How to Get to Gelati Monastery from Kutaisi (& Motsameta!)

Visiting Gelati Monastery is an absolute must if you’re in Kutaisi. A quick drive just outside of the city, we were blown away by how green and naturally beautiful the surrounding area was.

The intricate and ancient religious artwork on the walls inside Gelati Monastery is the reason to visit.

But what if I told you you could add another historic church to your half-day trip that feels like it is set in a jungle?

Well, that is Mostameta!

Combining these two monasteries into one trip works as a great half-day trip from Kutaisi, and it is dead easy to do.

This blog post will show you how to get to Gelati Monastery from Kutaisi depending on your travel style, budget, time, and physical ability.

Note: Gelati Monastery is currently closed for restoration and so is temporarily closed until at least August 2025.

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Option 1: Independent & Budget Option – Marshrutka & Hiking

Gelati and Motsameta are not far from Kutaisi centre, so you can get a marshrutka to Gelati (the highest point) and then walk back downhill to the city via Motsameta Monastery.

We have done this ourselves and you get some really beautiful views that you wouldn’t otherwise see.

1. Download the Georgia map on Maps.me.
2. Pick up marshrutka 33 to Gelati Monastery from here. It should have a sign in the window with a picture of the monastery.

3. From Gelati, you can walk to Motsameta in maybe an hour? We headed down to the train tracks and followed them, but there are several routes. You can always ask at Gelati, and they will point you in the right direction.
4. From Motsameta back to Kutaisi, you can follow Maps.me and continue to follow the train tracks back into town. You’ll see some insane views near the tracks just beyond Motsameta, and you’ll feel like you are looking out over the jungle! Walk time back into town will be maybe another hour.

If the weather is bright and sunny, you’ll want to bring a hat and suncream etc. because the walking route back into town is very exposed.

Option 1a: Independent & Budget – Marshrutka to & from Gelati Only

If however, you only want to visit Gelati, you can also get the marshrutka back into town. It leaves from Gelati at 07:50, 12:00, 15:00, 17:00, and 18:30.

Option 2: Comfortable – GoTrip Private Driver

GoTrip is a service that puts you in contact with local drivers. You can see customer reviews, the amount of passengers their car can hold, the language they speak, and their confirmed price.

Pick yourself a driver and they’ll drive and wait for you at each stop with no extra fees for the wait time.

So, take your time and soak it all in, knowing that you have a lift waiting for you. Prices are affordable too!

This is a service that we have used several times ourselves and we thoroughly recommend it.

Option 3: Informative – Organised Tours with Get Your Guide

If you want to learn more about the history of the monasteries, this tour is ideal.

You’ll have a guide to take you to Bagrati (in Kutaisi centre), plus Gelati and Motsameta, and you’ll learn so much more than you could if you went independently.

There really is almost no information at the monasteries.

Gelati Monastery

Note: Gelati is currently under restoration and is temporarily closed until at least August 2025.

Gelati is a UNESCO listed monastery dating back to the 12^th century. The artwork inside is still intact with religious murals from floor to ceiling, and it’s really impressive.

The location for the monastery itself is pretty special with endless views out over the rolling hills; we struggled to believe that this was only a 20-minute drive out of the city!

You wouldn’t need any longer than an hour to see the whole complex and enjoy the views.

Motsameta Monastery

Motsameta Monastery isn’t UNESCO listed but has significant historical importance in Georgia.

During an Arab invasion in the 8^th century, two ruling princes of the region were given an ultimatum of converting themselves (and their region) to Islam.

They refused and so were thrown into the river to drown. Locals recovered their bodies and their bones are held here at the church.

Since, then the church has undergone significant renovation, new religious artwork inside.

But this monastery genuinely feels like it is in the middle of the jungle. A river meanders around the church while the valley is fully covered in trees. It really is beautiful!

Back in Kutaisi

Make sure you try out 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 of course get planning your next day trip from Kutaisi; fancy caves, canyons, urbexing, or searching for Soviet cable cars? Stay tuned! Blog posts are in the works.

Where To Stay In Kutaisi

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