Plan my trip
Home›Destinations›Canyons in Georgia

Collection · 12 places

Canyons in Georgia

Georgia's canyons fall into two families. In the wet west, soft limestone around Kutaisi and Martvili has been sliced into narrow gorges with turquoise water, mossy walls and small waterfalls; Martvili, Okatse and Balda are the famous three, all within an hour or so of each other. In the east and south, rivers have cut through hard volcanic rock and granite instead, giving deeper, harsher gorges such as Dashbashi near Tsalka and the Dariali Gorge on the road to Russia.

The western canyons are managed sites with visitor centres, built paths and tickets, and they can be busy from May to September. The mountain gorges are open country: you walk or drive through them for free, often with fortresses, tower villages or monasteries along the way. Several sit close to borders or occupation lines, so carry a passport.

We ranked the list by how much each canyon gives you for the effort. The Imereti and Samegrelo sites close in heavy rain, when boats stop and walkways get slippery, so keep a spare day if you are visiting in spring or autumn.

Martvili CanyonMartvili CanyonPhoto: Paata vardanashvili, CC BY-SA 4.0
1
Samegrelo & Svaneti · Nature & Hiking

Martvili Canyon

The Abasha river has carved a deep, narrow slot of pale limestone here, filled with blue-green water and hanging ferns. A short loop path with viewing platforms looks down into it, and inflatable boats take six people at a time about 300 m up the gorge past small falls. Dinosaur footprints were found in the rocks nearby in 2010.

Best months
April to June and September to October; boats do not run in rain
Access
Roughly 45 km from Kutaisi to the Inchkhuri visitor centre, then a 700 m loop path
Entry
about 40 GEL (about $15) in 2026; boat ride about 20 GEL extra
Read the guide →
Okatse CanyonOkatse CanyonPhoto: Paata vardanashvili, CC BY-SA 4.0
2
Imereti · Nature & Hiking

Okatse Canyon

A 780 m steel walkway is bolted to the side of this limestone gorge, ending in a platform that sticks out over a drop of more than 100 m. You reach it on a forest trail through the park of the old Dadiani summer estate. It is not for anyone with a strong fear of heights, but the path is fenced and solid.

Best months
April to November; closed in heavy rain and snow
Access
About 1 h by car from Kutaisi to Gordi, then about 2.3 km on foot to the walkway (2 to 3 h return in total)
Entry
about 30 GEL (about $11) in 2026; Okatse plus Kinchkha about 40 GEL
Read the guide →
Dashbashi CanyonDashbashi CanyonPhoto: Paata vardanashvili, CC BY-SA 4.0
3
Kvemo Kartli · Nature & Hiking

Dashbashi Canyon

A sudden green rift in the bare Tsalka plateau, where the Ktsia river runs some 300 m below dark basalt cliffs. A trail drops from the village to the river and a waterfall, and the 240 m glass Diamond Bridge hangs over the gorge for those who want the thrill. It is the easiest big canyon to visit from Tbilisi.

Best months
May to October
Access
Some 100 minutes west of Tbilisi by road; a 1.8 km trail from the village (about 1 h return)
Entry
Free to walk (glass bridge about 49 GEL (about $18) in 2026)
Read the guide →
Dariali Monastery
4
Mtskheta-Mtianeti · Churches & Monasteries

Dariali Gorge

North of Stepantsminda the Tergi squeezes through sheer granite walls on its way to Russia, the pass that ancient writers called the Caucasian Gates. The Georgian Military Road runs along the river past a modern stone monastery and the side gorge with the Gveleti falls. Late afternoon light on the cliffs is the best time for photos.

Best months
May to October; the road is open all year
Access
15 min by car north of Stepantsminda on a paved road; stop before the border checkpoint
Entry
Free
Read the guide →
Balda CanyonBalda CanyonPhoto: Paata vardanashvili, CC BY-SA 4.0
5
Samegrelo & Svaneti · Nature & Hiking

Balda Canyon

Upstream from Martvili on the same river, Balda is shorter and much quieter, with icy turquoise water between walls only 5 to 10 m apart in places. Balda Monastery stands close by, and a trail continues to the Oniore Waterfall. Choose it if Martvili feels too crowded.

Best months
May to October
Access
About 20 min by car north of Martvili town; short walk from the parking
Entry
Free
Read the guide →
Truso ValleyTruso ValleyPhoto: Nino19682210, CC BY-SA 4.0
6
Mtskheta-Mtianeti · Nature & Hiking

Truso Gorge

West of Kobi, the infant Tergi winds through a high valley at over 2,000 m, past rust-coloured mineral terraces, a fizzing spring lake and empty Ossetian tower villages. The easy walk along the river ends at the ruined Zakagori fortress, where a police post marks the limit for visitors near the occupation line. It is one of the best flat walks in the Caucasus.

