Georgia | The Great Caucasus

The prominent towers of Mestia were used as lookout points, and during emergencies they served as refuges for each family, who lived in the living quarters in their lower sections, and which even had stables for livestock. Currently, these medieval fortresses are still private property and looking out the window, you can see a beautiful mountain range and mighty Mount Ushba, one of the most important peaks in the country. It is 4,700 metres high and known as the “Matterhorn of the Caucasus”. It is one of the most difficult mountains to climb in Europe.

Ushguli also belongs to the mountainous Region of Svaneti. It has defensive towers which are World Heritage sites. Some 70 families live in this area at the foot of Mount Shkhara. At 2,200 metres above sea level, it is the highest inhabited community in Europe.

Shatili is located on the narrow pass of Arghuni, on the northern slope of the Great Caucasus, a historical territory where Saint Nino preached after the conversion of King Mirian and King Nana. The intriguing beauty of the medieval towers and their considerable elevation – 1,400 metres above sea level – has made this town the ideal location for the shooting of many films about the lives of Georgian Highlanders.
“So, sixty percent of Georgian territory are mountains. There are a lot of fantastic opportunities for all kind of people who like nature, who like mountains. There are five peaks in the Caucasus in Georgia over 5000 meters, which gives really great opportunities for the amateur climbers. Apart from mountaineering these mountains give brilliant opportunities just for those who like nature, so you can do two or three weeks continuous tracks in a totally wild environment, plus there are lots of opportunities for rafting, canoeing, canyoning or any mountain activities”.

The Caucasus, in the shadow of Mount Kazbek, has given rise to a number of legends, such as that of the rebel Prometheus. According to mythology, Zeus chained him to these mountains for stealing fire from the Gods and giving it to the mortals. The Georgian Military Highway is also historic: it is the largest commercial route in Georgia, linking Tbilisi with Russia and was used by Attila, and later, as part of the Silk Road. 
Georgia has two ski resorts: Bakuriani, to the south of Borjomi, at an altitude of 1,700 metres has conditions that are ideal for family skiing. Gudauri, in the Upper Caucasus, at 2,000 metres, has steep slopes which will satisfy the most extreme athletes.