New experiences
New horizons
The best way to get to know and experience the local culture, attractions and area is through guided tours and treks.
Cultural tours allow visitors to discover the valley's hidden gems and learn interesting facts about the local people, their way of life and history.
Pankisi Valley is famed for its strong and beautiful horses, which are trained to be ridden by advanced and novice riders. This is why horse trekking is very popular here with tourists, providing excellent opportunities to experience the remoteness and beauty of the High Caucasus mountains.
The diversity of landscapes within and around the region of Pankisi Valley consists of forests, hills, mountains, valleys and rivers. These can be explored following marked hiking trails. Information boards are installed at key points, providing route descriptions and useful facts.
Neighbouring Pankisi Valley to the north, are the Batsara ravine and Tusheti National Park. These special regions are accessible by foot, mountain bike or horseback from Pankisi Valley.
Pankisi Valley is a unique place because of its Kist culture, traditions and Sufi religion, which can only be experienced here in Georgia.
Tradition and religion infuse an indomitable community spirit and strong identity, for which the Kists are well known.
For many visitors to Pankisi Valley, meeting Kists and immersing into the local culture is a key highlight.
The New Mosque
Located on the main road in Duisi, the New Mosque is one of Pankisi Valley's most recognizable landmarks. It was completed in 2002 and is constructed from red bricks with traditional minaret and half-crescent spires.
The Watchtower
The ancient stone tower above Duisi dates back to around the 14th century and is an important attraction. From the base of the tower, visitors get sweeping views of the valley. Ancient watchtowers existed in the hills around Pankisi Valley, which were used to signal the threat of invasion using white and black smoke signals.
Amphitheatre & WWII Memorial
Located adjacent to the ancient watchtower, the amphitheater and WWII memorial sit on a hilltop overlooking Duisi. This is an important landmark. The complex was built in 1986 to commemorate soldiers from Pankisi Valley and Akhmeta who lost their lives in the war.
The amphitheater is used for all kinds of events and celebrations, including Pankisoba, the biggest festival in the valley held during spring. Panoramic views of the entire valley can be found from the top, making it a must-visit.
Vainakh tower house
Pankisi's own stone tower house was built by a local man in Jokolo, modeled on traditional Vainakh architecture.
Vainakh towers date back to the 1st century AD and are found across the North and South Caucasus regions. These were used for military and residential purposes.
Alazani river
Among Pankisi Valley’s many attractions is the Alazani River, which flows down from the main High Caucasus ridge on the Russian-Georgian border. The wide river basin that runs through Pankisi Valley and can be explored on foot or mountain bike.
Heritage houses
Beautiful examples of traditional Kakhetian architecture can be found throughout the valley. Solid timber houses are adorned with carved balconies, intricate latticework, and gallery windows. This style of architecture is tailored for the climate and is typical for the region. Though few remain in good condition they still retain their charm.
Ancient ruins
The foothills around Pankisi Valley are a treasure trove of ancient ruins including old stone houses, churches, and monuments – some of which date back to the reign of Queen Tamar in the eleventh and twelfth century. Work to clean, restore and document these ruins is an ongoing project.
Kist cemeteries
The valley's most important cultural heritage monuments related to the Kists are burial grounds.
The oldest, Jokolo’s first cemetery, was established by the original Chechen settlers. Some gravestones date back to the 1800s and carry inscriptions in Arabic and Georgian. Islamic motifs such as the star and crescent moon can also be seen.