Best months
June to October
Access
20 km south of Stepantsminda to Kobi, 4 km of dirt track, then about 22 km return on foot (5 to 6 h); passport needed
Entry
Free
Read the guide →
Shio-Mgvime MonasteryShio-Mgvime MonasteryPhoto: George Melashvili, CC BY-SA 3.0
7
Mtskheta-Mtianeti · Churches & Monasteries

Shio-Mgvime Canyon

A dry limestone ravine west of Mtskheta where monks have lived in caves since the 6th century. Hermit cells dot the cliffs above two old churches, and the silence of the gorge contrasts with busy Mtskheta. It adds a canyon walk to a classic day trip from Tbilisi.

Best months
March to June and September to November
Access
About 40 min by car from Tbilisi; paved road to the monastery
Entry
Free
Read the guide →
Birtvisi FortressBirtvisi FortressPhoto: Aleksey Muhranoff, CC BY-SA 3.0
8
Kvemo Kartli · Fortresses & Castles

Birtvisi Canyon (Algeti Gorge)

In the Algeti gorge south-west of Tbilisi, limestone pillars and crags hide the ruins of a medieval fortress, with its highest tower perched on the top rock. The hike of about 5 km threads narrow passages and needs a little scrambling. Go with a guide or a GPS track the first time.

Best months
April to June and September to October
Access
About 1 h by car from Tbilisi to Tbisi village, then a rocky hike of 3 h or more
Entry
Free
Read the guide →
Tmogvi FortressTmogvi FortressPhoto: jaba1977, Attribution
9
Samtskhe-Javakheti · Fortresses & Castles

Mtkvari Gorge at Tmogvi and Vardzia

Between Aspindza and Vardzia the Mtkvari runs through a steep volcanic canyon guarded by Khertvisi and the ruins of Tmogvi high on its crag. The road follows the river, so you see the gorge on any trip to Vardzia. Fit walkers can climb to Tmogvi for the best view down the canyon.

Best months
May to June and September to October
Access
Paved road from Akhaltsikhe (about 1 h); a steep 3 km climb to Tmogvi from near Pia village
Entry
Free
Read the guide →
ChiaturaChiaturaPhoto: Aleksey Muhranoff, CC BY-SA 3.0
10
Imereti · Cities & Towns

Kvirila Gorge, Chiatura

The manganese town of Chiatura fills a deep, narrow gorge, and the best way to see it is from a cable car swinging over the rooftops. On the eastern edge of town, Mgvimevi Monastery is built into a cave in the cliff. The Katskhi Pillar is a short drive away.

Best months
April to October
Access
About 1.5 h by car from Kutaisi via Zestaponi; cable cars from the town centre
Entry
Free (cable cars free or a token fare)
Read the guide →
BorjomiBorjomiPhoto: Sergey Sebelev, CC BY-SA 4.0
11
Samtskhe-Javakheti · Cities & Towns

Borjomi Gorge

The forested valley of the Mtkvari around Borjomi is gentler than the other gorges here, with steep wooded sides, mineral springs and the old spa town on the river. Take the cable car up from the park for the view down the valley. The national park trails start on the western edge of town.

Best months
May to October; autumn colour in October
Access
Around 160 km from Tbilisi along the E60 via Gori and Khashuri
Entry
Free (Central Park about 5 GEL)
Read the guide →
Enguri DamEnguri DamPhoto: David1010, CC BY-SA 4.0
12
Samegrelo & Svaneti · Nature & Hiking

Enguri Gorge

On the road from Zugdidi to Mestia, the Enguri river leaves the mountains through a long, steep-sided gorge closed off by a vast Soviet-era arch dam. Above the 271.5 m wall a milky turquoise reservoir fills the valley. It is a 20 minute stop that breaks the long drive into Svaneti.

Best months
All year, in daylight
Access
About 40 min by car from Zugdidi; viewpoints by the main road
Entry
Free
Read the guide →
Tips from your host
  • Do Martvili, Okatse and Kinchkha in one day from Kutaisi: start at Okatse when it opens and finish at Martvili in the softer afternoon light.
  • The ticketed canyons run roughly 10:00 to 17:30; boats and walkways close in rain, so check the forecast.
  • Children under six are not allowed on the Okatse walkway, and Martvili boats need a minimum height of about 1 to 1.2 m.
  • Carry a passport for Truso and Dariali, both close to borders, and stop where police tell you to.
  • Wear shoes with grip everywhere: canyon paths are damp and stepped even in summer.

Do it with us

Canyons in Georgia, privately

Any date, any group size. Private guide, transport, horses and camping gear if needed.

Ready-made tourKutaisi Canyons Day Trip1 day · from $110 pp (sample)
Plan my trip

Canyons in Georgia: FAQ

Which is better, Martvili Canyon or Okatse Canyon?

They are different. Martvili is about water: turquoise pools and a short boat ride between the walls. Okatse is about height: a long walkway on the cliff face with a platform over the drop. Most visitors do both on the same day from Kutaisi.

How much does it cost to visit Martvili Canyon in 2026?

Foreign adults paid about 40 GEL (about $15) in 2026 after the April price rise, plus about 20 GEL for the boat. Georgian citizens and children pay less, and combo tickets with Kinchkha and Prometheus exist.

