4 Best Hiking Trails Near Tbilisi for Nature Lovers

If most of your Georgian holiday has been spent in Tbilisi’s lively city center, you might assume hiking options are limited. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. The outskirts of the capital are full of trails ideal for a morning escape, a relaxed afternoon walk, or even a full-day adventure.

One of the best places to immerse yourself in nature is Tbilisi National Park, located just outside the city. It’s one of the most accessible spots in Georgia for fresh air, peaceful scenery, and well-marked hiking routes of varying difficulty levels. With the right planning, you can tailor your outing to your own pace and preferences and make the most of a short getaway.

Whether you’re new to hiking in Georgia or just want something close to the city, these nearby trails let you enjoy the outdoors without going far.

Where to Go Hiking When Staying in Tbilisi

From easy walks to more demanding climbs, these routes offer something rewarding for every type of hiker.

For Beginner Hikers: Kojori to Kiketi Trail

Kojori is a small hillside village about 18 km southwest of Tbilisi. Because of its higher altitude, it’s noticeably cooler than the city and is a popular escape for residents wanting a break from the heat.

The Kojori to Kiketi trail is roughly 7 km one way, taking 2–3 hours to complete. It’s only about 30 minutes from Tbilisi, and you won’t need a car—Bus 316 from Freedom Square gets you there easily.

The bus handles most of the elevation, so the hike itself is mostly flat or downhill, making it great for beginners. Along the way, you’ll pass the medieval Kojori Fortress (Azeuli Fortress), small waterfalls, and plenty of great photo spots.

The trail ends in Kiketi, where you can catch a bus back to Tbilisi or return to Kojori on foot. Hiking both directions takes 4–5 hours, making it one of the easiest half-day trips from the city.

For Intermediate Hikers: Tbilisi to Kojori Trail

If you prefer a more physically engaging hike—and want to avoid transportation—consider trekking directly from Tbilisi to Kojori.

This route is about 10 km and takes around 4 hours due to its uphill terrain. It typically begins near Mtatsminda Park and climbs steadily toward Kojori.

Along the way, you’ll pass familiar landmarks like Kojori Fortress and Udzo Monastery, a quiet hillside monastery offering some of the best lookout points on the route—perfect for a well-deserved break.

For Intermediate Hikers: Saguramo Ridge Trail

The Saguramo Ridge Trail is a great option for hikers wanting something more challenging than the Kojori routes but still within easy reach of Tbilisi.

Located in Tbilisi National Park, this trail is about a 45-minute drive from the city center and is easiest to access by car or taxi, as public transport is limited.

The round-trip hike is approximately 11 km and takes 4–5 hours on average. It follows a beautiful ridge line with a mix of forest trails, open stretches, and occasional steep climbs offering panoramic views. With transportation included, set aside 6–7 hours for the full experience.

For Advanced Hikers: Gldani → Mamkoda → Zedazeni Monastery

For hikers craving a full-day challenge, the route from Gldani to Mamkoda to Zedazeni Monastery is one of the toughest and most rewarding near Tbilisi.

Starting in Gldani, a district on the northern edge of the city, the full route covers around 22 km, while the most commonly trekked version is roughly 32 km and takes 8–10 hours including transportation.

The Gldani–Mamkoda section (6–6.5 km) begins with moderate difficulty, but the terrain becomes steeper as you move deeper into Tbilisi National Park. After Mamkoda, the ascent becomes more challenging but offers stunning mountain views as the reward. The hike finishes at Zedazeni Monastery, a historic 7th–8th century site perched at about 1,170 meters.

Shorter Alternative

You can also drive directly to Mamkoda and skip the first section. From Mamkoda to Zedazeni, the hike is still a demanding 15 km, taking 5–6 hours not including stops. With travel time included, the shorter version takes about 8 hours.

Either option gives you a chance to experience the park’s wild landscapes and the scenic hills surrounding the monastery.

How to Reach Trailheads from Tbilisi City Center

Mtatsminda Park (Tbilisi → Kojori Hike Start)

• Take the Funicular railway for the most direct route.

• Or take a taxi/rideshare directly to the Mtatsminda Park parking area (about 15–20 GEL).

Kojori & Kiketi (Kojori → Kiketi Trail)

• Take Bus 316 from Baratashvili Street in the city center.

• The ride to Kojori takes 30–40 minutes, and the same bus returns from Kiketi.

• Buses run until late evening, but it’s wise to confirm the last departure with the driver.

Saguramo & Mamkoda (Tbilisi National Park Trails)

There’s no direct public transport, so you’ll need a car, taxi, or rideshare.
A one-way trip from central Tbilisi typically costs 30–40 GEL, depending on time and season.