Things to do in Ushguli

No. 3 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Georgia

Ushguli

Ushguli is nestled at the end of the Enguri River valley in the Svaneti mountains of Georgia, backed by Mount Shkhara at an altitude of over 5,000m. Situated at an elevation of over 2,100m, it comprises four old stone villages—Murkmeli, Chazhashi, Chvibiani, and Zhibiani—and is one of the few permanently inhabited high-altitude villages in Europe. The iconic scenery here consists of hundreds of Svan towers: the tall, slender medieval stone towers were once fortresses for villagers to watch for enemies and shelter from snowstorms. Today, they still stand crowded together with churches and houses on the same hillside, while cattle and sheep roam freely in the stone-paved alleys between the towers. Walking through them feels like stumbling into a medieval mountain village that is still living its daily life.

Lamaria Church (Ushguli Church of the Mother of God)

No. 2 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Georgia

Mestia

Mestia is located in the Caucasus Mountains of northwestern Georgia, at an elevation of approx. 1,500m, and serves as the gateway and cultural center of the Svaneti region. It is surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks, glaciers, forests, and alpine meadows, offering magnificent natural scenery. Due to its remote location in the mountains, it has long preserved its unique architectural style, customs, and local culture, making it a tourist destination with distinct regional characteristics in Georgia. It is also a popular starting point for hiking, mountaineering, skiing, and glacier exploration. Visitors can travel from here to traditional mountain villages such as Ushguli, enjoy the natural views of the Caucasus Mountains, and experience local cuisine and folk culture.

No. 5 of Ski Resorts in Georgia

Tetnuldi Ski Resort

Queen Tamar Castle

No. 3 of Ski Resorts in Georgia

Khatsvali Ski Resort

Located near the town of Mestia in Georgia's Svaneti region, Khatsvali Ski Resort is a winter leisure destination centered around alpine skiing and the beauty of the Caucasus Mountains. Its high-quality snow, diverse trails, and pristine mountain landscape have made it a popular ski destination in Georgia and across Eastern Europe, attracting skiers of all levels to experience the unique charm of alpine snow. Its core strength lies in its exceptional natural conditions and professional ski facilities. Built on the natural terrain of the Caucasus Mountains, the resort boasts an abundant and soft snow season from December to April, providing excellent skiing conditions. Overall, Khatsvali Ski Resort combines professional skiing, natural scenery, and local culture, offering both a premium venue for skiers and a vital showcase for the winter charm of Mestia.

Ushguli Museum

This exhibit displays household items from the modern period, where you can learn about the lifestyles of local residents in the past.

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Georgia

Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi

Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi stands on Elia Hill on the left bank of the Mtkvari River and is the main cathedral of the Georgian Orthodox Church. The church adopts the traditional Georgian cross-dome architectural style, with the central dome covered in gold leaf and a gilded cross standing at the top, reaching a total height of nearly 100 m including the underground section. Thanks to its massive size and commanding position, its golden dome can be seen from almost anywhere in the city of Tbilisi. The interior of the church is also worth a close look. In the northeast corner, there is a mosaic icon of the Virgin Mary; the southeast corner houses a display case with a cross and a handwritten Bible; and the northwest corner displays a model of the holy city of Jerusalem made of mica. The church also has several chapels underground, and the main murals were painted by contemporary Georgian artists in a traditional style. In addition to the main cathedral, the entire complex includes auxiliary facilities such as a separate bell tower, a monastery, and a seminary, which are quite impressive in scale. As the mother church of the Georgian Orthodox Church, the cathedral hosts Orthodox rituals and religious activities all year round. The interior murals and mosaic decorations create a solemn religious atmosphere, and from the cathedral's platform, you can overlook the city of Tbilisi and the scenery on both banks of the Kura River.

Chkhutnieri Pass

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Georgia

Gergeti Trinity Church

Gergeti Trinity Church stands on a hill at an altitude of over 2,000 m at the foot of Mt Kazbek in northern Georgia and is one of the iconic landmarks in the Caucasus region. The church was built in the 14th century and features a cross-dome architectural style. It is the only domed church in the entire Khevi region. The complex consists of the main church, a separate bell tower, and surrounding stone walls, with an exterior facade built of dark gray andesite, presenting a simple and solemn style. The church is located on a remote highland and historically served as a treasury and refuge for the ancient city of Mtskheta for a long time. During times of war, precious relics, including the Cross of Saint Nino, were transferred here for safekeeping. Today, only a few traces of original murals remain on the interior walls, but the rugged texture of the building itself blends perfectly with the surrounding steep mountains. Standing on the platform in front of the church, you can overlook the full view of the town of Stepantsminda and the valley. The snow-capped peaks and glaciers of Mt Kazbek spread out behind it, and the scene of the church set against the snow-capped mountains has become an iconic view of Georgia.