Kintrishi Protected Areas
A forested valley inland from Kobuleti, protected since 1959, with medieval stone bridges, mountain villages and a multi-day trail to Lake Tbikeli.
Kintrishi Protected AreasPhoto: dkhinveli, CC0The Kintrishi Protected Areas cover 13,893 hectares of the Kintrishi river valley, between the village of Tskhemvani and the Khino mountains, inland from Kobuleti. A strict nature reserve, created in 1959 to protect relict Colchic forest, takes up most of the area, while a protected landscape around the villages, added in 2007, is open for walking, camping and village stays. The land climbs from about 300 m to 2,500 m, so a single valley takes you from humid forest with boxwood and old yews to subalpine meadows and lakes.
The easiest walk is the short trail of about 1.2 km near Tskhemvani to a medieval stone arched bridge and a boxwood grove. Experienced hikers can follow the marked route up the valley past the medieval Khinotsminda monastery to Lake Tbikeli at about 1,900 m, a trip of two to three days with nights in a shelter, a guesthouse or a tent. Together with Mtirala, Kintrishi forms the largest part of the Colchic Rainforests and Wetlands World Heritage Site.
What to see and do
- Short walk to a medieval stone arched bridge near Tskhemvani
- Boxwood and yew groves in the Colchic forest
- Multi-day trek to Lake Tbikeli at about 1,900 m
- Khinotsminda monastery and highland villages
- Village guesthouses with Adjarian home cooking
How to visit
Getting there
The trailheads near Tskhemvani are about 24 km from central Kobuleti and 55 km from Batumi, up the Kintrishi valley through Chakhati; allow about 1 hour from Kobuleti by car. A few minibuses a day run from Kobuleti to Chakhati.
When to go
May–October; June–September for Lake Tbikeli. Plan half a day to 3 days here.
- In the strict reserve you may walk only on marked trails; ask the administration in Kobuleti about routes and permits.
- Nights at Lake Tbikeli are cold even in summer, so bring warm layers and a good tent.
- Water sources are patchy on the upper route; carry enough or a filter.
- A local guide is recommended for the multi-day trek.
Kintrishi Protected Areas: FAQ
How do I get to Kintrishi from Kobuleti?
Drive or take a minibus up the Kintrishi valley to Chakhati and on to Tskhemvani, about 24 km from the town centre. The trails start near the visitor shelter in Tskhemvani.
Is Kintrishi part of a UNESCO site?
Yes. Since 2021 Kintrishi and neighbouring Mtirala have formed the largest component of the Colchic Rainforests and Wetlands World Heritage Site.
Nearby places
Straight-line distance from Kintrishi Protected Areas.
