# Lentekhi Municipality - URL: https://explore-georgia.ge/en/municipalities/lentekhi-municipality - Type: municipality - Region: Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti - Official website: https://lentekhi.gov.ge ## History Lentekhi Municipality covers **Lower (Kvemo) Svaneti**, in the north of the **Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti** region, with the townlet of **Lentekhi** as its administrative centre, at about 760 m above sea level on the **Tskhenistskali River** at the foot of the Svaneti Range, about 102 km from Kutaisi. The municipality covers about **1,344 km²** of deep valleys and high mountains; its highest peak, **Ailama**, reaches 4,544 m. The Tskhenistskali and its tributaries — the Kheledula, Laskadura and Zeskho — drain the area. Lentekhi borders Mestia and **Russia** to the north, Oni and Ambrolauri to the east, Tsageri to the south, and Martvili and Tskaltubo to the west. In antiquity the area belonged to Colchis and later to Egrisi. In the Middle Ages Lower Svaneti was ruled by the **Gelovani** princes and later came under the **Dadiani** of Mingrelia, becoming known as “Svaneti of the Dadianis”; the Dadiani fortified palace complex still stands in Lentekhi. In the Soviet period Lentekhi became the centre of Lower Svaneti (1929) and received the status of a townlet in **1969**. Like Upper Svaneti, the valleys of Lentekhi are dotted with defensive **Svan towers** and small medieval churches decorated with frescoes. Among them are the churches of St George in Jgëræg (10th century), the Archangel church in Thargizel (9th–10th centuries) and the church of Tekali (10th–11th centuries). The villages of the **Choluri** community, such as Tekali, Tvibi and Sakdari, preserve towers and churches in a traditional mountain setting. The area is rich in nature: forested gorges, alpine meadows and glaciers on the slopes of the main Caucasus range. The **Muashi** climatic and balneological resort is known for its mineral waters. Because it lies off the main tourist routes, Lower Svaneti keeps an authentic, quiet atmosphere. For travellers, Lentekhi is a gateway to off-the-beaten-path Svaneti: drive up the Tskhenistskali valley from Tsageri, explore the towers and churches of Choluri and other communities, and hike into the high valleys. Experienced travellers can continue in summer over the mountain road towards Upper Svaneti. ## FAQ **1) Where is Lentekhi Municipality located?** In Lower Svaneti, in the north of the Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti region. **2) What is the administrative centre?** The townlet of Lentekhi, on the Tskhenistskali River at about 760 m. **3) How large is the municipality?** About 1,344 km². **4) What is the highest peak?** Ailama, 4,544 m. **5) Who ruled Lower Svaneti?** The Gelovani princes and later the Dadiani of Mingrelia. **6) Are there Svan towers in Lentekhi?** Yes, defensive Svan towers stand in many villages, including those of the Choluri community. **7) Which old churches can be visited?** St George in Jgëræg (10th century), the Archangel church in Thargizel and the church of Tekali. **8) What is Muashi?** A climatic and balneological resort in the municipality. **9) Which rivers flow through Lentekhi?** The Tskhenistskali and its tributaries Kheledula, Laskadura and Zeskho. **10) Where can I find official municipal information?** On the municipality’s official website. ## Sources - [Lentekhi Municipality — official website](https://lentekhi.gov.ge) - [Lentekhi Municipality (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lentekhi_Municipality) - [Lentekhi (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lentekhi) - [Lentekhi Municipality — Georgian Encyclopedia](https://georgianencyclopedia.ge/en/pdf-export/29416) - [Lentekhi — Georgia Travel](https://georgia.travel/cities-towns/lentekhi) - [Svaneti (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Svaneti) ## Settlements - [Akhalsheni](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/akhalsheni): Discover Akhalsheni, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore... - [Babili](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/babili): Discover Babili, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Geor... - [Bavari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/bavari): Discover Bavari, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Geor... - [Benieri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/benieri): Discover Benieri, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Geo... - [Buleshi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/buleshi): Discover Buleshi, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Geo... - [Chikhareshi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/chikhareshi): Discover Chikhareshi, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore... - [Chukuli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/chukuli): Discover Chukuli, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Geo... - [Chvelieri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/chvelieri): Discover Chvelieri, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore G... - [Chvelpi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/chvelpi): Discover Chvelpi, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Geo... - [Durashi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/durashi): Discover Durashi, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Geo... - [Ghobi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/ghobi): Discover Ghobi, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georg... - [Gulida](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/gulida): Discover Gulida, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Geor... - [Gvimbrala](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/gvimbrala): Discover Gvimbrala, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore G... - [Kakhura](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/kakhura): Discover Kakhura, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Geo... - [Khacheshi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/khacheshi): Discover Khacheshi, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore G... - [Kheledi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/kheledi): Discover Kheledi, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Geo... - [Kheria](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/kheria): Discover