Hiking in Georgia has become easier
Mtirala Park, Mount Chakvistavi
long route
about the location
If you find yourself in Adjara, you simply must visit the Colchis Forest. Not doing so is like traveling to Africa and not visiting the savannas.
The Colchis Forests are relict subtropical forests that survived the ice ages. They are among the oldest forests in Western Eurasia. Many ancient plant species have been preserved here—for example, Colchis spindle tree and Colchis boxwood, Pontic oak and Colchis ivy, Pontic rhododendron, and berry yew. These species are natural monuments.
Can you imagine visiting a subtropical region, with vines, very high humidity, and an incredible amount of greenery?
The Colchis Forests are relict subtropical forests that survived the ice ages. They are among the oldest forests in Western Eurasia. Many ancient plant species have been preserved here—for example, Colchis spindle tree and Colchis boxwood, Pontic oak and Colchis ivy, Pontic rhododendron, and berry yew. These species are natural monuments.
Can you imagine visiting a subtropical region, with vines, very high humidity, and an incredible amount of greenery?
How can you join us?
You can join a group tour—just select a tour from the schedule. You can book a transfer with trusted drivers or a private guided tour tailored to your dates.
I’m Alina, the author of this article, our guide, and a botanist by training. I lead botanical tours here and look forward to welcoming interested participants :)
I’m Alina, the author of this article, our guide, and a botanist by training. I lead botanical tours here and look forward to welcoming interested participants :)
Yellow Route
You can drive to the starting point in any car; the entire road is paved. It's very close to Batumi—about 30 km.
This route is suitable for those who are in good physical shape; we classify it as moderate —it’s about 12 km long with an elevation gain of about 1,000 meters. There will be sections with steep inclines on the way up and especially on the way down, so we recommend bringing trekking poles—they’ll be very helpful.
At the end of the trail, there’s a fork to the right—leading to a waterfall and a small lake. You can skip it to shorten the hike, or you can take that detour, in which case the hike will be about 16 km.
Starting point: 41.6798, 41.8601
Route Visualization in Mtirala Park
The trail follows the mountain ridge, but through the forest. Every now and then, views of the neighboring hills open up, and it's absolutely beautiful!
More about the route
We suggest you walk to the shelter and the water source. The trail to the very summit is less well-trodden, and you shouldn’t expect any views—it’s all overgrown with shrubs. You can find the trail on Organic Maps and Maps.me, as well as on the signs in the park.
To create a loop route in the map app, select a start and end point and use several waypoints (in the app, tap “Drive to”).
Coordinates of the fork: 41.653412, 41.873262 (number 3 in the picture). There, the trail splits—one branch leads to the shelter (41.645217, 41.880963) and the summit, while the other heads back down. If you go to the shelter, you’ll need to return to the fork and descend via the second trail.
We think the return trip is the most beautiful part of the park and this route. A beech forest, fog, everything green and covered in ivy. It’s absolutely beautiful!
To create a loop route in the map app, select a start and end point and use several waypoints (in the app, tap “Drive to”).
Coordinates of the fork: 41.653412, 41.873262 (number 3 in the picture). There, the trail splits—one branch leads to the shelter (41.645217, 41.880963) and the summit, while the other heads back down. If you go to the shelter, you’ll need to return to the fork and descend via the second trail.
We think the return trip is the most beautiful part of the park and this route. A beech forest, fog, everything green and covered in ivy. It’s absolutely beautiful!
Mt. Mtirala by the Numbers
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distanceDistance from Batumi: 28 km, which is about an hour's drive.
It takes 6–7 hours to complete the main tourist route in the park. -
Elevation and Dimensions of the National Park1,381 meters—the elevation of Mount Mtirala above sea level. 4,290 hectares—the area of Mtirala National Park, which surrounds the mountain. -
precipitation4,500 mm—the average annual precipitation, making Mount Mtirala the wettest place in Georgia.
about the weather
I’d like to point out separately that this will most likely be a hike into the clouds. Mount Mtirala is one of the wettest places in Georgia, and its name—which translates as “The Weeping One”—fully reflects the local climate. According to some sources, the area receives 4,500 mm of precipitation per year. Almost every day, by midday, clouds reach the mountain’s summit. And what would otherwise be an ordinary hike turns into a truly mysterious and magical journey.
It rains here almost year-round, and the air is saturated with moisture. Even on the hottest summer days, the temperature rarely rises above 25°C, and the dense forests and fog lend this place a mystical atmosphere. In winter, the temperature drops to 0°C, but snow is rare, as humidity remains high and precipitation most often falls as rain.
It rains here almost year-round, and the air is saturated with moisture. Even on the hottest summer days, the temperature rarely rises above 25°C, and the dense forests and fog lend this place a mystical atmosphere. In winter, the temperature drops to 0°C, but snow is rare, as humidity remains high and precipitation most often falls as rain.
This trail is worth taking if you want to explore the Colchis relict forest, walk among the clouds, enjoy the views of the forest and its plants, and feel as if you’re in the tropics.
If you’re looking for panoramic views, then head to Gulebi—we wrote about that trail here.
If you’re looking for panoramic views, then head to Gulebi—we wrote about that trail here.
to go to Mt. Mtirala to enjoy the wilderness and the freshness of the rainforests
Important Details
This is an off-the-beaten-path hiking trail, so you may encounter wild animals along the way. The most important rule for hiking is to make your presence known to the animals so they don’t come out onto the trail toward you. Walk and make noise: talk loudly, tap your walking sticks, and whistle.
The second rule is not to leave any food scraps behind at picnic spots. Even organic waste, like a banana peel, can be harmful. Animals get used to the idea that humans are a source of food and are more likely to approach people, which poses a threat to both the animals and humans.
The second rule is not to leave any food scraps behind at picnic spots. Even organic waste, like a banana peel, can be harmful. Animals get used to the idea that humans are a source of food and are more likely to approach people, which poses a threat to both the animals and humans.
What should I do?
- hikingon a route of moderate difficulty
- to meditateIt's quiet and peaceful here
- enjoy the great outdoorsThe mystery of the Colchis Forest is truly mesmerizing
- make a million...incredible photos
Water
At least 1 liter per person; there’s a spring at the top where you can refill your water. Keep in mind that it will be hot, and you’ll need to drink much more in the heat
Lunch
The hike will be long—be sure to bring food
Suitable, non-slip footwear
Trekking boots are best
Trekking poles
They reduce the strain on your leg muscles and knees and help you stay more stable
The gazebos at the summit near the shelter are pay-to-use. If you’d like to sit there, you’ll need to pay for it when you leave the park. The staff will be eagerly awaiting you :)
You can also stay overnight at the shelter for a fee; check with the park’s administrative center for current rates.
There are security cameras along the route; staff use them to monitor the area and keep an eye on the gazebos.
You can also stay overnight at the shelter for a fee; check with the park’s administrative center for current rates.
There are security cameras along the route; staff use them to monitor the area and keep an eye on the gazebos.
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