DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Zhinvali Hydroelectric Power Plant

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
energy
—°10
Zhinvali Hydroelectric Power Plant (Georgia)

Weather…

The Zhinvali Hydroelectric Power Plant is one of Georgia's most significant energy and infrastructure facilities, located on the Aragvi River about 50 kilometers north of Tbilisi. Built in the 1980s during the Soviet era, it was officially commissioned in 1985. The complex features an impressive dam that creates the Zhinvali Reservoir, which serves not only for power generation but also as the primary source of drinking water for the Georgian capital. The plant has an installed capacity of approximately 130 megawatts and plays a critical role in meeting peak demand in the national electricity grid. Besides its energy production, the reservoir has gained touristic importance due to its pretty setting within the Caucasian mountain landscape. Maintaining and modernizing this facility is of strategic importance for Georgia's energy independence, as it provides a reliable and renewable source of electricity.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-1151015202323181251
Rain mm232135516556353534443121

📋 Practical info

🏭
What is this place?
The Zhinvali Hydroelectric Power Plant is a vital piece of infrastructure that impounds the Aragvi River to produce clean hydroelectric power for the Georgian capital of Tbilisi.
🚪
Visiting
For security reasons, the technical facilities of the plant are not typically open to the public, but the memorable reservoir itself is a popular and fully accessible recreation area.
👀
Where to view it
Along the Georgian Military Highway, there are spectacular viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of the turquoise waters of the Zhinvali Reservoir and the impressive dam structure.
🧺
Local products
Along the road near the reservoir, local vendors frequently sell traditional Georgian snacks, fresh honey, handmade souvenirs, and authentic regional crafts to passing travelers.
📆
Active season
Power generation operates year-round, while the warmer months from late spring to early autumn provide the most convenient conditions for enjoying the surrounding landscape and the lake.
➕
Nearby
A stop at the Zhinvali Reservoir perfectly combines with a journey along the Georgian Military Highway to the Ananuri Fortress and the majestic Caucasus Mountains further north.

Geography

Coordinates
42.13100, 44.77000

Facts

  • The hydroelectric power plant was officially commissioned in 1985.
  • The dam stands at a significant height of 102 meters.
  • The Zhinvali Reservoir has a storage capacity of about 520 million cubic meters.
  • The total installed capacity of the plant is 130 MW.
  • The facility supplies millions of liters of drinking water to Tbilisi daily.
  • The plant operates four generators with a capacity of 32.5 MW each.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Ananuri FortressAnanuri Fortress8 km · SExplore →
TianetiTianeti22 km · NExplore →
Svetitskhoveli CathedralSvetitskhoveli Cathedral23 km · WExplore →
Aragvi RiverAragvi River25 km · WExplore →
Chronicle of GeorgiaChronicle of Georgia28 km · WExplore →
Mushtaidi ParkMushtaidi Park32 km · WExplore →
Vake ParkVake Park33 km · WExplore →
Tbilisi TV Broadcasting TowerTbilisi TV Broadcasting Tower34 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Zhinvali Hydroelectric Power Plant (10)

ch`int`is kldis koshkebi🏰 castle

These medieval watchtowers rise on a rock above the Aragvi River, once securing the path into the mountains.

qelis (t`amaris) c`ixe🏰 castle

Keli Fortress, also known as Tamara's Castle, sits strategically on a hill overlooking the Zhinvali reservoir.

gadasaxvevi cm.giorgis eklesiisken📍 landmark

A roadside viewpoint marking the path to an old mountain chapel dedicated to Saint George.

c`ixisz'iris godoli (koshki)🏺 historical

The ruin of a massive defensive tower in Tsikhisdziri, which once protected the region from northern invasions.

c`ixisz'iris ganz'is cm.giorgis koshki🏺 historical

This ruined medieval watchtower is dedicated to Saint George and overlooks the strategic valleys.

uz'velesi urt`xmelis xe avenisshi📍 landmark

In Avenisi stands this rare, ancient yew tree, which is considered a natural monument and has survived in the region for centuries.

