Mukhuri Route
The Mukhuri route starts with the village of Mukhuri, which is located 15 km away from the administrative center of Chkhorotsku municipality, and the distance from Mukhuri to Zugdidi (through Tsalenjikha) is 38 km. Mukhuri route is very diverse and includes monuments of cultural and natural origin, biodiversity, the beautiful nature of Khobistskhali Gorge with its tributaries, evergreen sub-forest, alpine and sub-alpine vegetation, rich flora, caves, waterfalls, and rare cultivars. The village of Mukhuri was considered as a resort of unitive importance due to the mineral water of the Khobistskhali and Lugela rivers. All this together offers an unforgettable sight and experience to visitors and guests.
It is exactly from this village that one of the most popular tourist routes in Georgia to Tobavarchkhili Lakes begins. The local biodiversity makes the typical Colchic forest accessible to naturalists with its evergreen undergrowth and most importantly, local endemic, relict, and rare plants. 10 kilometers from the village, on the river Khobistskhali, the construction of a small dam of the hydroelectric power station “Khobi 2” is underway, which creates an additional sight for tourists. Additionally, the valley with its unique plants is an important base for the Georgian Mountain Gray Bee population.
Beekeeping, the production of honey and derived products (propolis, bee milk, bee venom, pollen, honey vodka, wax, and candles) is a traditional, customary and significant activity for the local population. Therefore, according to locals, historically, stealing honey was always considered as the worst crime. According to locals, Mukhuri is the home to the mother bee of the Megrelian Population of the Georgian Mountain Gray Bee, which is distinguished by its unique characteristics: it is tamable (calm), works even in rainy and humid weathers (high productivity), and has an especially long proboscis (7.2 - 7.3 mm), which allows it to collect nectar from the depths of the plant’s nectary to obtain delicious honey. Mother bees from Mukhuri were sent to the USA, Australia, Kazakhstan, Russia, Canada, New Zealand, and other various European countries for breeding. Mukhuri Bee has won three gold medals at different international exhibitions and sales.
1961 Year
Germany, the city of Erfurt
1965 Year
City of Bucharest, Romania
1971 Year
City of Moscow, Russia
Permanent residence for the bee is the village of Mukhuri, while the breeding season starts on June 10, lasting until the end of August in the Khobistskhali Gorge, near Lugela. The bees can cover a distance of about 7 km in search for food, and use Colchian Boxwood, Sedge, Blackberry, Acacia, Persimmon, Lime, Ivy, and the most importantly - Chestnut, as food base. At this time, the beekeepers take their bees to the Khobistskhali Gorge and, therefore, you will meet a lot of beehives on the roadsides. If you stop by the beekeeper in Mukhuri, they will offer you to taste delicious honey.
In addition to the nature and biodiversity, the Mukhuri route is also enriched by the presence of various cultural heritage monuments, historical buildings, traditional architecture, wooden houses, and most importantly, hospitable local people with their traditions, festivals, and local dishes.
What sights are waiting for you on the Mukhuri route?
Monuments Of Cultural Heritage
Local Traditions And Celebrations
Monuments Of Natural Origin
Biodiversity
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