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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
Photo of Baia Dzagnidze
Baia Dzagnidze
Writer13 September 2021

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.

Stepantsminda, Kazbegi

Architectural Landmark, Natural Feature
Map View
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.

Shatili, Khevsureti

Architectural Landmark, Natural Feature
Map View
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.

Omalo, Tusheti

Architectural Landmark
Map View
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.

Mestia, Svaneti

Natural Feature, Hiking Trail
Map View
© Baia Dzagnidze
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.

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.

These recommendations were updated on September 13, 2021 to keep your travel plans fresh.
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