Welcome to Khevsuretia, one of the most mysterious and picturesque regions of Georgia, where ancient traditions and culture have been preserved. It is a place where history and nature merge into a unique ensemble, attracting tourists from all over the world. In this article you will find a detailed guide to Khevsuretia, which will help you plan an unforgettable trip.## Overview of Khevsuretia

Distance from Airports and How to Get There

The closest international airport to Khevsuretia is Tbilisi Airport (TBS), located about 150-200 km from the main tourist attractions in the region. Depending on your final destination, traveling from Tbilisi to Khevsuretia can take from 4 to 6 hours.

How to get there:

1. Automobile: The most convenient way to get to Khevsuretia is to rent a car in Tbilisi. The road passes through picturesque mountain passes and villages, which makes the trip unforgettable. However, it is worth considering that the roads can be difficult to drive, especially in winter.
2. Marshrutka: There are regular shuttle buses (mini-buses) from Tbilisi to major settlements in Khevsuretia, such as Shatili and Mutso. This is a more economical but less comfortable option compared to renting a car.
3. Cab: You can also use cab services, which will allow you to get to your destination faster and more comfortably. Agree on the price in advance, as the trip can be quite expensive due to the long distance.
4. Travel Agencies: In Tbilisi, many travel agencies offer organized tours to Khevsuretia, including transportation, guides and sometimes even accommodation. This is a great option for those who prefer to travel without hassle.

Khevsuretia is a region worth visiting to enjoy the unique nature, historical monuments and traditional Georgian hospitality.

Overview of Hevsuretia

Khevsuretia is a mountainous region in the northeast of Georgia, which is famous for its fortresses, towers and unique natural landscapes. This region is a real treasure trove for lovers of history and outdoor activities. Here you will find not only picturesque mountains and valleys, but also many historical monuments that tell about the rich and complex history of this region.

Khevsuretia is located at the junction of the Caucasus Mountains, making it one of the most inaccessible yet picturesque regions of Georgia. The region borders Chechnya and Dagestan, which adds to its strategic and historical importance. The climate here is harsh, especially in winter, when mountain passes can be closed due to snow. Summer, on the other hand, is an ideal time to visit, when temperatures range between +15 and +25 degrees Celsius.

The population of Khevsuretia is small and consists mainly of Khevsurs, an ethnic group that has preserved its unique traditions and language over the centuries. The Khevsurs speak their own dialect of the Georgian language, which differs from literary Georgian. The locals are known for their hospitality and are always happy to share their culture and traditions with tourists.

The economy of the region is mainly based on agriculture and animal husbandry. The Khevsurs raise sheep, goats and cattle, as well as farming. In recent years, tourism has become an important part of the economy of Khevsuretia, attracting more and more travelers from all over the world.

There are several ways to get to Khevsuretia. There are buses and shuttles from Tbilisi to the region, but the most convenient option is to rent a car. The roads in Khevsuretia can be difficult and require certain driving skills, especially in mountainous areas. It is important to plan your route in advance and take into account weather conditions.

Weather in Hevsuretia

This guide presents climate conditions and activities by month for the region to help you plan your vacation and outdoor activities. This data includes average temperatures, precipitation and activity recommendations for each month.

Month	Average Temperature (°C)	Precipitation (mm)	Activities
January	-5 - 0	30	Skiing, winter hikes
February	-4 - 1	25	Skiing, winter hikes
March	-2 - 5	35	Winter hikes, beginning of spring walks
April	2 - 10	45	Hiking, exploring nature
May	7 - 15	60	Trekking, visiting historical sites
June	10 - 20	70	Trekking, camping, fishing
July	12 - 22	80	Trekking, mountaineering, camping
August	12 - 22	70	Trekking, mountaineering, camping
September	8 - 18	60	Trekking, berry and mushroom picking
October	4 - 12	50	Hiking, nature photography
November	-1 - 5	40	Fall camping trips, preparing for winter
December	-4 - 1	35	Skiing, winter hikes

This table serves as a visual guide to select the best activities based on each month's weather conditions.

History of the region

Khevsuretia is a place where everyone will find something for themselves, be it breathtaking mountain scenery, ancient fortresses, unique culture or delicious traditional cuisine. This region will leave unforgettable impressions and become a vivid memory of your travels in Georgia.

