Khada Gorge: Towers and a Tour from Gudauri

A thirty-minute drive from Gudauri is the Khada Gorge, named after the Khadistskali River that flows through it. Superb views await here year-round.

In the summer, it attracts trekking and hiking enthusiasts, while in the winter, freeriders attack the slopes. In addition to extreme tours, guides offer descents to the gorge and views of the towers in the Khada Valley.

The Legend of the Khada Gorge in Georgia

According to legends passed down from generation to generation by the villagers of Bedoni, a thousand years ago, 60 towers were erected on the slopes of the gorge to protect the population from enemy raids.

A flock of golden sheep grazed in the valleys of Khada, protecting them from evil spirits. The tale of the golden sheep originates from legends about the famous Golden Fleece, which, according to legend, is kept in Georgia.

To this day, local residents experience unusual and mystical phenomena near the towers. Fireballs moving between them, silhouettes of ghosts wandering the gorge, and other incomprehensible stories are told to tourists by the residents of Bedoni.

Life in the Khada Valley

Twenty-five towers were damaged during the Mongol invasion, and after the clashes of the 19th century, only 10 remained standing. However, even now, access to the interior is closed to outsiders.

Only men are permitted to enter the tower itself, and only on certain religious holidays. One such holiday is Lomisoba, when a ram is sacrificed to the gods, and people celebrate St. George of Lomisa with great fanfare.

The temple, located near the Khada Gorge, is named after this saint. Although it currently requires major restoration, it was once rebuilt by locals after being destroyed during the Soviet era. Weddings and other ceremonies were held here, and people from neighboring villages flocked to the temple.

What to see near the gorge

Tourists are drawn to the Khada Gorge by its stunning natural beauty, which allows for hiking and trekking in the summer and conquering the mountains on skis or snowboards in the winter.

Not far from Bedoni is a mineral spring. The water isn't the most pleasant to taste, but it's rich in iron and other beneficial minerals. Walks during the warmer months are accompanied by the gentle babbling of the river and the singing of countless birds. The lush greenery amazes and delights everyone who finds themselves in the gorge.

In winter, the wide, smooth slopes are covered in a thick layer of snow, ideal for freeriding. Entire groups of skiers regularly gather here for an extreme adventure among the famous Khada towers.

Madloba's catalog wishes you incredible adventures on your trip to the towers of the Khada Gorge in Gudauri. Share your impressions in the comments. Tell us about your time exploring the gorge and what you enjoyed most. We enjoy introducing our readers to Georgia's amazing places.