Can you swim in Martvili Canyon?

No. Swimming is not allowed in the managed section of the canyon. The boat ride is the only way onto the water.

How do I get to Martvili and Okatse without a car?

Public transport to the canyons is very limited. The usual answer is a hired driver or a private tour based in Kutaisi; each canyon is roughly an hour's drive from the city.

Is the Okatse walkway scary?

It is narrow and exposed, but fenced on the outer side and very solid. Most people manage fine; those with a real fear of heights may prefer Martvili.

Are there canyons near Tbilisi?

Dashbashi Canyon near Tsalka is about 1 h 40 min away, Birtvisi in the Algeti gorge about an hour, and Shio-Mgvime near Mtskheta about 40 minutes.

What season suits the canyons best?

Late spring and early autumn. The western canyons have the most water in spring, and September and October bring fewer crowds. July and August are hot and humid around Kutaisi.

Is the Dashbashi glass bridge open?

The Diamond Bridge is privately run and closes in strong wind. Check its schedule and current ticket price before you go; walking the canyon trail itself is free.

Last checked Oct 2026 by the Maspindzeli team. Mountain conditions change: ask us before you go.

Tours that visit them

Okatse CanyonOkatse CanyonPhoto: Paata vardanashvili, CC BY-SA 4.0
1 day
Day TripsMountains & Nature

Kutaisi Canyons Day Trip

Two of western Georgia's limestone gorges in one private day from Kutaisi: the cliff walkway at Okatse, the tiered Kinchkha Waterfall nearby and a short boat trip on the turquoise Abasha inside Martvili Canyon.

Easy to moderate · DT-01Gfrom $110 pp
Gelati MonasteryGelati MonasteryPhoto: Ihor Burliai, CC BY-SA 3.0
1 day
Day TripsClassic & Culture

Kutaisi Caves and Monasteries Day Trip

A relaxed private day around Kutaisi that pairs two medieval monasteries, Gelati and Motsameta, with two very different caves: Sataplia, where dinosaurs left their tracks, and the great underground halls of Prometheus.

Easy · DT-01Hfrom $100 pp
Ananuri FortressAnanuri FortressPhoto: Vadim Tolbatov, CC BY-SA 3.0
1 day
Day TripsClassic & Culture

Kazbegi Day Trip

One long, scenic day up the Georgian Military Highway: Ananuri Fortress, the 2,379 m Jvari Pass and a 4x4 ride to Gergeti Trinity Church under Mount Kazbek.

Easy · DT-01Bfrom $140 pp
BorjomiBorjomiPhoto: Sergey Sebelev, CC BY-SA 4.0
2 days
Classic & CultureMountains & Nature

Borjomi and Vardzia in 2 Days

A two-day loop through Samtskhe-Javakheti that splits the long drive to Vardzia in half: Borjomi's park and springs, the Green Monastery, Rabati Castle in Akhaltsikhe and Khertvisi on day one, then Queen Tamar's cave city before the crowds and the high Javakheti plateau on the way home.

Easy to moderate · CL-02from $390 pp
Jvari MonasteryJvari MonasteryPhoto: Alexxx1979, CC BY-SA 4.0
1 day
Day TripsClassic & Culture

Mtskheta Day Trip

An unhurried day in Mtskheta, the old royal capital: Jvari, Svetitskhoveli and Samtavro, then the cliff caves of Shio-Mgvime in a peaceful side gorge.

Easy · DT-01from $110 pp
Bagrati CathedralBagrati CathedralPhoto: Marcin Konsek, CC BY-SA 4.0
5 days
Mountains & NatureWine Tours

Racha & Imereti Off the Beaten Path

The slow side of western Georgia: ride Chiatura's cable cars, see the Katskhi Pillar and Okatse Canyon, then taste Racha's wines beside carved cathedrals.

Easy · NT-05from $870 pp
Narikala FortressNarikala FortressPhoto: Alexxx1979, CC BY-SA 4.0
8 days
Family ToursClassic & Culture

Georgia for Families

Eight days of the things children love most: swinging cable cars, bumpy 4x4 tracks, pony rides, real dinosaur tracks, lit caves and a boat through a canyon, finishing on the beach at Batumi.

Easy · FM-08from $1,220 pp

Collections

More lists

Martvili CanyonPhoto: Paata vardanashvili, CC BY-SA 4.0
Canyons in Georgia12 places
Prometheus CavePhoto: Marcin Konsek, CC BY-SA 4.0
Caves in Georgia10 places
Abudelauri LakesPhoto: Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0
Lakes in Georgia15 places
Stepantsminda (Kazbegi)Photo: Supanut Arunoprayote, CC BY 4.0
National Parks in Georgia13 places
UshguliPhoto: Florian Pinel, CC BY-SA 3.0
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Georgia15 places
Kinchkha WaterfallPhoto: Paata vardanashvili, CC BY-SA 4.0
Waterfalls in Georgia11 places