Kayaking on the Acharistskali River: Khulo Canyon

Difficulty

The difficulty rating for Acharistskali River ranges between 3 and 4.

Location

The kayaking route on the Acharistskali River passes through Khulo Canyon in mountainous part of Ajara, located 930 m above sea level. It is situated 88 km from the city of Batumi.

River

The Acharistskali River originates from the Arsian Ridge, the height of which is 2000-2500 meters above sea level. The length of the river is 90 km. The river level largely depends on several hydroelectric power stations built on it.

Route

The first section begins near the village of Diakonidzeebi, at 800 m above sea level, and ends at the confluence of Acharistskali and Skhalta Rivers, at 710 m above sea level.

The length of the first section is 3 km, with a drop in elevation of 90 m. In addition, the difficulty rating is 4 (extremely difficult, long, and difficult rapids, steep drops, large stones).

The second section starts at the village of Chao, 580 m above sea level, and ends at the village of Shuakhevi, 440 m above sea level. A paved road runs alongside the route.

The length of the second section is 8 km, with a drop in elevation of 140 m, while the difficulty rating ranges from 3 to 3+ (difficult, high, and irregular waves, rocks, and eddies, transparent but narrow exits).

The third section starts near the village of Dandalo, at 320 m above sea level, and ends at the village of Gobroneti, 260 m above sea level.

The length of the third section is 7 km, with a drop in elevation of 60 m, while the difficulty rating is 3 (difficult, high, and irregular waves, rocks, transparent but narrow exits).

Season

Kayaking on the Acharistskali River is possible from April to June, and in October.

How to get to the starting point

It is possible to reach the village of Diakonidzeebi from the town of Khulo using an SUV to cover the 4 km distance.

Safety

You must be experienced in order to kayak down this river.

It is recommended that you go down the river with a local kayaker or at least obtain the necessary information from one of them. Contact a local company in advance to book a tour.

The minimum age for kayaking is 18.