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Georgia

Samegrelo-Upper Svaneti

Shkhara Glacier – Ushguli Defensive Towers loop from Zhibiani

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Georgia

Samegrelo-Upper Svaneti

Shkhara Glacier – Ushguli Defensive Towers loop from Zhibiani

Hard

4.7

(128)

680

hikers

Shkhara Glacier – Ushguli Defensive Towers loop from Zhibiani

05:33

18.7km

520m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: July 26, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

7.66 km

View of Shkhara Glacier River

Highlight • Viewpoint

such a wonderfull landescape, really beautiful!

Tip by

7.88 km

View of Chalaadi Glacier

Highlight • Viewpoint

The mother nature gave us a fantastic place.

Translated by Google •

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9.30 km

Shkhara Glacier

Highlight • Natural Monument

You feel pretty small when you stand in front of the glacier tongue.

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9.41 km

Shkhara Glacier Ice Cave

Highlight • Cave

Do not forget sunscreen and goggles!

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9.43 km

Wildflowers in the Caucasus Mountains

Highlight • Natural

18.3 km

Ushguli (უშგული, English Ushguli) is a village community in the Caucasus in the Svaneti region of Georgia. Ushguli is known for its defense towers, which have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. Ushguli lies between 2086 and 2200 meters above sea level and is one of the highest villages in Europe.
The village community Ushguli consists of the four villages or hamlets located close together:
Schibiani (ჟიბიანი, Zhibiani)
Tschwibiani or Tschubiani (ჩვიბიანი, Chvibiani / Chubiani)
Tschaschaschi (ჩაჟაში, Chazhashi / Chajashi)
Murqmeli (მურყმელი).
-wikivoyage.org-

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18.7 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

13.0 km

4.65 km

1.04 km

Surfaces

11.0 km

4.65 km

3.04 km

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Tuesday 28 July

14°C

9°C

-- %

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Comments

September 10, 2022,🇬🇪 Talwanderung zum Shkhara Gletscher

Start in Ushguli for the valley hike to the Shkhara Glacier, along the Enguri to its source.

A leisurely route that you could alternatively cover on horseback, except for the last 3km. Horses are provided everywhere here. And those who are not currently on duty graze on the banks of the Enguri.

Showing Translation

September 6, 2022,Von Uschguli zum Gletscher Shkhara. Großer Kaukasus. Georgien

The World Heritage Site of Uschguli is the starting point of this tour. The first eight kilometers are a track that is also used by four-wheel drive vehicles. Where they can no longer continue, a beautiful trail begins through the forest and the moraine landscape to the glacier.

All Georgia tours: komoot.de/collection/1788270/-georgien

Showing Translation

June 23, 2025,Ushguli – Shkhara Glacier

Today we had difficulty in recording, a piece is missing but we brought the excursion home

Showing Translation

September 11, 2024,Wanderung zum Shkhara Gletscher

A hike from Ushguli is not absolutely necessary because the path leads almost along the road to the café. Alternatively, you could ride a horse to the café or take a taxi. From the café to the glacier, the path is varied.
Be careful at the café, there is a slightly tense dog lying there and will bite if necessary …

Showing Translation

July 30, 2023,Ushguli => Shkhara glacier (2500 m) - Zhibiani, first part on horseback.

We covered the first two-thirds of the route up to the café on horseback (GEL 50 / pp, GEL 70 for the guide, Bori's Guesthouse)

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Shkhara Glacier – Ushguli Defensive Towers loop from Zhibiani

View of Shkhara Glacier River

Enguri River

View of Chalaadi Glacier

Shkhara Glacier

Shkhara Glacier Ice Cave

Ushguli Glacier

Wildflowers in the Caucasus Mountains

Ushguli Defensive Towers

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