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Discover Mtskheta-Mtianeti Region

Discover Mtskheta-Mtianeti Region Discover Mtskheta-Mtianeti Region Discover Mtskheta-Mtianeti Region

 Where Ancient Heritage Meets Mountain Majesty

Start Your Adventure

Four Unique Regions, One Unforgettable Journey

From UNESCO World Heritage sites to pristine alpine valleys, Mtskheta-Mtianeti offers diverse experiences across four distinct municipalities. Each region tells its own story through ancient traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and warm Georgian hospitalit

    Experience the Best of Mtskheta-MTianeti

    Mtskheta-Mtianeti Overview

    Mtskheta-Mtianeti is more than ancient monuments like Mtskheta, Betania Monastery, Zedazeni, Samtavro, or fortresses such as Ananuri, Zakagori, Arshi, Mukhrani, Bebris, and Ksani. It includes stunning gorges—Truso, Sno, Pshav-Khevsureti, Gudamaqari, Roshka—Roman mosaics in Dzali, mountain villages like Shatili and Mutso, and museums in Stepantsminda (history), Chargali (Vaja Pshavela), and Saguramo (Ilia Chavchavadze), plus Sioni, Jinali, Bazaleti, and more.

    Located in northeastern Georgia, the region ranges from Mtskheta at 480 m to Mount Mkinvartsveri at 5,054 m, covering 5,800 km² (8.3% of Georgia). Population (2014) is 108,800, density 18.6/km². It includes Dusheti, Tianeti, Mtskheta, and Kazbegi municipalities, with Mtskheta as the administrative and cultural center, 24 km from Tbilisi.

    Borders: Shida Kartli, Kakheti, Tbilisi, and north by Russia (North Ossetia, Ingushetia, Chechnya). Two towns—Mtskheta, Dusheti; five smaller towns—Jinali, Pasaanauri, Tianeti, Sioni, Stepantsminda; 483 villages.

    Many gorges served defensive functions, shaping architecture, culture, traditions, and cuisine. The region appeals to mountaineers, extreme adventurers, history and culture enthusiasts, culinary explorers, winter sports lovers, and nature and heritage tourists.

    Kazbegi Municipality

    Kazbegi Municipality

    Kazbegi Municipality

     

    Dramatic peaks and legendary trails where mountains touch the clouds

    Tianeti Municipality

    Kazbegi Municipality

    Kazbegi Municipality

     

    Hidden gem of untouched wilderness, mineral springs, and traditional mountain culture

    Mtskheta Municipality

    Mtskheta Municipality

    Mtskheta Municipality

     

    Ancient capital and spiritual heart of Georgia, home to UNESCO treasures and centuries of living history

    Dusheti Municipality

    Mtskheta Municipality

    Mtskheta Municipality

     

    Gateway to mountain adventures with pristine nature reserves and authentic highland villages

    Publications & Travel Resources

    Access comprehensive guides, detailed route maps, and curated brochures to enhance your Mtskheta-Mtianeti experience. Download materials before your journey or browse research publications to deepen your understanding of the region's rich heritage.

    Interactive Route Maps

    Detailed trail maps, driving routes, and hiking guides with elevation profiles, difficulty ratings, and points of interest marked throughout all four municipalities

    Travel Brochures

     Beautifully designed guides featuring seasonal highlights, festival calendars, accommodation directories, and insider tips from local experts.

    Sustainable Tourism Commitment

     

    Mtskheta-Mtianeti embraces responsible tourism that protects our natural heritage while supporting local communities. By choosing locally-owned accommodations, respecting cultural sites, and following Leave No Trace principles, visitors help preserve these mountains for future generations.

    Our region partners with conservation organizations to maintain trails, protect wildlife habitats, and promote sustainable practices among tourism businesses. Every visit contributes to preserving traditions, creating local employment, and funding environmental protection initiatives.

