Andaki River

The Andaki River is a quintessential mountain river located in the rugged and remote Khevsureti region of northern Georgia. Originating on the northern slopes of the Greater Caucasus Mountain Range, near the Datvisjvari Pass, it flows northwards for about 18 kilometers before joining the Argun River near the famous fortified village of Shatili. The Andaki is known for its incredibly fast current, icy, crystal-clear waters, and the dramatic, narrow gorge it has carved through the rocky terrain over millennia. The river valley is steeped in history and myth; its banks and tributary valleys are home to some of Georgia's most spectacular medieval architecture, including the towering fortress of Mutso (located on the Ardoti, a tributary of the Andaki) and the stone towers of Shatili. The river is fed primarily by melting snow and glaciers, making it impassable and dangerous during the spring floods, but a stunning sight for trekkers and adventurers during the summer and early autumn. The Andaki gorge offers one of the most authentic and breathtaking experiences of the wild Georgian Caucasus.