Historical and geographic region of Georgia, Mtiuleti, includes the gorge of Tetri (Mtiuleti) Aragvi. Its principal center, settlement of Pasanauri, is located near the confluence of Tetri and Shavi (Gudamakari) Aragvi, in the gorge surrounded by magnificent mountains of Kavkasioni. Foundation and development of this settlement was facilitated by construction of the Georgian Military Road and setting up of the military outpost here because of its geographically and strategically favorable location. Incoming and outgoing travelers were charged with customs fees, or ‘pasi’ (‘price’ in Georgian) at the checkpoint, that is why the moniker ‘Pasanauri’ is linked to the word ‘pasi’’.

Pasanauri is a popular health and spa resort. On the outskirts of the town, in the gorge of Aragvi, there are several springs of mineral waters used for prevention of alimentary tract diseases. Middle mountain climate facilitates general health improvement of the body. As the locals believe, the water of river Tetri Aragvi has also therapeutic properties. It has positive impact on musculoskeletal system diseases. In Soviet period several rest-houses were operated in Pasanauri. Today only hotel ‘Aragvi’ survives. Most of the vacationers stay at family-type hotels. 

 

1. Eastern Georgian historical and geographic region of Gudamakari is located in the Aragvi gorge of river Gudamakari, to the East of Pasanauri. The gorge is a popular venue for ecological tourists and

lovers of hiking. Among the cultural monuments of the region cultist structures characteristic for Eastern mountainous region are noteworthy. There are a lot of alkali water outlets. In Gudamakari they are called

coated alkali waters. Waters have typical reddish color, presumably, due to the lavish amount of iron in the water.

2. For rafting, this extreme kind of enjoyment, Pshavi Aragvi and Mtiuleti Aragvi riverbeds are favorable places. As a rule, mountain rivers are distinguished for their swift and powerful current, there are various

hurdles en route – boulders, rapids, quick currents… Exactly these hurdles make Aragvi interesting for rafting lovers.

 

Location: Dusheti municipality, Southern slope of Greater Kavkasioni, gorge of river Tetri Aragvi

Distance: 90 km away from Tbilisi

Sea level: 1050 m

Landscape: mountainous

Climate: middle mountainous (lower belt), winter cold and rather snowy, mean temperature in January -4,1 degrees centigrade; summer warm, mean temperature in August 18,6 degrees centigrade

Average annual precipitation: 1000 mm

Average comparative annual humidity: 72%

Duration of annual sunny light: 2100 h.

Natural treatment factors: middle mountain climate of lower belt and carbohydrate, chloride-hydro-carbonate, sodium (Essentuki-type) mineral waters with general mineralization of 3-15 g/dm3

Types of treatment: passive climate therapy, mineral water baths and drinking

Diseases for treatment: cardiovascular, respiratory and digestion system diseases.