    Support Local

    Stay in family guesthouses, eat at local restaurants, buy handicrafts directly from artisans, hire local guides.

    Respect Nature

     Stay on marked trails, carry out all waste, avoid disturbing wildlife, use water mindfully in mountain regions.

    Honor Culture

    Dress modestly in churches, ask permission before photographing people, participate respectfully in traditions, learn basic Georgian phrases.

    Discover the Beauty of Georgian Mountains

    Khevsureti: Geography, Communities and Key Historical Sites

    Ertso-Tianeti: History, Culture, and Nature of a Georgian Highland Region

    Khevsureti: Geography, Communities and Key Historical Sites

     

    Khevsureti encompasses the gorges of Aragvi, Arkhoti, Shatili and Ardoti. It borders Tusheti to the east, Chechnya to the north, Khevi and Mtiuleti-Gudamakari to the west, and Pshavi to the south. Until the 1950s, 81 villages were inhabited; today, 33 are abandoned, and 20 still have permanent residents (around 700 people).

    Khevsureti is divided into ten communities: Piraketa Khevsureti (the communities of Barisakho, Gveleti, Chirdili, Tskhalsikheti, Gorsheghma, Gudani and Likoki) and Pirikita Khevsureti (the communities of Arkhoti, Shatili and Migmakhevi). The administrative center is Barisakho.

    Important landmarks and sites:
    • Giorgitsminda Tsikhetgori burial ground, village of Giorgitsminda, late 3rd millennium BC.
    • Gudani Cross (19th century), the main sacred site of all Khevsureti.
    • Guro Tower (17th–18th centuries), near Shatili, with two levels preserved.
    • Arkhoti, a high-mountain area near the Ingushetian border; its main shrine is the Archangel Michael’s Cross of Akhieli.
    • Amgha, a village in Arkhoti, now in ruins with remnants of dwellings, towers and churches.
    • Anatori, near Shatili; a village wiped out by plague in the 18th century, notable for its burial vaults and unique funerary tradition.
    • Ardoti, featuring a 19th-century church and the Zviadauri family tower.
    • Kistani, a fortress-village preserving medieval architecture.
    • Lebaiskari, a five-storey tower from the late Middle Ages.
    • Mutso, a defensive complex with around 40 ancient houses and the legendary Torgva Tower; four defensive towers survive today.
    • Roshka, an ancient village; near it stands the Didi Gora Cross.
    • Khakhabo, a ruined fortress-village with more than 30 tower-houses.
    • Shatili, a medieval terraced fortress-village, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2007.

    Historic Monasteries and Landmarks of Mtskheta

    Ertso-Tianeti: History, Culture, and Nature of a Georgian Highland Region

    Khevsureti: Geography, Communities and Key Historical Sites

     

    Svetitskhoveli
    Svetitskhoveli is the spiritual center of Georgia, where the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia has been enthroned from the time of Patriarch Aleksandre I to the present day. Over the past centuries, Georgian kings and patriarchs have also been laid to rest in the cathedral. The complex is located in Mtskheta Municipality, 20 km from Tbilisi. The choice of the site and the construction of the first church in the 4th century are associated with Saint Nino and King Mirian.
    The present structure dates to the high feudal period (11th century). This grand basilica complex was built between 1010 and 1029 under Arsukisdze. Earlier on this site stood a church from the apostolic era, which underwent several phases of modification and restoration in the 14th, 15th, 17th, and 18th centuries.

    Shio-Mgvime
    Shio-Mgvime was founded in the 6th century by one of the Thirteen Assyrian Fathers, Saint Shio, who lived in a cave carved into the rock. It is located in Mtskheta Municipality, along the historic Kakheti road, on the left bank of the Mtkvari River.
    The monastery’s main church was rebuilt before the Battle of Didgori by the elder of the Mdinarbegi family from Klarjeti. The rock-cut chapel, or cave, has preserved its original appearance. Stone benches are arranged in the center, and Saint Shio’s burial chamber is set against the south wall.

