A three-hour climb to the ruined rock fortress of Birtvisi, followed by the waterfalls and glass Diamond Bridge of Dashbashi Canyon.
| 08:00 | Depart Tbilisi by private car, about 50 minutes to the Birtvisi trailhead in Kvemo Kartli. |
| 08:50 | Start the hike into the limestone gorge toward Birtvisi Fortress, following the same approach used by its medieval defenders. |
| 11:00 | Reach the fortress ruins on their rock pedestal, with time to explore the remaining walls and cisterns before descending. |
| 13:00 | Picnic lunch near the trailhead with bread, cheese, vegetables and fruit. |
| 14:00 | Drive through Manglisi, a pine-forest mountain resort, with a short stop at Manglisi Sioni Cathedral. |
| 15:30 | Continue to Tsalka and Dashbashi Canyon, about two hours from Tbilisi. |
| 15:45 | Walk the canyon path to the waterfalls and cross the glass-floored Diamond Bridge. |
| 17:00 | Begin the drive back to Tbilisi, arriving around 18:30 depending on traffic. |
How difficult is the Birtvisi hike
It is a moderate round trip of about three hours with some steep, rocky stretches near the fortress, manageable for anyone in reasonably good fitness.
Is this suitable for children
Older children used to walking are fine; the terrain near the fortress has drops that need supervision, so it is not ideal for young children.
What happens if the weather is bad
We can swap the order of the hike and the canyon or reschedule; your guide will advise on the day based on current conditions, checked at booking.
Do we need hiking experience
No technical experience is needed, just a reasonable level of fitness and proper footwear.