See the Katskhi Pillar from below and ride Chiatura's Soviet-era cable cars on a half-day out of Kutaisi.
- —Katskhi Pillar, a 40-metre limestone column topped by a working monastery, viewed from the base where most visitors see it
- —Chiatura's cable car network, built in the 1950s to move manganese miners, with several restored lines still running
- —Mgvimevi convent, built directly into a cliff face above the Kvirila river
- —A former Soviet mining town rarely included on standard Imereti itineraries
- —Private car and driver, no fixed group schedule, start time adjusted to your flight or hotel
- —Lunch stop in Chiatura with Imeretian dishes
Map: OpenStreetMap · Road route and driving times: OSRM · Times exclude stops.
- ✓ Private vehicle with English-speaking driver
- ✓ Hotel pickup and drop-off in Kutaisi
- ✓ Fuel, tolls and parking
- ✓ Bottled water in the car
- ✓ Assistance arranging the cable car ride in Chiatura
- ✓ Flexible timing for your flight or ferry connections
- — Cable car fare in Chiatura (small cash fee, checked at booking)
- — Lunch in Chiatura
- — Entrance donation at Mgvimevi convent, where asked
- — Tips and personal expenses
- · The church on top of Katskhi Pillar is closed to the public; only the resident monk climbs it, so the visit is a viewing from ground level
- · Chiatura's cable cars are old infrastructure; some lines are modernised, others are original Soviet-era cars, and queues or short closures for maintenance are possible
- · Comfortable shoes are needed for steps at Mgvimevi convent and uneven ground near the pillar
- · Modest dress (shoulders and knees covered) is expected at Mgvimevi
- · Roads around Chiatura town are steep and narrow in places; the drive itself is straightforward but not fast
- · This is an outdoor day with limited shelter, bring a layer for wind at the cable car stations
Can we go inside the church on top of Katskhi Pillar?
No. Access is restricted to the resident monk; visitors view the pillar and monastery from the base.
Is the cable car ride included in the price?
The ride itself has a small separate fare, checked at booking, and is not included in the tour price.
How long is the drive from Kutaisi to Chiatura?
About 1.5 hours each way, depending on traffic through town.
Is this trip suitable for children or anyone with limited mobility?
There are stairs at Mgvimevi convent and uneven paths near the pillar, so it suits travellers comfortable with moderate walking.
Prices are per person for two travelling together, in euros; solo travellers and larger groups are quoted on request. Every departure is private and adjusted to you. Hotels, wineries and restaurants on our routes are verified by GTour.
Katskhi Pillar rises above the forest with its small monastery and climbing ladder. · Photo: Alexkom000 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
| Group | Per person | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 1 traveller | €272 ≈ $303 · 787 GEL | €272 ≈ $303 · 787 GEL |
| 2 travellers | €170 ≈ $190 · 492 GEL | €340 ≈ $379 · 984 GEL |
| 3 travellers | €162 ≈ $181 · 469 GEL | €486 ≈ $542 · 1,407 GEL |
| 4–6 travellers | €145 ≈ $162 · 420 GEL | €580 ≈ $647 · 1,679 GEL for four |
Private tour: your own car and driver and English-speaking guide. Conversions at today's National Bank of Georgia rate.
Free cancellation up to 7 days before the tour. Between 7 days and 48 hours: 50 % of the price. Less than 48 hours or no-show: no refund. If a mountain road closes and the tour cannot run, you choose a new date or a full refund.
20 % deposit confirms the booking. Deposit by card or bank transfer when the date is confirmed; the balance in cash or by card at the start of the tour. No hidden fees — fuel, parking, driver and guide are included; entrance tickets, meals and hotels are listed per tour.
Since 1 January 2026 every foreign visitor to Georgia must hold health and accident insurance with cover of at least 30,000 GEL — see our guide to the rule. Our vehicles carry passenger liability insurance; your travel policy covers you.
Full booking conditions · Terms of use · What "Verified by GTour" means
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DepartureYour hotel — we collect you
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Departure TimeThe time you prefer — every departure is private
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Return TimeAt your hotel
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Included
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