Ushguli: the highest village in Europe in the Caucasus Alps

Some places seem to exist outside of time. Ushguli is one of them. In the most remote corner of the Svaneti region, in northwestern Georgia, at over 2,100 metres above sea level, four villages form the community that holds the title of one of the highest permanently inhabited settlements in Europe. Its medieval stone towers, known as koshki, are silhouetted against the snowy backdrop of Mount Shkhara (5,201 m), Georgia's second highest peak, creating a scene that has captivated travellers from around the world.

Ushguli Svaneti Georgia — torres medievales koshki monte Shkhara
The koshki towers of Ushguli rise above the villages with Mount Shkhara in the background, creating one of the most iconic images of the Caucasus.

The koshki towers: unique medieval architecture

Between the 9th and 12th centuries, the inhabitants of Svaneti built defensive towers of local stone — the koshki — that served simultaneously as dwelling, granary and refuge in case of attack. Those in Ushguli are the most numerous and best preserved in the entire region. Their mortar-free construction, with perfectly interlocking slate blocks, has withstood earthquakes and centuries of extreme snowfall.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

In 1996, UNESCO inscribed the historical cultural landscape of Upper Svaneti — of which Ushguli is the core — on its World Heritage List, recognising "the exceptional preservation of a medieval cultural landscape" and the persistence of living traditions in one of the most inhospitable environments in Europe.

Svan culture: language, traditions and art

The Svans are one of the oldest Caucasian peoples, with their own language — Svan — which belongs to no other linguistic family. Their oral traditions, dances, polyphonic choirs and rituals have survived centuries of geographical isolation. Ushguli also preserves a small museum of medieval icons with gold and silver pieces of extraordinary artisan quality.

Svaneti Georgia — aldea montaña caucásica torres piedra medieval
The Svaneti landscape in spring, when the snow begins to retreat and the meadows turn green around the medieval towers.

How to get to Ushguli

The most common route departs from Mestia, the capital of Svaneti, which you can reach by small plane from Tbilisi (30 min) or by marshrutka from Zugdidi (4–5 hours). From Mestia to Ushguli there are about 46 km of mountain track that can only be driven in a 4x4 (2–3 hours depending on conditions). Access may be blocked by snow from November to May.

At Destino Cáucaso we organise Svaneti routes that combine Ushguli with Vardzia and the rest of southern Georgia in circuits of 7 to 14 days.

Frequently asked questions

What time of year can you visit Ushguli?

The best time is June to September, when the track is open and the weather is stable. In winter and spring access may be blocked by snow. Some adventurous travellers visit Ushguli in winter by snowmobile or on skis.

Is there accommodation in Ushguli?

Yes, there are several guesthouses where locals offer bed and breakfast on a simple basis. There are no luxury hotels, which adds to the authentic charm of the place.

Why is Ushguli a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

It was inscribed in 1996 for the exceptional preservation of its medieval cultural landscape, including the koshki towers, the living traditions of the Svan people and its integration into a high-mountain natural environment unparalleled in Europe.