    Jvari Monastery
    Jvari Monastery is a 6th–7th century religious monument standing atop a rocky mountain at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers, north of the town of Mtskheta.
    After the adoption of Christianity, King Mirian erected a wooden cross here, giving the site exceptional importance. Later, a small basilica was built during the time of Guaram I, followed by a large church constructed under Guaram II between 586 and 604. This building became a foundational example for the development of the cross-domed architectural style in Georgia.
    The monastery is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Below the southern wall runs a path leading to Saint Nino’s spring.

    Zedazeni
    Zedazeni is one of the oldest Georgian monasteries, located in Mtskheta Municipality on the Saguramo ridge at an elevation of 1,170 meters. According to tradition, this was once the site of the pagan idol Zadeni, believed to carry the nation’s misfortune.
    In the 6th century, the leader of the Thirteen Assyrian Fathers, Ioane Zedazneli, lived and served here. For centuries, the monastery played an important spiritual and scholarly role. The complex preserves a 3rd-century basilica, a defensive wall, monastic cells, and an 18th-century bell tower.

    Ertso-Tianeti: History, Culture, and Nature of a Georgian Highland Region

    Ertso-Tianeti: History, Culture, and Nature of a Georgian Highland Region

    Ertso-Tianeti: History, Culture, and Nature of a Georgian Highland Region

     

    Ertso-Tianeti – a historical-geographical region of Georgia, located in eastern Georgia, in the upper Iori River basin, within the Tianeti municipality. Historically, it consisted of two regions: Ertso and Tianeti. Administratively today, it is part of the Tianeti district of the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region.

    Geography and Climate
    Located in the Tianeti depression, at an altitude of 1,100 m, 75 km from Tbilisi.

    Highest Peaks: Chicho Mountain (3,084 m), Sasvavetavi (2,780 m), Charglistavi (2,767 m), Shashuri (2,112 m).

    Rivers: Iori (source at Borbalo Mountain, 2,800 m), Khashrula, Sagami, Kusno.

    Historical Monuments

    • Zhaleti Basilica (4th–5th centuries) – a center of Christianity in Tianeti, 8th–13th centuries.
       
    • Bodojis Palace and Fortress (7th–11th centuries) – historical administrative center of Kakheti.
       
    • Bochorma Fortress-City (10th century), including the Church of St. George.
       
    • Monastery of St. King Archil (8th century), built by Archil II; monastic life continues today.
       
    • Arkhalis Fortress and Molamuri Complex (8th century).
       

    Culture and Museums

    • Mirza Gelovani House-Museum – memorial items, ethnographic materials, and the poet’s collections.
       
    • Alexander Namoradze Regional Museum – archaeological, ethnographic, and ecclesiastical items; traditional Khevsurian clothing; weapons (“Lesula” and “Khvuela”); cameo.
       

    Festivals

    • Tianetoba – first week of August, celebrating Georgian folk traditions, sports, folklore, and traditional cuisine.
       
    • Lasharoba – starts July 12 for one week; includes sacrificial rituals, horse races, and cultural events.
       

    Nature and Tourism

    • Sioni Lake – regulates the Iori River, used for irrigation; activities include boating, hiking, picnics, and fishing.
       
    • Sabaduri Forest – part of Georgia’s National Park; equipped with tourist infrastructure, picnic, and camping areas.

    Mna, Artkhmo, and Khada Gorges: Natural Wonders and Gudauri Resort

    Mna, Artkhmo, and Khada Gorges: Natural Wonders and Gudauri Resort

    Ertso-Tianeti: History, Culture, and Nature of a Georgian Highland Region

     

    Mna, Artkhmo, Khada Gorges and Gudauri

    Mna Gorge
    Mna Gorge, also known as the “Land of Mna,” is distinguished by its stunning natural beauty. It is home to a 10th–11th century hall church and a 17th–18th century tower. In the foundations of Mna Church, a hoard of Bilon coins (926 coins) was discovered, buried in the first half of the 16th century.

