A single long day to Shatili and Mutso in Khevsureti, crossing the Datvisjvari pass by 4x4 with a driver who knows these roads.
| 06:00 | Depart Tbilisi north on the Georgian Military Highway. |
| 08:30 | Pass Ananuri fortress and the Zhinvali reservoir, continuing toward Gudauri. |
| 10:00 | Cross the Datvisjvari pass (2,676 m), the gateway into Khevsureti, conditions permitting. |
| 12:00 | Arrive in Shatili, the fortress village of interlocked stone tower-houses on the Arghuni River; time to walk through the old quarter. |
| 13:30 | Lunch, simple mountain fare, included. |
| 14:30 | Anatori crypts, roadside burial vaults dating from the medieval period. |
| 15:15 | Mutso, the restored hilltop towers above the gorge. |
| 16:30 | Begin the return drive over the pass. |
| 20:00 | Arrive back in Tbilisi. |
Is 14 hours in a car too much for one day?
It is a long day by any measure, roughly 7 hours of driving each way with stops at the pass, Shatili, Anatori and Mutso. We build in breaks, but travellers prone to car sickness on winding roads should consider our shorter Kazbegi day trip instead.
Can we stay overnight in Shatili instead of returning the same day?
We do not currently run this as a fixed overnight tour, but a custom itinerary with a night in Khevsureti can be arranged on request, checked at booking for guesthouse availability.
What happens if the pass is closed on the day?
We check road status the morning of departure. If Datvisjvari is closed, we offer a substitute day trip, most often Kazbegi and Gergeti Trinity Church, at no extra cost.
Is this trip suitable for young children or travellers with limited mobility?
The drive is long and the terrain at Mutso involves walking on uneven stone paths. We do not recommend it for small children or anyone with significant mobility restrictions.