The 5 Best Katskhi Pillar Tours in Imereti

1.Chiatura Tour with Katskhi Pillar & Cable Car Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 95 reviews · 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $35Our pick

Travel from Kutaisi to Chiatura with a local guide such as Demo, Tengo, Tango, or Ana. See the Katskhi Pillar, Mghvimevi Cave Monastery, old industrial sites, railway station, viewpoint, and Soviet-era cable cars, with lunch and transport included.

“Demo, our guide is the first from Chiatura and he’s just 19 years old! He’s a wonderful, kind soul with a calm, sincere spirit. The day felt very easy with him; no rushing or confusion. He was thoughtful and communicative, offering a fascinating perspective about what it’s like to be from Chiatura. The trip to Chiatura is about 1.5hrs from Kutaisi, so although it’s a lot of driving (3hrs round trip and another 1hr or so to other sights), you still feel like you’re mostly seeing places and not just the inside of a van. The stops for us, in order, were: ancient monastery & church tucked into caves and…”

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2.Soviet past – Private day tour to Chiatura, Katskhi pillar and Chronicles

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 29 reviews · 9 to 11 hours (approx.) · from $149

Leave Tbilisi with a private English-speaking guide for a 9 to 11-hour journey through Chiatura’s suspended cable-car stations, Katskhi Pillar, cave-built Mgvimevi Monastery, and the Chronicles of Georgia. Guides including Zurab, Revan, Irakli, Levan, and Maria are praised for warm, informative service.

“It’s has definitely been one of a kind experience that allows me to see different sides of Georgia. My guide Maria is very knowledgeable and helpful. Almost feel like travelling with friends. Highly recommended especially for who want a more cultural experience or avoid the beaten path!”

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3.Soviet Story – Private day trip to Chiatura, Stalin’s museum and Katskhi pillar

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 15 reviews · 8 to 10 hours (approx.) · from $20Best value

Travel from Tbilisi to Gori and Chiatura with an English-speaking local guide. Visit Stalin’s birthplace museum, ride Chiatura’s old cableways, see Katskhi Pillar, explore mining-town ruins, and stop for a family-style lunch. Allow 8 to 10 hours, with about six hours on the road.

“Ropeways and views in Chiatura are very nice. The town still has a Soviet feel while Tskaltubo is a special place as well with awesome abandoned buildings. I saw many of them and they are in very poor condition although very interesting. Thank you”

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4.Chiatura and Katskhi Pillar One Day Urbex Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 14 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $123

Travel from Tbilisi with a local English-speaking guide such as Aleksy or Alex to Mgvimevi Monastery, Katskhi Pillar, and Chiatura’s old Soviet cable cars. Expect a long but rewarding day, about 12 hours, with a 2.5-hour drive each way and no lunch included.

“Unique experience for those who are passionate about urban and industrial archaeology and Soviet architecture not to be missed. The expert and precise Alex guide. Really perfect experienceAuto-translated”

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5.Chiatura Cable Cars & Katskhi Pillar Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · 5 to 7 hours (approx.) · from $30

Travel from Kutaisi in a small group of up to 15 with an English-speaking guide to see the 40-meter Katskhi Pillar, ride Chiatura’s new cable car, visit an old station, and enter the rock-cut Mgvimevi Monastery. Transport, WiFi, and the cable-car ride are included.

“An interesting excursion that will appeal to fans of history, religion and technology, full of beautiful views. Guide knows what he's talking about. The small van we were travelling in was quite cramped (but the train to Chiatura is currently not running, so there is no choice). Keep in mind that you may get muddy, so choose appropriate clothing.”

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