Getting There
It takes about 8 hours to drive to Svaneti from Tbilisi. (Local driver is recommended.)
You can fly from Natakhtari to Mestia as well. (Natakhtari is 1 hour drive from Tbilisi, capital.)
What to Expect
Svans are a unique nation with their own language, culture, and traditions that differ from the rest of the country.
History
Ushguli has been cut off from the rest of Svaneti due to its natural location. Going to the nearest community, Kala – 7 kilometers away, is quite a challenge.
There is a legend about the Structure of Devi (In Georgian mythology, Devi is many-headed ogres) – a rock, which, according to the legend, closed the Enguri valley and flooded the village.
Facilities Available
Sights of Ushguli:
- Ushguli Lamaria
- Ushguli Archaeological Museum
- Queen Tamar Summer and Watermelon Towers. Summer towers were dismantled in the 1950s and used as a farm building material.
- Church of the Savior and Church of St. Barbara – in the village of Murkmeli
- Savior Church – in the village of Chvibiani
- Savior Church – in the village of Zhibiani
- St. George Church – in the village of Zhibiani
- Church of the Savior – in the village of Chajashi
