Which area to choose for traveling in mountainous Georgia - differences and features of the mountainous regions of Georgia.

The full name of the region is Racha–Lechkhumi and Kvemo-Svaneti, and the popular name is the Georgian Alps. Previously, vacationers from all over the Soviet Union came here, the popular mountain area received more than 200 tourists daily. Now the attendance is much lower, so the infrastructure is developing at a slow pace. Trails for tracking without proper care are overgrown.

They began to restore their former momentum in 2017, in Racha they began to lay tourist hiking routes anew and mark them, but this is only the beginning, and today the initiative has many shortcomings. For example, the marked route from Zesco to Gebi can hardly be called comfortable for traveling: the trails are bad, and in some places there are none at all.

For objective reasons, Racha is in low demand among tourists, only prepared travelers looking for tranquility and solitude in the mountains should go here.

One of the places with a comfortable infrastructure is the resort of Shovi. He enjoys great success among the locals. Shovi is a complex of sanatoriums, hotels and hiking trails leading to the mountains. You can get here by private or rented transport, or by taxi, because public transport does not go to the resort.

A place where there are a wide variety of hiking trails. The mountainous regions of Georgia are not only the beauty of snow–capped mountain peaks, but also a variety of sights, interesting villages and ancient fortresses. The most interesting areas from the point of view of tourism are, first of all, Mtskheta Kazbegi itself, located in the highlands, and Khevsuretia.

The Georgian military road connects two countries – Georgia and Russia, passes near Mtskheta-Mtianeti. The road definitely deserves attention and not only for the impressive mountain landscape – there are many interesting places along the way. For example, the Ananuri fortress and the Zhinvali reservoir.

A few words about Mtskheta. This is an ancient city that once upon a time was the capital of the entire sunny Georgia, this fact alone already explains why it is worth stopping here on the way to the mountains. The oldest monasteries and temples of Svetitskhoveli, Jvari, Samtavro are eyewitnesses of the centuries–old formation of Georgia. The appearance of the city pleases the eye, not so long ago it was carefully restored, it is pleasant to walk here and enjoy the aromas of the highlands.

The river divides the city and the Javani Temple, which Lermontov himself visited at one time. The great Russian classic immortalized his impressions in verse form: "Where, merging, the Streams of Aragva and Chickens are making noise, Embracing like two sisters..." – these lines describe a stunning view from the hill to the confluence of rivers.

Kazbegi – the old name of the village is Stepantsminda, it is completely located in a mountainous area. A huge number of tourists come here for the sake of beautiful views, camping and outdoor activities. Climbers also chose this place.

From Tbilisi to Kazbegi you can get there in just 3 hours, which allows you to explore these beautiful places in just one day. If desired, it is possible to stay overnight in a guest house. The most visited attraction was the Gergeti Monastery, which offers a panorama of Kazbek. Natural beauty has a calming effect, but a large number of people around can be confusing. If you want to enjoy solitude, it is better to come to the monastery in the morning.

Many consider Khevsuretia to be one of the most inaccessible settlements in Georgia. The reason for this is its location – there is no more remote mountain region in the country. However, the severity of the edge is its advantage. The difficult living conditions were also deposited in the very nature of the local residents – Khevsurs. The inhabitants of the plains are even afraid of them for their formidable temper. The center of the district is the village of Shatili. The way to Khevsuretia passes along the Georgian Military Road - this is the easiest part of the road, then travelers will have to overcome 100 km on a dirt road. The average time to overcome is 3-4 hours. Shatili is a fortress city, a large number of defensive structures were erected to protect against Chechen raids. The border between Shatili and Chechnya is very close, so conflicts between the two peoples are not uncommon. Another reason is religious differences. The complexity of the region also lies in the unpredictable weather. It is worth planning a trip with a margin of several days. You can stay in Shatili in one of the ancient towers, which were erected more than 1100 years ago. The most favorable time to stay is summer, since there is no heating in the stone walls of the tower.

Passing Khevsuretia, the road will lead you to the medieval town of Mutso, which is fenced with towers and a fortress. On the roof of the fortifications, you can enjoy an unforgettable view.

Between the gorges of the mountains is Khevsuretia. The main villages are located precisely in the hinterlands between the stone giants. It is difficult to get to these remote places, public transport often bypasses these places. Only one shuttle bus goes to Shatili from Tbilisi, but on certain days. You can also get there by jeeps or SUVs. During particularly difficult weather conditions, the pass is closed, and products are delivered using a special helicopter. In winter, conditions are especially difficult, many of the locals leave these places.

Tushetia is one of the greenest areas located in the mountains. A distinctive feature is the rich broad-leaved forest, which is not present in Svaneti and harsh Khevsuretia.

Just like Khevsuretia, it is difficult to get to Tushetia. The only road goes from Tbilisi, the path passes through the Abano pass, whose height is almost 3000 m. Moving along the way is very careful, because of the uneven terrain, the 70 km road takes 6-8 hours. There is a seasonal restriction from July to September, at other times Tusheti is out of the access zone.

The territory of Tusheti is included in the National Tusheti Park – the largest in Georgia. This park is a living example of peaceful cohabitation of people and representatives of the fauna and flora of Georgia in their natural habitat.

There are many ancient buildings, towers, authentic houses of mountaineers. The center is the village of Omalo, located on a plateau and surrounded by gorges. The images of the region are captured in the film "Mimino". It is clear what impressed the director and the creator of the film in Tushetia enough to capture it in a movie. And this is not surprising, because no one will remain indifferent to these species.

Adjara is a neat center with modern high–rises, a cable car and green parks. Tourists come here to relax in the mountains and on the beach. Another type of recreation is hiking in Georgia, which combines active recreation and admiring the beauty of the historical sites of this amazing country.

Beshumi is a popular mountain resort in Adjara. It is located an hour's drive from Batumi. Now the infrastructure of Batumi has noticeably improved, in addition to summer holidays, you can come in winter and visit the Goderdzi ski resort.

Also here you can enjoy a walk through the Kintrishi and Mtirala National Parks. The unique landscapes of the subtropical forest are equipped for a comfortable stay of tourists. Here you can have a snack in a restaurant, relax in a guest house, and, of course, visit excellent tourist routes that even a beginner can do.