Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions please feel free to contact us. We will do our best to answer them.

Is it safe to visit the Pankisi Valley?
Definitely yes. The police station in Duisi is responsible for public safety and the police are professionally trained. The local community is close-knit and vigilant which helps to keep crime down in the valley. The social and political tensions which blighted the region and its Kist, Chechen refugee and Georgian inhabitants between 1999 and 2002 were resolved peacefully. The region has been stable and peaceful since 2004. The information available on ‘Pankisi Gorge’ on the Internet and in some books mostly reflects this period and therefore outdated and inaccurate. The reputation it gained as a dangerous off-limits place lingers on and may deter some travellers from visiting. Don’t be put off. Today, Pankisi has a new lease of life and is a genuine off-the-beaten-track Georgian travel destination inviting and welcoming visitors from Georgia and across the world. Check with us for up-to-date and reliable information.

When is the best time to visit Pankisi?
Late spring at the end of May signals the start of warm clear weather and longer days. This is a good time to come if you enjoy the heat. Nearby hills, forests, mountains, rivers and waterfalls are ideal places to escape to during the high summer temperatures in June, July and August. This is also a great time to trek on foot or horse. Autumn brings spectacular colours to the hills, forests and alpine landscapes. With the weather becoming cooler in the mornings and evenings, September, October and November offer a wonderful opportunity to get out and explore. Cold days and freezing nights, snow and ice, signal the arrival of winter from late December to February. Mid-spring during March and April is a good time to experience the harvest period when the weather becomes pleasant. Climatically, the Pankisi Valley is similar to the southern foothills of the Italian Alps.

Can I get to Tusheti National Reserve easily from Nazy’s Guest House?
Yes. We can arrange taxi or minibus to Alvani (31kms from Jokolo) from where guests can hire a 4×4 vehicle to take them to Omalo in Tusheti. The condition of the road is poor due to climatic and environmental erosion, and requires frequent maintenance. The journey is 90km and takes about 4 hours with cautious driving and good conditions. Nazy’s Guest House offers an exciting environmentally friendly alternative. Since most visitors come to Tusheti to enjoy trekking we offer a guided walking and horse trekking service from Pankisi to the Gometsari Valley in the Tusheti National Reserve. For further information see Guided Tours menu.

Can I get supplies from Jokolo for treks and outings?
Yes. Basic groceries, toiletries, convenience foods, drinks and medicine can be purchased in the local shops, one minute walk from Nazy’s Guest House. We are happy to provide you with a packed lunch if you require. For specialist outdoor equipment and supplies you will need to come prepared or check in Tbilisi.

Does Nazy’s Guest House have private parking?
Yes. Private parking for two cars is available on site behind secure gates. More cars can be parked securely in neighboring drives if required. Though crime is very low in the valley we urge guests to remove all valuables before leaving their car as a precautionary measure.

What is the check-in /check-out times?
Check-in time is from 12pm midday. Check-out time is before 12pm midday. Being a family home we urge our guests to notify us in advance if you are arriving after 6:00pm so that we can prepare for your arrival.

Does Nazy’s Guest House take one-night bookings?
Not in advance as a general rule. We accept bookings for 2 or more nights. Booking must be confirmed 48 hours prior to your arrival at the guest house. If you arrive at the guest house seeking accomommodation without a confirmed booking or email notification you may be declined and offered alternative guest house options since we may have full occupancy or for other reasons unable to accommodate you at the time.

How far is Nazy’s Guest House from a bank cash machine?
There is an ATM cash machine in Duisi in the Community Centre. In Akhmeta there are ATMs at the Liberty Bank, Bank of Georgia and Tbilisi Bank. Guest houses do not accept credit cards. Akhmeta is the nearest town 15km away.

Is it okay to drink alcohol at Nazy’s Guest House?
No. Guests are not permitted to bring or consume alcohol in the guest house. Drinking in public or getting drunk in public or at home must be strictly avoided. It must be remembered that despite the liberal acceptance of alcohol in many Kist households the Kist people are Sunni Muslims and conform to general Islamic views and practices. We are a homely environment and request that our guests will respect our family’s traditions and values.

Is smoking permitted at Nazy’s Guest House?
Smoking is not permitted inside or near the house. A designated area in the rear garden can be used away from the main house.

Is photographing people allowed?
The general rule is to politely ask if you wish to take a photograph of someone. This is the respectful thing to do. It avoids embarrassment or offence. Some may say no, but most people will not mind and even invite you to take one with them. Sending a photo by email would be a friendly gesture. Photographing women and children should be approached sensitively and taken with permission. When attending places of worship (Mosques, Churches), schools and other functional public buildings it is advisable to get permission.

What time is breakfast served?
We serve breakfast from 8.00am to 9.00am.

Does Nazy’s Guest House accommodate pets?
We do not take pets.

Does Nazy’s Guest House cater for families?
Yes, we cater for families. We request that parents bring all necessary baby feeding and sanitation products required.

Does Nazy’s Guest House cater for special diets?
We will do our best to cater for specific diets. We cater for vegetarians. We request guests with special diets or allergies to inform us and check with us in advance, before booking, to confirm if we can cater for them.