Khevsureti on the Greater Caucasus - fortified villages of Schatili and Muzo

Day 1 - Schatili, Schatili, Anatori

Early in the morning, drive over the Datvisjvari Pass (2677m) to Shatili, Khevsureti.

The region of Khevsureti is located on the southern and partially northern slopes of the Greater Caucasus.

The villages here are the last Georgian settlements on the Georgian-Chechen border, and the Khevsur people were the border guards of Georgia. The status of these villages as border outposts is visible from afar: all settlements are built from slate stone in the form of fortress villages and are located high on steep slopes. In case of necessity, each village could be used as a defensive fortress.

After the Sovietization, Khevsureti was gradually devastated by decision of the then government, and the population was forcibly relocated to the valley. Returning was just as punishable as refusing to move. Over several decades, this region with its rich history and magnificent nature became desolate; once powerful, fortified villages gradually deteriorated without human care.

Unfortunately, the revival of this area is progressing very slowly; in some villages, only one, three, or at most 15 families remain.

This situation makes Khevsureti a "wild pearl" among all regions of Georgia.

Here, you can enjoy untouched nature, abandoned villages, sacred sites, and the crystal-clear air of the Greater Caucasus during hikes.

Upon arrival in Shatili (1400m), accommodation in a guesthouse. Time to rest or a lunch break in a local tower café. An exotic experience!

Stroll through the medieval fortress village of Shatili with its unique architecture. Some of the buildings here are in a rather precarious state.

Continue to the nearest abandoned settlement of Anatori, where old crypts with human remains have been preserved. In Khevsureti, there were unique traditions for every aspect of life, including burial customs. Such practices cannot be found in other parts of Georgia.

Dinner and overnight stay in the guesthouse. (A)

Day 2 - Mutso

The next morning, embark on a approximately 2.5-hour hike (10 km through the valley) to the fortified village of Mutso(1880m). Mutso is perched on a rocky slope and is a completely abandoned village made of slate stone. Climbing to Mutso is a unique experience. In addition to residential buildings, sacred structures can also be found here!

Enjoy a magnificent view of the valley below and the surrounding slopes!

You will be alone in this breathtaking landscape, with eagles soaring above!

Return to Tbilisi from Mutso.

Services:

Transfer in a 4X4 Mitsubishi Delica with driver-guide from/to Tbilisi

1x overnight stay in a double room in a guesthouse

1x dinner