Shkhara is translated from English as a significant peak located in the middle northern latitudes of the Eastern Hemisphere. Its geographical coordinates are 43 degrees. north latitude and 43.1 deg. East longitude.
Shkhara is one of the highest and most beautiful mountain peaks of the Main Caucasian Range (its central part). Moreover, it is not only its highest point, but also the highest peak in Georgia and the third highest in the entire Caucasus and in Russia.
Where is Mount Shkhara and what unique features does it have? You can learn more about this by reading this article. But first, let's briefly talk about this rich, amazingly beautiful area.
About Svaneti
This is the mountainous part of Georgia (northwest). Upper Svaneti is located in a high-mountain valley that runs along the entire Main Caucasian Range, which represents the natural border between Russia and Georgia.
The road to the famous village of Ushguli runs between parallel ridges - the Caucasian,Egrisky and Lechkhumsky. Therefore, any bend or turn of the road opens up magnificent and fantastic mountain landscapes in their beauty. And Mount Shkhara adds an indescribable atmosphere to this amazingly rich nature with its strength and majesty.
Mountain location
These beautiful rocky massifs are part of the mountains of the unique Bezengi wall (a mountain range 13 kilometers long).
The peak is located in Svaneti in its southern part, and in Bezengi and in the region of Kabardino-Balkaria - in its northern part. This mountainous area is located on the border between Georgia and Russia, about 90 kilometers from the city of Kutaisi.
Mount Shkhara: height, description
The height of the peak is 5203 meters. In its huge array, two peaks are distinguished: the western one (height 5068.8 meters) and the eastern one (4866.5 meters).
Three large glaciers descend from the beautiful peaks of Shkhara: the eponymous Shkhara and Khalde - towards Georgia; Bashkhaauz - towards Russia.
At the very base of the mountain is the world-famous Georgian village of Ushguli, through which a number of hiking trails pass. It should be noted that Ushguli is the second high mountain village in Europe after the Dagestan village. Kurush. In this regard, the village of Ushguli is included in the UNESCO heritage list.
You can also travel on bicycles in these places. Climbing the mountain itself is dangerous for untrained people, and it belongs to the categorical ones.
Mount Shkhara in these places createsa unique spectacle. Its slopes are decorated with beautiful crystal-white glaciers. Rivers break from these mountains like bright murmuring waterfalls. And at the same time, incredible strength and power emanates from Shkhara itself, as well as an inexplicable sense of danger.
The summit was first climbed in 1933 by Soviet professional climbers.
About Features
The summit takes pride of place in the list of the highest mountains of the great Caucasus. But that's not the only reason she's attractive. The mountain slopes are composed of schist and granite rocks, which contribute to the impression of the bewitching sparkle of the peak in the sun.
Mount Shkhara has quite dangerous cliffs and icy rivers descending from the very top. They are visible even at a great distance. Despite this, the mountain height is quite popular with professional climbers and travelers who love extreme recreation.
Conclusion
Mount Shkhara looks great in combination with incredibly beautiful, fabulous and vibrant vegetation. The relative stability of the climate has contributed to the preservation of ancient elements of flora and fauna since ancient times.
This mountain is a great opportunity to gain new, unknown emotions and impressions for the most reckless, courageous and romantic people.