Mestia–Ushguli Road Open, but Rockfalls Are Happening

The Mestia–Ushguli Road Open, but Rockfalls Are Happening

This matters for anyone heading to one of Svaneti's most stunning destinations—the village of Ushguli, nestled at the foot of Mount Shkhara. The road there was never easy to begin with: dirt surface, hairpin turns, narrow sections along cliff edges. Now there's another factor to contend with—rockfalls on certain stretches.

The road itself is still functioning and passable; there are no official closures at this time. But if rocks are tumbling onto the road here and there, that's serious reason to stay extra alert, especially if you're driving yourself or thinking about getting out of the car to snap photos at stops along the risky sections.

What this means in practice. If you're planning a trip to Ushguli over the next few days, allow extra travel time and don't rush through the tricky parts. If you're traveling with a local driver—listen to their advice about the route and where to pull over. Local drivers know these roads well; they know which spots are safe for a photo stop and which stretches are better to drive straight through.

When you can, avoid stopping right at the base of rocky cliffs, especially after rain—moisture is often what triggers rockfall on mountain roads. If you hear the sound of falling rocks or spot fresh stones on the pavement, that's your cue to drive through without stopping.

We'll keep monitoring conditions on the Mestia–Ushguli road and will update you if anything changes—whether that's official restrictions, repair work, or improved conditions. If you're already on your way or still planning your trip, take care of yourselves and stay alert on those mountain curves.