Katskhi Pillar

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.

This is a tour throughout which guests will visit Stalin's museum in his birth town of Gori where it will be possible to see the house he was born in, the wagon he was traveling with while he was the head of the Soviet Union and the museum which describes his Bolshevik life. Moreover, the main part of the tour includes the visit to a mining town of Chiatura which gives the real Soviet feeling and looks exactly it looked like 50 years ago. Also during the tour guests will be able to visit Katskhi pillar with a monastery on top of it which is one of the strangest natural structures in the whole country.

Discover the non-touristic Georgia on this full day trip to the macabre town of Chiatura – once a modern mining town with highest number of cable cars, it resembles a ghost town today with its abandoned mines, empty apartments and decaying Soviet architecture. The time seems to stand still here and so you can take a ride in one of the last rusty cable cars, overlooking the factories, enjoy the panorama view from the half-abandoned concrete settlements on the hills and see a morbide dedication to Stalin here and there. On our tour we also visit the country side of Imereti region, that builds a contrast to industrial Chiatura – the ancient holy pillar of Katskhi with a tiny church on top or the rock hew Mgvimevi convent with frescoes from XIV century.

If you wish to explore off the beaten path sights, this one day tour to Katskhi pillar and Chiatura from Tbilisi might be interesting. You will see a monastery on 40 m high hill, where monk Maxime has been living in solitude for 25 years. The Katskhi pillar will gift you breathtaking views, and you will feel the silence of this place. Plunge into the Soviet time visiting Chiatura. Look around the town riding communism-era cable cars.

In the seventh century, monks built a monastery on top of a natural stone pillar outside of Chiatura. It was used by Christian ascetics who lived at the top of the pillar to express their devotion. This cult has now disappeared, but the monastery still exists. Visitors can reach the summit by climbing a 130-foot staircase. The Georgian monk has been living on the summit for almost 20 years. A staircase rising upward is called a ladder to the sky. Only men can climb the pole, and then in special cases.

Visit ghosts of the past in the Cable Car City of Georgia. Experience history with a visit to a Soviet-era town, and get the chance to ride a Communist-era cable car, enjoy the stunning views, and feel the soviet spirit. During this tour visit Katskhi Pillar, which is a more than 40-meter-tall limestone pillar with an Orthodox monastery perched on top, built in the 6th to 8th centuries. We will visit the Mghimevi Monastery founded in the 13th century, which is one of the outstanding monuments in Georgia.

Due to Corona virus outbreak, borders are closed. We wanted to give chance all who are interested with travelling to our beautiful country travel virtually with symbolic fee, which will save our business. All our customers will received special discount on all our tours if they decided to travel to Georgia with us. Time zone +4 UGT

Discover the allure of Tchiatura, a town unlike any other, where the juxtaposition of industrial mining and Soviet-era ambiance creates a unique atmosphere. Journey through time as we explore two stunning monasteries, where nature and architectural marvels harmoniously intertwine, offering a glimpse into Georgia's rich cultural heritage. But the surprises don't end there. Delve into the complex history of the 20th century's most infamous figure as we visit the Museum of Stalin. From his humble beginnings to his controversial reign and ultimate demise, uncover the gripping tale of a dictator's legacy that continues to shape the world to this day. Join us on this unforgettable tour, where history comes alive amidst the captivating landscapes of Tchiatura.

The tour is great for all photographers Our guides will show you the all interesting and important places in Chiatura. You will visit with us soviet time cable cars. (they are in use)

A region awaits you, not spoiled by excessive tourist attention, you will go to this beautiful natural region to see mountain panoramas of the north of Georgia, the monastery of a hermit monk on a stone pillar and These places will lead you to Katshi pillar,

Private full day tour to Katskhi Pillar and Chiatura includes visiting two-nave church of Mgvimevi built in a natural cave in the 13th century, mining town Chiatura with the oldest Soviet cable cars, Katskhi Monastery with a unique hexagonal design and ornamentation, Katskhi Pillar – a natural limestone monolith with the most sacred churches on top and the medieval monastic complex of Ubisa with some of the best frescoes in Georgia. Private tour includes tasting Khachapuri (Georgian Cheese Bread) in the mountain village and tasting Tsitska wine that is part of the Imereti family of indigenous Georgian vines. Guests will also enjoy great landscapes of Jvari Pass and Rikoti Pass. Total drive 435 km (265 miles).

Individual/private off-road (Jeep) tour through breathtaking landscapes, mountains, passes and valleys of Georgia. Specially tailored itinerary for the lovers of off-road tours and slight extreme. The tour is very intense and includes different parts of Georgia: capital town, Black Sea coast, high mountains and glaciers, amazing sights, lakes, rivers etc. You will be accompanied by professional off-road English speaking driver/guide and air conditioned, comfortable 4×4 vehicle during all the trip. Accommodation will be provided in guesthouses, breakfast and dinner will be provided.

Private tour, Small & cozy places to eat and sleep, Less crowded sights, Flexible guides, Individually adjustable journey!

At Arch Travel Adventures all our guides are active archaeologists in Georgia and abroad. We have a deep passion for history, travel, adventure, culture and sharing incredible experiences with anyone willing to get out there. At the center of Arch Travel Adventures we believe in providing real experiences, real culture, and real adventure without treating people as if they are walking money or any generic none sense. Our tours are organized yet filled with personality. With our tours you will experience incredible places that are both known and also places that are less known to the common traveler.

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