Journey to Ushguli, Georgia's Isolated and Ageless Mountain Hamlet
Exploring Vardzia and Ushguli: Two Unique Cave Cities in Georgia
Venture into the heart of Georgia to discover two remarkable cave cities that offer a blend of architectural ingenuity, historical depth, and natural beauty. Vardzia and Ushguli are hidden gems waiting to be explored.
Vardzia: A Kingdom Hidden in Rock
With over 600 cave rooms carved into a 500-meter-long cliff face, Vardzia is a testament to human resilience and architectural prowess. This cave city encompasses churches, halls, monk cells, wine cellars, kitchens, gardens, vineyards, an apothecary, and a sophisticated irrigation system.
The Church of the Dormition, adorned with rare 12th-century frescoes, including a unique portrait of Queen Tamar, adds a touch of royal grandeur to this ancient city. A functioning monastic section allows visitors a glimpse of enduring religious traditions within the cave complex.
Exploring Vardzia's vast network of tunnels, staircases, and hidden passages, some parts of which were lost due to an earthquake, offers an adventure for the intrepid traveller. A natural spring inside the rock provided inhabitants with water during sieges, adding to the city's resilience.
Ushguli: A Village Perched Among the Mountains
Ushguli, located in the Svaneti region of northern Georgia, is a group of four age-old villages, widely regarded as the highest permanently inhabited place in Europe. These villages are perched at over 2,000 metres above sea level beneath the icy crown of Mount Shkhara.
Ushguli's seclusion played a key role in preserving its distinctive traditions, architectural style, and native language. The village is accessible by a rugged 4WD road trip from Mestia.
Kubdari, a meat-filled bread, is Svaneti's signature dish, while Matsoni, tangy homemade yogurt often paired with honey from nearby mountain hives, offers a taste of local flavours. Local homestays provide an opportunity to immerse oneself in village life, and guesthouses like Guesthouse Panorama Ushguli offer breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.
Visiting Vardzia and Ushguli
The best time to visit Vardzia is late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) for favourable weather and scenic landscapes. Entry costs about 15 GEL, and the site is open roughly 10 AM to 5-7 PM depending on the season. Some walking and climbing are involved, but shaded cave corridors offer relief.
Ushguli is best explored during summer and autumn for comfort and ease, while winter is suitable for the truly adventurous. Practical details such as Wi-Fi being rare, power cuts being common, and English being limited should be considered. It's recommended to bring a flashlight, extra power banks, and plenty of warm layers.
Ushguli offers various activities, including strolling among centuries-old stone towers, visiting Lamaria Church, hiking to the Shkhara Glacier, horseback riding through valleys, exploring the Ethnographic Museum, and more. Always ask before taking photos of people or their homes, and remember to carry your rubbish out to preserve the landscape.
In both Vardzia and Ushguli, embracing the quiet and the unique cultural experiences they offer is key to experiencing their true charm. Whether you're wandering through an ancient underground city or immersing yourself in village life, these destinations are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Discovering the lifestyle of the ancient dwellers in Georgia's cave cities, Vardzia and Ushguli, showcases sustainable living at its best, as these architectural wonders were built to coexist harmoniously with nature.
While exploring Vardzia, outdoor living engulfs you as you navigate the labyrinth of caves, allowing you to experience a blend of home-and-garden architecture and ingenious engineering.
For those seeking adventure-travel experiences, Ushguli offers a unique rural experience, where you can engage in cultural-travel activities such as strolling through age-old stone towers, visiting Lamaria Church, and hiking to the Shkhara Glacier.
To make the most of your adventure, consider budget-travel options when planning your visits to Vardzia and Ushguli. Whether you're traveling on a shoestring or seeking luxurious accommodations, these destinations offer an unforgettable experience of Georgia's rich history and natural beauty.
