Kutaisi: Chiatura Cable Cars & Katskhi Pillar Guided Tour

Take a guided tour from Kutaisi to explore the hidden gems of the Imereti region. Visit the Katskhi Pillar, a 40-meter-high limestone monolith with a church on top. The next stop will be the mining town of Chiatura, once number 1 in manganese mining, and was renowned for its unique Soviet-era cable car system, which was installed in the 1950s to transport miners and residents up and down the steep hillsides. Believe it or not, until today cable cars are one of the main means of public transport for the locals. The old cable cars were changed to the new ones, but you will see some of the old cable cars, aka "flying coffins" hanging on the abandoned lines. You will take a ride on a new Chiatura gondola lift and feel like a local for some time. You will spot Soviet monuments and mosaics scattered around Chiatura, and also see typical soviet residential buildings. After a walk in Chiatura, continue to the Mghvimevi convent, which is carved in rock. In the evening return to Kutaisi.

1. 1

   Katskhi Pillar

   30 min

   Katskhi pillar is a spectacular 40 m. high rock with a church on top. There is rarely a chance to go up, as monk is living there permanently, even his brothers only communicate with him by bring food and with the help of the rope. You can take breathtaking photos of the pillar on the way or from the parking lot. However, there is a church and monastery on the ground level. So it is not a very long visit, but definitely worth it.

2. 2

   Cableways Chiatura

   1 hour

   Chiatura is very important industrial town in western Georgia, it is one of the main mines of manganese. It is also extremely famous for its rope cable cars, which was built in the 50s as a mean of transport for the mine workers. You will take a ride on one of the new lines.

3. 3

   Chiatura

   40 min

   Together with the guide you will take a walk in Chiatura, enjoying its specific architecture, you will walk to one of the Old cable car stations.

4. 4

   Monastery Mgvimevi

   40 min

   Visit convent, which is carved in rock.

5. 5

   Kutaisi

   1.5 hours

   Drive back to Kutaisi

• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.