About this experience
I consider this trip the most beautiful tour in Georgia - the views from the high mountains are impossible to describe in words. Here you will always feel the enduring victory of nature over civilization: abandoned cable roads to the mining town, ruined structures, and primitive views. Along the way, I will tell you local legends, acquaint you with interesting facts about the prehistoric past of this land, and in the end, we will have a hiking picnic surrounded by centuries-old beech and spruce trees.
What to Expect
Prehistoric Past
High in the mountains of Imereti lies a vast karst plateau, dividing three regions of Georgia. Millions of years ago, all of this was the bottom of an ancient shallow sea. Even now, you can find fossils of tropical flora and fauna here - if you're lucky, you might even see them. From Kutaisi, we will reach the high mountain pass. From here, you can see all of Western Georgia and the mining town of Tkibuli.
Mining Town and Scenic Pass
In the mining town of Tkibuli, you can enjoy a fragrant coffee and snack. In the city, you will see buildings of Stalinist architecture, including residential ones, and stroll through a small colorful market. Next - serpentine roads and a pass with stunningly beautiful cliffs. At an altitude of 1400 m, there will be a short stop to enjoy the views of Imereti, and if there is mist - you will witness its magical movement along the entire gorge.
Cable Road and High-Mountain Shrine
Traveling along the road above the abyss, you will reach an old abandoned cable road that used to connect the mountain with the mining town. Nearby, there is a small cave that you can explore if desired. You will walk through the fir and spruce forests, observing marine fossils (sometimes close to sheer cliffs) and ascend to the ancient revered place by Georgians - the ruins of the church Tsqhrazi. Villagers from nearby villages come here twice a year for a rural festival. Here, you will learn the legend of the 'Mountain of Nine Crosses' and overlook all of Western Georgia, the wonderful alpine meadows, and the karst water flowing down from huge cliffs. On a clear day, you can see the sea and the mountains of the Greater Caucasus.
Descending, we will make a fire and have a hiking-style meal among the centuries-old beech and spruce trees. Mint, thyme, mountain lavender grow around us, from which we will brew tea with a taste of happiness. Simple and quiet happiness can be found here while admiring the unadulterated beauty of the Earth.
Organizational Details
- Transportation and picnic are included in the price.
- I recommend bringing sunglasses, a windbreaker, a cap, and a camera (mandatory!).
Jurijus
July 17, 2024
Everything was great, Sergey's knowledge and communication were top-notch. Viskas buvo puiku
Malushko
April 7, 2023
Excellent tour! Thank you Sergey for the interesting story about the beauties of Georgia. Too bad there was no picnic :(
Valeriy
January 18, 2023
A magnificent tour of magnificent places. Ideal for those tired of the 'classic' set of attractions. Highly recommend at any age - we climbed with 2 children (5 years and 9 months), everything went smoothly. The guide and driver are beyond praise! Thank you, Sergey and Dima!
