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FolkMtskheta-MtianetiAugust

Shatiloba (Shatili, Khevsureti)

A summer festival in the tower village of Shatili, with horse racing, Khevsur music and folk wrestling.

WhenLate July or early August; date set locally each year
2026Date to be announced
2027August 2027, exact day to be announced · expected
WhereMtskheta-Mtianeti
Public holidayNo
Shatili

Shatiloba brings Khevsur families back to Shatili, the fortified village of more than 60 towers near the Chechen border, for a weekend of horse races, folk wrestling, dance and song. Some years have included displays of traditional Khevsur sword fencing.

The festival is organised locally and dates move. The road over the Datvisjvari Pass usually opens in June, and twice-weekly marshrutkas run from Tbilisi in summer, but a 4x4 or a guided trek is the most flexible way to arrive.

Tips from your host
  • Confirm the date with Shatili guesthouses in early summer.
  • Bring your passport: the area near the border can have police checks.
  • Pair with a walk to the ruined tower village of Mutso.

Where to see it

Fortresses & CastlesShatili

Fortified village of about 60 joined stone towers in the Argun gorge of Khevsureti, reached over the 2,676 m Datvisjvari Pass.

MutsoPhoto: Giorgimailo, CC BY-SA 4.0
Fortresses & CastlesMutso

Medieval tower village on a rocky ridge at 1,880 m above the Andaki river, about 12 km from Shatili, under restoration since 2004.

Last checked Oct 2026 by the Maspindzeli team. Mountain conditions change: ask us before you go.

Tours around Shatiloba (Shatili, Khevsureti)

Old Tbilisi (Kala)Old Tbilisi (Kala)Photo: Alexxx1979, CC BY-SA 4.0
9 days
Hiking & TrekkingAdventure

Kazbegi & Khevsureti Trek

Acclimatise on Kazbegi trails, cross the 3,340 m Chaukhi Pass out of Juta to camp at the Abudelauri Lakes, then reach the tower villages of Shatili and Mutso.

Challenging · HK-09from $2,100 pp

More in August and after

Full calendar →
12 Aug 2027 (expected)Didgoroba (Battle of Didgori Day)

A commemoration of King David the Builder's 1121 victory at Didgori, held at the battlefield memorial of giant swords.

2027 date expectedFolkKvemo Kartli
28 Aug 2027Mariamoba (Dormition of the Virgin)

The feast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, a public holiday with pilgrimages to churches dedicated to her.

Public holiday2027 date confirmedReligiousNationwide
Aug 2027 (day to be announced)Tushetoba (Omalo)

Tusheti's organised summer festival in Omalo: horse racing, folk dance, shepherds' contests and Tushetian cheese.

2027 date expectedFolkKakheti