The history of Khevsuretia dates back many centuries. This region was an important strategic point on the route between the Caucasus and Georgia. Throughout its history, Khevsuretia has experienced many events, including the campaigns of Simanovich and Imam Shamil, epidemics and the Soviet era. Each of these periods has left its mark on the culture and architecture of the region. For example, the campaigns of Simanovich and Imam Shamil brought new military technologies and strategic buildings to Khevsuretia, such as the numerous towers and fortresses that can still be seen in the region today.

Various eras and events, such as the campaigns of Simanovich and Imam Shamil, epidemics and the Soviet era, have had a significant impact on the development of Khevsuretia. These historical moments have shaped the current shape of the region and its cultural heritage. For example, the epidemics that swept the region more than once led to changes in medical practices and sanitary norms, as well as the construction of new medical facilities. The Soviet era brought industrialization and modernization, which also left its mark on the architecture and infrastructure of the region.

One of the key events in the history of Khevsuretia are the campaigns of Simanovich and Imam Shamil, which left a deep trace in the memory of local residents. These military campaigns not only changed the political situation in the region, but also led to the construction of new defenses. Also worth noting are the epidemics that swept the region on more than one occasion and the Soviet era, when Khevsuretia became part of the Soviet Union. These periods were marked by significant social and economic changes, including collectivization and the construction of new infrastructure.

Population

The Khevsurs are a people who have managed to preserve their traditions and culture throughout the centuries. Their customs and daily life are a true cultural heritage of Georgia. In this section we will tell you about the life of the Khevsurs, their customs and daily life. For example, the Khevsurs still celebrate traditional holidays such as "Kvirikoba" - St. George's Day, which is accompanied by folk festivities, songs and dances.

The ethnography of Khevsuretia is a unique combination of different cultural elements. The Khevsurs live in traditional houses, which are characterized by their architecture and decoration. These houses are usually built of stone and wood, have several floors and are often decorated with carvings and paintings. Their daily life is filled with various customs that are passed down from generation to generation. For example, the tradition of "hospitality" is still practiced in Khevsur families, when every guest is considered a member of the family and is treated with the best dishes.

The daily life of the Khevsurs is full of traditions and customs, which they observe with great care. These customs include holidays, rituals and ceremonies that are an integral part of their culture. For example, "blood feud", which regulates relations between families and clans, has an important place in the Khevsur culture. Also an important custom is the "wedding ceremony", which includes many stages and traditional rituals such as "bride price" and "wedding feast".

Attractions

Khevsuretia is rich in cultural and historical sites that tell about the centuries-old history of the region. Some of the most significant sites are fortresses and towers such as Shatili and Mutso. These ancient structures still impress with their architecture and strategic location.

• Shatili Fortress - an ancient fortress located on the side of a mountain. It consists of many towers connected to each other and served to protect the locals from raids. The architecture of Shatili is unique: the towers are built of local stone and connected by narrow passages, which creates a unique medieval atmosphere. In the fortress you can also find ancient churches and dwellings that have survived to this day.
• Mutso Fortress - another iconic fortress of the region, located at an altitude of 1,880 meters above sea level. It also consists of many towers and houses that form a real labyrinth. Mutso is famous for its strategic importance and its unique architecture, which blends harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. In recent years, the fortress has been carefully restored, allowing tourists to see it in its original state.

In addition to fortresses and towers, unique archaeological sites such as the Anatori burial grounds can be found in Khevsuretia. These ancient burial sites are an important source of information about the life and culture of the ancient Khevsurs.

• Anatolian burial grounds - is a complex of ancient burials dating back to different eras. They represent an important archaeological monument that provides a better understanding of the history and culture of the region. These burial grounds contain unique artifacts such as ceramics, weapons and jewelry, which give an insight into the life and lifestyle of the ancient inhabitants of Khevsuretia. A visit to the Anatori burial grounds is an opportunity to plunge into the distant past and learn more about ancient rituals and traditions.

Khevsuretia is famous for its impressive natural landscapes and mountain passes. This region is a true paradise for lovers of nature and outdoor activities.

• Mountain landscapes - majestic mountains covered with green meadows and forests create a unique landscape that attracts tourists from all over the world. Many picturesque places can be found in Khevsuretia, such as the Argvistavi Valley, where the Argvistavi River flows among high mountains and dense forests, creating mesmerizing views.
• Passes - Khevsuretia is known for its mountain passes, which offer spectacular views and excellent hiking opportunities. One of the most famous passes is the Abudelauri Pass, which connects Khevsuretia with the neighboring region of Tusheti. This pass is famous for its scenic views and is a popular trekking and mountaineering route.

