The Rikotula River

The Rikotula River: The Stream of Georgia’s Great Divide

The Rikotula River (მდინარე რიკოთულა) is a river in the Kharagauli Municipality of Imereti, western Georgia. It is a left tributary of the Dzirula River. The river is named for and flows near the famous Rikoti Pass, the crucial mountain pass on the Likhi Range that has historically and geographically divided Georgia into its eastern and western halves. The Rikotula carves a deep and scenic gorge through the forested mountains, a landscape that is familiar to anyone who has traveled Georgia’s main East-West highway.

The river is a key feature of this vital transport corridor. The highway and railway lines, including the new sections with numerous tunnels and bridges, run through or near the Rikotula valley. While not a tourist destination in its own right, it is a constant companion on one of the most important journeys in the country, representing the natural beauty of the mountainous barrier that defines Georgia’s geography.

ℹ️ General Information

• Name of River: Rikotula River (მდინარე რიკოთულა)
• Location: Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti, Georgia.
• Length: 13 km (8 miles)
• Basin Size: 56 km² (22 sq mi)
• Source (Origin): Northern slope of the Likhi Range.
• Mouth (Where it flows): Left tributary of the Dzirula River.
• Main Tributaries: Small mountain streams.

📍 Geography & Course

The Rikotula is a swift mountain river with a rocky bed and a steep gradient. It flows through a narrow, V-shaped gorge covered in dense forest. Its course runs parallel to the main Rikoti Pass, which the highway crosses through a major tunnel.

🌿 Nature & Ecology

The river valley is part of the extensive forests of the Likhi Range and the greater Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park ecosystem. The forests are rich in biodiversity, with a mix of beech, hornbeam, and chestnut trees, providing a habitat for local wildlife. The river’s water is clean and supports a healthy aquatic ecosystem.

🏛️ History & Culture

The history of the Rikotula is the history of the Rikoti Pass itself.

• Strategic Gateway: Since antiquity, the pass has been the most important route connecting the ancient kingdoms of Colchis (west) and Iberia (east). It has been fortified and contested by numerous empires throughout history.
• Modern Infrastructure: The construction of the modern highway and railway through this difficult terrain is a major feat of engineering, with the Rikotula valley being central to the route.

🚣 Activities & Tourism

While the river itself is not a site for activities, its location is central to travel in Georgia.

• Scenic Drive: The journey through the Rikoti Pass area is one of the most scenic drives in Georgia.
• Roadside Markets: The pass is famous for its roadside markets selling local products, especially sweet bread (nazuki) and handmade crafts.

🛤️ Accessibility

The Rikotula River is highly accessible, as Georgia’s main East-West highway (S1) runs directly through its valley. It is a river seen by almost every traveler crossing the country.