Khevi

Khevi, written in Georgian as ხევი, is a historic-geographic region in northern Georgia. It lies largely within the present-day Mtskheta-Mtianeti region and centers on the upper Terek (Tergi) valley. The town of Stepantsminda, formerly known as Kazbegi, serves as a principal settlement and de facto gateway to the area’s mountains.

Geography and landscape are dominated by the Greater Caucasus range, with Mount Kazbek (Mkinvartsveri) as a dominant peak. The Terek River and its tributaries carve deep valleys and gorges through rugged terrain. The climate is alpine, yielding short summers and long winters, and the area supports alpine meadows, conifer forests, and glacial features. The region is recognized for its dramatic scenery and is home to protected landscapes that attract hikers, climbers, and nature enthusiasts.

History and culture: Khevi has long been part of Georgia’s historic borderland, with a heritage shaped by mountain communities and fortress-like settlements. It has been linked to medieval Georgian polities and features a number of religious and cultural sites that reflect traditional Georgian rural life. In modern administration, Khevi is associated with the northern part of Mtskheta-Mtianeti.

Notable sites and economy: The Gergeti Trinity Church near Stepantsminda is one of the region’s best-known landmarks, offering views of Mount Kazbek. The area is a draw for trekking, mountaineering, and eco-tourism, with rural communities traditionally dependent on agriculture and livestock. Access is via the Georgian Military Road from Tbilisi, with Stepantsminda as a common starting point for excursions into the Kazbegi highlands.