Is climbing Katskhi Pillar mandatory?

No. The tour accommodates visitors who prefer to view the pillar from ground level or the monastery entrance. Discuss any mobility concerns with your guide at the start of the day.

What exactly is the Katskhi Pillar?

It's a natural 40-meter limestone monolith topped by a small hexagonal monastery with ornate design. The pillar is one of Georgia's most sacred Orthodox sites and visually one of the most striking.

How old are the Soviet cablecars in Chiatura?

They are the oldest functional cable car system from the Soviet era still in active use, originally built to transport miners. Riding them is a unique cultural experience and photographing them from within is popular with visitors.

What wine will we taste?

Tsitska, a dry white wine from the Imereti region and part of Georgia's indigenous vine family. It pairs well with khachapuri and reflects local winemaking traditions.

Are the frescoes at Ubisa Monastery viewable and accessible?

Yes. Ubisa Monastery is a medieval complex open to visitors, and its frescoes are among the finest examples of Georgian Orthodox art preserved on-site. A guide will explain their historical and spiritual significance.

How long will I spend driving versus at each site?

Expect 4–5 hours of driving across the 435 km itinerary. The remaining time is split between Katskhi Pillar (2–3 hours including climb), Chiatura (1–1.5 hours), Ubisa Monastery (1 hour), Mgvimevi cave church (45 mins), and meal/wine tasting (1–1.5 hours).

Natural limestone monolith "The Katskhi Pillar"

The main church with the smaller church of St. Catherine

Fresco of Mghvimevi church of the Nativity of the Mother of God

The Katskhi Monastery of Nativity of the Savior (10th Century)

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross relief from the Katskhi Monastery

"The Last Supper" painted by Damiane in 14th century at Ubisa Monastery

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Explore Chiatura: Katskhi, Cableway & More from Tbilisi

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Tbilisi, Georgia

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About this activity

A comprehensive 12-hour private day tour from Tbilisi that combines Georgia's most dramatic spiritual landmarks—the gravity-defying Katskhi Pillar, Soviet-era mining town Chiatura, and medieval cave churches—with tastings of khachapuri and local Tsitska wine. This journey spans 435 km through mountain passes and reveals centuries of Georgian Orthodox heritage in one immersive experience.

Private full day tour to Katskhi Pillar and Chiatura includes visiting two-nave church of Mgvimevi built in a natural cave in the 13th century, mining town Chiatura with the oldest Soviet cable cars, Katskhi Monastery with a unique hexagonal design and ornamentation, Katskhi Pillar - a natural limestone monolith with the most sacred churches on top and the medieval monastic complex of Ubisa with some of the best frescoes in Georgia. Private tour includes tasting Khachapuri (Georgian Cheese Bread) in the mountain village and tasting Tsitska wine that is part of the Imereti family of indigenous Georgian vines. Guests will also enjoy great landscapes of Jvari Pass and Rikoti Pass. Total drive 435 km (265 miles).

Highlights

✓Katskhi Pillar: climb to the sacred hexagonal monastery atop a 40-meter limestone monolith
✓Mgvimevi: 13th-century two-nave church carved into a natural cave
✓Chiatura mining town: ride vintage Soviet cableway system (oldest in operation)
✓Ubisa Monastery: medieval complex renowned for exceptional frescoes
✓Mountain village khachapuri and Tsitska wine tasting
✓Scenic drives through Jvari and Rikoti Passes

Insider tips

★Visit in spring (April–May) or autumn (September–October) when temperatures are mild; summer heat makes the Katskhi Pillar climb strenuous
★Wear sturdy hiking shoes with grip—the pillar ascent is steep and can be slippery after rain
★The Soviet cableway in Chiatura is genuinely functional; photographs from inside offer unique perspectives of the mining landscape
★Request khachapuri made fresh in the mountain village kitchen if notified in advance

Good to know

•Total distance is 435 km (265 miles); expect 4–5 hours of driving with scenic stops
•Katskhi Pillar climb is moderately strenuous (40+ meters vertical); unsuitable for mobility issues or severe vertigo
•Private tour means flexibility to adjust pace, but itinerary is full; breakfast before departure recommended
•Bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen), water, and a light jacket for mountain passes
•Tour includes wine tasting; non-drinkers are accommodated with soft alternatives

Who it's for

History and archaeology enthusiasts seeking medieval Orthodox heritageAdventure travellers comfortable with moderate climbing and long daysCultural food & wine explorers wanting authentic Georgian culinary experiencesPhotography-focused visitors drawn to dramatic landscapes and unique Soviet-era infrastructure

Best time to visit

April–May and September–October offer the most comfortable weather for climbing and sightseeing. Avoid July–August when heat intensifies the physical exertion, and December–February when mountain passes may be affected by snow.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

(3)

Carlos H.

Dec 2025

our guide Mehmet had so many stories and a little local spot off the usual route was the highlight. For our anniversary so it wasnt too busy. Did it on our first morning, and on a rainy sunday. Would book again no question.

Laura J.

Jul 2025

our guide Mateo was nice enough, but the bit at the end nobody expects felt a bit rushed honestly, and over easter break.

Esme P.

Mar 2025

our guide Carla couldnt do enough for us and a stop the guide added on the fly was the highlight. Over easter break so it wasnt too busy. Worked great for a solo traveller like me, and came away with 200+ photos, and fine even with my dodgy knee, and ran the full 4 hours promised. Would book again no question, def recommend

from€138.7/ person

4.8 · 66 reviews on Trustpilot

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