Private adventure to the historical region of Khevsureti. Let’s cross the sky-reaching Datvisjvari Pass, medieval fortified villages, powerful mountain streams, and hidden valleys. The land of myths, folk tales, and centuries-long history awaits us!
Dates: from June to October
Duration: 2 days / 1 night
Driving distance: 300 km
Trip difficulty: Easy BUT the trip includes two long off-road drives on a steep, narrow mountain road.
Accommodation: shared twin/double rooms in a local guesthouse
Hiking included: YES
Reaching Mutso Fortress requires a 20-30 minute-long uphill walk on a steep mountain path.
Pick-up: 9:00 from your hotel
Drop-off: 21:00 depends on group speed and traffic
Price: 450 GEL per person in case of 5 participants. Please email us exact number of participants for exact price.
Itinerary:
Day 1
Tbilisi – Datvisjvari Pass – Shatili – Anatori Burial Vaults
We will depart Tbilisi in the morning and head north to Khevsureti. Around noon our vehicle will reach Datvisjvari Pass – a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2689 m.a.s.l. The views from the top are among the most scenic in Georgia. From Datvisjvari Pass, we will descend towards Shatili, a historic highland village nested in the deep Arghuni Gorge. The settlement is a unique complex of fortified dwellings that served as a residential area and a fortress guarding the northeastern outskirts of the country. Later, we will continue to Anatori Burial Vaults – a fascinating memorial of Khevsuretian culture and beliefs. Overnight in a guesthouse.
Day 2
Mutso – Datvisjvari Pass – Tbilisi
We will start our day by exploring the historic village of Ardoti. Next, we will head to Mutso, another spectacular fortified settlement offering incredible history and views. We will hike up the hill for about 20–30 min (elevation gain of 115m) to get to the fortress. The hike is steep and challenging if you are out of shape, but the views are worth it. Once we finish sightseeing Mutso, we will start a picturesque drive back to Tbilisi. On the way, if we have enough time and energy, we can book a rafting tour on the Aragvi river (optional). Return to Tbilisi in the evening. The end of Khevsureti overnight tour.
Inclusions:
- Transfers (4WD)
- Sightseeing/hiking itinerary with an English-speaking guide
- Accommodation in shared twin/double rooms in a local guesthouse (1 night)
- Breakfast on Day 2
- Dinner on Day 1
- Entrance fees as per itinerary
Exclusions:
- Personal travel insurance
- Lunch on Day 1 and Day 2
- Gratuities
- Activities mentioned in the itinerary as optional
Note:
Please check Terms and Conditions for our cancellation and insurance policy
HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE TOUR
MEETING TIME AND PLACE
We meet 8:00 at Samaia Garden. Please be on time. In case of any delays, please inform your guide. Otherwise, the group will depart without you.
GUESTHOUSE: PLEASE NOT THE AREA IS NOT DEVELOPED YET. Guesthouses are very basic. Please have your shampoo or toothbrush.
WEATHER
Georgian weather changes often and fast. For this reason, it’s essential to follow the weather forecast closely. Here is the weather forecast.
Please check it the night before the tour to be well prepared.
WHAT TO WEAR
Please wear clothes appropriate to the weather. Bring layers. The days are warm in Khevsureti but the evenings can get chilly. Long sleeves, light jackets, and long trousers (on top of shorts and t-shirts) may come in handy. Bring sun cream, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. Wear walking/sports shoes for the hikes. Just in case, you may also pack a raincoat.
THE ROAD
The road to Khevsureti is difficult. It’s long, sometimes many hours in the car. It may even get scary as it runs along a deep canyon. If you are prone to motion sickness, bring the medicine and take it before the trip. We will be taking plenty of stops to take photos and to rest. If you need to stop, let your guide know. The drivers will stop as soon as they find a proper place for that.
FOOD & DRINKS
Always make sure you have enough drinking water. 1.5–2 liters should be enough for the day. Please make sure to bring snacks – sandwiches, dried fruit, and sweets for the road. They will help you maintain your energy between meals.
Food included: Breakfast on Day 2 and Dinner on Day 1 are included in the price of the tour. You will eat them in your guesthouse. The price doesn’t cover lunches, but you will have an opportunity to buy them locally.
Please let us know if you have any allergies or food preferences well in advance. We will let you know to what degree we can accommodate you. The food choice is limited in Khevsureti, so if you have some comfort food you can’t live without, please bring it with you.
MONEY
Bring CASH. There are no ATMs in Khevsureti, and people don’t accept credit cards. Lunch usually costs 20–25 GEL per person. You may also bring cash to spend on local souvenirs (20–50 gel).
OTHER ESSENTIAL ITEMS
If you are prone to motion sickness, please have medicine with you. Bring a daypack to carry important items with you. Khevsureti is very remote, so guesthouses are conserving electric energy, which they make using solar panels. You will be able to charge cameras, phones, and tablets. But leave hair dryers, electric shaving machines, and other similar devices at home.
GUIDE
We will send you guide’s contact details a few days before the tour. Please make sure to check your inbox and spam.
