Mestia and the towers of Ushguli
Svaneti · 340 km · 2-3 days · 4x4 recommended
Mestia and Ushguli – a journey to the heart of Svaneti
Mestia is the main tourist center of Svaneti and one of the places worth visiting in the Georgian mountains. Here, the snow-capped peaks of the Caucasus stand side by side with ancient Svan towers that are hundreds of years old.
In Mestia, it's worth strolling through the old quarters, climbing to the observation decks, sampling Svan cuisine, and be sure to set aside time for the mountains – the views alone make up half the trip.
Ushguli looks as if time has decided to linger here: stone houses, medieval towers, horses lining the streets, and enormous mountains all around. Mount Shkhara, Georgia's highest peak (5,193 m), rises above the valley.
Route stops
- Batumi
- ZugdidiZugdidi is a cozy town in western Georgia, whose main attraction is the Dadiani Palace with its beautiful botanical garden. It's a great stopover on the way to Svaneti, where you can learn about the region's history and sample authentic Megrelian cuisine.
- Enguri DamThe Enguri Hydroelectric Power Station is one of Georgia's most impressive engineering landmarks, boasting a massive arch dam some 272 meters high. It's worth a stop for the sheer scale of the structure and the stunning views of the mountains and the turquoise waters of the Enguri River.
- MestiaMestia is the heart of Svaneti, surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Caucasus and the famous medieval Svan towers. It is an excellent starting point for mountain hikes, exploring Svan culture, and visiting Ushguli.
- UshguliUshguli is a high-mountain community in Svaneti, famous for its ancient Svan towers, rugged Caucasus landscapes, and views of Mount Shkhara. It's one of the most atmospheric places in Georgia, where it seems as if time stood still centuries ago.
- MazeriMazeri is a picturesque mountain village in Svaneti at the foot of the majestic Mount Ushba, surrounded by forests, waterfalls, and alpine meadows. It's a perfect place for a relaxing holiday, walks, and exploring the wild nature of the Caucasus.
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