Zhinvali (Jinvali) Reservoir and Ananuri Fortress on the way to Mount Kazbegi Along the Georgian Military Highway

When you are spending your holidays in Georgia, visiting Kazbegi mountain and Gergeti Trinity Church is usually at the top of the “Destinations to visit “ list. Beautiful  Kazbegi region with the Mount Kazbegi and Great Caucasus Mountain Range, historical Gergeti Trinity church and village Stepantsminda is truly a sight to see but there is so much to visit during the tour.

  

Following Georgian Military road towards Kazbegi region there are few interesting destinations like Friendship Monument, Gudauri ski resort, Ananuri Fortress and so on. One of the first stops on military road is Zhinvali reservoir- Hydroelectric station.

Georgia is rich with nature and water resources, according to March 2019 information, 93 power plants are connected to the Georgian energy system. Out of 93 power plants, 87 are hydropower plants and out of all of them Zhinvali is the youngest one and third in its total capacity of 130 MW after Enguri (1300 MW) and Vardnilhesi I (220 MW)

 In 1971, the construction of the Zhinvali Hydro Complex began on the territory of the village of Zhinvali and the village was placed in a flood zone. Because of this, most of the Zhinvali population was resettled in the area between the villages of Arani and Bichnigurtkari, a small portion near the village of Chinta. Historically, according to Georgian written sources, the town was established in the 2nd half of the 12th century on the territory of the small town, and the settlement must have existed much earlier. The dam started operating in 1985.

One of the wonders of Zhinvali reservoir which visitors can see beside the beauty of the reservoir is the Church which is immersed in water for 6 months and  for another 6 months the top of the church can be seen,  Until the 80s, until the area was flooded, the church was a sacred shrine and historical monument of great importance.

Just around the Zhinvali lake travelers can visit the amazing fortress Ananuri, the shape of the fortress that you can see now is rebuilt in XVII c. From the Ananuri Fortress one can catch an amazing view of Zhinvali Lake and mountains of the Great Caucasus that in fact starts from there.

To learn more about Georgian Zhinvali lake (reservoir) and tour to Kazbegi and Gergeti Trinity Church, as well Historical Georgian Military Highway, visit Colour Tour Georgia's webpage  and read more about touristic destinations that you can visit during the Full Day Kazbegi Tour. For more questions contact us by email at info@colourtourgeorgia.com or call us +995 599 555 242.