About Flying in Ananuri
Why Ananuri?
Ananuri is one of the most photogenic locations in Georgia — a 16th–17th century fortress complex sitting on the shores of Zhinvali Reservoir at the entrance to the Aragvi River valley. The launch site sits at 1,350 meters altitude, above the fortress, where turquoise reservoir water, forested mountain slopes, and medieval stone walls come together in a single panorama. The drive from Tbilisi takes about 90 minutes along the Georgian Military Highway — a route that is itself one of the country's most famous scenic roads.
Ananuri offers something no other Georgian paragliding site can match: a medieval monument, turquoise water, and mountain scenery combined in a single flight. This is the location for anyone who wants nature, history, and adrenaline at the same time.
The History of Ananuri Fortress
The Ananuri fortress complex was built in the 16th–17th centuries as the residence of the Dukes of Aragvi (the Aragvi Eristavi) — a feudal dynasty that controlled the strategic Aragvi valley and the trade and military road running through it for centuries. The curtain walls, towers, and inner courtyard survive to this day and form one of the finest examples of Georgian medieval fortification.
At the heart of the complex stands the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin (1689), famous for the large carved cross on its facade and its refined stone ornamentation. In 1739, Ananuri witnessed a bloody siege and fire during an internal feudal conflict. Today Ananuri is a protected monument and is inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage Tentative List.
Zhinvali Reservoir
The turquoise lake spread out below the fortress is Zhinvali Reservoir — an artificial reservoir created in the 1980s by damming the Aragvi River, supplying Tbilisi with drinking water and hydroelectric power. The water's distinctive turquoise-emerald hue comes from glacial runoff and dissolved minerals, and it is exactly this color that makes the view from the air so striking. The water level shifts with the seasons: the reservoir is at its fullest in spring, while the shoreline widens by late summer.
What You'll See
From the first seconds of flight, the turquoise surface of Zhinvali Reservoir opens below you — surrounded by densely forested slopes, irregular in shape, and on clear days presenting a striking contrast of blue and green. On the reservoir's shoreline, the towers, churches, and fortified walls of Ananuri Fortress merge into a compact medieval complex — seen from above against the blue water, the sight is unforgettable.
The Aragvi River valley stretches north into the depths, its walls rising toward the high mountains. To the east, the Iron Mountains appear, and to the west, the first peaks of the Gudamakari Range come into view. This is a landscape where water, rock, history, and altitude converge into one image.
Flight Packages
We offer three types of tandem flight at Ananuri:
- Standard Flight — a calm 10–12 minute panoramic flight with views of the fortress and reservoir. Ideal for first-timers and families.
- Extreme Flight — the same duration with acrobatic maneuvers: spirals, wingovers, and high-speed turns. Pure adrenaline.
- Long Flight — 15–25 minutes of thermal soaring above the Aragvi valley. The most complete Ananuri experience.
GoPro and Insta360 video recording is included in every package — at no extra charge.
Best Time to Fly
Ananuri is optimal from spring through autumn, though winter flights are possible depending on weather conditions.
- Spring (April–May) — The reservoir is at its fullest, the mountains are turning green, and the air is crystal clear. The best season for photography.
- Summer (June–August) — Strong thermals allow longer flights. Morning slots are preferable on hot days.
- Autumn (September–October) — The forest shifts to gold and crimson tones — combined with the reservoir views, this is a particularly striking season.
How to Get There
Ananuri lies about 70 kilometers from Tbilisi on the Georgian Military Highway — roughly a 90-minute drive. The same road continues to Gudauri and Kazbegi, so an Ananuri flight slots easily into a one-day trip through northern Georgia. Once your booking is confirmed, we send you the exact launch-site location and meeting time.
Who Can Fly
No prior experience is needed for a tandem flight — the certified pilot does everything. All you have to do is sit back and enjoy the views.
- Children can fly too (usually from age 5) with parental consent
- Passenger weight is typically up to 110–120 kg — please let us know in advance
- Not recommended for pregnant women or anyone with a recent surgery or serious heart or back conditions
What to Bring
- Closed, comfortable shoes (sneakers or hiking boots)
- A windproof jacket — the air is cooler at altitude than on the ground
- Sunglasses and sun protection
- Just a good mood — the pilot and the GoPro/Insta360 recording take care of the rest
Safety
Every tandem flight at Ananuri is led by a certified pilot who knows the Aragvi valley wind patterns and mountain thermals thoroughly. We operate under strict safety protocols.
- Certified tandem pilots with full knowledge of Aragvi valley flying conditions
- EN-certified paragliders — inspected before every single flight
- Real-time weather monitoring: wind speed, direction, and thermal activity
- Flights only proceed when conditions are 100% safe — no exceptions
How to Book
- Pick your flight — Standard, Extreme, or Long flight
- Choose a date — Our team checks the weather and confirms your slot. Flexible rescheduling if conditions change.
- Fly — Meet your pilot at the Ananuri launch site, get a quick safety briefing, and take off over Zhinvali Reservoir.
Prices
Standard Flight from €145 (450 ₾ / $170). Extreme and Long flights from €175 (550 ₾ / $210). GoPro and Insta360 video recording is included in every package — no extra charge.
