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Enguri River

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River
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Enguri River (Georgia)

Weather…

The Enguri River is a major mountain river in northwestern Georgia, renowned for its wild beauty and its immense importance to the nation's energy production. Originating from the glaciers of the Shkhara massif in the Greater Caucasus, it flows for 213 kilometers (132 miles) through the deep gorges of Svaneti before emptying into the Black Sea near the town of Anaklia. The river is globally famous for the Enguri Dam, which stands at 271.5 meters (891 feet) high, making it one of the tallest concrete arch dams in the world and creating the vast Enguri Reservoir. This monumental structure provides a significant portion of Georgia's electricity and stands as a feat of complex engineering. The lower reaches of the river serve as the administrative boundary between Georgia and the breakaway region of Abkhazia, giving it high political and strategic importance. Despite its industrial utility, the upper Enguri remains an untouched natural paradise with dramatic canyons and rushing white waters that attract hikers and nature enthusiasts. The surrounding region is rich in medieval watchtowers and traditional Svan culture, which is deeply intertwined with the river's rugged environment.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-5-404101518181492-3
Rain mm877510173747969639510710091

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
The river can be reached in various parts of Georgia, but it is most dramatic in the Svaneti region. The road to Mestia often runs parallel to its impressive gorges.
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Best season
Late spring and summer are handy for visiting the region and the river. The snowmelt in spring makes the wild river swell particularly powerfully.
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Terrain & paths
The riparian terrain in the mountain regions is often extremely steep, rocky, and inaccessible. However, surrounding roads and paths offer spectacular views into the deep gorges.
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What to bring
Warm clothing is advisable even in summer, as it can get chilly in Svaneti. A good camera for the spectacular scenery and sturdy shoes for stops at the viewpoints are important.
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Parking
You can stop at designated viewpoints along the main road to Svaneti or at the gigantic Enguri Dam. Parking spaces are usually informally available at these stops.
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Safety
The river is torrential and treacherous; swimming is life-threatening in large parts of the gorges. You should keep a safe distance from steep, unsecured drops at the viewpoints.
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Time needed
Experiencing the river is mostly part of the multi-hour drive into the mountain regions. A stop at the Enguri Dam typically takes 30 to 60 minutes to admire the views.

Geography

Coordinates
42.76820, 42.03240

Facts

  • The Enguri Dam is 271.5 meters tall, ranking among the world's highest arch dams.
  • The river's source is the Shkhara glacier in the central Greater Caucasus.
  • The total length of the Enguri River is 213 kilometers (132 miles).
  • It marks the administrative boundary between Georgia and Abkhazia.
  • The Enguri hydroelectric plant produces roughly 40% of Georgia's total power.
  • The river flows into the Black Sea near the coastal resort of Anaklia.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Enguri DamEnguri Dam<1 km · WExplore →
Dadiani PalaceDadiani Palace28 km · SWExplore →
Kodori GorgeKodori Gorge37 km · SEExplore →
📍Tqvarcheli39 km · SExplore →
📍Senaki41 km · WExplore →
Martvili CanyonMartvili Canyon46 km · NWExplore →
Mount LailaMount Laila48 km · NExplore →
MartviliMartvili48 km · NWExplore →

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 nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is special about the Enguri?
It feeds one of the world's highest arch dams, the Enguri Dam.
Where does the river originate?
It originates in the Caucasus Mountains at the Shkhara glacier in Svaneti.
Can you visit the dam?
Yes, there is a viewpoint and guided tours are available for visitors.
What role does the river play today?
It is Georgia's most important energy source and partially forms the border with Abkhazia.
What color is the water at the dam?
The water in the reservoir often has a beautiful, bright turquoise color.
Enguri River: where is it located?
Enguri River is located in Georgia.
Enguri River: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Enguri River: why is it worth visiting?
The Enguri River is a major mountain river in northwestern Georgia, renowned for its wild beauty and its immense importance to the nation's energy production.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Poti — Enguri River (Georgia)
Poti
Poti is a major port city on the Black Sea and an economic hub of Georgia.
Zugdidi — Enguri River (Georgia)
Zugdidi
Zugdidi is the historical capital of the Mingrelia region in western Georgia.
Senaki — Enguri River (Georgia)
Senaki
Senaki is a significant city in the Mingrelia region and an important military base.
Ureki — Enguri River (Georgia)
Ureki
Ureki is a popular coastal town on the Black Sea, famous for its unique magnetic black sand beaches known for their healing properties.
Anaklia — Enguri River (Georgia)
Anaklia
Anaklia is an ambitious modern beach resort town in western Georgia, famous for its striking pedestrian bridge and music festivals.

History & landmarks

Enguri Dam — Enguri River (Georgia)
Enguri Dam
At 271.5 meters, the Enguri Dam is one of the highest arch dams in the world.
Svaneti Towers in Mestia — Enguri River (Georgia)
Svaneti Towers in Mestia
The medieval defensive towers in the mountainous region of Svaneti shape the unmistakable landscape of Mestia.

Nature

Paliastomi Lake — Enguri River (Georgia)
Paliastomi Lake
Paliastomi Lake is located near the Black Sea coast and is a significant wetland area within the Kolkheti National Park.

More places

Dadiani Palace — Enguri River (Georgia)
Dadiani Palace
The Dadiani Palace in Zugdidi was the residence of the noble Dadiani family, who ruled historic Samegrelo.
Martvili Canyon — Enguri River (Georgia)
Martvili Canyon
The Martvili Canyon impresses with its emerald green water and stunning waterfalls.
Mount Laila — Enguri River (Georgia)
Mount Laila
At around 4,000 meters, Laila is the highest peak of the Svaneti Range.
Kolkheti National Park — Enguri River (Georgia)
Kolkheti National Park
Kolkheti National Park stretches along the Black Sea coast, preserving the unique marshlands and floodplain forests of ancient Colchis.
Kulevi Oil Terminal — Enguri River (Georgia)
Kulevi Oil Terminal
The Kulevi Oil Terminal is a major facility for loading Caspian petroleum onto tankers in the Black Sea.
Kolkheti National Park — Enguri River (Georgia)
Kolkheti National Park
The vast wetlands and swamp forests on the Black Sea coast are a global refuge for migratory birds.
Poti Free Industrial Zone — Enguri River (Georgia)
Poti Free Industrial Zone
The Poti Free Industrial Zone offers tax incentives and attracts international manufacturing companies.
Poti Sea Port — Enguri River (Georgia)
Poti Sea Port
Poti Sea Port is a major transport hub and Georgia's largest port for container and bulk cargo handling.