To the Shkhara Glacier: A Walk at the Foot of Georgia’s Highest Peak

Some places look unreal even in photos. Ushguli and its guardian, Georgia’s highest peak – Shkhara, is just like that. It’s a place where time seems to stand still, towers reach for the sky, and a sense of freedom fills the air. If you want to get as close as possible to this historical and natural wonder, then the trail to the Shkhara Glacier is for you.

This is not an extreme hike, but rather a pleasant, meditative walk in the heart of the Caucasus, which will leave you face-to-face with Georgia’s mightiest peak.

In the Enguri River Valley: The Path from Ushguli to the Glacier

Your journey begins from the end of Ushguli, in the village of Chazhashi. The trail is practically a vehicle track that follows the Enguri River valley. The first part is almost flat and very easy to walk. Here, you can stroll peacefully, enjoy the alpine meadows, see herds of horses, and watch from a distance as the giant, icy wall of Shkhara slowly gets closer.

This path is ideal for those who don’t like difficult ascents but want to become part of a grandiose landscape. After every turn, Shkhara grows larger, and it slowly becomes possible to grasp its full scale.

The Final Steps: Encounter with the Giant

After about 2 hours of walking, the track ends, and you arrive at a small cafe. From here, the path moves onto rocks and heads directly towards the glacier’s tongue. This is the final section, where you’ll already feel the proximity of the glacier – the air gets colder, and the roar of the river becomes deafening.

And there you are, at your destination! You are standing in front of the Shkhara Glacier, from where the Enguri River originates. Above you rises the 5,201-meter-high peak. In this moment, you realize how small you are compared to the grandeur of nature. This is a place where you can sit for hours, listen to the sound of melting ice, and simply be in the moment.

Hike Details at a Glance

• Starting Point: Village of Ushguli (approx. 2100 m)
• Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
• Total Distance (Round Trip): Approx. 16-18 kilometers
• Average Duration: 5-7 hours (on foot)
• Total Elevation Gain: Approx. 300 meters

A Few Friendly Tips

• When to go? The best time is from July to mid-September, when the path is dry.
• Transport: If you don’t have much time or don’t feel like walking, you can cover most of the distance by an off-road vehicle or on horseback.
• Equipment: Comfortable shoes, water, snacks, sunscreen, and a raincoat are essential. The temperature drops sharply near the glacier, so bring warm clothing as well.
• Safety: As with other glaciers, avoid getting too close to the edge of the ice here.

The hike to the Shkhara Glacier is one of the most impressive, yet easy, ways to touch the heart of Georgia’s nature. It is an experience that will make you feel the true power of the Caucasus and leave you with emotions that will last for a long time.