Mestia is a small town in the upper region of Svaneti in Georgia, a highland in Caucacious. It is a heaven for nature with medieval culture with high towers called Svan towers.
On the 1st day, we explored a Unesco World Heritage township called Ushguli, which consists of five medieval villages deep in a remote highland, about 1 hour drive away from Mestia town.
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| An ancient Swan tower |
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| A Nepal like scenery |
What is unique about this beautiful town is the ancient looking houses built of stones consisting high towers called Svan towers to defend against invaders long time ago. The key highlight is the ancient 12th century Lamaria church.
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| Lamaria Church |
From there, we took a short 20 mins 4 wheel drive to the starting point of a glacier trek called Shkhara Glacier. It took about 1+ hour to trek along the valley to have a closer glimpse of the glacier. The scenery is stunning with alpine and river existing side by side.
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| End of trek |
Later, we explored the ancient village of Ushguli with tall historic towers.
On 2nd day, we took a 4 wheel drive about 1 hour to Koruldi Lake, high about the mountains near Mestia. It was an up and up off road. Along the journey, the ice capped mountains nearby looming before us. It was a magnificent alpine off road.
The lakes were still with reflection, a perfect spot for photography. The surrounding towering alpine mountains refreshed the mind and soul.
In the afternoon, we went to a cafe for a relaxing mountainous view and the big swing in Heshkili.
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| Heshkili swing |
Mestia indeed is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited.
