LESSER CAUCASUS MOUNTAINS 4X4 ROAD TRIP
4 DAY KUTAISI LOOP ITINERARY
When it comes to mountains, Georgia is probably best known for the snow-capped peaks of Svaneti or Kazbegi. But for the adventurous traveller, the Lesser Caucasus mountains to the south offer a great opportunity to see a different side of the country. From the ‘Little Switzerland’ vibes of Bakhmaro and yaylas (summer settlements) of the Adjara Highlands, to the spa towns and sweeping Greater Caucasus views in Borjomi NP, this short Kutaisi loop itinerary mixes both cultural and natural attractions.
The route is best tackled by 4×4 in the summer months, but even then driving conditions can be challenging. With narrow dirt roads twisting through the mountains, little room to pass oncoming traffic, and some steep drop-offs to contend with, we’d recommend this trip only for confident and experienced off-road drivers.
In this guide we outline a detailed daily itinerary with wild camp spots and indoor accommodation options, offer a downloadable route map, plus all the practical info you need to organise your Lesser Caucasus Mountains 4×4 road trip. This itinerary starts and ends in Kutaisi, but it can of course be incorporated into a longer Georgia road trip so we also give suggestions for extending your journey further.
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ROAD TRIP FILMS
Many of the places in this Lesser Caucasus Mountains road trip itinerary feature in Parts Three and Four of our Toyota Hilux Expedition Camper series, including Bakhmaro, Chidila pass, Glamping Tago, and more.
Watch behind the scenes videos of our Lesser Caucasus Mountains 4×4 road trip on Instagram Stories
Watch behind the scenes videos
of our own Lesser Caucasus
Mountains 4×4 road trip on
Instagram Stories
LESSER CAUCASUS MOUNTAINS ITINERARY ROUTE MAP
LESSER CAUCASUS MOUNTAINS ITINERARY
ROUTE MAP
We have created a detailed map to accompany this Lesser Caucasus 4×4 Kutaisi loop itinerary, which can be used online or offline to navigate during your trip and quickly pinpoint all of the places mentioned in this guide. We have marked the driving and hiking routes, plus the key sights and recommended wild camp spots and accommodation options for each day of the itinerary. It is the perfect companion to this written guide.
LESSER CAUCASUS MOUNTAINS 4X4 ROAD TRIP ITINERARY OUTLINE
Day 1 | Kutaisi → Vani Hot Springs → Bakhmaro (Camping or Guesthouse) | 134 km
driving time: 3h15m + |
---|---|---|
Day 2 | Bakhmaro → Chidila pass → Ghorjomi → Tago (Glamping/camping or Guesthouse/Hotel) | 53 km
driving time: 5 hours + |
Day 3 | Tago → Goderdzi pass → Abastumani (Camping or Guesthouse/Hotel) | 79 km
driving time: 4 hours + |
Day 4 | Abastumani → Zekari pass → Sairme → Kutaisi (Guesthouse/Hotel) | 92 km
driving time: 3 hours + |
Day 1 | Kutaisi → Vani Hot Springs → Bakhmaro (Camping or Guesthouse) | 134 km DRIVING TIME: 3H15M + |
---|---|---|
Day 2 | Bakhmaro → Chidila pass → Ghorjomi → Tago (Glamping/camping or Guesthouse/Hotel) | 53 km DRIVING TIME: 5 hours + |
Day 3 | Tago → Goderdzi Pass → Abastumani (Camping or Guesthouse/Hotel) | 79 km DRIVING TIME: 4 hours + |
Day 4 | Abastumani → Zekari pass → Sairme → Kutaisi (Guesthouse/Hotel) | 92 km DRIVING TIME: 3 hours + |
DETAILED ITINERARY BREAKDOWN
LESSER CAUCASUS 4X4
ITINERARY BREAKDOWN
DAY 1 | KUTAISI → VANI HOT SPRINGS → BAKHMARO
134 KM | 3H15M + DRIVING
DAY 1
KUTAISI
→ VANI HOT SPRINGS
→ BAKHMARO
134 KM | 3H15M + DRIVING
Start your road trip with an invigorating soak at the Vani sulphur baths, before ascending through the lush hills of Guria to the alpine village of Bakhmaro (1950 m). Camp on the hilltop with Greater Caucasus views, or spend the night in a quintessential wooden cottage.
KUTAISI TO VANI HOT SPRINGS
35 KM | 45 MIN +
Follow the Rioni River south of Kutaisi and west through Zeindari and Amaghleba villages. Approx 7 km before Vani, turn right onto the dirt road and follow it for 2 km. At the end of the track you’ll find a parking area and a couple of calcified sulphur pools overflowing with chalky blue, piping hot water.
Its open air location is pretty special – in the midst of farming fields on the river plain between the Greater and Lesser Caucasus Mountains – although the rubbish around this popular local picnic site definitely takes the sheen off things. There are a couple of changing stalls next to the pools, a picnic table, and some bins, but no other facilities to speak of.
VANI HOT SPRINGS TO BAKHMARO
99 KM | 2H30M +
Return to the main road and continue west through Vani. At Sajavakho, leave the main road and start your climb towards the Guria mountains. The road winds its way through scenic villages surrounded by lush hillsides, down to Chokhatauri and the Supsa river valley. This is the last main town until Khulo (at the end of Day 2), so best to fill up fuel and supplies here before continuing. It’s an 1800 metre ascent on a good tarmac road to reach Bakhmaro, with wonderful views all around as you climb.
Bakhmaro appears as you crest the hill at 2050 m. Colourful wooden chalets dot the green hillsides, the Bakhvistsqali river snakes its way through the valley below, and patches of spruce, fir, and pine form patterns across the slopes. Tinkling cow bells complete the Swiss alpine vibes.
A drive/hike up Sunset Mountain for golden hour will reward you with spectacular views of the Greater Caucasus (on a clear day!), including Europe’s highest peak, Mt Elbrus (5642 m). You can hike on a trail from the village, up through the forest on the southern side, or drive most of the way on a dirt track on the northern side, then hike the last section to the top. We’ve marked both routes on our map. Allow 30 minutes – 1 hour to hike there.
If you’re looking to camp, there are a few decent spots on the hillside above the main settlement. A lot of accommodation in Bakhmaro is rented as a whole cottage, cabin, or chalet, which you can find via Airbnb, Google Maps, Facebook, etc. Somewhere like Old Bakhmaro operates more like a regular hotel.
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