Svaneti & Ushguli — an unforgettable 2-3 day 4x4 adventure

Svaneti is the crown of Georgia — medieval Svan towers, snowy peaks and Ushguli, Europe's highest permanently inhabited village (2,100 m) with views of Mt. Shkhara. From Kutaisi to Mestia it takes about 4-5 hours via Zugdidi on a paved road. However, the Mestia-Ushguli section (47 km, ~2 hours) requires a 4x4 — our Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4 or Mitsubishi Outlander are perfect for it. Tips: plan at least 2 nights — one in Mestia, one in Ushguli or back in Mestia. Fill up in Mestia, there is no petrol station in Ushguli. Best season: May-October. In winter the road often closes.