Shatili in Khevsureti: how do you get there?
A fortress-village in Khevsureti: towers, overnight stays and the road from Tbilisi.
Short answer
Shatili is in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region about 150 kilometres from Tbilisi, and the road runs past the Zhinvali Reservoir through the Aragvi valley and over the Datvijvari Pass. From Tbilisi the road passes the Zhinvali Reservoir and runs through the Aragvi River valley. Beyond the pass it descends along the narrow Aghruni River valley to the village.
Why
- Shatili is in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region.
- The road runs via the Zhinvali Reservoir, the Aragvi valley and the Datvijvari Pass.
- It is better to stay overnight in the village than to drive back to Tbilisi the same day.
Details
Shatili is a fortress-village with more than sixty terraced towers, fortress-houses and the tunnels connecting them. You can pitch a tent on the banks of the Arghuni River or stay in one of two hotels set up in the towers by the Chincharauli family, and family-run hotels are available farther away. Along the way are abandoned villages where herds are guarded by Caucasian sheepdogs, so walkers should be careful. Other places nearby: Abudelauri lakes, and for a general mountain overview see the highest mountains in Georgia.
Tip
Plan an overnight stay: it is better than driving back to Tbilisi the same day.
What may differ
Road condition and season depend on the weather. Check before you go when the road is open.
Common misconception
Shatili is already a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What actually happens
The towers are on UNESCO's tentative list, so it is not yet a confirmed site.
People also ask
- How do you get to Shatili?
- What is there to see in Shatili?
Sources
This is reference information. Rely on official sources and check before you travel.
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