Hiking, biking & horse-riding
In breath-taking scenery
Pankisi Valley's cultural richness is matched by its unspoiled nature. Some of Georgia's most remote, beautiful and pristine landscapes, are within easy reach of Pankisi Valley.
The recent addition of several marked trails has opened Pankisi Valley up to hikers and mountain bikers, leading to alpine mountain pastures, rivers, waterfalls, forests and valleys.
Tbatana mountain
Located above Batsara Strict Nature Reserve, Tbatana is a scenic alpine mountain plateau (1900m) that can be reached on foot, mountain bike, horseback or 4WD.
Panoramic views of the Greater Caucasus mountain ranges of Tusheti and Khevsureti regions, and Pankisi Valley below, can be found from the plateau and rocky summit of Tbatana mountain (2400m).
Local shepherds occupy mountain huts for several months (April to October) producing cheese using traditional methods, which visitors can observe.
Gateway to Tusheti
Pankisi Valley is well known among intrepid trekkers as a gateway to Tusheti and Khevsureti. There are trails connecting the three mountainous regions.
Treks from Pankisi Valley to Tusheti take a number of days hiking or horse riding. Advanced planning and preparation is required with experienced local guides who know the routes intimately.
For detailed information we recommend visiting the following websites links to plan your trek from Pankisi to Tusheti or vice versa.
"Trek from Tusheti to Pankisi Valley" by Kim and Derek Hogg, creators of Going The Whole Hogg website.
"Trek from Tusheti to Pankisi by Samkinvrostsveri Pass" by Jozef Antala creator of Caucasus-Trekking website.
Khadori waterfall
Around Pankisi Valley, there are many gems of natural beauty. Khadori waterfall, about 3 km north of the Khadori hydro power station, is popular with visitors.
You can find several pools along the river leading to the waterfall and places to picnic.
The best way to get to the waterfall, is by mountain bike, hiking, horse riding or by 4WD.
The amphitheatre & watchtower
Two popular attractions in Pankisi Valley are easily reached on foot or bike from Duisi or Jokolo. One is the amphitheater, which was built in 1986 and the other an ancient watchtower built around the 14th century.
The amphitheater is located on a prominent hilltop above Duisi and offers sweeping views of the valley. It is used to host community events. There is a short trail from the amphitheater through fields to the ancient watchtower, which is located on a nearby hill.