Khelvachauri: Hotels and Accommodation

The administration and visitor center of Machakhela National Park are located in the village of Acharisaghmarti in the municipality of Khelvachauri. The 9 km-long Mtavarangelozi Trail takes around four hours. Anyone wishing to book a hotel in Khelvachauri can continue searching for accommodation afterward.

Nature and Trails

Machakhela National Park has forests on the slopes surrounding the Machakhela River. The forest's relict species include Colchian boxwood, chestnut, and hazelnut. Along the routes, visitors can observe flora and fauna and use picnic and camping areas.

The Kokoleti viewpoint offers views of Turkey's Jamili Biosphere Reserve and six villages of historic Upper Machakhela. Mirveti is also home to an endangered avenue of Kolkhuri boxwood, which is listed in the Red Book. In the area around Mirveti, rafting is possible on the waters of the Chorokhi and Adjaristskali rivers.

Anyone entering the reserve zone of Machakhela National Park must make an agreement with the administration at least five working days before a tour in order to obtain a pass.

Culture and History

The Machakhela Gun Road is a signposted historical and cultural route in Khelvachauri. The municipality's cultural heritage attractions include the ancient fortresses of Gonio and Gvara, Chkhutuneti Fortress with a 32-meter-long tunnel, and the arched bridges of Mirveti and Tskhemlara. Tskhemlara Bridge is designated as an immovable cultural monument.

Makho Bridge was selected as an immovable cultural monument of national significance in 2007. Adjaristskali Bridge was built in 1892 and historically connected the Batumi–Ardagani road.

The Machakhela Historical-Ethnographic Museum houses an 18th-century wood-carved ornament whose colors have been preserved. The museum is located in a former three-story mosque. The Lazur Ethnographic Museum houses works by Khasan Helimish as well as ethnographic exhibits from Lazur that have been preserved by local residents over the years.

Local Insights

Traditional mchadi is highlighted as a local dish associated with Khelvachauri. The Machakhela Gun Road offers opportunities to stay in or visit Kveda Chkhutuneti, Zeda Chkhutuneti, and Kostanet, try national dishes, and learn about the activities of local households.

More local pages: Bako, Khala, Buknari, Keda, Kharaula, Khulo, Kapreshumi, Danisparauli

For the overarching travel overview: Adjara.