Martvili Canyon Tour invites you to immerse yourself in the beauty of Georgian wilderness. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a casual adventurer, there’s a trail designed for your exploration. Gear up, embrace the diversity, and let the trails of Martvili guide you through a journey of awe-inspiring landscapes. Before you embark, ensure you’re properly equipped. Sturdy footwear, a refillable water bottle, and a camera to capture the magic – essentials for a memorable hike.
Most comfortable and interesting way to experience the natural beauty of Martvili Canyon is to join our Martvili and Okatse Canyon tour
How to get to Martvili Canyon
Generally, the easiest way to travel to Martvili Canyon is to take a public bus from Kutaisi. It dispatches from Kutaisi central bus station located on Chavchavadze avenue at the side of McDonald’s. Must be remembered that we have 2 McDonald’s, another one located at the central square of Kutaisi. To reach central bus station station from city center you may take a City Bus N1 or a taxi. Minibus departs at 09:00-10:00 once a day and costs —-gel. It reaches Martvili City in 1 hour and returns at ——- from the same place. From Martvili city you may take a taxi to Matvili Canyon. It takes about 15 minutes and costs about 10-15 gel.
At Martvili Visitor Center
During Martvili Canyon tour you reach the visitor Centre at first. 700 meters hiking trail starts from the visitors’ centre. It passes through Dadiani’s (historically, one of the richest family in Georgia and a local ruler) historic walkway. There are 2 bridges, 3 viewing platforms, and 30-step an old staircase that is built from limestone.
There are 3 ticket options:
- Main ticket for walking along the waterfalls down the river. costs 20 gel. 40-50 minutes to walk;
- Optional ticket for Boating up the river. costs – 20 gel. it takes about 20 minutes. There are 6 people on the boat and an instructor. You may need to paddle though, as the river is very peaceful ; You don’t need special skills or experience to have a boat ride.
- Optional ticket for zipline. costs 70 gel. Zipline length —— meters;
IMPORTANT: at the time of rain, the river level raises and boating is not available.
Sites to See Nearby during your Martvili Canyon tour
On the way to Martvili Canyon tour you may visit interesting places nearby, which don’t require much efforts or time to reach.
Martvili Monastery
Martvili Monastery is undoubtedly, worth to visit. Ancient historical site, beautiful views, peaceful surrounding makes you feel unique atmosphere of bygone era. Located in the village of Martvili, it overlooks Tskhenistkali (river) valley. On the hill, at ancient times, there stood huge oak tree, worshiped as an idol of fertility and prosperity. After the native population accepted Christianity, they cut the Oak tree down. Lately, in the 7th century local ruler build a monastery on the roots of old oak tree. It was named in honor of Saint Andrew who preached Christianity and converted the pagans across the region.
Kagu Waterfall
Kagu waterfall, absolutely impressive and picturesque. Moreover, noisy mountain river, emerald green water, invites you to dive into the greenery of wild Gorge. Kagu is located near the village of Pirveli Balda, Martvili Municipality, in the gorge of Abasha river. Kagu is a favorite place for locals especially in hot spring days. You may find there people swimming and partying. Small restaurants and shops offer local food and wine. It’s free to enter.
Balda Canyon
Balda Canyon is located on the way to Kagu waterfall. The length of canyon is – 1400 meters, width – 5-10 meters, and depth – 25-30 meters. The nearest large settlement to the natural monument is Martvili. The distance from Martvili to Balda Canyon – 11.4 km, time to reach by transport – 30 minutes.
Tsachkhuru Monastery
Green mountain slopes near Tsachkhuri village shelters a very beautiful momastery. It’s in a 40 minutes drive from Martvili Canyon and the road lies through picteresque countryside of the area. People believes, that the Monastery has been a protector of family and fertility since ancient times. According to historical sources, the Tsachkhuri Fortress and the pagan idol Moske (“Moske-Tsachkhuri” means “giver of sons” in the Megrelian language) were erected on this site. Stunning landscapes are surrounding the Monastery. There small trail behind the monastery, which leads to a beautiful waterfall hidden in the rocky slopes.
A Hiker’s Essentials Guide while preparing for a Martvili Canyon Tour
Selecting the Right Gear: Embarking on a trek through the enchanting trails of Martvili Canyon requires the right gear. Opt for a comfortable and durable backpack to carry essentials. Ensure it’s equipped with hydration options, allowing you to stay refreshed during your journey.
Weather-Ready Attire: Martvili’s weather can be as diverse as its landscapes. Dress in layers, so you’re prepared for temperature fluctuations. A light, waterproof jacket ensures you stay dry if the weather surprises you. Check the forecast, but always be ready for a spontaneous adventure! Enhance your hiking comfort with accessories like a wide-brimmed hat to shield you from the sun, a pair of sunglasses to combat glare, and a pair of gloves for chilly mornings. These additions ensure you’re comfortable throughout your Martvili exploration.
Pack Smart: When packing your backpack, think about the essentials – water, snacks, a first aid kit, and a map. A camera or smartphone is a must for capturing the beauty around you. Travel light, but ensure you have everything you need for a day of adventure.
With miles to cover, caring for your feet is vital. Invest in moisture-wicking socks to keep your feet dry and prevent blisters. If the trails get muddy, a spare pair might be a game-changer. Prioritize foot comfort for an enjoyable hike.
Discover Martvili’s Ever-changing Canvas: A Seasonal Odyssey
Spring’s Blooming Symphony: As winter loosens its grip, Martvili transforms into a kaleidoscope of colors. Cherry blossoms and vibrant wildflowers carpet the canyon, creating a breathtaking tapestry. Spring invites you to witness nature’s reawakening, with the melody of birdsong as your guide.
Summer’s Lush Green Embrace: The vibrant greenery of summer unfolds in Martvili, casting a refreshing shade over the canyon’s trails. The waterfalls glisten in the sunlight, inviting you to cool off in their crystal-clear pools. Summer in Martvili is a sensory feast of sights and sounds.
Fall’s Fiery Spectacle: As autumn paints Martvili Canyon in warm hues, the landscape becomes a living masterpiece. The deciduous trees shed their leaves, covering the trails in a crunchy carpet. Capture the fiery glow of the canyon during this season of transition.
In every season, Martvili offers a unique spectacle, each chapter of the year unveiling a different facet of its natural allure. Whether you’re captivated by spring blossoms, summer’s verdant embrace, or fall’s fiery hues, Martvili welcomes you to explore its ever-changing canvas