ZUGDIDI
Zugdidi is a city with a fascinating history and excellent taste. Although modern residents can trace their roots back to ancient settlers who arrived in the region over 4,000 years ago, it was the Dadiani family of the 19th century that had the most profound influence on the city. Situated at the crossroads between mountains and the Black Sea, Zugdidi is close to many popular attractions.
Just a thirty-minute drive from the city is Anaklia, a resort town on the Black Sea with hotels, restaurants, bungalows, and everything you need for a relaxing beach vacation.
To the north of the city lies the unique Enguri Dam on the Enguri River. The Enguri Hydroelectric Power Station has been designated as a cultural monument because it is the third tallest concrete arch dam in the world.
Excursions are conducted at the dam, and boat trips on the lake are organized, where you can admire numerous waterfalls cascading into azure waters.
Beyond the Enguri Hydroelectric Power Station, an incredible sight unfolds. The road winds between majestic cliffs and the rushing Enguri River, leading you to Mestia and Ushguli, the highest inhabited settlements in Europe above sea level.
KUTAISI
The population and surroundings of Kutaisi have been inhabited since the Lower Paleolithic era, with the city serving as a cultural and political center of the country for many centuries. In fact, Kutaisi was the capital of Georgia from the 8th century BC to the 11th century!
It is said that the legendary Argonauts passed through the city during their search for the Golden Fleece, and dinosaur remains have also been found nearby. This is a city steeped in history.
The name Kutaisi consists of three words: "Kva" (meaning "stone"), "Mta" (meaning "mountain"), and "Isi" ("this"), which together translates as "city between stone and mountain," but it also had other names, including Aia, Kutaisa, and Kutatisiumi. With such a long and rich history, it's no wonder that many of Kutaisi's most famous landmarks are linked to its past.
One such place is the relatively "new" (by Kutaisi standards) garden boulevard leading to the city's central square. The great Georgian poet Akaki Tsereteli called this 150-year-old boulevard the "Parliament of Kutaisi" because the city's intelligentsia gathered here to discuss important issues. This tradition continues to this day.
In the central square, you'll see the Colchis Fountain adorned with images of thirty golden artifacts found during excavations in Vani. Other significant landmarks include the impressive Kutaisi Dramatic Theater, named a national cultural monument, and the Kutaisi Opera and Ballet Theater. The latter is adorned with thirteen Roman figures carved by a local sculptor, making it an impressive architectural feat.
On the banks of the Rioni River lies the residence of the Imeretian king, "Okros Chardaki" ("Golden Canopy"), and above this, atop the hill, stands the millennium-old Bagrati Cathedral, built in 1003 as a symbol of united Georgia.
Also nearby, you'll find UNESCO World Heritage sites - the Gelati Monastery complex and the stunning Motsameta Monastery.
KAZBEGI
The main attraction of Stepantsminda is Mount Kazbegi, also known as Mkinvartsveri, which has always drawn the interest of skiers. From the summit of the mountain, at an elevation of 5054 meters, the view is truly unforgettable.
Numerous tourist routes start from Kazbegi. Depending on your preferences, you can embark on a hike, drive your own car, or choose a jeep tour. However, there are several places that are worth visiting without fail. The Holy Trinity Church in Gergeti is the gem of Kazbegi and an outstanding example of Georgian architecture. The cathedral itself was built in the 14th century. In ancient times, when Georgia was under attack, the church's valuables were kept here, as the road to it was extremely challenging. Currently, there is an asphalt road from Stepantsminda to Gergeti, which you can hike up, or you can also take a taxi or a jeep tour with a guide.
The Dariali Gorge, a stretch of the Tergi River, is a favorite spot among travelers. The gorge is adorned with waterfalls and lakes, including the stunning Gveleti Waterfall and the heart-shaped lake. Come here with your tents, settle in at the organized campsite, enjoy the tranquility, take many beautiful photos, and admire the stars as you fall asleep. It's a transformative experience.
If you want to learn more about life in Kazbegi, the local culture, and traditions, head to the Historical Museum of Stepantsminda, located in the Memorial House of Georgian writer Alexander Kazbegi. Here, you can see cultural relics representing the way of life in the valley and the culture not only of this region but also of the entire Caucasus, as well as works by local artists.
