Pankisi Gorge, River valley in Kakheti region, Georgia
Pankisi Gorge stretches along the upper Alazani River with steep cliffs, thick forests, and traditional Georgian watchtowers standing throughout the landscape. Villages sit in the valley floor where the river flows, with elevated areas rising sharply on both sides.
The region underwent major changes in the 1730s when Georgian inhabitants were displaced and Kist communities from the Caucasus settled here. This population shift shaped the ethnic makeup of the valley and continues to define it today.
The Kist people who live here maintain traditions like farming and herding, while their handcrafted goods reflect their Caucasian roots. These practices shape daily life across the gorge's villages today.
Buses connect Tbilisi to Akhmeta Municipality, from where trails lead into the gorge and local villages offer lodging. Hiring local guides helps navigate the area and discover the best routes for walking.
The name comes from the Georgian word 'Pantisi,' meaning wild pears, and these trees still grow throughout the gorge. The fruit remains part of local food traditions and shapes how people use the land.
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