Top Ushguli Day Trips: Explore Svaneti’s Gems

Okay, so you’ve landed in Ushguli, and that, that tiny, kinda unbelievable village is already stealing your heart, right? Pretty much famed as one of the highest continually inhabited settlements in all of Europe, Ushguli gives you history, scenery, and culture served up with a side of serious mountain air. But just hanging in the village itself? You would be missing out! What I mean is, some awesome day trips await, spots where you can really deepen your Svaneti experience. That means packing that day pack, folks, it is time to get moving.

Shkhara Glacier Hike

First off, the hike to Shkhara Glacier is that unforgettable day trip. What I mean is, Shkhara itself is a jaw-dropping mountain, and it pretty much holds the title of Georgia’s highest peak. To actually get up close and personal with a glacier that feeds its imposing presence? Well, it’s that breathtaking. The trail typically starts just outside Ushguli and meanders along the Enguri River. Now, that path? It winds further and further up the valley, it is almost delivering views that’ll have you stopping every few minutes to snap photos. Actually, there are wildflowers dotting the meadows in summer, and that crisp mountain air fills your lungs with every step. Yet, you need to prepare for a hike that will take you somewhere in the area of six to eight hours, and really, bring plenty of water. That, and you’ll most likely be gaining a good amount of elevation, just a little bit so layers are that essential!
Read our full review: Shkhara Glacier Hike Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Book Here)

Lamaria Church Visit

For a dash of history combined with crazy beautiful views, swing on up to Lamaria Church. By the way, this little gem sits on a hilltop just a short hike above Ushguli, yet, it offers a peek into Svaneti’s past. So, the church dates back to the 12th century, and honestly, it has pretty interesting frescoes on the inside if you like that sort of thing. Plus, that view? It’s, like your postcard-perfect vista of Ushguli’s iconic towers set against those towering Caucasus peaks. Visiting Lamaria is, you know, that manageable trek. Honestly, it would be perfect for a shorter day trip, when you need to stretch those legs without committing to an all-day thing. In a way, you can almost just wander at your own pace. That, and just soak up all of that history and the views.

While at Lamaria, find some time, too it’s almost to pause and imagine centuries of village life playing out, just under this very guardian chapel. Basically, history buffs? That means photo fanatics will each find something awesome to appreciate. Plus, a quick picnic lunch up there with that kinda crazy view will really cement this into your memory bank.

Read our full review: Lamaria Church Visit Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Reserve your experience)

Village Exploration: Chazhashi & Murkmeli

If you’re down to kind of wander a little, Chazhashi and Murkmeli will become some top contenders. Pretty much these two spots? It means being additional villages making up the Ushguli community, they’re not too far away from the ‘center.’ It tends to be that each is a bit unique. What I mean is, you’ll pass more Svan towers, maybe some of which look as if they’re older, and they tend to offer a very quieter atmosphere when comparing them to Ushguli. That is that a wander around would be nice here because of that. Just explore a bit, maybe even talk a little bit to the locals, it is something to consider. These interactions will give you this kinda awesome and really intimate peek into daily life, far, far away from the tourist trails. And by the way? Don’t just stick to the “main streets,” as there can be awesome things slightly off the well worn path.

Read our full review: Village Exploration: Chazhashi & Murkmeli Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Plan your village tour)

Queen Tamara’s Tower

Right, so another great short day trip option exists in going up to Queen Tamara’s Tower. Actually, tales kind of swirl around this location. By the way, this particular tower provides that interesting blend, blending history with a touch of mystery. Apparently, it is not totally known if Queen Tamara even was in Ushguli but still, legend paints this location to be of relevance and to be important. In general, you will often locate this sort of a tower either on the outer edges of settlements and up slightly above everything. Now this aspect, you know, almost suggests that it served pretty much a guarding type role. Also, you will find that a hike towards that vantage point, more or less gives some nice spots to snag an amazing scenic image looking out at Ushguli coupled with everything surrounding it.

Read our full review: Queen Tamara’s Tower Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Visit Tamara’s Tower)

Hike to Guli Pass (If You’re Experienced!)

Okay so, only experienced hikers should apply for this one! A day trip up to Guli Pass is nothing to sniff at! Now what I mean by this is, it isn’t the most basic hike but you are in for that super sweet reward if your stamina checks out and are fairly fit. In other words? Those majestic, encompassing view you might get are some awesome ones spanning both Svaneti along with views into the surrounding territories. However you really might want to plan and prep good since we have a moderately intense route that requires plenty of water, trail snacks to snack on, also just a little, just a bit, in terms of physical health.

Yet, if you check out most of the conditions? By the way you probably might wish to chat and speak a little to somebody who is local because they often know regarding anything relating current route health to be mindful of that and aware. I think its true anyway? All that said you know you would get amazing experience with those memories existing almost forever.

Read our full review: Hike to Guli Pass Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Embark on Guli Pass hike)

Read our full review: Ushguli Day Trips Full Review and Details