Shkhara Mountain
Georgia's highest peak in the Greater Caucasus
Shkhara, on Georgia's northern spine of the Greater Caucasus, reaches glaciated slopes and high-altitude ridges. Mountaineers and experienced trekkers visit for technical climbs, alpine scenery and access to remote Svaneti approaches.
Shkhara at a Glance#
About Shkhara#
Shkhara is a high peak in the Greater Caucasus range on the border between Georgia and Russia, reaching approximately 5,193 metres in elevation. It is the highest mountain in Georgia and a prominent glaciated summit in the Caucasus.
The mountain features steep ice and rock faces and is known for technical climbing routes and long approaches from high valleys. Shkhara forms part of a rugged massif that includes several subsidiary peaks and extensive glaciers.
The mountain is located in the Svaneti region of northwestern Georgia, overlooking deep alpine valleys and high glacier-fed basins; access is typically from mountain towns and villages in Svaneti.
- Elevation: Summit elevation is 5,193 metres, making it the highest point in Georgia and one of the highest peaks of the Greater Caucasus.
- Climbing note: Located on the border with Russia, the mountain is a technical climb that attracts experienced mountaineers rather than casual hikers.
How to Get to Shkhara#
Shkhara is approached from the Svaneti highlands: first get to Mestia (Svaneti) by shared minibus (marshrutka) or taxi from Zugdidi or by road from Kutaisi/Mestia area. From Mestia you travel east toward the high villages (often by 4x4 taxi) to reach Ushguli and the trailheads used for approaches to Mount Shkhara.
From Ushguli the mountain is a multi-day trek and technical glacier/climb; reaching the base requires hiking from the village along marked highland tracks and valley routes, or hiring local guides/transport for the mountaineering approach.
Tips for Visiting Shkhara#
- Visit Shkhara from late June through September when the high valleys are most accessible and weather windows for clear views are likeliest; mornings often give the clearest light before afternoon cloud build-up.
- Use Ushguli or Mestia as your logistical base and arrange transport and a certified local mountain guide there - the rough mountain roads require 4x4 vehicles and local knowledge of passes and glacier approaches.
- Don't just aim for the summit: take the short walks around Ushguli (UNESCO villages) at sunrise for classic panoramas of Shkhara's north face that many climbers and day-trippers miss.
Best Time to Visit Shkhara#
Best visited in summer (June-August) for the most reliable weather and safest window for high-altitude trekking and climbing.
Weather & Climate near Shkhara#
Shkhara's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -22°C to 3°C. Abundant rainfall (1172 mm/year), wettest in June.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -21° - -15° | -29° | 69 mm | overcast | 89% | 6.8 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.3h |
| February | Poor | -22° - -15° | -29° | 72 mm | overcast | 89% | 5.5 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.4h |
| March | Poor | -21° - -14° | -27° | 85 mm | overcast | 89% | 5.7 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Poor | -14° - -9° | -20° | 114 mm | overcast | 86% | 5.5 m/s | 1.1 high | 13.2h |
| May | Poor | -10° - -5° | -14° | 132 mm | overcast | 79% | 5.5 m/s | 1.5 very high | 14.4h |
| June | Poor | -7° - -1° | -10° | 133 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 4.8 m/s | 1.9 very high | 15.1h |
| July | Poor | -3° - 3° | -5° | 115 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 4.5 m/s | 1.9 very high | 14.8h |
| August | Poor | -3° - 3° | -5° | 107 mm | partly cloudy | 72% | 5.1 m/s | 1.7 very high | 13.7h |
| September | Poor | -5° - -1° | -9° | 88 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 5.2 m/s | 1.2 high | 12.3h |
| October | Poor | -10° - -6° | -15° | 86 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 5.2 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.9h |
| November | Poor | -15° - -11° | -22° | 87 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 6.3 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.6h |
| December | Poor | -19° - -14° | -27° | 84 mm | overcast | 86% | 7.4 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.0h |