    Artkhmo Gorge
    Artkhmo Gorge begins at the village of Akhaltsikhe and follows the Artkhmoschala River. The gorge contains the abandoned villages of Miguda and Artkhmo, as well as waterfalls. Access by car from Akhaltsikhe village is 10 km, and the distance to the gorge is 8 km. Prominent peaks include Shavana, Shani, Shino, and Rustavi.

    Khada Gorge
    Khada Gorge stretches along the Brloisquali River and is particularly attractive to mountaineers. The gorge features impressive waterfalls.

    Abano – Bukbukha Lake
    A surface karst carbonate mineral lake where carbon dioxide bubbles cause the water to “boil.” The source yields 2.5 million liters per day, covering an area of 0.04 ha. Location: Kazbegi Municipality, Truso Gorge, left bank of the Tergi River, 2,170 m above sea level.

    Travertines

    • Jvari Pass Travertines – in the Bidara River gorge, near the Kobi–Gudauri road, 2,197 m above sea level.
       
    • Truso Travertines – on the right bank of the Tergi River, near the village of Keteri, 2,093–2,168 m above sea level.
       
    • Sakhiznari Cliff – an erosion column complex, 3,136 m above sea level.
       

    Festivals and Traditions
    In late summer or early autumn, the Kazbegi Municipality hosts the “Kazbegoba” festival, featuring markets, art exhibitions, children’s entertainment, theatrical performances, and regional folklore concerts.

    Gudauri
    Gudauri (120 km from Tbilisi) is a modern mountain ski resort. Snow coverage is reliable from November to May. The slopes cater to beginners and professional skiers alike. There are four main ski runs: Slalom, Giant Slalom, Super Giant, and Downhill. Extreme sports enthusiasts can enjoy zip-lining, kayaking, and descents along the Aragvi and Tergi rivers.

    Taste the Mountains: Traditional Cuisine of Mtskheta-Mtianeti

    Mna, Artkhmo, and Khada Gorges: Natural Wonders and Gudauri Resort

    Taste the Mountains: Traditional Cuisine of Mtskheta-Mtianeti

     

    In Mtskheta-Mtianeti, Georgia’s mountainous heart, every meal tells a story. Between snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and winding rivers, the region serves not only breathtaking landscapes but also hearty, genuine highland cuisine, shaped by centuries of mountain life.


    Must-Try Dishes


    Khinkali – Juicy, hand-rolled meat dumplings, a true taste of the mountains.
     

    Mkhlovana & Khabizgina – Pastries filled with cheese, potatoes, or fresh greens, baked in traditional clay or stone ovens.
     

    Jimlovana & Shamakrula – Mushroom- and potato-stuffed specialties, prepared with care and local ingredients.
     

    Khamphala, Fushruli & Atria – Cornmeal and milk-based dishes, nourishing and comforting.
     

    Makhokhi & Nakhshiora – Fermented cornmeal and melted cheese delicacies, unique to the region.
     

    Local Drinks


    Savor Jipitauri (moonshine), fruit spirits, and crisp spring-water beers—all crafted in the timeless traditions of the highlands.


    Culinary Adventure


    In Mtskheta-Mtianeti, every bite is a journey. Enjoy meals made from locally sourced ingredients, prepared with time-honored methods, and shared with warm mountain hospitality. Here, food is inseparable from the landscape—villages, rivers, and valleys make every dining experience unforgettable.

    Mtskheta-Mtianeti cuisine is not just about taste; it’s a window into Georgia’s culture, history, and mountain way of life.

    Contact Us

    Contact Us

    Better yet, see us in person!

     

    The mountains of Mtskheta-Mtianeti await your discovery. Ancient churches, warm hospitality, pristine nature, and rich traditions create memories that last forever.

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