Summer heat is approaching its peak. Therefore, it is very important to know how to spend your holidays. Soon, our team will also set out for holidays. Before that, we offer our tourists and readers the opportunity to enjoy his/her stay in the highland regions of Georgia. Do not miss the chance to see this natural marvel which Georgia boast, as from September it will be a bit late, since it gets quite cold up there. Tinatin Kedia, founder of one of the travel agencies of Georgia, talked to Georgian Journal with the emphasis on Racha region, Kazbegi and Pshav-Khevsureti.
G.J: How can one get to Racha?
T.K: There are no helicopter or plane flights. Therefore, the best way to get there is by four-wheel-drive cars.
G.J: Tell us about its resorts; as far as we know, Racha offers many tourist destinations, doesn’t it?
T.K: Racha is located in the western Georgia and is divided into two parts: highland and lowland Racha. Shovi, traditional resort in highland Racha has been restored recently. It boasts a variety of springs that are good for various human organs. They contain ferrum, calcium, etc. Its nature is splendid – Mamissoni pass is really something; it gives the opportunity to observe the beginning of the river, snow-covered mountains and alpine zone with wonderful flowering valleys, its riot of colors and running springs. It is an unforgettable combination. And there is Utsera with its famous curing waters.
Shareula cave, located in the place where the Rioni and the Shareula Rivers merge, invites you to camp-type holiday where you can live in tents and make use of the canteen in the middle of wild nature. The campsite occupies 2 hectares; it is a preserved territory. Here several types of tours are available, including horse-riding as well as walking tours, which is about 15 km long. The owner of the camp makes wines himself, therefore, the visitors can test wonderful sorts of Racha wines such as Khvanchkara, Usakhelauri, etc. You can also bathe in the Shareula River.
G.J: What about the lowland Racha?
T.K: It is also very interesting and exciting. There you can take a walk along the Shaori Lake and see such interesting and distinguished monument as Nikortsminda Church, built in the 11th century.
G.J: What can you tell us about Kazbegi, another wonderful destination in the highland Georgia?
T.K: Kazbegi, located in the Eastern part of Georgia, belongs to Mtskheta-Mtialeti district; its historical name is Khevi. Located on the northern slopes of Greater Caucasus range, it comprises three gorges of the Truso, Tergi and Snostsqali Rivers. Kazbegi offers nice Rooms Hotel that is the only one in Georgia with splendid library. Gergeti Trinity Church is nearby; it’s surrounded with wonderful scenery. If you are lucky enough, you can watch the sunrise, which is really beautiful. Lot of different tours are available there as well.
It is no less interesting to tour the Dariali Gorge. Sno, the native village of Georgian Patriarch Ilia II, is sited in that district. The Gveleti Gorge is also nearby and worthy of touring.
G.J: Do you have tours to Pshav-Khevsureti?
T.K: That district is also located in the East of Georgia. Shatili, included in the UNESCO list, is the center of Khevsureti. We offer two-day tours to Khevsureti. Tourists spend the first day is Shatili. On the second day they go hiking up the Mutso via the Andaki Gorge to visit the tower of Mutso.
Next comes Pshavi (homeland of Vazha-Pshavela, famous Georgian poet and writer). The Abudalai lakes are located near Chargali. The lakes are of three different colors. The Korsha village and Gudani are also noteworthy. You can go there by minibuses.