Best Things to Do in Ushguli, Georgia

Are you looking for a place where you can disconnect from the outside world, forget about everything, and want only to be with nature? Check out Ushguli in Georgia - the ideal location for a relaxing vacation in this hectic world. This destination is one of those places where you can take a break from today's fast-paced lifestyle, and yet when you arrive, it feels like you've entered your own kingdom, complete with fresh air and the best relaxation experience. There's no escaping the allure this place that has stood the test of time to become an epitome of pure beauty and culture.

What distinguishes Ushguli from the rest is its unspoiled nature and quietness, with a promise of a rare experience of nudging away from the daily hustle and bustle of life. And it doesn't stop there; Ushguli has a lot more to offer than meets the eye. The following are some of the best things to do in Ushguli.

Ushguli - An Introduction

For those who are unfamiliar with this charming destination, Ushguli is a small cluster of Georgian villages perched 7000 feet above sea level at the foothills of Shkhara in the country's north western region. It is regarded as one of the most picturesque places in the Caucasus region, as well as one of Europe's highest inhabitant villages. Because it is relatively isolated from the rest of the world, the atmosphere and way of life are quite ancient and traditional.

The vast mountain terrains and meadows are peppered with UNESCO World Heritage Sites that are medieval traditional structures. The town is only accessible during certain months because it is blanketed in heavy snow for six months of the year. Also, the route to this village is not easy, so it attracts more backpackers and adventure seekers because the journey is usually by trekking. A newly built route from Mestia allows vehicles to approach this highest village in the Caucasus, allowing mild adventure nature lovers to visit this village.

Take in the natural splendours.

The sheer beauty of nature and the mountains will be the first thing to strike your senses. Indeed, one of the primary reasons you would visit Ushguli is for the eye-soothing, refreshing natural scenery that is pristine and untouched, and by far the most stunning panoramas you would have ever seen in Europe. Hike through the vast green swatch slopes, occasionally interrupted by a cluster of stone houses, all framed by snow-capped alpine peaks. The mountains surrounding Ushguli will captivate you with their various shades of green that stand out against the bright blue skies and cotton fluffy white clouds. This picture-perfect destination is sure to garner a lot of attention on your social media accounts. If you don't want to do the hiking, you can hire a horse and ride through the scenic landscapes, taking in the panorama while enjoying the cool mountain breeze on your face.

View the Svan tower houses

One of the best things to do in Ushguli is to wander around the picturesque villages and admire the traditional stone tower houses. These were constructed as defensive towers to keep rebellious empires at bay during the 12th to the 19th centuries, when Svan locals were gatekeepers of Northern Georgia's mountain passes. The houses in the village all have long towers because the villages' houses were scattered and it felt cumbersome to get them all enclosed inside a single wall. As a result, each house has a fortress-style tower to keep watch. These houses served as a defence fortress, family residences, and treasure keepers all in one. Almost 200 of these structures can be found in the village of Chazhashi.

Visit Lamaria Church

The sacred Mother of God Church, or LaMaria Church, is one of the most enticing attractions in this remote hamlet. This limestone church has a simple architecture with only two windows, a hall, and a curved semicircle apse, and it serves as a Georgian Orthodox church. This church also has a large collection of regional antiques and paintings on display. It is designated as a Georgian cultural monument. Despite its small size, the beauty of this sand-coloured church is enhanced by the majestic scenery of Shkara covered in white snow.

Explore Ushguli’s Ethnographic Museum

Ushguli makes it appear to be cut off from the rest of the world. So it's only natural to be curious about the way of life of a remote village and how they coped with the harsh weather. Head to Ushguli's Ethnographic Museum for answers to most of your questions and an insight into this destination's traditional cultures and bygone era. Located in an 12-century rustic mansion, you come across a variety of indigenous handicrafts as well such as an intrinsically carved wooden artifacts, stone tools and utensils and more.

Enjoy Svan cuisine

You can't leave a place without trying its food and beverages. The food in Ushguli is high in carbohydrates, which keeps you energised in the chilly weather. The comforting meals consist of cheese, bread, potatoes, meat, and dairy products. Svaneti salt and blue fenugreek are two distinct and flavourful condiments used extensively in Svan cuisine. A few restaurants serve traditional Georgian cuisine as well as freshly brewed beers and wines from nearby regions.

Cafe Koshki and Cafe Lemi are two well-known places to sample some local flavours such as Kubdari, Tashmijabi - cheesy mashed potatoes garnished with herbs, and Chvishtari - pan fried corn bread filled with cheese. These dishes are usually served with pickled vegetables and washed down with blueberry tea or a locally brewed beer.

Conclusion

Visit Ushguli for the peace and serenity that will undoubtedly entice you to return for more. Ushguli is a one-of-a-kind experience that you won't find anywhere else in Europe. Because of its remote location, many ancient Svanetian religious and cultural traditions have prevailed against time. In some ways, it appears that nature and man coexist in perfect harmony, unaffected by the modern world that has engulfed many of its cities.