Aragvi River

The Aragvi River is arguably one of the most iconic and historically significant rivers in Georgia. With a length of 112 kilometers and a basin area of 2,740 square kilometers, it is formed by the confluence of several distinct branches originating in the Greater Caucasus: the Tetri (White) Aragvi, Shavi (Black) Aragvi, Pshavs Aragvi, and Khevsuretis Aragvi. The river flows southwards, carving a stunning valley that has served as a crucial transport artery for centuries, now famously known as the Georgian Military Highway. The Aragvi's waters are harnessed by the Zhinvali Dam, creating the beautiful Zhinvali Reservoir, which provides vital drinking water and hydroelectric power to the capital, Tbilisi. The river's journey culminates at the ancient city of Mtskheta, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where its clear waters dramatically merge with the muddier flow of the Mtkvari (Kura) River—a scene celebrated in Georgian literature and art. The Aragvi valley is a premier destination for tourists, offering spectacular mountain scenery, ancient fortresses like Ananuri, and excellent opportunities for outdoor activities such as white-water rafting and paragliding.