Kutaisi may not be one of the most beautiful Georgian cities, but the area boasts a true natural wonder—the Okatse Gorge. It's worth a day trip.
The gorge can be reached by trekking, but this is a logistically challenging expedition. It's much more convenient to book a driver at the hotel reception to spend the day with you. This trip costs approximately 25 GEL per person. The easiest way to reach the gorge is by taxi or rental car. Prices quoted by taxi drivers are consistent with those offered by any hotel. A car for up to 4 people costs 60 GEL. Seven people can rent a vehicle with a driver for 7-90 GEL. You'll spend approximately 100-2 hours on the gorge.
The Okatse Canyon is located in the Satsisquilo River valley, in the village of Zeda Gordi. It is approximately 2 kilometers long, 3 to 20 meters wide, and 20 to 100 meters deep. The canyon contains several lakes, one of which (Lake Ospacho) is 60 meters long. A three-tiered waterfall flows from the eastern cliff, the Ashi limestone massif. The first tier is 25 meters, the second 70 meters, and where the stream flows into the Satsisquilo River, a third 35-meter cascade is created. The canyon contains caves from which karst springs emerge. A kilometer-long platform suspended high along the canyon walls offers visitors the opportunity to admire the views from above. From the Vistor Center, where you must purchase tickets, a 2-kilometer trail leads through a charming forest.
The Okatse Gorge looks quite daunting for anyone with a severe fear of heights. Just don't think about the walkways suspended 50 meters above the ground. For those who want to limit their walking to a minimum or just to the footbridges, internal taxis wait from the cash registers to the edge of the ravine.
The Okatse Gorge is now ready for tourists. The attractions are designed for the average Russian tourist who doesn't like to spend too much but wants to see breathtaking views. The Okatse Gorge will not disappoint. It will take you over an hour to cross the pedestrian bridge, so you won't be able to take your eyes off the stunning scenery.
The Okatse Canyon is closed on Mondays. Luckily, friendly Georgians can let you in without a ticket. The route takes about 2-2,5 hours, but it's a leisurely stroll, with breaks for photos and admiring the views. The last part of the return journey can be covered by taxi.
While visiting Okatse Canyon, you can visit Martvili Gorge. The full package includes an entrance ticket (5 GEL) and a boat ride (10 GEL). Start with rafting. First, choose life jackets. Then, you'll be given oars and led to the pontoon. You'll see several rafting routes to complete. You'll board the pontoon and set off. Don't worry, the boat will glide smoothly through the turquoise water. In about 20 minutes, you'll be back at the pier. Now the second part of the excursion is a walk, partly along a path and across special pedestrian bridges along the gorge walls and a picturesque waterfall.
Before the October Revolution, Martvili Gorge belonged to the local princely family, the Dadiani. Its members often visited the area to bathe. They also organized various events along the riverbanks.
A visit to Martvili Canyon will last over an hour. The tour will feel more like a Sunday stroll than a trek, but not every attraction needs to be an adrenaline rush. The most important thing is that the excursions described above will allow you to see Georgia's amazing nature in all its glory.
