6 Things to Do in Chiatura: a Unique Day Trip from Kutaisi

Definitely not your typical spot on a Georgian travel itinerary, all the best things to do in Chiatura can easily covered in this unique and alternative day trip from Kutaisi. If you fancy getting a little off the beaten path and exploring a place with a little more grit than touristy charm, this is the place.

This mining town is known for its large network of cable cars and its Sovietness. The cable cars were originally built to connect different parts of the valley to enable workers to reach the mines. Since many of the mines are no longer open, the cable cars fell into disrepair. Many have recently been restored, but not all of them. Today, there is a fascinating mix of modern and rusted cable cars that haven’t changed since back in the olden days, and this is what helps give Chiatura its unique character.

We actually spent three nights in Chiatura, but I feel like a day trip is more than enough time to see all the best bits.

So, what are the things to do in Chiatura as a day trip from Kutaisi?

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2. Ride the Cable Cars

There are four main renovated cable car lines, and the station that offers the best view in our opinion is the Sanatorium cable car station. It’s located right by the Pioneer Palace, which is unfortunately fully cordoned off. You can still see the palace through the fence (obviously it’s not the same) and the area around the palace is now a new park.

The view from up here is great! And I loved getting this photo of the colourful apartment block in amongst the green of the valley.

3. Search for the Abandoned Cable Cars

Our two favourite spots to see the original cable cars just as they were back in the day are here right in the centre of town and here a walk out of town, but worth the walk.

We do not recommend entering the old cable car stations as these are definitely not maintained and are likely not safe. However, seeing the abandoned and rusted cable cars still hanging on the ropeways swaying in the wind is an eerily fascinating and surreal sight!

4. See the Lenin/Stalin Mosaic

On the side of the renovated ‘old’ cable car station, you’ll find an old Soviet plaque/mosaic (that might not be the best way to describe it) but it is prominent and a huge symbol of the Soviet republic that still stands. Find it here.

5. Explore Mgvimevi Convent

On your way to the abandoned cable car station out of the centre of town, stop by Mgvimevi Convent. 

Yep, I can’t get move my mouth in a way to say M, G, and V altogether either!

Carved into the cliff face, it has similarities to the cave cities of Vardzia and Uplistiskhe. Climb the stairs and wander through the dark tunnel lit by candles to reach the 13^th century church. You’ll also get to see views over the valley from up here.

It doesn’t take long to see everything here (maybe 30 minutes), but it’s absolutely worth the wander. Take a scarf to cover your head.

6. Eat a Home-Cooked Meal at Lunch at Lia

Ok, Chiatura is not the spot for foodies. We tried the restaurants out and didn’t find anything that we could really recommend. BUT, we did find Lunch at Lia on Google Maps and decided to head over to see what they had to offer.

They serve up a full home-cooked meal with wine (and maybe even chacha) in their front room or garden depending on the weather, and it is delicious! And there is SO much food, make sure you come hungry.

Find them on Google Maps and message them on Whatsapp a couple of days before you head to Chiatura so that they can prepare. They are the loveliest and most welcoming people! This is a whole local experience, not just a meal.

How to Get to Katskhi Pillar and Chiatura from Kutaisi

Marshrutka

You can totally do this independently by marshrutka from Kutaisi. Jump on the #1 bus from Colchis roundabout heading to the central bus station. Pay by card on the bus – just tap your regular card from back home, or get a Bolt to take you there. It shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes and the buses leave regularly. 

Once you’re at the station, ask around for the next marshrutka to Chiatura and they will point you in the right direction. They roughly leave every hour, so you might have to hang around a wee bit, but you’ll still have plenty of time at Chiatura if you start early. I would try to get to the station for no later than 08:00. Back in 2023, the marshrutka cost 10 GEL per person.

Tell the driver you want to get off at Katskhi, and monitor it on your phone so that you know when to remind him to stop in case he forgets. It will likely be about 1.5 hours from Kutaisi.  Pay in cash.

Jump off about here and walk up the road to reach the pillar.

Once you’ve seen the pillar, walk back to this spot and then flag down any marshrutka heading up to Chiatura. You shouldn’t have to wait long as several marshrutkas run this route regularly.

Jump back on the marshrutka and it will take you all the way into Chiatura (maybe another 30 minutes). You will have to pay again. When you arrive into I would advise to double check when the last marshrutka leaves Chiatura Central Station to head back to Kutaisi so that you don’t miss it.

The time of the last marshrutka could depend on the season. When we took the marshrutka back in 2023, the last one left at 15:00.

GoTrip

Looking for more time, and a more relaxed and tailored experience? GoTrip is the way to go! Pick your driver on their site, receive a fixed price fare, and get driven to all of the best spots without the hassle of marshrutkas and time constraints. Waiting time and stops en route for photos, lunch, etc. incur no extra charge!

Organised Tours

If you’re travelling solo or want to get more info on the history of Chiatura, this tour would be great. The ratings and reviews are SO strong!

Back in Kutaisi

When you get back to the city, be sure to try some of Kutaisi’s best restaurants and wine bars! Relax in the sun by river Rioni with a glass of chilled local Tsolikouri wine, or gorge on the local Imeretian khachapuri.

And maybe plan your next day trip from Kutaisi – we recommend visiting Gelati & Motsameta Monasteries!

Where To Stay In Kutaisi

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