Karsani-Armazi gorge

What will we see?

If autumn colors are especially beautiful and attractive for you, then you can enjoy its views here, near Tbilisi, in particular in the Armazi gorge. It is true that hiking in these places can be done at any time of the year due to its simplicity, but in autumn the environment offers magnificent colors. The route starts from the road connecting Mtskheta-Tbilisi and goes to the village of Karsani by a dirt road. At the beginning of the route, you can visit Armaztsikhe (Bagineti) from Parnavaz-era. After the village of Karsani, the trail goes up to the st. Nino Church and Fathers' Monastery located on top of the mountain, from where there are spectacular views of Mtskheta, Mtkvari gorge, Saguramo, Zedazeni and their surroundings. Then you go to Armazi Fortress, which will travel you to Georgia in the past. Continue the road in the valley of the river Armaziskhevi and enter the village Armazi by the path. You will be able to camp near the castle and fill the water from a small stream in the ravine.

Basic technical information

The total distance of the route is 7.7 kilometers and you have to climb 480 meters and land 460 meters. The highest point is located at 960 meters above sea level, from where there are extraordinary views. It is possible to walk the route in one day with light equipment, however, in order to get well-familiar with the environment, you can go hiking for 2 days. The trail starts from the road connecting Mtskheta to Tbilisi, turns west towards the village of Karsani, then climbs to the top of the mountain, where St. Nino Church is located. You continue the way to Armazi Fortress and at the end you reach the village of Armazi by the path.

Difficulty: Easy

This route is a simple category. The trail initially leads to a dirt road to the village of Karsana, and from Armazi Fortress the trail enters the village of Armazi. The exception is the middle section of the route, where you have to cross a short unpaved section and a steep slope.

Campsite

The campsite is located near Armazi Fortress, where you will be able to set up a tent and spend the night. You will also collect firewood to light a bonfire, and fill a jar with water from a small ravine, that then joins the Armaziskhevi River. This place is surrounded by deciduous forest and gets especially beautiful in autumn.

Recommendations

If you decide to go on the route for 2 days you will need a hiking backpack, tent, mat, hiking boots and sleeping bag, hiking sticks if desired. You should have 1-1.5 liters of water with you, it is possible to fill it on the spot. You will also need food for two days.