DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Mount Ushba

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Mountain
—°3
Mount Ushba (Georgia)

Weather…

Mount Ushba is one of the most distinctive and technically demanding peaks in the Greater Caucasus, often referred to as the Matterhorn of the Caucasus due to its steep, spire-like granite walls. Located in the Svaneti region, the mountain is famous for its prominent double summit, with the South Peak at 4,710 meters being slightly taller than the North Peak at 4,690 meters. Despite being lower in elevation than the nearby 5,000-meter giants, Ushba is regarded by mountaineers as one of the most difficult climbs in the world because of its extreme verticality and unpredictable weather. The North Peak was first summited in 1888 by John Garford Cockin, while the more challenging South Peak was not conquered until 1903 by a German-Austrian-Swiss expedition. Geologically, the mountain is composed of hard granite formations that give it its characteristic, almost unnaturally steep silhouette that towers over the surrounding landscape. In local Svan culture, Ushba holds a mystical status, featuring in numerous legends about mountain spirits and legendary hunters. The view of the mountain from the nearby town of Mestia provides one of Georgia's most iconic and panoramic natural panoramas.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-10-9-6-1610131494-3-8
Rain mm786594687880676188979380

📋 Practical info

🧭
Getting there
Access is typically from the village of Mestia or Mazeri in the Svaneti region, with trails leading toward the base of the mountain through high-altitude terrain.
📅
Best season
The climbing and hiking season is usually limited to July and August, as weather conditions are generally most stable during these peak summer months in Georgia.
⛰️
Terrain & paths
The landscape is characterized by extremely steep slopes, dramatic granite spires, and glaciated regions, making it one of the most challenging peaks in the area.
🎒
What to bring
Professional mountaineering equipment is required for summits, while hikers visiting the base typically need high-quality boots, warm layers, and alpine safety gear.
🅿️
Parking
Visitors generally find parking spaces in the central areas of Mestia or Mazeri, as there are no roads for vehicles leading directly onto the mountain slopes.
⚠️
Safety
Climbing Ushba is considered highly dangerous; it is typically essential to have expert guides, advanced skills, and constant awareness of rockfall and avalanches.
⏱️
Time needed
A trek to the base glacier usually takes a full day, while technical climbing expeditions typically require one to two weeks depending on the weather conditions.

Geography

Coordinates
43.12560, 42.66530

Facts

  • Ushba is famous for its double summit: the South Peak (4,710m) and the North Peak (4,690m).
  • It is often called the Matterhorn of the Caucasus due to its steep, iconic shape.
  • The North Peak was first summited in 1888 by the climber John Garford Cockin.
  • The more difficult South Peak was not successfully climbed until 1903.
  • The mountain is located in the Svaneti region, famous for its medieval watchtowers.
  • Ushba's granite walls are among the steepest and most demanding for climbers globally.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Svaneti Towers in MestiaSvaneti Towers in Mestia10 km · NWExplore →
TerskolTerskol20 km · SEExplore →
LentekhiLentekhi28 km · WExplore →
Mount LailaMount Laila29 km · SWExplore →
Mount ElbrusMount Elbrus31 km · SEExplore →
Mount TetnuldiMount Tetnuldi38 km · NExplore →
UshguliUshguli42 km · NWExplore →
Shota Rustaveli PeakShota Rustaveli Peak43 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Mount Ushba (3)

Schurovskoy📍 landmark

A prominent mountain peak in the Caucasus, located near Mount Ushba.

Southern Ushba📍 landmark

The southern peak of Mount Ushba, known for its iconic double-summit shape.

North Ushba📍 landmark

The northern peak of Mount Ushba, one of the most striking mountains in the Caucasus.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why is Ushba called the "Queen of the Caucasus"?
Due to its striking, elegant double peak and its majestic appearance.
How difficult is the climb?
It is considered one of the most difficult peaks in the Caucasus (Grade 4-5).
From where can you see Ushba best?
From Mestia or after a hike to the Ushba waterfalls.
Does it have two peaks?
Yes, it has a North Peak (4,690 m) and a South Peak (4,710 m).
When is the weather most stable?
Late July and August, though Ushba is famous for sudden weather changes.
Mount Ushba: where is it located?
Mount Ushba is located in Georgia.
Mount Ushba: what is there to see?
Highlights include Schurovskoy, Southern Ushba, North Ushba.
Mount Ushba: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Mount Ushba: why is it worth visiting?
Mount Ushba is one of the most distinctive and technically demanding peaks in the Greater Caucasus, often referred to as the Matterhorn of the Caucasus due to its steep, spire-like granite walls.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Asia
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Asia
More places in Georgia →

Nearby cities

Poti — Mount Ushba (Georgia)
Poti
Poti is a major port city on the Black Sea and an economic hub of Georgia.
Zugdidi — Mount Ushba (Georgia)
Zugdidi
Zugdidi is the historical capital of the Mingrelia region in western Georgia.
Senaki — Mount Ushba (Georgia)
Senaki
Senaki is a significant city in the Mingrelia region and an important military base.
Ureki — Mount Ushba (Georgia)
Ureki
Ureki is a popular coastal town on the Black Sea, famous for its unique magnetic black sand beaches known for their healing properties.
Anaklia — Mount Ushba (Georgia)
Anaklia
Anaklia is an ambitious modern beach resort town in western Georgia, famous for its striking pedestrian bridge and music festivals.

History & landmarks

Svaneti Towers in Mestia — Mount Ushba (Georgia)
Svaneti Towers in Mestia
The medieval defensive towers in the mountainous region of Svaneti shape the unmistakable landscape of Mestia.
Enguri Dam — Mount Ushba (Georgia)
Enguri Dam
At 271.5 meters, the Enguri Dam is one of the highest arch dams in the world.

Nature

Enguri River — Mount Ushba (Georgia)
Enguri River
The Enguri is a wild and fast-flowing river that runs through the rugged gorges of Svaneti before emptying into the Black Sea.
Paliastomi Lake — Mount Ushba (Georgia)
Paliastomi Lake
Paliastomi Lake is located near the Black Sea coast and is a significant wetland area within the Kolkheti National Park.

More places

Mount Laila — Mount Ushba (Georgia)
Mount Laila
At around 4,000 meters, Laila is the highest peak of the Svaneti Range.
Mount Tetnuldi — Mount Ushba (Georgia)
Mount Tetnuldi
Mount Tetnuldi is a majestic, pyramid-shaped peak in the Svaneti region.
Shota Rustaveli Peak — Mount Ushba (Georgia)
Shota Rustaveli Peak
Named after the famous Georgian national poet, this mountain is located in the central Caucasus range.
Mount Shkhara — Mount Ushba (Georgia)
Mount Shkhara
Mount Shkhara is the highest peak in Georgia at 5,201 meters, located in the central part of the Greater Caucasus mountain range.
Martvili Canyon — Mount Ushba (Georgia)
Martvili Canyon
The Martvili Canyon impresses with its emerald green water and stunning waterfalls.
Mount Ailama — Mount Ushba (Georgia)
Mount Ailama
Ailama is a prominent pyramid-shaped mountain in the Greater Caucasus.
Dadiani Palace — Mount Ushba (Georgia)
Dadiani Palace
The Dadiani Palace in Zugdidi was the residence of the noble Dadiani family, who ruled historic Samegrelo.
Kolkheti National Park — Mount Ushba (Georgia)
Kolkheti National Park
Kolkheti National Park stretches along the Black Sea coast, preserving the unique marshlands and floodplain forests of ancient Colchis.