3-Day SUV-Tour: Akhaltsikhe-Zemo Adjara-Batumi

Day 1: Akhaltsikhe - Beshumi - Ski Resort Goderdzi

Depart from Akhaltsikhe and drive up to Goderdzi Pass (2,025 meters), connecting the Samtskhe-Javakheti Region and Ajara. Afterwards, pass through Adigeni and Zarzma village, where you will have a chance to visit the medieval Zarzma Monastery.

Note that just six kilometers north of Goderdzi Pass is Green Lake, which is a great place for picnics and camping.

After Goderdzi Pass, pass through Beshumi Resort, 1,900 m above sea level, and pay a visit to the Goderdzi Alpine Garden.

You can spend the night in hostels near Goderdzi ski resort, or family hotels in Beshumi, and nearby villages.

Day 2: Shuamti Lakes - Khikhani Valley - Khikhadziri

The drive from Beshumi to Shuamta lakes takes about an hour. The three lakes, hidden in greenery, are stunning from June to September and have panoramic views of the X-XI century Khikhani Fortress, located 2,235 meters above sea level. 

From the lakes, drive down to the Khikhani Valley to observe the fortress up close. The best places to spend the night on this day of the trip are family hotels in Khikhadziri Village.

Day 3: Khikhadziri - Chirukhi Valley - Shuakhevi - Batumi

From Khikhadziri, head toward Chirukhi Valley and reach the summer fields in the alpine zone, 2,148 meters above sea level.

Locals who go up in the mountains to feed cattle in the summer live nearby in small wooden houses. They will gladly host you and offer delicious, organic dairy products. From here, descend toward Shuakhevi. Then, travel from Shuakhevi to Batumi by taking the central road.

Useful information

The best time to do this route is from June to September.

Drive an SUV-type vehicle equipped with A/T or M/T tires.

Use a GPS navigator and in case of an emergency, call 112.