Thursday, May 23, 2013

                               W E L C O M E   T O   U S H G U L I ! 
     Our  community   is  located in  the  province of  Svaneti, Republic of Georgia,  Caucasus region.    Ushguli  settlement  is homogeneous, compact  system  of  villages   located  along  a  single  longitudinal  axis, in the  gorge  of  River Enguri.  The  settlement  is  amazingly  harmonised  with the surrounding natural setting, wich preconditions  its artistic  and   architectural value.  The  community  contains  four  villages: Murkmeli, Chajashi, Chvibiani and  Jibiani.  About  55  housholders(more then 200 people) live  these  villages.  Ushguli  is the  highest  permanently  inhabited  village  in  Europe  and  is  situated  2200 m  above  the  sea  level.  Ushguli  is  located  at  the  feet  of  Shkhara(5203m), which  is  the  highest   summit  in  Georgia. There  are  two  roots  to  Ushguli  via  Zugdidi  and  Mestia and  via Kutaisi  and  Lentekhi. The  name  of   village  comes  from  the  Georgian  words  - ,,fearless  heart". Ushguli  is  a  famous  stop  on  the  Georgian  tourist  routers  and  has  much  to  offer.  Here  are  some  unique  architectural  and ancient  monuments: Defensive  towers,  unusual  churches  with  fabulous   frescoes,  one  of  them is  the  most  famous  church  of  Lamaria (Mary The  Birthgiver  of  God's  monastery).  Here  is  also  an  ethnographic  museum in the  willage of  Chajashi(This village  has been  included  in the UNESCO World heritage  list).     A short walk above the village leads to a small hilltop where the Ushguli Chapel is located. This dates back to the 12th century and contains some very old frescoes. From here a magnificent, broad valley leads to the foot of Shkhara(where the Shkhara Glacier starts and  is the  source of  river Enguri) in 3 hours walking through flower strewn alpine meadows.  
    Nowadays  tourism  is  developed  here,  all year  round  open, although winter travel can be slightly longer. Private 4×4 vehicle with driver, 170-200 GEL/vehicle round trip from Mestia for the day, split between 2-8 passengers. Biking, horseback and walking are other possible ways to reach the village, weather permitting.  Here  are  some  comfortable  guest  houses  and  several  places  to  eat  out.  
   The  superb  location  of  Ushguli  and  the  unique  lifstyle of the  people  in  the village  makes  it  a  popular  destination to  visit. If  you  like  adventures, mountaineering, snow, skiing, snowboarding,  historical  places, ancient  architecture,     biking, horse  riding,   hiking, rafting, delicious   national   dishes  or  simply   if  you  want  to  spend  your  time  interestingly  .   .   .   .   .   .    .     once   more  -  WELCOME  TO  USHGULI!

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