# Kharagauli Municipality - URL: https://explore-georgia.ge/en/municipalities/kharagauli-municipality - Type: municipality - Region: Imereti - Official website: https://kharagauli.gov.ge ## History Kharagauli Municipality lies in the south-eastern part of the **Imereti** region and often describes itself as the geographical centre of Georgia. Its administrative centre, the town of **Kharagauli**, sits in a narrow, deep gorge on both banks of the **Chkherimela River** at about 280–400 m above sea level. The municipality covers about **914 km²** of mountainous terrain between the **Likhi** and **Meskheti** ranges; its highest point, Mount Sametskhvario, reaches 2,624 m, and forests cover about two-thirds of the territory. The main river is the **Dzirula**. Kharagauli borders Chiatura and Sachkhere to the north, Sachkhere and Khashuri to the east, Borjomi to the south, and Baghdati and Zestafoni to the west. People have lived in these valleys since the Stone Age: the **Deviskhvreli** cave is an Upper Palaeolithic site, and Bronze Age burial grounds at **Bori** were excavated in 1938. Because the gorge of the Dzirula links western and eastern Georgia, the area has repeatedly been the scene of historic events — the **Battle of Chkheri** took place here in **1774**, and in **1804** the **Elaznauri agreement**, under which the Kingdom of Imereti came under the Russian Empire, was signed in the municipality. The town of Kharagauli itself grew up in the **1870s** as a station on the newly built Poti–Tbilisi railway, which still crosses the municipality through long tunnels. In the 19th century the area belonged to Kutaisi Governorate, and from 1932 to 1989 the district was named after Sergo Orjonikidze. Medieval heritage includes the **Ubisa** monastery, the monastery complex known as the **Imeretian Vardzia** (11th–13th centuries) and the ruins of fortresses guarding the gorge. Kharagauli is above all a nature destination. Part of the **Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park** — established in **1995** and officially opened in **2001**, one of the largest protected areas in Europe — lies within the municipality, with trails through old-growth forests and alpine meadows. The **Nunisi** resort is known for its warm sulphur mineral springs (about 27–28°C), and the village of **Zvare** is also known for mineral waters. For travellers, Kharagauli is an ideal starting point for hiking in the national park from the Imereti side, combined with visits to Ubisa, village guesthouses and spa stays at Nunisi. Easy access by both rail and the main highway via the Rikoti Pass makes it a convenient stop between Tbilisi and western Georgia. ## FAQ **1) Where is Kharagauli Municipality located?** In the south-eastern part of the Imereti region, often called the geographical centre of Georgia. **2) What is the administrative centre?** The town of Kharagauli, on the Chkherimela River. **3) How large is the municipality?** About 914 km², mostly mountainous and forested. **4) What is the highest point?** Mount Sametskhvario, 2,624 m. **5) When did Kharagauli appear?** It grew up as a railway station on the Poti–Tbilisi line in the 1870s. **6) What happened at Elaznauri in 1804?** An agreement was signed under which the Kingdom of Imereti came under the Russian Empire. **7) Is Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park accessible from here?** Yes, part of the park lies in the municipality; it was established in 1995 and opened in 2001. **8) What is Nunisi?** A resort with warm sulphur mineral springs of about 27–28°C. **9) Which monuments are worth visiting?** Ubisa monastery and the Vardzia monastery complex (11th–13th centuries). **10) Where can I find official municipal information?** On the municipality’s official website and the Imereti regional administration portal. ## Sources - [Kharagauli Municipality — official website](https://kharagauli.gov.ge) - [Kharagauli Municipality — Imereti regional administration](https://imereti.gov.ge/eng/static/61/) - [Kharagauli Municipality (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kharagauli_Municipality) - [Kharagauli (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kharagauli) - [Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borjomi-Kharagauli_National_Park) ## Settlements - [Akhalsopeli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/akhalsopeli): Discover Akhalsopeli, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Amashuketi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/amashuketi): Discover Amashuketi, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Babi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/babi): Discover Babi, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Bazaleti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/bazaleti): Discover Bazaleti, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Bezhatubani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/bezhatubani): Discover Bezhatubani, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Bori](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/bori): Discover Bori, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Boriti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/boriti): Discover Boriti, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Bzhinevi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/bzhinevi): Discover Bzhinevi, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Chalkheeti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/chalkheeti): Discover Chalkheeti, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Chartali](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/chartali): Discover Chartali, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Chkheri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/chkheri): Discover Chkheri, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Chrdili](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/chrdili): Discover Chrdili, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Deisi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/deisi): Discover Deisi, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Didi Golisi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/didi-golisi): Discover Didi Golisi, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Didvake](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/didvake): Discover Didvake, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Ereta](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/ereta): Discover Ereta, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Gedsamania](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/gedsamania): Discover Gedsamania, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Gharikhevi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/gharikhevi): Discover Gharikhevi, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Ghoresha](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/ghoresha): Discover Ghoresha, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Ghudumekedi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/ghudumekedi): Discover Ghudumekedi, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Ghverki](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/ghverki): Discover Ghverki, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Golatubani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/golatubani): Discover Golatubani, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Grigalati](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/grigalati): Discover Grigalati, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Gudatubani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/gudatubani): Discover Gudatubani, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Islari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/islari): Discover Islari, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Japarauli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/japarauli): Discover