Chilashvili castle (Milakhriantkari)🏰 castle

The former noble estate of the Chilashvili family is a fortified castle with distinctive round corner towers.

vazha-p`shavelas z'egli🏺 historical

This monument honors Vaja-Pshavela, one of Georgia's greatest poets and thinkers, in his native region.

p`uz'naris g'vt`ismshoblis saxelobis eklesia⛪ religious

This medieval stone church in Pudznari is known for its well-preserved facade reliefs and its isolated setting.

xeobis bzianis cm. giorgis eklesia (nangrevebi)📍 landmark

The weathered stone ruins of this Orthodox Saint George church are hidden in the dense forest of the Bziani valley.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why is the Zhinvali HPP famous?
It is known for its turquoise-colored reservoir and supplies Tbilisi with both electricity and drinking water.
Is swimming allowed in the reservoir?
Swimming in unassigned areas is dangerous and officially not recommended as it is a drinking water reservoir.
Where is the best photo spot?
The best view is from the Ananuri Fortress, located directly on the shores of the reservoir along the Georgian Military Highway.
Can the power plant itself be visited?
The interior of the power plant is a protected industrial facility and is not open to the general public.
How do you reach the reservoir?
It is located about 70 km north of Tbilisi and is easily accessible by car or marshrutka towards Gudauri/Stepantsminda.
Zhinvali Hydroelectric Power Plant: where is it located?
Zhinvali Hydroelectric Power Plant is located in Georgia.
Zhinvali Hydroelectric Power Plant: what is there to see?
Highlights include ch`int`is kldis koshkebi, qelis (t`amaris) c`ixe, gadasaxvevi cm.giorgis eklesiisken.
Zhinvali Hydroelectric Power Plant: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Zhinvali Hydroelectric Power Plant: why is it worth visiting?
The Zhinvali Hydroelectric Power Plant is one of Georgia's most significant energy and infrastructure facilities, located on the Aragvi River about 50 kilometers north of Tbilisi.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Asia
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Asia
More places in Georgia →

Nearby cities

Mtskheta — Zhinvali Hydroelectric Power Plant (Georgia)
Mtskheta
Mtskheta is one of the oldest cities in Georgia and the former capital of the Iberian kingdom.
Tianeti — Zhinvali Hydroelectric Power Plant (Georgia)
Tianeti
Tianeti is a tranquil rural town in the Iori River valley, characterized by rolling green hills, traditional agriculture, and an authenti…

Nature

Aragvi River — Zhinvali Hydroelectric Power Plant (Georgia)
Aragvi River
The Aragvi meanders through the breathtaking landscape of the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region, carving deep valleys along its course.
Abudelauri Lakes — Zhinvali Hydroelectric Power Plant (Georgia)
Abudelauri Lakes
The Abudelauri Lakes are a group of spectacular high alpine mountain lakes in Khevsureti, situated at the foot of the majestic Chaukhi Ma…

More places

Ananuri Fortress — Zhinvali Hydroelectric Power Plant (Georgia)
Ananuri Fortress
The heavily fortified Ananuri Fortress sits picturesquely above the Zhinvali Reservoir.
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral — Zhinvali Hydroelectric Power Plant (Georgia)
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
The majestic Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta is a masterpiece of early medieval Georgian architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Jvari Monastery — Zhinvali Hydroelectric Power Plant (Georgia)
Jvari Monastery
The 6th-century Jvari Monastery rises on a rocky cliff at the confluence of the Kura and Aragvi rivers.
Sno Valley — Zhinvali Hydroelectric Power Plant (Georgia)
Sno Valley
The Sno Valley is an idyllic alpine basin surrounded by majestic snow-capped peaks.
Gergeti Trinity Church — Zhinvali Hydroelectric Power Plant (Georgia)
Gergeti Trinity Church
Gergeti Trinity Church is breathtakingly situated at over 2,100 meters above sea level in front of the massive Mount Kazbek.
Gveleti Waterfall — Zhinvali Hydroelectric Power Plant (Georgia)
Gveleti Waterfall
Hidden in the rugged mountainous landscape of Stepantsminda lies the Gveleti Waterfall.
Larsi Border Crossing — Zhinvali Hydroelectric Power Plant (Georgia)
Larsi Border Crossing
The Larsi border crossing in the Darial Gorge is the most important land route for trade between Georgia and Russia.
Darial Gorge — Zhinvali Hydroelectric Power Plant (Georgia)
Darial Gorge
The Darial Gorge is a legendary bottleneck where the Terek River breaks through the massive barrier of the Caucasus.