The Shkhara Glacier Trek: A Journey to the Heart of the Caucasus
Step into a landscape where ancient stone towers reach for the sky and Georgia’s highest peak, Mount Shkhara, commands the horizon. The Shkhara Glacier Trek from Ushguli is more than just a hike; it’s an unforgettable journey into the soul of the Svaneti region, a land of breathtaking beauty and timeless traditions. This adventure offers a perfect blend of awe-inspiring nature and rich cultural immersion, culminating at the birthplace of the mighty Enguri River.
Tour Highlights
- Stand in Awe of Mount Shkhara: Get up close to the highest mountain in Georgia (5,193 m / 17,037 ft).
- Explore Ushguli, a UNESCO Gem: Wander the medieval streets of Europe’s highest continuously inhabited settlement.
- Witness the Birth of a River: Reach the Shkhara Glacier, the source of the powerful Enguri River.
- Flexible Adventure: Choose to hike the full trail, take a scenic horseback ride, or shorten the journey with a 4×4 jeep.
- Cultural Immersion: Visit the iconic Lamaria Church and discover ancient Svaneti artifacts in local museums.
Your adventure begins in the incredible village of Ushguli, a UNESCO World Heritage site that feels like a step back in time. Famous for its iconic defensive stone towers (Svan towers), this remote community has preserved its unique architecture and way of life for centuries. Before your trek, take time to wander through its cobblestone paths, visit the 12th-century Lamaria Church perched majestically against a mountain backdrop, and delve into local history at the Ushguli Ethnographic Museum. The two-hour scenic drive from Mestia to Ushguli is an adventure in itself, preparing you for the grandeur to come.
The Shkhara Glacier Trek: Your Adventure Awaits
The trail to the Shkhara Glacier is a spectacular 14 km round trip that follows the Enguri River valley. Starting at an altitude of 2,200 meters, the path is a gentle, gradual ascent, making it an accessible walk for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. There is no technical climbing involved, just pure, magnificent trekking.
As you leave the Lamaria Church, the valley opens up before you, offering ever-changing views of lush alpine meadows, the glistening river, and the colossal Caucasus peaks. The silence is broken only by the sound of the wind and the distant rumble of the glacier.
Choose Your Path
This incredible landscape can be experienced in several ways:
The Classic Hike: For the trekking enthusiast, the full 6-7 hour round-trip walk is a deeply rewarding experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the scenery at your own pace.
Horseback Riding: Channel your inner explorer and travel like a local. A horseback ride shortens the journey and offers a unique perspective of the valley. Horses can be easily arranged in Ushguli.
4×4 Jeep Adventure: If you’re short on time or prefer a more relaxed journey, our 4×4 jeep can take you deep into the Enguri valley, leaving just a short, easy walk to the glacier viewpoint. This is a great option for families or those who want to conserve their energy for exploring Ushguli.
Essential Information for Your Trek
Best Time to Go: The ideal season for the Shkhara Glacier trek is from June to early October, when the weather is mild and the trail is free of snow.
Difficulty & Duration: The trek is considered easy to moderate. The full walk takes approximately 6-7 hours. Horseback riding takes around 4-5 hours.
What to Pack:
- Comfortable, sturdy hiking boots
- Layered clothing, including a waterproof jacket (weather can change quickly)
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
- Plenty of water and snacks
- A camera to capture the stunning landscapes
Safety First: The final approach to the glacier is a moraine field of rock and ice. For your safety, it is not recommended to get too close to the glacier’s face due to the risk of falling rocks and ice.
The Shkhara Glacier trek is often the grand finale of the multi-day Mestia-Ushguli trek, but it stands alone as a world-class day hike. Don’t miss the chance to experience one of Georgia’s most iconic and beautiful adventures.
| PAX | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price in USD | 120 $ | 70 $ | 60 $ | 55 $ | 50 $ | 45 $ |
Price includes transfer to Ushguli, return to Mestia and guide service.
Transfer until end of car road will cost 20$ more per jeep.
| PAX | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price in USD | 180 $ | 120 $ | 110 $ | 100 $ | 90 $ | 85 $ |
Price includes transfer to Ushguli, return to Mestia, guide service and horse rental.
