Mountain Villages Not to Miss on Your Trip to Georgia

Stepantsminda in Kazbegi is one of the most stunning mountain towns to visit in Georgia
Stepantsminda in Kazbegi is one of the most stunning mountain towns to visit in Georgia | © Anna Richterova / Alamy Stock Photo

While cities like Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Batumi are primary destinations for any traveller, to feel the true Georgian spirit you should visit some of the country’s smaller and more remote locations. Here’s our list of the most interesting and impressive mountain villages in Georgia you shouldn’t miss on your next trip.
Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Stepantsminda, Kazbegi

Stepantsminda is one of Georgia’s most popular mountain destinations. With the postcard-like scenery of Mount Kazbegi and Gergeti Trinity Church at its base, the town attracts many travellers. Moreover, it’s quite close to Tbilisi, so it makes a perfect one-day getaway from the capital. The road that leads to Stepantsminda, the Georgian Military Highway, is also full of beautiful views, while the hike towards the church is spectacular. You can visit as part of Culture Trip’s specially curated small-group Georgia tour, led by our Local Insider.

Bochorna, Akhemta

Shatili, Khevsureti

Khevsureti region is one of the country’s most remote areas. Its largest settlement, Shatili, is located near the border with Chechnya. Once part of the Kingdom of Kakheti, the population of Shatili, together with other parts of the region, was resettled during the Soviet era. Today, the less inhabited village, with its cluster of medieval towers, attracts many mountain trekkers and tourists.

Mutso, Khevsureti

Mutso is so close to Chechnya that you might even see the patrolling guards near the border. What makes the village so interesting are its city ruins, which hang above it on rocky land. The hike up there is quite challenging, but worth every step, rewarding you with gorgeous views of the valley.

Omalo, Tusheti

Tusheti is another remote area of the country with splendid nature and architecture. Famous for its highly dangerous approach road, that doesn’t stop anyone exploring this charming area. Omalo is its centre and largest village. Unlike Khevsureti, the population here is quite sizeable. Omalo is a great base for touring other villages in the area, but the old fortress which overlooks it is worth visiting too, for its gorgeous views of the region and its surrounding nature.

Shenako, Tusheti

Located outside of Omalo, Shenako is known for Holy Trinity church, which sits on a hillside overlooking the valley below. Shenako has only a small community, but as with Dartlo, contains several guesthouses for you to stay overnight.

Dartlo, Tusheti

The village of Dartlo is wrapped in the mountains and makes for a fairytale setting, with the Alazani river flowing just below. Dartlo might be a small village, but there are plenty of homestays and a cafe for lunch and a drink with wonderful views of the surrounding area.

Bakhmaro, Guria

Bakhmaro, in the Guria region, is a mountainous resort that lies around 6500ft (1981m) above sea level. Surrounded by pine and fir forests, this spot is renowned for its curative potential.

Ambrolauri, Racha

Racha is one of the most interesting wine regions of Georgia. It might not have the beauty of Tusheti, Khevsureti or Svaneti, but it’s still worth visiting. The climate here is perfect for grapes, making Ambrolauri a great stopover for wine lovers.

Ushguli, Svaneti

A Unesco World Heritage Site, Ushguli is the most remote area of Upper Svaneti. Known for being the highest continually inhabited village in Europe, Ushguli offers breathtaking views of Shkhara – the highest peak in the country – and medieval defence towers that are slowly crumbling.

Mestia, Svaneti

The road that was cut from Zugdidi towards Mestia has changed the area drastically. Once like Ushguli, remote and full of Svan architecture, Mestia is now easily accessible – with more developed infrastructure than other villages in the region. While Mestia once closed during the heavy snow, now, the Hatsvali Ski Resort attracts many local and foreign skiers and snowboarders.

Beshumi, Adjara

Beshumi is a mountain resort in Adjara, the coastal region of the country. Located around 6100ft (1859m) above sea level, the area is rich with coniferous forests, making summers here moderately cool. The average temperature in August hits 17C (62.6F).

Ready for Georgia’s rural highlights? The country has even more to offer elsewhere. Head for the capital with our recommendations of what to do and see in Tbilisi, have a look at the country’s biggest attractions and book your visit to Georgia with Culture Trip.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Winter Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

X
Edit article