Ushguli

Ushguli is a fascinating, archaic mountain community in Upper Svaneti, which, with an altitude of 2100 meters above sea level, is one of the highest year-round inhabited settlements in Europe. The village is guarded by Shkhara, Georgia's highest mountain peak, whose glaciers provide a dramatic backdrop for dozens of medieval Svan defensive towers, part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Due to the untouched nature and isolation of the place, visitors may feel as if they have traveled back in time. Gastronomy here is based on simple but nutritious mountain dishes. After long hikes, locals welcome wanderers with fresh homemade cheeses, delicious kubdari, and hot tea in puritanical but friendly stone guesthouses. The area is primarily a pilgrimage site for serious hikers, horseback riders, and nature photographers, from where wonderful trails lead to glaciers and mountain passes. Reaching Ushguli can be a challenge: starting from Mestia, it can be reached via a rough road, mostly only passable by off-road vehicles, which takes about two to three hours. The best time to visit is summer, from June to September, when the roads are snow-free and the mountain meadows are in bloom. During the long, harsh winters, the settlement is often completely cut off from the outside world.

Nearby cities

Kutaisi

Kutaisi is the third-largest city in Georgia and the center of the Imereti region.

Samtredia

Samtredia is a bustling city in the Imereti plain, known for its importance as a railway hub.

Zestafoni

Zestafoni is an industrial city in Imereti, whose economy is closely linked to the processing of manganese ore.

Chiatura

Chiatura is a unique mountain town famous for its extensive network of Soviet cable cars.

Tkibuli

Tkibuli is a mining town in western Georgia, surrounded by dense forests and steep mountains.

Khoni

Khoni is a small town in the western Georgian lowlands, distinguished by its traditional silk production and agricultural products.

Tskhaltubo

Tskhaltubo is a formerly world-famous spa town, valued for its radon-infused mineral springs.

Ambrolauri

Ambrolauri is the charming center of the Racha region, known for its fine wines and spectacular scenery.

Lentekhi

Lentekhi is a peaceful town serving as the gateway to Lower Svaneti.

Shovi

A picturesque high-altitude resort in the Racha region, known for its mineral springs and coniferous forests.

Sairme

Sairme is a renowned balneological resort in the forested mountains of Imereti, famous for its mineral springs and wellness retreats.

History & landmarks

Martvili

A mesmerizing natural canyon renowned for its emerald green waters, cascading waterfalls, and boat tours.

Katskhi Pillar

The Katskhi Pillar is a 40-meter-high natural limestone monolith in Imereti.

Nature

Rioni River

The Rioni is the main river of western Georgia, originating from the glaciers of the Greater Caucasus.

More places

Tkibuli Coal Mine

Tkibuli is the center of Georgian coal mining, extracting hard coal primarily for domestic needs.

Gelati Monastery

Gelati Monastery near Kutaisi was one of Georgia's first cultural and spiritual centers.

Chiatura Manganese Mine

Chiatura Manganese Mine is one of the world's largest manganese ore deposits, operating for over a century.

Sataplia Nature Reserve

The Sataplia Nature Reserve is famous for its well-preserved dinosaur footprints and a beautiful karst cave.

Bagrati Cathedral

Bagrati Cathedral in Kutaisi majestically crowns the Ukimerioni Hill.

Prometheus Cave

The Prometheus Cave near Kutaisi is one of Georgia's most fascinating natural wonders.

Okatse Canyon

The Okatse Canyon offers an unforgettable experience thanks to a spectacular suspended walkway attached to the cliff wall high above the …

Zestafoni Ferroalloy Plant

The Zestafoni plant processes manganese ore from Chiatura and is one of the world's largest producers of silicomanganese.