Tbilisi-Lentekhi: 450 km
Lentekhi-Ushguli: 90 km (ca 5-6 t.)
Ushguli-Mestia-Mazeri: 80 km (ca 4-5 t.)


http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/186306/shkhara.html

Georgian Side
The jumping off point for Shkhara on the Georgian side is village of Ushguli, the highest village in Europe 
at 2200m and a short distance south of the mountain. It is located in the remote region of Upper Svaneti. 
Kutaisi is the nearest town of significant size however the road north is in poor condition and generally 
impassable. The normal way to reach Ushguli is via Zugdidi and Mestia (jumping off point for Ushba). 
Zugdidi is easily reached by taking the other night Tbilisi-Zugdidi train. Alternatively travel by bus from 
Kutaisi or Batumi to Zugdidi early in the morning and make a connection. Note there is a chronic lack of 
accomodation in Zugdidi due to hotels being full of Abkhazia refugees. Zugidi-Mestia Jeeps pick pick up 
arriving passengers at the train station. The journey to Mestia follows the Inguri river and takes the 
best part of a day. Arrange onward transportation to Ushguli in Mestia. Nino Ratiani (see camping and 
accomodation section) can arrange this. The route to Shkhara from Ushguli across rolling meadows is obvious.


Georgian Side
There is nothing comparable on the Georgian side. Security has significantly improved in recent years however 
it is prudent to seak local advice before camping away from the village.
Accomodation in Svaneti is homestay based. When travelling to Ushguli have somewhere to stay arranged in advance. 
In Mestia I stayed with Nino Ratiani (enquire with the Jeep driver if he hasn't already rung Nino for you). 
In Ushguli I stayed with Data Ratiani who is Nino's brother-in-law. These are both excellent homestays with the 
latter possibly being the best anywhere in Georgia! Ushguli actually consists of three settlements a short 
distance apart from one another. Data Ratiani lives in the upper village.