Adjarian Highlands by jeep to Khikhani fort, Khulo, Keda, Shuakhevi, Makhuntseti
Full day Adjara mountains jeep tour starts from Batumi to Adjaristskali river valley in the green forests area and covers Keda, Shuakhevi, and Khulo municipalities. Hilly villages, crystal clear springs, lakes and waterfalls, medieval stone arched bridges, hospitable people, and exquisite local dishes provide ecotourism enthusiasts with an unforgettable experience. Easy hiking is available from Khikhani Fortress to Shuamta lakes, with a picnic lunch option on the spot.
Pick up and meet your guide at Batumi hotel. Head to Adjara Highlands by driving to Makhuntseti waterfall in Keda municipality. The narrow asphalted road follows the river Adjaristskali valley. The first stop is Makhuntseti waterfall - the highest waterfall in Ajara – 48 m. Make several photoshoots and continue to Shuakhevi.
Before leaving Keda, you can buy its famous honey or sweets-Churchkhela made of almost all species of Georgian grapes, dried fruit, tklapi (fruit leather), fir gum, and various jams.
Traveling in the upper Adjara region we come across several medieval arched stone bridges, one of them is a beautiful bridge built over Kedistskali River, dedicated to Queen Tamar. Despite enduring many floods and mudslides, the bridge remains in its place dutifully serving the locals.
Another remarkable 300 years old bridge is the rarest engineering structure in Georgia - a wooden 25 meters bridge in the village of Khabelashvilebi. It was built to connect villages of Chvana gorge with the Khulo district. Khabelashvilebi Bridge is very peculiar and creates an impression of fabulous construction built by some dwarfs, elves, or hobbits.
Continue to the Adjarian region-Shuakhevi up to the village Zamleti. Here we turn from the main road to the South-East for Khikhani Fortress. It takes about 1 h 27 min to cover 27 km road to reach the fortress. On the way, we can stop to see 12th c Skhalta monastery - a large hall church, with a protruding, seven-faceted apse, two principal portals on the south, and on the west, and an additional door on the north. Small fragments of the original paintings of the New Testament scenes—exemplifying the Paleologian art of the 14th or 15th century—were uncovered by the Georgian expedition in 1997.
After 15 minutes stop, continue driving to Khikhani Fortress - long serpentine and 40 minutes walk to ascend the fortress. Visitors discover a real paradise on their way: wooden houses nestled in green mountains, shepherds on daisy fields, and narrow paths leading to untouched areas. The oldest narrow path is the only approach to the castle. Spend approximately 2 hours exploring the complex and remains of ancient buildings: St. George's Church, towers, brick walls, wine cellar, and a water well.
From here we have incredible views of Shavsheti range. Take time, wander around, and have a nice walk to small mountain lakes. Picnic lunch with hot coffee is just a perfect idea. There are lakes in Shuamta summer pastures, three of which are the middle size and two are relatively small. Due to its authentic environment, Shuamta lakes boost great interest in hikers, photographers, and jeep tour lovers.
Next stop at Khulo - a small, cozy mountain town in the heartlands of Adjara region. It is a distinctive place throughout Georgia where you will experience true village life, customs, traditions, culture, and local delicious cuisine. Visit the beautifully painted wooden mosque in Khulo mosque.
One of the most notable landmarks here is a Soviet-era cable car that offers an exciting ride to a tiny charming village Tago over the river valley.
Evening return to Batumi.
OPTIONAL TOUR: Drive to Green Lake- a reservoir of volcanic origin with a special composition of water, being surrounded by coniferous and beech trees, which explains its rich emerald green color, a Soviet-era cable car which offers an exciting ride to a tiny charming village Tago over the river valley. The total length of the cable is 1,7 km, and it’s 280 meters above the valley with no support structure, just hanging between the departure stations.
While being in Khulo don’t forget to taste such dishes as kaymagi, borano, sinori, nagbibora.
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Transport:
Meals:
Entertainment, equipment, and other:
Group size | Price per adult |
Solo | € 312 |
2-3 people | € 163 |
4-5 people | € 115 |
6-7 people | € 79 |
8-9 people | € 77 |
10-15 people | € 63 |
Online booking deposit*: | € 15 |
*This deposit will be deducted from the total tour price.
1 person from the group will be FREE of charge if 10 and more adults are traveling together
Child Policy |
0-1 years - Free |
2-6 years - 32 € |
7 years and over - Adult |
The balance can be done by:
For a larger group or custom itinerary please contact us at travel[at]georgianholidays.com
How to know which “Operator” to select?
You only need to select the Operator name if you have previously communicated with one of our sales agents via phone or email, otherwise please leave it at default.
* Make sure you take your ID/Passport. Border guards may request to check your documents
Don't forget to take comfortable walking shoes, a raincoat, and sunglasses.
Extra services:
To arrange airport transfers and additional hotel overnights, contact us travel [at] georgianholidays.com
Cancellation is free of charge prior 2 days of the starting day.
If Tourist cancels the booked tour for some reasons not depending on Tour Operator, the following sums are kept back as a fine: