There’s a Glacier in Georgia That’s Famous for Its Incredibly Beautiful Dogs
Shkhara Glacier in Georgia draws hikers for its towering peaks, a broad valley, and fields of wildflowers. What many visitors remember just as vividly, though, are the dogs that fall in step along the trail. In Ushguli and the surrounding Svaneti villages, these animals are part of daily life, and they often tag along with travelers headed toward the ice.
Image via iStockphoto/Mustafa Karaaslan
Dogs Who Accompany Trekkers
The trek is an adventure in itself. You’ll pass through villages with centuries-old stone towers and explore terrain that’s as rugged as it is beautiful. As trekkers make their way to Ushguli, a small village at the foot of the glacier, they often find themselves accompanied by the most loyal four-legged companions.
In addition to being wonderful trail companions, the dogs of Ushguli and the surrounding villages are incredibly well taken care of. The region is known for its local hospitality, with homestays in the area offering food and shelter to trekkers in the traditional Georgian style. You’ll find yourself sitting down to hearty meals like khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) and kubdari (meat-filled bread), with dogs often lounging nearby, as if waiting for a bite of your meal.
These dogs are not just wandering strays; they’re familiar with the trail and eager to accompany you. They walk with you as if they know exactly where you need to go, occasionally pausing to check that you’re keeping up. And when you stop to catch your breath or snap a photo, they patiently wait, never far behind, ready to lead you onward. After going through the valley or over a river, they’ll return to their homes.
The Trek to Shkhara Glacier
Image via iStockphoto/Tuutikka
streams cut through fields and mountain peaks frame the horizon. The first part of the trail is mostly flat, an easy walk past wildflowers and open pastures that keeps the glacier in sight as you move closer. Distances vary depending on how far you go, but most hikers cover between 8 and 16 kilometers round-trip, with some choosing jeeps to shorten the approach.
As the valley narrows, the character of the path changes. The ground turns rockier, the slope steeper, and loose stones underfoot call for a slower pace. It is here that the sense of effort builds, matched by the sound of water rushing from the ice above. At the end, the glacier rises in front of you, a fractured wall at the foot of Georgia’s highest peak, its cold air spilling into the valley and making the long walk feel well earned.