Things To Do
in Khashuri
Khashuri is a small, practical railway and road hub in central Georgia, known for its soviet-era architecture, lively market, and utility as a stopover between Tbilisi and western Georgia. The town sits near the foothills of the Trialeti range and offers easy access to nearby natural attractions like Borjomi and alpine meadows. Visitors find a mix of local daily life, traditional Georgian hospitality, and straightforward services for travelers and drivers.
Khashuri is best experienced as a low-key base for exploring surrounding valleys, sampling regional cuisine, and watching everyday Georgian small-town rhythms.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Khashuri Museum, where you can learn about the rich history and culture of the region. Stroll through the charming streets, admiring the traditional architecture and local crafts. Grab a fresh pastry and coffee from a nearby bakery to fuel your exploration.
In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant, sampling traditional Georgian dishes like khachapuri and khinkali. Afterward, visit the local market to experience the vibrant atmosphere and perhaps pick up some handmade souvenirs. Take a moment to relax in one of the nearby parks, soaking in the local ambiance.
As the sun sets, head to a local wine bar to taste some of the excellent Georgian wines. Engage with locals and fellow travelers while enjoying the warm hospitality of the region. End your day with a traditional Georgian dinner, accompanied by folk music and dance performances.
Rise early and prepare for a nature walk in the beautiful hills surrounding Khashuri. The crisp morning air and stunning views will invigorate you as you trek through lush greenery and picturesque landscapes. Bring a picnic breakfast to enjoy at a scenic viewpoint along the trail.
After your hike, return to Khashuri for lunch and refuel with hearty local dishes. Spend the early afternoon visiting the nearby Mtkvari River, where you can relax by the water or try your hand at fishing. The tranquil setting is perfect for unwinding and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
As evening approaches, consider visiting a local family home for an authentic Georgian supra (feast). Experience the warmth of Georgian hospitality as the host shares stories and traditions over a delightful meal. The evening concludes with traditional songs and toasting, creating unforgettable memories.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $20-40 |
| ☕Coffee | $1.50-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (in-town) | $2-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $30-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Convenient transport hub and stopover between regions
- Authentic small-town Georgian life and affordable prices
- Easy access to nearby nature and Borjomi attractions
- Friendly local hospitality and traditional food
- Limited nightlife and cultural attractions within the town itself
- Smaller selection of hotels and services compared with larger cities
- Some language barriers—English may be limited outside tourist spots
- Public transport schedules can be irregular for remote destinations
- "გამარჯობა (gamardjoba)" - Hello
- "გმადლობთ (gmadlobt)" - Thank you
- "ბოდიში (bodishi)" - Sorry / Excuse me
- "რამდენი ღირს? (ramdeni ghirs?)" - How much does it cost?
- "სად არის ...? (sad aris ...?)" - Where is ...?
Places to Visit in Khashuri
Visit one of these nice places.
A photogenic example of Soviet-era transport architecture—good for shots of trains, platforms and industrial details.
Colourful market scenes with produce, cheeses, herbs and lively vendor portraits; excellent for candid local life photography.
Short drives outside town lead to vantage points offering sweeping valley and mountain views, ideal at sunrise or sunset.
Small village churches and graveyards nearby provide atmospheric architecture and cultural context shots.
Food in Khashuri
Khashuri Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Georgian dumplings filled with spiced meat (or mushrooms/cheese for vegetarian versions); widely available at local eateries and markets.
Must-Try!
Georgian shashlik — skewered, grilled meat — commonly found in small restaurants and roadside stalls around Khashuri.
Cold vegetable and walnut purée served as a starter; excellent for vegetarians and a staple at family-style tables.
Traditional snack made from grape must and nuts, often sold at markets and ideal for taking on hikes.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Busy market near the town center offering seasonal fruit and vegetables, local cheeses, preserves and street snacks; try fresh bread, cheeses and churchkhela here.
Small food stalls and kiosks for fast, affordable snacks, pastries and tea—popular with travelers and truck drivers.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Georgians are hospitable—greet with a friendly 'gamardjoba' and expect genuine invitations for tea or food. Accepting local hospitality respectfully is customary.
Food is often shared family-style. Try a little of everything offered, and if you don’t eat something, decline politely rather than refuse bluntly.
Modest dress is appreciated in religious sites; remove hats when entering churches and speak softly. Public displays of loud or rude behavior are frowned upon.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural settings or private property; many locals are happy to pose if asked courteously.
Safety
Tipping in Khashuri
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, leaving 5–10% for good service is normal; small tips to taxi drivers, guides or hotel staff are welcome. In very small cafés or markets, rounding up is sufficient.
Cash (Georgian lari) is widely used, especially in markets, small eateries and rural areas. Larger restaurants and some hotels accept cards. ATMs are available in town but carry cash for remote purchases and public transport.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm, dry days are typical and perfect for hiking and outdoor dining; afternoons can be hot so plan strenuous activities for morning/evening. Summer festivals and markets are active, and natural spots are lush and accessible.
Crisp air and colorful foliage make this an ideal time for photography and short treks; harvest season brings an abundance of fresh produce and local wine tastings.
Winters can be cold with snow in higher elevations; Khashuri itself is quieter and some rural roads or trails may be difficult. Heating is available in guesthouses but pack warm layers.
Wildflowers and melting snow create scenic landscapes; weather can be changeable—bring a light waterproof jacket for occasional showers.
Khashuri at Night
Hiking in Khashuri
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
One of Georgia’s largest national parks with well-marked trails, forests, mineral springs and wildlife; day trips or guided hikes are possible from Khashuri.
Network of trails in the foothills offering mountain views, alpine meadows and traditional villages—suitable for half-day to full-day hikes.
Easier, family-friendly walks along nearby rivers and small canyons perfect for picnics, birdwatching and short nature outings.
Airports
How to reach Khashuri by plane.
The main international gateway to Georgia with frequent domestic and international flights; reachable from Khashuri by car or bus services—allow a couple of hours for travel depending on traffic.
Serves budget international routes and some domestic connections; accessible by road from Khashuri and useful for travelers arriving on low-cost carriers.
Located on the Black Sea coast and farther away; an option if combining a trip to western Georgia or the seaside with a visit to Khashuri.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population, speaking Georgian and practicing local traditions; family and community ties are important.
Like many regional towns, Khashuri has a noticeable proportion of older residents and families tied to agriculture or small trades.
There are small numbers of ethnic minorities present in the wider region; local culture is predominantly Georgian with Orthodox Christian traditions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular spectator and participation sport; local kids and amateurs play in fields and small pitches around town.
Rugby has a strong following across Georgia and you’ll find local interest in matches and sometimes informal games.
Combat sports and wrestling have cultural roots in the region and are practiced at community sports clubs.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Khashuri.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are common (pkhali, lobio, cheeses, eggplant dishes). Ask for vegetable versions of soups or khinkali with cheese/mushroom. Family eateries are usually accommodating.
Vegan choices exist but are more limited; markets provide fresh vegetables and beans, and you can request simple vegetable stews or salads without dairy or bread containing milk.
Bread is central to meals, but many dishes like grilled meats, stews and salads are naturally gluten-free. Specify 'no bread' and confirm ingredients at restaurants; cross-contamination is possible in home-style kitchens.