Khashuri

Khashuri is a municipality located in Shida Kartli, eastern Georgia. The territory was inhabited since ancient times, from the stone age. This is confirmed by the stone tools, bronze objects and archaeological exhibits of various periods. In historical sources Khashuri is first mentioned in 1693. It became a city type settlement since the 60s of the XIX century, facilitated by the railroad in Georgia. The municipality is located at the crossroads of eastern, western and southern Georgia and therefore has a strategic location. Industry and agriculture are developed in Khashuri. The leading sectors of agriculture are field cultivation, viticulture and livestock. In the region are functioning 3 museums, 1 theatre and 24 libraries. Tourism is also developed in the district, this is due to the abundance of cultural monuments and natural resources. Khashuri resorts are popular because of the climate, the healing mineral waters and the beauty of nature. Bijnisi Waterfall, Ghorinamkli Mountain, Koditskaro Lake, Tsromi Temple, Surami Fortress and many other sightseeings attract numerous tourists, with great views or cultural-historical value.

Geography and Climate

Khashuri municipality is located in the central part of Georgia, in Shida Kartli region, at 690 meters above sea level. Its administrative center is a city of Khashuri. Municipality consists of 13 administrative units: city of Khashuri, Surami, Khtsisi, Tsaghvli, Tsromi, Khalebi, Kvishkheti, Tskhramukha, Osiauri, Plevi, Tsotskhnara, Ali and Gomi. Khashuri is bordered by Kareli municipality to the north and east, Sachkhere to the north, Borjomi to the south and west and Kharagauli to the west. In the region, mainly are medium and low mountain ridge-valleys and hilly-plain relief. An important orographic unit is the Keleti Range, which is a watershed of the Dzami River Basin and the Mtkvari Gorge. The main river of municipality is the river Mtkvari. The flora and fauna of Khashuri are diverse. The plains are mostly thorny shrub steppes, on the mountain slopes, in the forests, both deciduous and evergreen vegetation is common. There are subalpine meadows above the forest zone. Here you will find animals living in the steppe and in the mountain forest: brown bear, wolf, fox, marten, rabbit and more.

It is moderately humid subtropical climate in Khashuri municipality. In the mountainous area there are cold winters and long, cool summers, and in the lowland summer is hot. Average annual temperature is 9.6°C-9.7°C, in January—9.4°C -1.9°C, in July- 20 °C—20.5 °C.

What to see

Khashuri municipality is distinguished by its beauty and abundance of cultural monuments. Mountains and mixed forests are beautiful both in spring and autumn. Excellent views from the Ghorinamkli mountain overlooking Khashuri and blue gleaming Lake Koditskaro. The beautiful Bijnisi Waterfall is a real paradise, especially if you decide to travel in the heat of summer. You can visit Khashuri resorts for leisure, where you will find fresh air, forests, mountain views and calmness. Apart from the beauty of nature, the area is also rich in cultural sites. Here you will find historical castle-fortresses and medieval temples. Surami Fortress, where according to legend, the only child, Zurab, is bricked up, Bulbuli Fortress and ancient Tsromi Fortress create a vivid picture of Georgia's historical-cultural development and attract many visitors. The museum of local lore is functioning in Khashuri, where rich and diverse materials are preserved. The museum features exhibits from ancient times to the recent past: pottery, labor and fighting tools, numismatic collection, icons, books, photo and fine art collections, etc.

Nature

• Bijnisi Waterfall

• Koditskaro Lake

• Ghornamkli Mountain

• Keleti Lake

Cultural Monuments

• Tsromi Temple

• Surami Fortress

• Bumbuli Fortress

• Itria Monastery

• Ali Fortress

Resorts

• Surami

• Kvishkheti