Pankisi Valley (Region of Kakheti)
Pankisi Gorge (Georgian: პანკისის ხეობა) – The historical and geographical region in eastern Georgia. The gorge is located in the southern branch of the Main Caucasus Range, on the Nakerala Ridge (Georgian: ნაქერალას მთა ). The main river of Kakheti, the Alazani (Georgian: ალაზანი ), originates where the two rivers merge. The beautiful valley is bordered by the snow-capped Caucasus Mountains to the north and the Kakheti region, famous for its wine, to the south. The gorge is characterized by beautiful nature, amazing peaks of the Caucasus, rich deciduous forests, diverse fields and crystal clear mountain rivers. The history of the Pankisi Valley, ancient churches and fortresses, mountains, waterfalls, rivers and lakes, flora, fauna and most importantly people, their traditions, cuisine and culture, have long attracted tourists from all over the world.
One of the most beautiful sights of the Pankisi Valley is the Batsara National Reserve (Georgian: ბაწარას ნაკრძალი) founded to protect the relict yew forest (Georgian: ურთხელი, უთხოვარი), which has great scientific value. Pankisi is a paradise for hikers. The viewer is presented with amazing cleanliness, open landscapes and horses grazing in the fields. By order of the National Tourism Administration, large-scale work has been carried out to mark and equip the infrastructure of tourist and hiking trails. From the valley you can go horseback riding in the mountainous regions of Tusheti and Khevsureti, organize bicycle tours. Here you are invited to enter an amazing gastronomic world – local dishes are varied and delicious (very interesting for vegetarians). Visitors can enjoy various master classes: culinary, folklore, pottery, felt, etc. Horse racing is a favorite hobby of local residents. Such tournaments are held here regularly and are the best entertainment for active youth.
Pankisi Gorge (Georgian: პანკისის ხეობა), Akhmeta Municipality (Georgian: ახმეტის მუნიციპალიტეტი)