Khevsureti is a picturesque and remote region in northern Georgia, famous for its fortified mountain villages, ancient towers and harsh nature.
Khevsureti
The inhabitants of this province were good at military affairs and constantly repelled raids from the Muslim population of the North Caucasus.
Hundreds of years ago, due to geographical, ethnic and religious differences, many tribes of the North Caucasus often attacked and plundered their mountain neighbors.
In order to protect their villages, the Khevsurs built their houses very close to each other. Thus, they formed a single defensive wall, resembling a fortress. It was very difficult to take such a fortification, especially without special guns.
The main fortified villages of Khevsureti
1️⃣ Shatili is one of the most famous fortified villages in Georgia.
– Stone towers of the 14th century form a real fortress.
– Located at an altitude of 1,400 m in the valley of the Argun River.
– In summer you can get here by off-road vehicle from Tbilisi (~5-6 hours), in winter the road is closed.
2️⃣ Mutso is a mysterious medieval village on the mountainside.
– Located at an altitude of 1,880 m, it is considered one of the most inaccessible.
– According to legend, the ancient treasures of the Khevsurs are hidden here.
– The road is difficult, you need good preparation and an off-road vehicle.
Shatili village
Shatili Village
The village of Shatili consists of terraced houses with flat roofs and 60 towers, which are grouped to create a single chain of fortifications. The abundance of towers suggests that the villagers tried to find out in advance about the beginning of the enemy attack.
Today, most of the Shatili towers are abandoned, and the local population, consisting of a dozen families living in modern wooden houses, leaves here with the appearance of the first snow. In winter, all roads are swept away and it becomes possible to get out of here only by air transport.
Shatili village
Shatili village, Georgia
Shatili
Shatili, Khevsureti
D.Shatili, Khevsureti
Shatili, Khevsureti, Georgia
Mutso village
What makes Khevsureti unique?
- Military past – The Khevsurs have been protecting the Georgian border from invasions for centuries. Their villages were built as fortresses.
- Traditions – the locals preserved ancient customs, including the wearing of chain mail and swords.
- Wild nature – harsh mountain landscapes, deep gorges and the cleanest air.
How to get there?
- By car – it is best to drive an SUV (from Tbilisi via Barisakho, along the Khevsuri military road).
- By taxi – you can arrange with a driver from Tbilisi, but the trip will be expensive (~300-400 GEL).
- Trekking – there are hiking trails, but they require physical fitness.
Best time to travel
✅ June – September – it’s warm, the roads are open, you can enjoy nature.
❌ Winter – roads are closed, the region is cut off from the outside world.
Conclusion
Khevsureti is an ideal place for lovers of adventure, history and mountain scenery. If you want to see the real Georgia, you should include these villages in the itinerary! ?⛰