Japarauli, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kharagauli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/kharagauli): Discover Kharagauli, a town in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Khemaghali](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/khemaghali): Discover Khemaghali, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Khevi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/khevi): Discover Khevi, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Khidari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/khidari): Discover Khidari, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Khoni](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/khoni): Discover Khoni, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Khoriti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/khoriti): Discover Khoriti, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Khunevi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/khunevi): Discover Khunevi, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kitskhi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/kitskhi): Discover Kitskhi, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kitskhisigoreti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/kitskhisigoreti): Discover Kitskhisigoreti, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kroli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/kroli): Discover Kroli, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kvebi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/kvebi): Discover Kvebi, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kvesrevi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/kvesrevi): Discover Kvesrevi, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Lakhundara](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/lakhundara): Discover Lakhundara, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Lashe](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/lashe): Discover Lashe, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Lashis Igoreti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/lashis-igoreti): Discover Lashis Igoreti, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Leghvani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/leghvani): Discover Leghvani, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Makatubani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/makatubani): Discover Makatubani, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Marelisi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/marelisi): Discover Marelisi, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Mirontsminda](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/mirontsminda): Discover Mirontsminda, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Moliti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/moliti): Discover Moliti, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Nadaburi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/nadaburi): Discover Nadaburi, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Nebodziri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/nebodziri): Discover Nebodziri, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Nunisi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/nunisi): Discover Nunisi, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Partskhnali](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/partskhnali): Discover Partskhnali, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Patara Golisi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/patara-golisi): Discover Patara Golisi, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Patara Sakhvlari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/patara-sakhvlari): Discover Patara Sakhvlari, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Patara Vardzia](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/patara-vardzia): Discover Patara Vardzia, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Pona](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/pona): Discover Pona, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Sabe](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/sabe): Discover Sabe, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Saghandzile](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/saghandzile): Discover Saghandzile, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Sakarikedi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/sakarikedi): Discover Sakarikedi, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Sakasria](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/sakasria): Discover Sakasria, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Sargveshi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/sargveshi): Discover Sargveshi, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Serbaisi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/serbaisi): Discover Serbaisi, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Skhliti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/skhliti): Discover Skhliti, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tetratsqaro](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/tetratsqaro): Discover Tetratsqaro, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tsakva](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/tsakva): Discover Tsakva, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tsipa](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/tsipa): Discover Tsipa, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tsipi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/tsipi): Discover Tsipi, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tsitskiuri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/tsitskiuri): Discover Tsitskiuri, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tsqalaporeti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/tsqalaporeti): Discover Tsqalaporeti, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Ubisi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/ubisi): Discover Ubisi, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Uchameti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/uchameti): Discover Uchameti, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Vakhani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/vakhani): Discover Vakhani, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Vani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/vani): Discover Vani, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Vardzia](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/vardzia): Discover Vardzia, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Vashlevi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/vashlevi): Discover Vashlevi, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Vertqvichala](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/vertqvichala): Discover Vertqvichala, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Vertqvila](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/vertqvila): Discover Vertqvila, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zarani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/zarani): Discover Zarani, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zedubani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/zedubani): Discover Zedubani, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zvare](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/kharagauli-municipality/zvare): Discover Zvare, a village in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. ## This page in other languages - [Georgian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ka/municipalitetebi/kharagauli-municipality) - [Russian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ru/municipalitety/kharagauli-municipality)