Day tour to Ushguli from Mestia

A journey to Ushguli isn’t just a drive — it’s a passage through one of Georgia’s most breathtaking and untouched regions.
We start early from Mestia by 4×4 vehicle, heading deep into the Upper Svaneti mountains. The road is rough and narrow, but the landscapes grow wilder and more dramatic with every kilometer. Along the way, we pass the ancient villages of Ipari and Kala, admire scenic valleys carved by rivers, cross wooden bridges, and make photo stops near medieval Svan towers and panoramic viewpoints of the Enguri Gorge.

After roughly 2.5 hours, we arrive in Ushguli — the highest continuously inhabited village in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by glaciers and guarded by the towering peak of Mount Shkhara, the village feels like a living museum. Here we explore centuries-old defensive towers, visit the small Lamaria Church perched above the valley, and take time to walk through the stone-paved lanes of the village.

You’ll also have free time to enjoy local lunch (optional) and take in the silence and beauty of this hidden corner of the Caucasus before heading back to Mestia in the afternoon.