Lechkhumi is historical and geographic region of Western Georgia. It is located in the South of Kavkasioni range, on the spot of Lechkhumi, Egrisi and Racha slope confluence and includes territory of Tsageri municipality. The name of ‘Lechkhumi’ seems to have been derived from Megrelian ‘Chkhomi’ (Fish). The region noted for its historical and natural sights is important also from recreational point of view. Mineral health waters of Lashichala, Alpani, Akhalchala, Agvi-Tsageri, Ladzgveria, Dzuguri, Usakhelo discovered and examined on its territory are used for curing diverse diseases. Health balneological resort of Lashichala, 20 km

away from Tsageri, is positioned on the slopes of Lechkhumi range covered with deciduous (beech, oak) and coniferous (pine, spruce, fir) forests. There are convenient cottages and health centers with a bathhouse and recreational zone. Recently family hostels have also been added to this infrastructure. Lechkhumi is separated from Samegrelo by Khvamli mountain of 10 km length and 7 km width (2002 m above sea level). From the apex of the karst massif of limestone texture opens up panoramic views of Nakerala slope, Racha and Tkibuli environs, and even Likhi and Ajara-Imereti mountains. The history of Khvamli strikingly merges

with mythology: pursuant to the historical evidence, Medea of Colchis made here her bewitching medicines; Georgian mythological

hero, Amiran, as per the legend, was chained to the wall in one of the cavities of Khvamli... Archeologists have unearthed abodes of Stone Age humans in the caves of the region. On the Southern slope of the massif there is a 300-m height cliff where, as the scientists presume, is located Khvamli historical cauldron refuge. Georgian geographer, Vakhushti Batonishvili, also confirms that during hostilities Khvamli cavities were used by the Georgian kings for safe-keeping of treasures. Aiming at finding of treasures several expeditions in the range were organized in the XX c. but to no avail. On the forty-ninth day after Easter, on the Feast of Trinity, popular festival called ‘Khvamli Holiday’ is traditionally held on the mountain.

 

1. Lashichala

2. Muri Fortress. Defense facility in Lechkhumi dating to medieval age. Includes three towers: Head Fortress, called ‘Be dexterous’, and towers in the West – ‘Push him’ and ‘Do not let him in’.

3. Sairme landslide – rocky massif. Located between villages of Chrebalo and Alpani.

4. Dzuguri is a health and spa resort area. Mineral water springs here are unique by their property of regulating content of sugar in the body along with curing many other ailments.

5. ‘Green Theater’ in Lechkhumi.

6. The Khvamli mountain was described by French science-fiction writer, Jules Verne, in his adventure novel ‘Keraban the

Inflexible’ (1883).

 

Location: Southern slope of Lechkhumi range (Greater Kavkasioni system), gorge of river Lajanuri

Distance: 20 km away from Tsageri, 40 km away from Ambrolauri, 340 km away from Tbilisi (via Ambrolauri)

Sea level: 800-900 m

Landscape: mountainous

Climate: low mountain climate, winter mild, with little snow, mean temperature in January 2 degrees centigrade; summer warm, moderately humid, mean temperature in August 20 degrees centigrade

Average annual precipitation: 1800-2000 mm

Average comparative annual humidity: 75%

Duration of annual sunny light: 1900-2000 h.

Natural treatment factors: low mountain climate and carbonic acid, hydro-carbonate, magnesium-calcium mineral

waters with general mineralization of 1-5 g/dm3; discharge – 20 thous. l/day

Types of therapy: mineral water baths and application (drinking), passive climate therapy

Diseases for treatment: chronic inflammations of food digestion organs, musculoskeletal system and peripheral nervous system diseases