Kheria, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Geor... - [Khopuri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/khopuri): Discover Khopuri, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Geo... - [Lagharvashi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/lagharvashi): Discover Lagharvashi, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore... - [Lamanashuri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/lamanashuri): Discover Lamanashuri, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore... - [Lashkharashi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/lashkharashi): Discover Lashkharashi, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explor... - [Laskadura](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/laskadura): Discover Laskadura, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore G... - [Lekosandi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/lekosandi): Discover Lekosandi, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore G... - [Leksura](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/leksura): Discover Leksura, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Geo... - [Lemzagori](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/lemzagori): Discover Lemzagori, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore G... - [Lentekhi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/lentekhi): Discover Lentekhi, a town in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georg... - [Lesema](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/lesema): Discover Lesema, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Geor... - [Leusheri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/leusheri): Discover Leusheri, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Ge... - [Luji](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/luji): Discover Luji, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgi... - [Mami](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/mami): Discover Mami, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgi... - [Mananauri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/mananauri): Discover Mananauri, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore G... - [Margvishi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/margvishi): Discover Margvishi, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore G... - [Matskhvarlamezuri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/matskhvarlamezuri): Discover Matskhvarlamezuri, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on E... - [Mazashi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/mazashi): Discover Mazashi, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Geo... - [Mebetsi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/mebetsi): Discover Mebetsi, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Geo... - [Mele](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/mele): Discover Mele, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgi... - [Melura](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/melura): Discover Melura, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Geor... - [Mutsdi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/mutsdi): Discover Mutsdi, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Geor... - [Naghomari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/naghomari): Discover Naghomari, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore G... - [Nanari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/nanari): Discover Nanari, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Geor... - [Natsuli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/natsuli): Discover Natsuli, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Geo... - [Panaga](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/panaga): Discover Panaga, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Geor... - [Paqi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/paqi): Discover Paqi, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgi... - [Qarishi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/qarishi): Discover Qarishi, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Geo... - [Qoruldashi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/qoruldashi): Discover Qoruldashi, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore... - [Qvedreshi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/qvedreshi): Discover Qvedreshi, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore G... - [Rtskhmeluri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/rtskhmeluri): Discover Rtskhmeluri, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore... - [Saqdari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/saqdari): Discover Saqdari, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Geo... - [Sasashi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/sasashi): Discover Sasashi, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Geo... - [Shkedi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/shkedi): Discover Shkedi, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Geor... - [Tekali](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/tekali): Discover Tekali, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Geor... - [Tsana](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/tsana): Discover Tsana, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georg... - [Tsanashi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/tsanashi): Discover Tsanashi, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Ge... - [Tsiplakakia](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/tsiplakakia): Discover Tsiplakakia, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore... - [Tvibi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/tvibi): Discover Tvibi, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georg... - [Zeskho](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/zeskho): Discover Zeskho, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Geor... - [Zhakhunderi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/lentekhi-municipality/zhakhunderi): Discover Zhakhunderi, a village in Lentekhi Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore... ## This page in other languages - [Georgian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ka/municipalitetebi/lentekhi-municipality) - [Russian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ru/municipalitety/lentekhi-municipality)