Types of housing

Hevsuretia attracts not only tourists, but also those who dream of owning their own corner in this picturesque region. Buying real estate in Hevsuretia is a great investment for the future and an opportunity to enjoy the magnificent views and unique culture all year round. In this section, we will look at the main types of homes available for purchase and their approximate costs.

Traditional Khevsur houses are architectural masterpieces that combine ancient building techniques with modern conveniences. These houses usually have several floors and are built of stone and wood. The average cost of such houses ranges from $50,000 to $100,000 depending on condition and location.

Modern cottages in Hevsuretia offer a high level of comfort and all the necessary amenities for living. They are ideal for families and those who prefer modern living conditions. The average cost of these cottages ranges from $70,000 to $150,000.

Guesthouses are a great option for those who plan to use the property for business. Hevsuretia has a high tourist flow, which makes guesthouses a profitable investment. The average cost of guesthouses ranges from $80,000 to $200,000 depending on the size and comfort level.

For those who want to build their dream home, building plots are available in Hevsuretia. This is a great opportunity to create a unique home that fully meets your requirements and desires. The average cost of building plots ranges from $10,000 to $50,000 per plot depending on the size and location.

For lovers of history and culture, Hevsuretia offers unique historical buildings that can be purchased and restored. These properties represent not only housing but also part of the cultural heritage of the region. The average cost of such historic buildings ranges from $100,000 to $300,000 depending on the condition and historical significance of the property.

Buying real estate in Hevsuretia is a great opportunity to become part of this unique region and enjoy its nature and culture. Whether you choose a traditional house, a modern cottage or a building plot, you can always find something to suit your needs and budget.

Infrastructure

Khevsuretia, despite its remoteness and mountainous terrain, offers a sufficiently developed infrastructure for the comfortable stay of tourists and locals. In this section we will provide information about schools, universities, kindergartens, medical facilities, sports centers, shopping centers and restaurants, as well as transportation in the region.

Educational institutions

Iliya Chavchavadze School

• Address: Shatili village, Khevsuretia, Georgia

Description: The school offers quality education for children of all ages, with an emphasis on learning Georgian culture and traditions.

Kindergarten "Khevsur Baby"

• Address: Barisakho village, Khevsuretia, Georgia

Description: The kindergarten provides a safe and comfortable environment for preschool education and development.Medical facilities 

Shatili Hospital

• Address: Shatili village, Khevsuretia, Georgia

Description: The main medical facility in the region providing emergency and planned medical care. *Barisajo Clinic

• Address: Barisakho village, Khevsuretia, Georgia

Description: The polyclinic offers outpatient medical services to residents and visitors of the region. 

Healthy Smile Dental Clinic

• Address: Shatili village, Khevsuretia, Georgia

Description: The clinic specializes in providing quality dental services.

Sports Centers and Sections *Gorny Vetter Sports Center

• Address: Shatili village, Khevsuretia, Georgia

Description: The center offers various outdoor activities including trekking, mountaineering and rafting. *Alpinist fitness center

• Address: Barisakho village, Khevsuretia, Georgia

Description: The gym is equipped with modern machines and offers fitness programs for all fitness levels.

Shopping centers and restaurants *Hevsuretia Mall shopping center

• Address: Shatili village, Khevsuretia, Georgia

Description: A small shopping center with stores, cafes and recreation areas. 

Restaurant "Hevsur House"

• Address: Shatili village, Khevsuretia, Georgia

Description: Traditional restaurant serving Hevsur cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.

• Mountain Trail Cafe
• Address: Barisakho village, Khevsuretia, Georgia

Description: A cozy cafe where you can enjoy local snacks and drinks after a long hike.

Transport

The transportation system of Hevsuretia is adapted to the mountainous terrain of the region and offers different ways to get around.

• Bus routes: Khevsuretia has several bus routes connecting the main settlements of the region. Buses run on schedule and are an affordable means of transportation.
• Cab and private transportation: In larger villages such as Shatili and Barisaho, cabs or private carriers are available. This is a convenient way to reach remote attractions or hotels.
• Car rental: For those who prefer independent travel, car rental services are available. This allows for more flexibility in planning itineraries and exploring the region at your own pace.
• Tourist transfers: Many travel companies offer transfer services from Tbilisi and other major cities to Khevsuretia. This is a convenient way to get to the region without having to worry about transportation.

To summarize, Khevsuretia is a unique region of Georgia, which is worth visiting for every lover of history, nature and outdoor activities. Majestic mountains, ancient fortresses, rich culture and hospitable people are waiting for you here. We hope that our guide will help you plan an unforgettable trip to this amazing region.