The local population celebrates many holidays, including Atengenoba, Kazbegoba, and Gergetoba. On these days, a large number of tourists gather, and a festive atmosphere reigns in all the bars and cafes. While you're in Kazbegi, be sure to try the famous local khinkali, and vegetarians will enjoy the traditional phlovana khachapuri with vegetable filling.
MTSKHETA
Mtskheta is located in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region of Georgia. It is one of the oldest cities in Georgia and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It is situated approximately 20 km north of Tbilisi, at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers. Currently, it is a small provincial capital, but prior to the 5th century AD, Mtskheta was a major fortified city, serving as an important economic and political center of the Kingdom of Iberia for nearly a millennium.
TBILISI
Tbilisi, known in some languages until 1936 as Tiflis, is the capital and largest city of Georgia, situated on the banks of the Kura River. Tbilisi was founded in the 5th century AD by Vakhtang I of Iberia and has since served as the capital of various Georgian kingdoms and republics. The name Tbilisi (meaning "warm location") was given to the city due to the numerous sulfur hot springs in this area.
BAKURIANI
The mountain resort Bakuriani is situated on the northern slope of the Trialeti Range, 29 kilometers from Borjomi, at an elevation of 1,700 meters (5576 feet) above sea level in the sub-tropical zone. The snow blanket remains for 4-5 months, but the aroma of the coniferous trees and other climatic factors create ideal conditions for rest and recreation in the summer. It is a paradise for ski lovers and an internationally important winter sports center, which meets Olympic standards.

The climate of Bakuriani is transitional from humid maritime to relatively humid continental. The winters are cold and experience significant snowfall while the summers are short. The average annual temperature of the town is 4.3 degrees Celsius. 7.2 ° C in January and 15 ° C in August. The average thickness of snow cover is 64 cm.

Many tourists and locals have traveled by famous “Kukushka” train that passes through amazing forest and ascends great mountains of Georgia. If you get a chance to visit Tsagveri, Borjomi or Bakuriani resorts of Georgia don’t forget to take the famous train trip as well.
In 70-80-s of the XX century Bakuriani was one of the bases for the training of ski mountaineering Olympic national team of the Soviet Union, where many famous Soviet skiers were training, it also various slalom, bobsleigh, biathlon and ski flying sporting events was held.
The resort's infrastructure was established in Soviet times ago when Bakuriani used to be a Winter Olympics training base. Since then thousands of people keep coming to Bakuriani to ski, sled, explore the nearby hills and slopes, practice cross-country skiing or just to relax and breathe fresh mountainous air. The infrastructure has been renovated turning Bakuriani into one of the most popular Georgia ski resorts.

Currently, Bakuriani offers 23 ski pistes with a total length of 29.1 kilometers. The tracks are equipped with artificial snow-making systems and targeted for all skiers. Slopes here are divided according to the following levels of difficulty - beginners, intermediate, advanced, expert. 8 lifts and 1 funicular are opened from 10 am to 5 pm and serve visitors.
Slopes
There are several main trails in Bakuriani, one of which is Kokhta (2,255 m high) is a 4 km ski run with difficult and medium difficulty slopes. This is the oldest ski area in Bakuriani.
Dive (1861 m) has one of the most amazing trails. From here you can catch a gondola to the slopes of Mt. Sakvelo, and ski a range of blue and red routes. The longest piste is around 4 km long. Advanced skiers can continue further up the mountain by catching a chairlift at the top of the gondola to almost the very top of Mt. Sakvelo itself. Here, you can enjoy stretching your ski legs on very steep and difficult red and black runs.
Totally renovated resort Mitarbi (1500m) was able to accept its first visitors after 30 years on December 25, 2016. Winter sports lovers are offered to try 3 new ski lifts, 9 km ski pistes suitable for intermediate, expert and advanced skiers/snowboarders, joining ski piste for Kokhta and Mitarbi, modern infrastructure and new unforgettable experiences.

The healing properties of the resort vary from season to season. Doctors especially advise patients to rest in Bakuriani during the Christmas blossom. Treatment indications in Bakuriani (Beshumi, Gomi Mountains, Bakhmaro) are: Non-Tuberculosis, Lymphadenitis, Chronic Bronchitis, Pleuritis, Secondary Blood Disease, Malaria, Rachitis, light and medium forms of Bronchial Asthma.
