Village Ushguli

The village Ushguli in the region of Svaneti is picturesquely situated at the foot of the highest mountain in Georgia, Shkhara, and is surrounded by impressive nature. The community is located at an altitude of between 2,060 and 2,200 metres above sea level. The village is considered to be the highest year-round inhabited village in Europe and is one of the top tourist destinations in Georgia.

To reach the village, you have to be prepared for adventurous roads that connect Uschguli with Mestia and Lentekhi. The road to Lentekhi leads over the Zagaro Pass, which is only open for five months of the year and is covered by a blanket of snow for the rest of the time.

History

The village Ushguli has a rich history, which is told by its unique cultural monuments and architecture. Ushguli played an important role in medieval Georgia. Old legends tell that Queen Tamara was very fond of the place, had her summer residence here and often visited it. In the late Middle Ages, when Georgia disintegrated into various kingdoms, the village became a rulerless community and belonged to free Svaneti. Over the centuries, the inhabitants of Ushguli have fought against numerous threats and preserved their habitat.

Architecture

The architecture of Ushguli consists of the typical defence towers of the Swans with the typical houses ‘Lushnu Kor’ and chapels with unique wall paintings, which are almost 1000 years old and still impress visitors today. This architecture is best preserved in the village of Chajaschi, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Today, Ushguli is a popular tourist destination that will inspire you with its unique culture and breathtaking landscape. During your visit, you should admire the impressive chapels and almost 1,000-year-old defence towers, which embody typical Georgian architecture. The 12th-century Lamaria Chapel, with the majestic Shkhara Mountains in the background, is a particularly popular photo opportunity. The village of Chayasahi is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is definitely worth a visit.

This beautiful settlement is one of the best photo destinations in Georgia and we have included it in our travel programmes for Georgia, such as the 14-day tours ‘Georgia in Pictures’ and ‘Golden Autumn in Georgia’.

For nature lovers, Ushguli offers numerous hiking opportunities. The highest mountain in Georgia, Shkhara, with its impressive glaciers, attracts hikers. Hiking trails such as the route to Guri Mountain or the route to Kala offer unforgettable impressions. Another highlight is the hike to Gorvashi and the Latpari Pass, which leads to Lower Svaneti. Of course, we have included the village in all our hiking tours in Svaneti – ‘Route from Lentechi to Ezeri’, ‘Mountain World of the Caucasus’ and ‘Mestia-Ushguli Route’.

In Ushguli, there are two museums, a state museum in the village of Chajashi and a private museum in the village of Jabiani, which provide interesting insights into the local culture and history. A special experience is a visit to the small exhibition of the late painter Pridon Nijaradze. His works are a real feast for the eyes. The village is a beautiful destination for cultural tours.

Those who like horse riding can rent horses from the locals and explore the Enguri Valley up to the Shkhara Glacier in a very special way.

There are also numerous guesthouses and hotels in Ushguli that offer pleasant accommodation and delicious Georgian cuisine. To be sure of getting a place, you should book your accommodation in advance. Small bars and cafés also invite you to linger.