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Best time to visit: May-September
Mtskheta-Mtianeti is one of the most beautiful parts of Georgia. The historical-geographic provinces are: Khevi, Pshavi, Khevsureti, Mtiuleti, Gudamakari, part of Tskhinvali and Ertso-Tianeti. This mountain region is rich with religious festivals, diverse with its ancient culture, myths, temples, ornamental embroidery clothes, rocky peaks, valleys and lakes.
The itinerary
Day 1: Tbilisi – Ananuri fortress – Music instrument making studio in Pasanauri – Bakurkhevi
Day 2: Bakurkhevi – Pkhituri pass – Ukanakho lake – Barisakho
Day 3: Barisakho – Korsha ethnographic museum – Chargali – Tbilisi
The program
Day 1: Tbilisi – Ananuri fortress – Music instrument making studio in Pasanauri – Bakurkhevi
In the morning meet your guide and drive to Bakurkhevi. The first trop will be at Ananuri fortress (14-17 Century) – the main key point of Aragvi Saeristavo. the complex was built strategically in the valleys of two rivers (Aragvi and Verzatkhevi) protecting the whole area from enemies creating the natural gate for defenders. In history of Georgia Ananuri played an important role in numerous of wars. the complex includes several buildings: upper and lower castles, watch- towers, Churches, bell tower and water reservoirs. Nowadays it is overlooking on Zhinvali Dam – built in 1980s with capacity of 130 MW. During the construction the village Zhinvali was flooded. In winter when water level goes down you can see the 12th century church. After visiting Ananuri you will stop in Passanauri at small restaurant of Giorgi Aptsiauri – the beneficiary of USAID Resilient Communities Program – “Garden Pasanauri” https://www.facebook.com/gardenpasanauri after lunch you will visit a small studio where the master Malkhazi is making traditional Georgian instruments. He will share his story and see the working prosses. Later then continue your drive and upon arrival in Bakurkhevi check in in a small guesthouse and enjoy your dinner with host. Overnight at guesthouse.
Day 2: Bakurkhevi – Pkhituri pass – Ukanakho lake – Barisakho
In the morning after breakfast check out from guest house and get ready for horseback riding from Bakurkhevi to Barisakho through Pkhituri pass. The duration of whole trail will take about 6-7 hours. First 4 km the trail goes through the river in Sakerpo valley. After reaching Pkhituri pass the amazing views are opened. You can see Tebulo and Chauki mountains, Arkhoti pass, Borbalo peak. The mountains are massive and views from here are breathtaking, that you can’t forget. The heist altitude that you are reaching during this ride is 2641m. above sea level. The pass itself has a sad story, when Soviet army invaded in Georgia, they have destroyed and burnt Georgian villages. Even today, some empty bullet cartridge can be found there. After passing the pass you will reach emerald-green Ukanakho Lake and have a short rest to have outdoor picnic lunch. After lunch continue your ride to Barisakho village. Upon arrival, check in at local small guesthouses and overnight there. Dinner will be served at small café owned by Teona Chincharauli who will cook delicious traditional dishes.
Day 3: Barisakho – Korsha ethnographic museum – Chargali – Tbilisi
After breakfast check out from the guest house and get ready to drive to Tbilisi. But before departing from Barisakho visit Omar Arabuli’s place, a man you is collecting herbs from wild nature for tea. He will share his story and also you can taste some flavors of mountain herbal teas. Later you will visit a small ethnographic museum in Korsha, presenting household items and traditional cloths of the region that are famous with its embroidery. The next stop will be in a small village Chargali – a birthplace of great Georgian poet and writer Vazha-Pshavela from 19th Century. Later you will visit Teona Zurabashvili crafting studio, where she is preserving tradition of Pshavi embroidery. You can see how she is creating ornaments and of course you can try to do it yourself as well. For lunch you will stop at small café “Pshauri Balada” where you can try traditional dish of the region “Khinkali” – Georgian meat dumplings. After lunch drive directly to Tbilisi and end of the tour.
Price: 490 GEL per person
We need at least 2 participants for the tour & look forward to hosting you on this wonderful getaway
Included: transportation and 2 nights’ accommodation at local guest house
Not included: meals, guide service and personal expenses.
Meal: from 30 GEL per person
Local guide service: 70 GEL per day
₾490.00