Short info guide
- 8 Ski lifts
- 27 km of ski runs 15% with artificial snow
- Levels of ski pistes - Intermediate, Advanced & Expert
- Night Skiing
- Toboggan
- Kids Parks: "Didveli" and "Joyland"
- Ice Skating
- Horse riding
- Snowmobile rental
- Cinema Didveli
- Bike Park
GUDAURI
Hotels in Gudauri
Ski School (new)
The largest ski resort in Georgia, Gudauri, is located at an altitude of more than 2000 meters. It is considered the highest mountain resort in this region. Gudauri began to develop in the 70s of the last century. The resort continues to grow to this day, in each season they open new tracks and modify lifts. You can enjoy with well-developed infrastructure, the greatest difference in altitude, and unlimited possibilities for freeride, backcountry (ski touring).
The main skating zone is the southern slopes of the Sazele and Kudebi peaks. The highest point of the resort - 3279 meters
Main characteristics:
Winter season: early December - mid-April
Operating hours of lifts: 10.00-17.00
Number of lifts: 11
Height difference: 1993 meters - 3276 meters (1283 meters)
Number of routes: 22
The total length of routes: 32.5 km
Blue/Green Tracks: 3.4 km
Red routes: 18.8 km
Black routes: 10.3 km
Certified (FIS) routes: yes
Night skating: yes
Climate
Gudauri is famous for warm and snowy winters. The main skating zone is located on the southern slopes, and therefore warm and almost windless weather remains here throughout the season. Bright winter sun can create hardcover on the tracks (when melting snow freezes at night). Avalanches are rare. Snow cover is quite stable and its height is on average about 1.5-1.7 meters. In winter, daytime temperatures rarely fall below -7S. The upper stage of lifts in the event of wind or heavy snowfall can be closed.
Slopes
In Gudauri, quite a lot of routes of different levels of difficulty have been laid. Basically, these are red and blue tracks, which are suitable for both experienced skiers and those who are just mastering this sport. Most tracks have quite standard relief, where steep sections alternate with gentle rollouts. However, they mainly go to Gudauri to ride on virgin lands. The feature of the relief - the absence of hidden stones and ridge, creates ideal conditions for freeriding. To master untouched snow cover, you can use the services of a helicopter or climb to the right point yourself. There are several schools that offer guides and instructors for freeriding.
Sadzeli (1, 2, 3): black and red routes at the top of the resort.
Kudebi (1, 2 3): red routes at the top of the resort
Tatra: several blue tracks ideal for beginner skiers
Soliko: several blue tracks ideal for beginner skiers
Sportuli: several blue tracks ideal for beginner skiers
Gudauri: several blue tracks ideal for beginner skiers
Pirveli: a green track that leads to New Gudauri. Illuminated at night on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
Active rest
Gudauri has something to offer to those who are not delighted with the conquest of the slopes. Several cross-country skiing tracks have been laid at the resort. Fluffy snow and spectacular views will make this walk truly unforgettable. Several schools have been opened in Gudauri, where they offer paragliding services. There is a track for skating on cheats.
Rest with children
In Gudauri there is a private kindergarten where young travelers can be left while parents ride. At the lower station of the lift are playgrounds. Several ski schools for children have been opened, where students from the age of 3 are accepted. Lifts for children under 6 years of age work free of charge. Older guys can try their hand at driving snowmobiles. The resort has hotels equipped with children's rooms and offers babysitting services.
Heli-Skiing
Helicopter skiing or heli-skiing is a type of backcountry skiing/free-riding which involves a helicopter to access remote areas and slopes of virgin powder snow. Chances are that you already know what heli-skiing is about, but for those who have never heard of it before, here is some information about this type of adventurous skiing: First of all, heli-skiing is an activity of downhill skiing/snowboarding which takes place in untouched snow, on remote mountainsides, away from the groomed slopes of a ski resort. What separates heli-skiing from other types of freeriding and backcountry skiing is that skiers and snowboarders are flown by helicopter to the top of these remote slopes. Using a helicopter allows the skier or snowboarder to quickly reach stunning heights and spectacular slopes otherwise difficult to access.
Apres ski
The resort has nightclubs, bars and restaurants. There are not a lot of them, but you can choose the right place for dinner. Some hotels offer accommodation with breakfast and dinner, for those who do not want to suffer from the search for a place for an evening meal. After a busy day, you can go to a Russian bath or SPA center. However, Gudauri's nightlife is not very rich in events..
Distance
Tbilisi: 120km
Kutaisi: 295 km