Pirikita Khevsureti, the region located north of the Caucasus Range, encompasses three valleys:
● Ardoti Valley — home to the Andaki (Ardotistskhali) River basin.
● Shatili Valley — nestled within the Arghun River basin.
● Arkhoti Valley — characterized by the Asa (Arkhotistskhali) River basin.
Of these three valleys, Arkhoti emerges as the most remote and challenging to access. With no communication infrastructure or cellular coverage, Arkhoti remained cut off until the construction of a road in 2017, making it the last inhabited area in Georgia unreachable by any form of vehicle.
Arkhoti comprises three villages: Chimgha, Akhieli, and Amgha, with a total permanent population not exceeding 15 individuals.
The journey to Arkhoti can commence from either the village of Roshka in Piraketa Khevsureti (Dusheti Municipality) or the village of Juta in Khevi (Khazbegi Municipality).
From Roshka, travelers venture along the new road traversing the Caucasus Range via the Arkhoti Pass. Alternatively, starting from Juta requires a mountainous hike through the Arkhotistavi Pass (3265 m / 10712 ft).
Regardless of the starting point, the route passes the rocky massif of Chimga before reaching Akhieli Village, followed by Amgha Village. Proceeding beyond Amgha, travelers navigate through the narrow valley of the Asa River and Kavis Kari until reaching the confluence of Taniestskhali, a right tributary of the Asa River.
The Taniestskhali Valley presents one of the most challenging segments of the tour, often requiring river crossings and traversing streambeds. Eventually, the route leads to the confluence of the two main streams of Taniestskhali.
From this juncture, travelers may opt to continue leftward into the valley of the right tributary. Before doing so, however, an ascent into the valley of the left tributary offers the opportunity to visit Tanie Lake before retracing the route.
Tanie Lake
After trekking a certain distance in the valley of the right tributary, we veer to the right and embark on a rapid ascent. Several hours of steep climbing later, we arrive at one of the most challenging passes to reach in Georgia — Isartghele, situated on the Khevsureti Range at approximately 3500 meters (11483 feet) above sea level. From Isartghele Pass, breathtaking vistas unfold, offering panoramic views of Arkhoti and Shatili Valleys, Kidegana Glacier, and the surrounding peaks.
Departing from the pass, we navigate steep descents and traverse rugged, lesser-known valleys to reach Giorgitsminda village. From there, we proceed towards the road leading to Shatili, marking the conclusion of our tour.
In addition to the route via Isartghele Pass, adventurers have the option to explore the Arkhoti tour via Tanie Pass, which presents a less demanding alternative to the Isartghele route.
Pirikita Khevsureti, the region located north of the Caucasus Range, encompasses three valleys:
● Ardoti Valley — home to the Andaki (Ardotistskhali) River basin.
● Shatili Valley — nestled within the Arghun River basin.
● Arkhoti Valley — characterized by the Asa (Arkhotistskhali) River basin.
Of these three valleys, Arkhoti emerges as the most remote and challenging to access. With no communication infrastructure or cellular coverage, Arkhoti remained cut off until the construction of a road in 2017, making it the last inhabited area in Georgia unreachable by any form of vehicle.
Arkhoti comprises three villages: Chimgha, Akhieli, and Amgha, with a total permanent population not exceeding 15 individuals.
The journey to Arkhoti can commence from either the village of Roshka in Piraketa Khevsureti (Dusheti Municipality) or the village of Juta in Khevi (Khazbegi Municipality).
From Roshka, travelers venture along the new road traversing the Caucasus Range via the Arkhoti Pass. Alternatively, starting from Juta requires a mountainous hike through the Arkhotistavi Pass (3265 m / 10712 ft).
Regardless of the starting point, the route passes the rocky massif of Chimga before reaching Akhieli Village, followed by Amgha Village. Proceeding beyond Amgha, travelers navigate through the narrow valley of the Asa River and Kavis Kari until reaching the confluence of Taniestskhali, a right tributary of the Asa River.
The Taniestskhali Valley presents one of the most challenging segments of the tour, often requiring river crossings and traversing streambeds. Eventually, the route leads to the confluence of the two main streams of Taniestskhali.
From this juncture, travelers may opt to continue leftward into the valley of the right tributary. Before doing so, however, an ascent into the valley of the left tributary offers the opportunity to visit Tanie Lake before retracing the route.
Tanie Lake
After trekking a certain distance in the valley of the right tributary, we veer to the right and embark on a rapid ascent. Several hours of steep climbing later, we arrive at one of the most challenging passes to reach in Georgia — Isartghele, situated on the Khevsureti Range at approximately 3500 meters (11483 feet) above sea level. From Isartghele Pass, breathtaking vistas unfold, offering panoramic views of Arkhoti and Shatili Valleys, Kidegana Glacier, and the surrounding peaks.
Departing from the pass, we navigate steep descents and traverse rugged, lesser-known valleys to reach Giorgitsminda village. From there, we proceed towards the road leading to Shatili, marking the conclusion of our tour.
In addition to the route via Isartghele Pass, adventurers have the option to explore the Arkhoti tour via Tanie Pass, which presents a less demanding alternative to the Isartghele route.
Search/Filter