meals here during our two days and one night in Ushguli. 🔸Cafe Bar Enguri: A riverside restaurant near the village entrance and next to the Enguri River🌊, where you can have afternoon tea☕️, homemade honey cakes, decent food, good environment, hammocks and some decorations for taking photos📸 🔴Accommodation 🔹Gamarjoba Guest and Art House🏠A newly opened family hotel with two floors and four or five rooms. The common living room and kitchen have dishes🍽️ for use. The quilt covers are changed for each guest. You can see the snow-capped mountains on the top of the small hill next to it🏔️. It is also the closest homestay to La Maria Chapel⛪️ in the entire village. ⭕️Others Due to the high altitude of Ushguli, the temperature difference between day and night is large. We went there in mid-August. During the day, you can wear short sleeves in the sun, but at night you need to wear fleece and windproof jackets. It is recommended to take sun protection as the ultraviolet rays are strong. In addition, in winter❄️from the end of November to the middle of April of the following year, the road may be blocked due to heavy snow and you may not be able to enter

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.

The Shkhara Mountain behind Ushguli, with an elevation of 5193 meters, is the third highest peak in the Greater Caucasus Mountains, second only to Mount Elbrus, the main peak of the Greater Caucasus Mountains at 5642 meters, and Mount Dykh-Tau at 5205 meters. Shkhara Mountain is the border between Georgia and Russia and is also part of the dividing line between Europe and Asia. Behind Ushguli, a wide valley follows the Enguri River northward, passing through alpine meadows filled with flowers, leading to the foot of Shkhara Mountain. This is also a glacier hiking route, which takes six hours for a round trip. 🌟 Shkhara Glacier Hike 1⃣️ Rent a car to the foot of the mountain: 100 Lari/car, 1-hour drive. The road is quite flat and not difficult to walk, but driving is not easy and relies on the driver's skills to navigate. 2⃣️ Hiking: If you hike here, it should take 2-3 hours. From here to the depths of the glacier takes 40-60 minutes one way, and a round trip from Ushguli takes 5-6 hours. . 🌟 Chalaadi Glacier Hike Chalaadi Glacier is a half-day hiking route 11km north of Mestia, with an elevation gain of 600m. The destination is the Chalaadi Glacier, which is also the most popular route in Mestia. The first half follows a road along the river for about 4-5km to the end of the road, then crosses a suspension bridge over the river and starts climbing until the end of the glacier at the mountainside. Since the first half is a monotonous road trip, you can rent a car for 40 Lari round trip from Mestia Square to the suspension bridge, about a 40-minute drive. From the bridge, if you hike, it takes about 3 hours round trip. From the starting point of the suspension bridge, first cross a forest to reach a rocky river valley. From a distance, you can see the glacier, like a large waterfall flowing through the mountains. Keep walking towards the glacier, and in half an hour you can reach the glacier and even touch it, which is very impressive. But it is important to note the danger under the glacier, as melting causes rocks to fall intermittently. Since we arranged the Ushguli Glacier hike, we did not go to the Chalaadi Glacier hike. 🌟 Cross - Koruldi Lake Route Koruldi Lakes is an 18km hiking route north of Mestia, with an elevation gain of 1400m. The destination is a small lake on the mountain top. This route is very steep, so not many people go, but it is highly recommended. The two lakes on the snow mountain are ordinary, but the scenery along the way and the reflection of the snow mountain in the water are beautiful. The section from Cross (the cross) to the mountain top is especially wonderful, surrounded by snow mountains. A round trip hike from Mestia town takes about 8 hours, or you can rent a car to Cross and then hike for about 2 hours round trip. Beyond Koruldi Lakes, there is a 1.7km uphill path with an elevation gain of only 220 meters, which is the closest viewpoint to Ushba. The hiking path is steep, and to the north, you can see into Russia. There is no need for border lines or checkpoints; the natural barrier of the Caucasus Mountains is the best shield. 🌟 Tsvirmi is a 19km hiking route south of Mestia, with a destination of Tsvirmi village, an elevation gain of 1000m, and a relatively high intensity. The southern snow mountains can be seen via the Mestia cable car. 🌟 Mestia—Ushguli A 66km 3-4 day hiking route. Many people come to Mestia to experience this hike. The three half-day hiking routes around Mestia are just appetizers for the Mestia—Ushguli hike. If it is a 4-day trip, the daily stages are: D1 Mestia-Zhabeshi (14km); D2 Zhabeshi—Adishi (10km); D3 Adishi—Iprali (15km); D4 Iprali—Ushguli (10km)

Ushguli: Located in the middle of the Caucasus Mountains, this is the highest community in Europe, 2.1K m above sea level, and was recognized by Unesco as a World Heritage Site in 1996. There are about 300 people living there. The way to the village in winter is quite difficult. Drivers must be experienced and must consider the weather conditions, landslides, and rockfalls because the way to the village is along the mountain and some parts are not concrete. But when you get there, the view is very beautiful. It is worth coming here. If anyone comes, please stop by and try the local food of Georgia here. It is very delicious. But in winter, most restaurants are closed. #TravelGeorgia #TravelAbroad #georgia #ushguli

#fallingforfall

Ushguli is at the end of the Svaneti Valley, at an altitude of 2,400 meters. It is also the highest inhabited place in Europe (there is a wide variety of European or Asian divisions). It is said that the most authentic Georgians living here are talking about The old obscure dialect is unwilling to accept anyone's rule. The natural barrier of the mountains and mountains makes the locals isolated, and the 100-year-old tower protects every household from the enemy and is passed down from generation to generation. In addition to being a hidden village, Ushguli is a hiking paradise. There are many classic hiking routes in the surrounding snowy mountains. It is only half-personal snow on the ground in winter. There is no possibility of hiking. Of course, Even so, there is no regret for me. For me, in such a landscape, it is enough to be alone. Ushguli TIPS: 1, the hometown of Wushu is in a valley, consisting of four villages of different sizes. The high-rise Chazashi village is densely populated like a castle. The ZHIBIANI facing the snow-capped mountains is the most popular village in the hometown of Wushu, and more primitive. 2, there are many people in Ushguli who operate the guesthouse. The conditions are relatively simple, but they are very warm. If the time allows to suggest a small stay for a few days, feel the beauty of the dusty village. 3, the guesthouse provides catering services, and the village also has a commissary.

When I heard the hometown of Wusu for the first time, I thought it was the name of the ancient literati. The surname Wusu, the name of the hometown, must be a literati who read the poems in a refined manner, but did not expect it to be the name of a village under the plateau snow mountain. . The former residence of Wushu is the most inhabited ancient village in Europe. It is surrounded by glaciers and grasslands, just like the secluded paradise of Georgia. Usu The hometown has the most complete tower in the Swatiny region and is now the best place to preserve this culture. Because of this architectural character, centuries thought it was against the attack of many foreign enemies. We walked from the third village to the hometown of Wusu, and the dust was flying all the way, but the moment we were stepping on it, we were pleasantly surprised by the scene in front of us. The snow-capped mountains are in front of us, and many towers stand majestic at the foot of the snow-capped mountains. The river passes by the house, and everything is beautiful. I finally understood that the scenery in Wusuis hometown is as beautiful as the name.

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.