Discover Khelvachauri

To decide whether Khelvachauri is a good fit for your trip, nature and hiking experiences, along with museums, bridges and fortresses, offer different points of interest. Machakhela National Park is located in the territory of Khelvachauri Municipality in the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, Georgia. The park administration and visitor center are in the village of Acharisaghmarti in the municipality.

Nature, views and hikes

Machakhela National Park encompasses forests on the slopes around the Machakhela River. Relict forest species include Colchic boxwood, chestnut and hazelnut; visitors can observe flora and fauna along the routes. An endangered Colchic boxwood avenue, listed in the Red Book, is located in Mirveti. Kokoleti viewpoint offers views of the Jamili Biosphere Reserve in Turkey and six villages in historic Upper Machakhela.

The Mtavarangelozi Trail is 9 kilometers long and takes about four hours. Its length and approximate walking time provide a concrete reference for planning a day of hiking. Visitors can also use picnic and camping areas along routes in the park.

Access to the protected area

To access the reserve zone of Machakhela National Park, visitors must arrange an agreement with the park administration at least five working days before a trip in order to obtain a pass. Confirm this requirement with the park administration again before traveling. It applies to the reserve zone; it is not limited to a single hiking trail.

Historic routes, bridges and museums

The Machakhela Gun Road is a marked historical and cultural route in Khelvachauri. The municipality’s cultural heritage includes the ancient fortresses of Gonio and Gvara, Chkhutuneti Fortress with a 32-meter-long tunnel, and the arch bridges of Mirveti and Tskhemlara. Tskhemlara Bridge is designated an immovable cultural monument.

The histories of individual bridges also offer specific dates: Makho Bridge was selected as an immovable cultural monument of national significance in 2007. Adjaristskali Bridge was built in 1892 and was historically connected to the Batumi–Ardagani road.

The Machakhela Historical-Ethnographic Museum is housed in a three-story former mosque. Among its notable items is a carved ornament from the 18th century whose colors have been preserved. The Lazur Ethnographic Museum houses works by Khasan Helimish and ethnographic exhibits from Lazur that residents have preserved over the years. Together, these offer different ways to explore history and local culture: architecture, bridge-building and preserved collections.

Places, food and activities

The Machakhela Gun Road offers opportunities to visit or stay overnight in Kveda Chkhutuneti, Zeda Chkhutuneti and Kostanet. Visitors can also sample national dishes and learn about local household activities. Traditional mchadi is one of the foods associated with Khelvachauri. In the area around Mirveti, rafting is also possible on the waters of the Chorokhi and Adjaristskali rivers.

The wider region of Adjara

The broader destination of Adjara offers other distinct travel experiences. In Mtirala National Park, the marked Tsablnara hiking trail is 7 kilometers long, rated easy and designed for a day hike; trail conditions may change. Goderdzi Ski Resort has slopes for beginners, intermediate skiers and experienced skiers, though seasonal operations may vary. The regional cuisine also differs: Adjarian khachapuri is a boat-shaped dish associated with Adjara’s fishing history.

Discover more destinations: Machakhlispiri, Gorgadzeebi, Kapreshumi, Keda, Sakhalvasho, Khulo, Gomarduli, Buknari.

For the broader travel overview: Adjara.