Khevsureti is a historical-geographic region in Georgia. It was part of Kakhosi and historical Kakheti, also.
Historically Khevsureti was bordered to the north by Durdzuketi (today it is called Chechnya-Ingushetia), to the south by Pshavi, to the east by Tusheti, to the west by Khevi and Gudamakari. Currently, Khevsureti includes the valleys of Aragvi, Asa, Arghuni, and Andaki.
The region is divided into Pirikita (northeastern) Khevsureti and Piraketa (southwestern) Khevsureti by the main range of the Caucasus.
There are following villages in Pirikita Khevsureti: Shatili, Andaki, Ardoti, Archilo, Giorgitsminda, Kistani, Mutso, Khakhabo, Khonischala, Khone.
As for Piraketa Khevsureti, here you can visit villages: Barisakho, Akusho, Korsha, Gudani, Biso, Ghuli, Chkhuba, Chie, Blo, Atabe, Akneli, Ache, Akhieli, Batsaligo, Buchukurta, Gveleti, Datvisi, Zeistecho, Kartsaulta, Maghraani, Motsmao, Roshka, Ukanakho, Kobulo, Ghelisvake, Chirdili, Dzedzeurta, Chalisopeli, Chormeshavi, Tsinkhadu, Khakhmati.
Arkhoti is a distinguished part of Khevsureti. You can see there Amgha and Akhieli villages, as for Chimgha village, it is deserted nowadays. There are still remnants of the ruined houses in the Arkhoti Valley: Kalotana, Ghorghu, Tskalshua, Kviritsminda.
The following places could also be interesting for you: Tergha, Bisna (located in the Bisna Valley), and Kovgra (situated in the Taniestskali Valley). The Arkhoti Valley is a border region, and the Russian Federation is located to the north of it.
Ardoti village
Khevsuretian cuisine is dominated by dairy products and meat. The guests are always hosted with Keceuli (Khachapuri fried in contaminated butter – Erbo). Another featured dish is Kuserbo – made with potatoes, cheese, and Erbo. As for the drinks, beer is brewed from hops on Atengenoba (a celebration in the Eastern Highlands). This ritual is significant for the locals. Brewed beer is most prevalent at festivals.
There is a wide variety of attractions for lovers of mountains, lakes, hiking, and traveling in Khevsureti. Must see places here are: the colorful Lakes of Abudelauri in Roshka village; Shatili – one of the well-preserved fortress villages, that had been protecting Georgia from the Northern enemies for the centuries; Mutso village was a fortification, defensive system from the Northern invaders. The Complex of Mutso has no analog, and it always fascinates visitors; Ardoti village – you can visit church from XIX century here; Arkhoti – the place that will surprise you with Lake Tanie and the Tanie Valley, Amgha village and the Kaviskari Fortress, the Kalotana Valley and Sajikhve (the place with a rocky landscape, where Caucasian turs live).
Shatili village
You can find guesthouses in the following villages: Barisakho, Gudani, Korsha, Roshka, Shatili, Mutso. The campsites are available, as well.
Khevsureti can be visited using several different routes. So, in case you have time and love hiking into the wild, pack your backpacks and get ready to visit Khevsureti from Pshavi, from Tusheti via Atsunta Pass or from Gudamakari via Pkhituri Pass.
