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- Chazhashi hamlet (UNESCO core) — the dense cluster of stone houses and towers that people picture when they think of Ushguli; walking its narrow lanes feels like stepping into a living medieval postcard and it’s where most of the village’s history is concentrated.
- Lamaria Church (Church of the Nativity of the Virgin) — that small, atmospheric church tucked among towers; look for old fresco fragments and icons inside and the tiny courtyard that locals still use for services and celebrations.
- Svan towers of Ushguli — the vertical stone family towers that define the skyline; you can get up close, touch the stones, and read the soot and scars that speak to centuries of local life and defense.
- Zhibiani hamlet and its tower cluster — quieter than Chazhashi, Zhibiani gives better photo composition
- Chazhashi hamlet (UNESCO core) — the dense cluster of stone houses and towers that people picture when they think of Ushguli; walking its narrow lanes feels like stepping into a living medieval postcard and it’s where most of the village’s history is concentrated.
- Lamaria Church (Church of the Nativity of the Virgin) — that small, atmospheric church tucked among towers; look for old fresco fragments and icons inside and the tiny courtyard that locals still use for services and celebrations.
- Svan towers of Ushguli — the vertical stone family towers that define the skyline; you can get up close, touch the stones, and read the soot and scars that speak to centuries of local life and defense.
- Zhibiani hamlet and its tower cluster — quieter than Chazhashi, Zhibiani gives better photo composition and a more lived-in feel; fewer tourists, more dogs, and authentic everyday Svan life.
- Murqmeli hamlet — the lowest of Ushguli’s hamlets with grazing meadows and river access; good for mellow walks, meeting shepherds, and watching village rhythms away from the main cluster.
- Ushguli Ethnographic room (small community museum) — a tiny, local collection of tools, clothing, household items and photos that explains how people here cooked, dressed and survived; small but invaluable for context before you wander.
- Village cemetery and carved gravestones — a quiet spot with old carved stone stelae and family plots; it’s humbling, photogenic, and gives real sense of the continuity of local families.
- Homestay kitchens and family workshops — not a single landmark but an experience: drop into a guesthouse, watch bread and cheese being made, try Svan salt and listen to local stories — that’s where the village’s culture is most alive.
- Shkhara and glacier viewpoints from the village — short, accessible vantage points around Ushguli give sweeping views of Mount Shkhara and its glaciers; sunrise from these spots is dramatic and very reachable without a long trek.
- Short trails to nearby watchtowers and alpine meadows — dozens of easy walks radiate from the hamlets: sheep tracks, ruined outposts, wildflower meadows and small lookouts where you can be alone with the mountains for an hour or two.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.