Route type: multiway, car (with short walking sections);
Difficulty of the route: medium
Total length of the route: 140 km;
Maximum altitude from sea level: 2226 m;
Duration of the route: 2 days;
Cellular coverage area: partial
Season: May-September
The route starts from the village of Zamleti, which is located 8 km from the center of Shuakhevi. Traveling from here to Khikhadziri, you can visit several attractions: the medieval arched bridge Furtio on the Adjaristskali river, the Skhalta monastery of the 12th century in the valley of the Skhaltistskali river (the monastery is the only example of medieval religious architecture and monumental wall painting in Adjara), a house-museum, as well as the place of execution of Sherif Khimshiashvili (the last prince (tavadi) of Upper Adjara, who fought for the return of Adjara to Georgia), the ruins of the Vernebi fortress (XII-XIII centuries), the ruins of the Tsikhiskeli and Vardtsikhe fortresses (XI-XII centuries), the remains of the altar from the Kalota Cathedral (XI-XIII centuries).
An overnight stay and tasting of local dishes are available at the family guesthouses in the Khikhadziri village.
The next day, the route continues from the Khikhadziri through Bakibako village towards Chirukhi. On the way, you will see lakes "Karagoli" and "Shratiani", as well as a beautiful, but hard-to-reach waterfall. In Chirukhi, you can relax in the picnic area, enjoy swing ride or relax in a hammock.
Especially noteworthy are the beautiful views of the mountains in the alpine zone. On the way from Chirukhi to Shuakhevi, in the Mareti gorge, you will visit the Darchidzeebi fortress (XI-XII centuries), the Transfiguration Church in Odadauri, the Tsinareti fortress, as well as the Okropilauri fortress, located on a hill at the confluence of the Chirukhi and Tbeti rivers.
Before traveling to Batumi, you can also visit the Kaviani fortress.
Note that this is a two-day cultural and adventure route in high-mountainous Adjara, which includes two municipalities - Shuakhevi and Khulo, however, those who are not ready for a relatively long journey can choose one direction.
