LOCATION: MUNICIPALITY OF KHELVACHAURI
START/END OF THE ROUTE: BATUMI / ZEDA CHKHUTUNETI VILLAGE
DISTANCE FROM BATUMI: 39 KM
DURATION: ONE DAY/SEVERAL DAYS
ROUTE TYPE: CAR
ROUTE DIFFICULTY: EASY
ROAD TYPE: ASPHALT
Machakhela Gorge is located to the south of Batumi close to the confluence of Machakhela and Chorokhi rivers. The gorge is primarily known for its gun-making traditions - manufacturing of Machakhela guns and heirloom daggers. There are also lots of cultural and historical monuments, as well as national parks in Machakhela Gorge.
While traveling this route you can see Machakhela Gun Monument, medieval Gvara Fortress, World War II gun slit, the arch stone bridge in the village of Tskhemlara, Chkhutuneti waterfall, and Ethnographic Museum of Machakhela Valley.
The route starts from Batumi, passes through Batumi-Akhaltsikhe highway to the village of Ajaristskali, where it turns right towards the confluence of the Chorokhi and Machakhela rivers. The Gvara Fortress is situated 300 meters away. The route moves through the gorges of the Machakhela River to Skurdidi village, where a gun slit dating back to World War II has been preserved. Moving further along the route, we come to the arch stone bridge of the 12th century in Tskhemlara village and move on to the village of Zeda Chkhutuneti. A picturesque waterfall can be seen next to it. The center of Zeda Chkhutuneti is the ending point of the route. There you can visit the Ethnographic Museum, enjoy views of the mountains and see the Georgian- Turkish border.
In the gorge you can stroll through the Machakhela National Park located at an altitude of 300-350 meters above sea level. 95% of the park is covered with chestnut, beech, horn-beam, and alder. There are 2 trails intended for both hiking and driving.
The Administrative and visitor center of the park is located in the center of Acharisagmarti village (Khelvachauri municipality).
There is an opportunity to stay for the night, taste the national dishes, to get acquainted with commercial and household activities of local people, walk around the village neighborhood and see the sights in Kveda Chkhutuneti, Zeda Chkhutuneti and Kostanet villages.
