Aragvi River
Also known as: Aragvi, Tetri Aragvi, Pshavis Aragvi
Gorge above Mtskheta; Ananuri fortress upstream; UNESCO Mtskheta (Jvari, Svetitskhoveli) near take-out
Is there water?
Whether there is a river here on your dates, and what kind of water it is.
Snowmelt-fed, moderated by Zhinvali HPP releases. Confirm.
Late Apr to mid-Oct (est)
May-Jun (peak); runs to mid-Oct
Cold snowmelt in spring (wetsuit advised); warmer late summer
Spring snowmelt spikes; flash rises after rain
Grade & who can come
A river changes grade with its level. These grades describe a normal flow - in flood the same run is harder, and often a different run entirely. Check the gauge before you commit.
II-III (III-IV at peak). Confirm.
Rafting (paddle raft); some kayak
Multiple rafts run together; suits mixed-ability; calmer summer flows for families
No experience needed; guide-controlled paddle raft; popular day-trip add-on with Mtskheta/Ananuri sightseeing
The run
High-flow wave trains and gorge drops below Zhinvali during May-Jun snowmelt/release
Strainers/undercuts in gorge; possible dam-release surges. Confirm.
Zhinvali Dam to Mtskheta confluence (main); Pshavi Aragvi Magharoskari-Tvalivi (upper alt)
Busiest rafted water in Georgia; commercial, moderate-to-high on weekends
Access & shuttle
Commercial operator fee ~120-180 GEL pp. Confirm. No special river permit
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Roadside off Georgian Military Highway (S3); easy vehicle access
Short operator shuttle; day trips from Tbilisi
Day run - none on river; lodging in Mtskheta/Tbilisi
Operator supplies PFD, helmet, wetsuit; mobile coverage good
Tbilisi; Mtskheta; Gudauri
Hazards & exits
Cold high water in spring; dam-release timing - Confirm. current schedule
Road parallels river; rapid vehicle evacuation possible
Licensed raft guide provided; minimum age limits apply
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand river run report. Coordinates are approximate.