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Ushguli

Updated: November 6, 2026

Svaneti · 45 km from Mestia

Ushguli is a community of five villages at the head of the Enguri gorge in Svaneti: Zhibiani, Chvibiani, Chazhashi, Murqmeli and Lamjurishi. It lies at 2100–2200 m at the foot of Shkhara, Georgia’s highest peak.

Ushguli is called one of the highest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe. About 70 families live here, and for half the year the villages are buried in snow.

Because of its remoteness, Ushguli has the best-preserved Svan tower houses. Together with Mestia, the community is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Upper Svaneti” (1996).

WhereUpper Svaneti, 45 km from Mestia
Altitude2100–2200 m
VillagesZhibiani, Chvibiani, Chazhashi, Murqmeli, Lamjurishi
UNESCOUpper Svaneti — since 1996
How longa full day from Mestia

How to get there and routes — in our article →

Tours that visit Ushguli

Ushguli excursion from Mestia by jeep — photo 2

Ushguli excursion from Mestia by jeep — photo 3

9.2291 reviews

History of Ushguli

The Svan towers in Ushguli were built mostly in the 9th–12th centuries. A family lived in the house and took refuge from raids in a three- to five-storey tower. Lower down the valley, as in Mestia, many towers collapsed, but Ushguli’s isolation preserved them.

What the village looked like in the early 20th century can be seen in Mikhail Kalatozov’s documentary “Salt for Svanetia”, which was filmed here.

What to see

Chazhashi — the village with the densest cluster of towers.
Lamaria Church on a hill near Zhibiani — a medieval church with frescoes.
View of Shkhara (5193 m) and the glacier at its foot.

Best time to visit

The time to go is June to September. In October the road from Mestia may close after the first snow, and in winter Ushguli is inaccessible.

How to get there

From Mestia: 45 km of dirt road along the Enguri, about 2 hours by off-road vehicle.
Winter the road is often closed because of avalanches.
On a tour: details — in the article about Svaneti.

Tips and safety

Arrive in the morning: Shkhara is best seen before noon.
You need an off-road vehicle — the dirt road washes out after rain.
Bring warm clothes even in summer: the altitude is over 2000 m.
It is a mountain road with hairpin bends and drop-offs — go with an experienced driver in an off-road vehicle.

Ushguli photos

Our drone video and photos from Wikimedia Commons

Video: Sakhva Travel

What’s near Ushguli

Shkhara Glacierat the foot of the peak, on foot from Ushguli
Mestia45 km, about 2 hours by off-road vehicle

Where to stay nearby

Mestia

Lasiim Mestia mountain view and balcony

Lasiim is a hotel in Mestia. There is a terrace on site. Guests can also use free Wi-Fi and free private parking.

From center0 km

Guest rating8.7 / 10 · 7 reviews

Check-in / check-out14:00 / 12:00

~~$87~~from $64 per night

About the hotel

Mestia

House in Mestia

House in Mestia is a good choice in Mestia. Mestia Town Hall is a 5-min walk away, and Seti Square is a 5-min walk.

Category4 stars

From center0.6 km

Guest rating8.7 / 10 · 140 reviews

Check-in / check-out14:00 / 12:00

SkiingBarbecue grillMountain view

from $69 per night

About the hotel

MestiaListed in Georgia's tourism registry

Latour Mestia

Latour Mestia is a good choice in Mestia. Seti Square and Mestia Town Hall are a 10-minute walk away.

Category3 stars

From center0.9 km

Guest rating8.9 / 10 · 8 reviews

Check-in / check-out14:00 / 12:00

BarGardenFree parking

from $82 per night

About the hotel

Trip.com prices per night for 2 adults, check-in 07–08.11.2026, data as of 31.10.2026; Trip.com shows hotel prices in US dollars. Booking and payment — on Trip.com, our partner.

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