Shkhara Massif

The nine-headed Shkhara peak is located in the Svanetian section of the Caucasus, more precisely, on the Besing Wall. The Besin wall itself, which natives of Svaneti call "Pitsruli" (boardwalk) is the highest - 12-meter - section of the Caucasus watershed ridge. To the north of the Bezing Wall descends one of the largest glaciers in the Caucasus, the Bezing Glacier, and to the south are the Khalde and Shkhara Glaciers.

The highest of the peaks in the Shkhara Massif is Shkhara Peak, which stretches up to 5,203 meters, giving way only to the "roof" of Europe - Elbrus, although Shkhara is much more difficult to conquer. Western Shkhara (5015m), Eastern Shkhara and Southern Shkhara (4320m) are also more difficult to conquer than Elbrus.

Several years ago, a mountaineering magazine published in the U.S. put the Shkhara peak in first place in Europe on its list of the most difficult peaks on the continent to conquer. As for the Shkhara Glacier (length - 5.0 km, area - 6.2 sq km, the height of the glacier tongue - 2480 m), he is an interesting and easily accessible tourist destination.From the glacier takes its source the Inguri River. At the source of the river there are three ice springs.

Five kilometers from the Shkhara Glacier is a historical settlement - Shkhara community, which includes 4 villages: Zhibiani, Chvibiani, Murkmeli, Chvzhashi (center of the community).

At present, Chzhashi community is declared as a museum. Protected site, included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, includes 13 towers, 4 fortress houses, 21 machubi (bottom floor of Svan houses).

Of all the villages of Ushguli, it is in Chazhashi that the most preserved Svanian towers have been preserved. There is an archeological museum in this village. In the upper, northern part of Ushguli stands the church named after Holy Mother of God "Lamariya". From this church rises the road to Mount Shkhara.