Pasanauri Village

Where is Pasanauri?

Located just seventy kilometres from Tbilisi on the Georgian Military Highway, Pasanauri is not only a good day trip from the capital, but can also be combined with other landmarks along the popular route to Kazbegi in the country’s north.

Pasanauri sits on the southern slope of the Greater Caucasus Mountains in the White Aragvi River valley.

Pasanauri Resort

In addition to its culinary claim to fame, Pasanauri has been a popular resort destination for Georgians since ancient times. The restorative mountain air is said to be beneficial for respiratory and circulatory concerns, while the acidic mineral waters that spring naturally from the ground in the Aragvi Valley are used to treat digestive distress.

Local legends attribute even greater healing powers to the region’s waters, with one story claiming that anybody who bathes in the water just three times will never again be bothered by joint pain. 

Of course, the Aragvi is a fast-flowing river with chilly waters even during the summer, so if you intend to test this theory, be sure to be very careful!

The Joining of Two Rivers – The White Aragvi and the Black Aragvi

Another popular landmark in Pasanauri is the unique convergence of the two Aragvi rivers - the White Aragvi from Mtiuleti and the Black Aragvi from Gudamakari. The distinctly coloured waters of these two rivers converge here, but their waters never truly mix, even when the area is in flood!

The river is more than just something to photograph or bathe in, with white water rafting a popular pastime on the Aragvi. A fully-equipped rafting camp servicing a variety of rafting routes can be found here, and even beginners can participate with the help of qualified local instructors.

Hiking Tours in Pasanauri

Hiking is also a popular pastime in Pasanauri, with a variety of interesting routes in and around the village, on Lomisi Mountain (2,452 m), and Alevi Cliff (1,973 m).

There is also the popular tourist hike to the picturesque Keli Lake, horseback riding tours in the Khada Valley, and a variety of grand sites - including Davito Island and Sakore Mountain - to be found as you explore this beautiful region on foot or on horseback.

Pasanauri Khinkali

Last but not least, no visit to Pasanauri would be complete without sampling some of the region’s world-famous Khinkali. While every region boasts its own spin on the popular dish, Pasanauri khinkali is differentiated by the unique blend of spices used to flavour the meat. The exact combination is something of a local secret, so you’ll have to eat your fill while you’re here.