The Gudamaqris Aragvi River

The Gudamaqris Aragvi River: The Black Aragvi of the Highlands

The Gudamaqris Aragvi River (მდინარე გუდამაყრის არაგვი), often referred to as the Black Aragvi due to the dark shale of its riverbed, is one of the main tributaries that form the greater Aragvi River. It originates on the southern slopes of the Main Caucasus Range in the historic Gudamaqari province of the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region. The river flows through the stunning and remote Gudamaqari Gorge, a land of high peaks, alpine meadows, and ancient villages with a unique cultural identity. This river is a symbol of the wild, untamed nature of Georgia’s highlands.

Its journey southward is a spectacular one, carving a deep valley through the mountains. The Gudamaqari Gorge is less traveled than the neighboring Georgian Military Highway but offers an equally dramatic landscape. The river flows for 30 kilometers before its famous confluence with the Tetri (White) Aragvi at the village of Pasanauri. The meeting of the dark waters of the Gudamaqris Aragvi and the light, milky waters of the Tetri Aragvi creates a striking natural spectacle of two rivers flowing side-by-side without mixing for some distance, a phenomenon that is a popular tourist stop.

ℹ️ General Information

• Name of River: Gudamaqris Aragvi (Black Aragvi)
• Location: Dusheti Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, Georgia.
• Length: 30 km (19 miles)
• Basin Size: 397 km² (153 sq mi)
• Source (Origin): Southern slopes of the Main Caucasus Range.
• Mouth (Where it flows): Confluence with the Tetri Aragvi at Pasanauri.
• Main Tributaries: Bakurkhevi, Bursachiri.

📍 Geography & Course

The Gudamaqris Aragvi is a classic high-mountain river. It begins in the alpine zone and descends rapidly through a deep, V-shaped gorge. Its water is cold, clear, and fast-flowing, and its dark appearance comes from the black slate and shale rocks that make up its riverbed. The road through the Gudamaqari Gorge follows the river closely, offering breathtaking views but requiring a capable vehicle.

🌿 Nature & Ecology

The river valley is rich in biodiversity. The upper reaches are characterized by alpine and subalpine meadows, while the lower slopes are covered in dense deciduous and mixed forests. The pristine environment is home to wildlife such as chamois, roe deer, and brown bears. The river is renowned for its excellent trout fishing, attracting anglers to its clean, cold waters.

🏛️ History & Culture

The Gudamaqari region has a strong and unique cultural heritage.

• Gudamaqari People: The inhabitants of the gorge are a distinct ethnographic group of Georgian highlanders with their own traditions, dialect, and folklore.
• Ancient Shrines: The valley is known for its pre-Christian shrines (“khati”), which are still revered by the local population, blending ancient pagan beliefs with Christianity.
• Pasanauri Confluence: The meeting point with the White Aragvi has been a significant landmark for centuries, located on the historic Georgian Military Highway.

🚣 Activities & Tourism

• Rafting: The Gudamaqris Aragvi is a popular destination for whitewater rafting, offering exciting routes through the scenic gorge.
• 4×4 Tours & Scenic Driving: The road through the Gudamaqari Gorge is an adventure in itself, offering a more off-the-beaten-path experience than the main highway.
• Fishing: It is one of the best rivers in the area for trout fishing.
• Cultural & Ethno-Tourism: Exploring the villages and learning about the unique traditions of Gudamaqari.

🛤️ Accessibility

The lower part of the river at Pasanauri is highly accessible, as it is located directly on the Georgian Military Highway. The road up the Gudamaqari Gorge itself is more challenging and often requires a 4×4 vehicle. The best time to visit and for activities like rafting is from late spring to early autumn.