Machakhlispiri: Hotels and Accommodation

Machakhlispiri lies 70 metres above sea level at the beginning of the 45-kilometre-long Machakhela Gorge. The gorge begins here and follows the Machakhela River; near Machakhlispiri, the Machakhela flows into the Chorokhi. Those wishing to book a hotel in Machakhlispiri can then continue their search for accommodation.

Nature

The Machakhela Gorge is surrounded by forested mountains. Its deeply incised mountainous terrain forms narrow, deep valleys created by the Machakhela River and tributaries of the Acharistsqali. Black soils and vertically zoned vegetation support numerous and diverse nectar plants.

The protected landscape of Machakhela lies in the Machakhela Valley and covers 4,292 hectares. It is characterised by scenic views, waterfalls, biodiversity, historical and cultural monuments, local traditions and folklore. A total of 7,333.18 hectares of the Machakhela municipality lies within Machakhela National Park.

Culture and Regional Specialties

Traditional beekeeping has been passed down from ancestors to descendants in Machakhela. The geographical indication production area for Machakhela honey comprises Machakhlispiri, Kedkedi, Acharistskali, Chkhutuneti and Chikuneti. The honey is made from nectar collected from plants in the Machakhela Gorge and is available in four varieties: May, acacia, chestnut and linden honey.

The Machakhela Wine History Trail connects the Chonchkho, Mere and Dzneladze wine presses. The trail is 1.3 kilometres long and is classified as a one-hour hike of moderate difficulty. Tskhemlara Bridge is the largest of the centuries-old arched bridges in the Machakhela Valley. The Historical and Ethnographic Museum of Upper Chkhutuneti is located within Machakhela National Park.

Hikes and Activities

The Dunga Waterfall Trail leads 1 kilometre from the centre of the village of Upper Chkhutuneti to its destination; the easy hike takes 30 minutes. The difficulty rating of the kayaking route on the Machakhela River ranges from 3 to 4. Its starting point in Zeda Chkhutuneti is best reached by SUV. In the villages of the Machakhela Valley, visitors can walk, ride horses or cycle.

Getting There

The road through the villages of Machakhela is paved and accessible year-round. In winters with heavy snowfall, however, travel may be interrupted for a day or two. Scheduled minibuses run from the Machakhela villages towards Batumi.

You can also take a look at Kapreshumi, Chakvistavi, Gorgadzeebi, Buknari, Kokhi, Keda, Namlisevi and Khulo.

To the higher-level travel overview: Adjara.