Skhalta-Khikhani Route

Route Type: Car
Route Length: 104.3 km
Duration: 2.5 - 3 hours
Cellular network coverage: full
Season: May-November
Altitude: Khikhadziri village is 1 200 m above sea level
Khikhani Fortress is 2 235 m above sea level

Cultural and historical route to the Skhalta Gorge and Khikhadziri village. Both points are located in the Khulo municipality. The high mountains, forests, rivers and gorges that make up most of the route will impress any traveler. In addition to natural beauty, there are some of the most important cultural monuments of Ajara from the Middle Ages - the Skhalta monastery (12-13 centuries), and the Khikhani fortress (12-13 centuries).

You can also see the Furtio arch bridge (12th c.) and the Tsikhiskeli-Vardtsikhe complex. Particularly interesting will be a visit to the Sheriff Khimshiashvili museum that depicts all the history of Ajara region.

You can see the attractions listed above after turning off the Batumi-Akhaltsikhe highway near the Zamleti signpost. The turn to the Zamleti village is 8 km from the district center of Shuakhevi.

The distance from the Zamleti turn to the end point of the trip - Khikhadziri village - is 28 km. There are 3 guesthouses in the village. You can also stay overnight in the Skhalta gorge, where there are 4 guest houses.

Khikhadziri village is the closest settlement to the Khikhani fortress. The path from the village to the fortress is 8 km, which can be walked or driven by a cross-country vehicle.

Climbing the Khikhani fortress can take from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on physical fitness. The path is about 1 km long, narrow and steep.

Staying in the village of Khikhadziri can be combined with a trek along the alpine route "Chirukhi-Khikhani-Goderdzi". You can start the route from one site or the other.

Transport schedule: