Sparsely populated Khevsureti, bordering Chechnya is home to some fantastic defensive architecture, a part-animist religion, and spectacular scenery of steep, forested valleys and blooming mountain pastures. Men in this remote area were still wearing chain mail well into the 20th century. Khevsurs never accepted local lords; they elected their leaders, council of elders and submitted themselves only to the monarch. They were exceptional warriors and were often promoted as royal bodyguards. Kings regarded them as reliable guardians of the Caucasus Mountains and the northern border of the kingdom.
Itinerary
I Day of Khevsureti Tour in Georgia
Tour starts with early dispatch from hotel located in Kutaisi. After a journey in direction to Eastern Georgia and turning to the north, first stop at village Barisakho. The village represents the so-called "Gate to KHEVSURETI" with relatively better access roads. Tour continuous towards Datvisjvari Pass, a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.689m above the sea level and leads to Shatili settlement. Shatili is one of the most brilliant masterpieces of Georgian architecture. This village is scattered on the slopes of a rock hill and served both as residence and a fortress. The village is lined with closely built tower-houses, which makes a solid and inaccessible fortress wall surrounding the whole village. Shatili is linked with the outer world by the only narrow road leading to Arghuni gorge.The architecture is based on terraces. The buildings are basically flat-roofed houses and towers. Here and there the village is lined by narrow stone stairs leading to the top between the buildings. There still remain several bridges made of bones. They were convenient in getting around the village without having to go outdoors when the enemy invaded. The village of Shatili, is a UNESCO WOrld Heritage site
II Day of Khevsureti Tour in Georgia
In the morning head to mountain village Mutso. It is located at the right river bank of Ardoti. The village, almost completely abandoned more than a century ago, is a home to approximately 30 medieval fortified dwelling units arranged on vertical terraces above the Mutso-Ardoti gorge, four combat towers and ruins of several old structures and buildings. Difficult to access, the village retains original architecture, and is a popular destination for tourists and mountain trekkers. Tour continuous to Qachu settlement. Village is built on top of the hill, making it impossible to be reached by enemies. Four fortified houses standing aside each other makes one defensive complex. Afternoon we arrive at Chargali village, place of birth of famous Georgian Writer Vaja Fshavela. Local Museum exhibits provides interesting information about live of local community.
Photos
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Have a Nice Tour in Khevsureti, Georgia !
Join a Group Tour
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