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Published: August 6th 2023
Enguri River Dam
Enguri River Dam After Kutaisi, I headed to the Upper Svaneti region in Georgia, known for its mountains and natural beauty.
The drive from Kutaisi to Mestia was a comfortable one, the road gets windy in some places, but it's an easy journey.
At an altitude of 1,500 meters, Mestia boasts of Mount Ushba, which with its double horn shape is called the Matterhorn of the Caucus Mountains. The Svan people, who live here have a very old history and their language (apart from speaking Georgian), but are some of the most hospitable people around.
I was staying at a home stay and the family was ever so welcoming and their food is really tasty.
I hiked on my second day in Mestia, exploring the glacier but also taking time to randomly explore the nature by the Enguri river. The landscape, the wildflowers, the peaceful environment left me in a very relaxed and calm state.
I headed to Ushguli from Mestia, only 50KM away. At 2,100 meters, Ushguli is one of the highest continuously inhabited places in Europe. Based at the foothills of Mount Shkhara (which is at 5,200 meters and is the Russian-Georgian border), Ushguli is accessible only
Hiking in Mestia
Hiking in Mestia 6 months of the year and only 200 families live there through the year.
I hiked to the Shkhara Glacier the next day and because I had gone early morning, I got to enjoy the hike without many people.
The noticeable feature in Ushguli (and even in Mestia) are the Svan Towers. Built in the 9th to 12th century range, these towers allowed families to keep an eye on other clans (this region had clan based rivalries for long). And the towers still stand. It reminded me a bit of the North in the Game of Thrones 😊
Mestia and Ushguli (especially Ushguli) are like forgotten places, stuck in time. And that's the beauty of these places. They are firmly on the tourist circuit now, but continue to hold their old world charm.
My only fear is that with increased tourism, the local people should not lose that charm. In Ushguli, I saw some of that behaviour (pushy sales approach from locals). I hope people in this area realise that their location and their simple life is invaluable and that is what attracts tourists to these places. Its a heritage worth preserving and I hope the
Enguri River in Mestia
Hiking next to Enguri River in Mestia local people do so.
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