Birtvisi - one of the unique places in Georgia, located in Kvemo Kartli region, at the distance of 80 km form Tbilisi capital. Hundreds of rocks, some more than hundred meters high and crowned with remains of an old fortress peak through a forested Canyonland, that you’d never expect to find yourself in at the beginning of the walk. The walk options from the Canyon base are whether on the left side (following the dried out creek upstream) or on the right (just left from the big wall dominating the Canyon base) and then up. The place is quite popular with locals (a chance for unforgettable evenings!) but if you want your tranquility it is easy to find a nice camp spot a few hundred meters up the Canyon.The Canyonland of Birtvisi is definitely one of the most spectacular hikes in the vicinity of Tbilisi.
The ruins of Birtvisi Fortress are situated here. The uniqueness of the fortress is that it is built of very big stones naturally lifted from the ground. The array is high that nobody could conquer it for many centuries, until known Timur-Leng, who gathered special hunters and climbers to take the place after a useless 3 months encircling it. It also makes very strange and pleasant effect in summer time when it is cool in the rocks and canyons of Birtvisi. It is possible to do the tour as a day trip or stay in a tent for the night. Beautiful nature and ruins of defensive system are still impressive. The spectacular views are opened from the tops of the hills: Algeti valley in front and Trialeti mountain chain and forest behind.
TOURIST TREKKING ROUTE “DEDATSIKHE”
ROUTE ON FOOT Duration: 1 day Total route (Tbilisi-Birtvisi-Tbilisi): 170 km Total route on foot: 6 km
Route Direction: Tbilisi – Partskhisi village – Tbisi village – Birtvisi – Tbilisi
Departure in the morning from Tbilisi. The route to Birtvisi Canyons lays southwards from Tbilisi (Kvemo Kartli region). Arrival to Algeti valley. There are two villages: the first on the route is Partskhisi, the second is Tbisi. The way leads through the small forest and rocky slopes. From here we are climbing up through the narrow passage. You need 1-2 hours to reach the ruins of the ancient fortress Dedatsikhe, here we are making the break, and then again a short climb to the top of the hill, that was surrounded by the fortress. Unbelievable picturesque panoramic views of the Algeti valley,Trialeti mountain chain and forests are before your sight! Have a rest, relax and just enjoy the nature! Picnic in on the open air.
Departure back to Tbilisi.
TOURIST TREKKING ROUTE “BIRTVISI FORTRESSES”
ROUTE ON FOOT Duration: 2 days Total route (Tbilisi-Birtvisi-Tbilisi): 180 km Total route on foot: 12 km
Route Direction: Tbilisi – Partskhisi village – Tbisi village – Birtvisi – Tbilisi
DAY 1 Departure in the morning from Tbilisi. The route to Birtvisi Canyons lays southwards from Tbilisi (Kvemo Kartli region). Arrival to Algeti valley. There are two villages: the first on the route is Partskhisi, the second is Tbisi. The way leads through the small forest and rocky slopes. From here we are climbing up through the narrow passage. You need 1-2 hours to reach the ruins of the ancient fortress Dedatsikhe, here we are making the break, and then again a short climb to the top of the hill, that was surrounded by the fortress. Unbelievable picturesque panoramic views of the Algeti valley,Trialeti mountain chain and forests are before your sight! Have a rest, relax and just enjoy the nature! Picnic in on the open air.
After visiting Dedatsikhe we are descending to the camping area, setting the tents and staying here for the night.
DAY 2 Breakfast on the camping area. We are continuing our trekking: climbing on the other mountain, now we are visiting another fortress: Sheupovari. The route to Sheupovari is almost the same as to Dedatsikhe. But this part of the Birtvisi fortification remained in rather good condition. Picnic on the open air. Departure to Tbilisi.
TOURIST TREKKING ROUTE “BIRTVISI CANYONS”
ROUTE ON FOOT Duration: 2 days Total route (Tbilisi-Orbeti-Birtvisi-Tbilisi): 160 km Total route on foot: 12 km
Route Direction: Tbilisi – Orbeti village – Birtvisi – Tbilisi
DAY 1 Departure in the morning from Tbilisi. The route to Birtvisi Canyons lays southwards from Tbilisi (Kvemo Kartli region). Arrival to Orbeti. This route is not available for everybody. It is very difficult to move along the down canyon, as during the whole route you are climbing and walking in the water. It will take you 2 hours to overcome it. This route leads you to the place, where the camping area is located, near the Birtvisi fortifications. Camping. Picnic on the open air. Overnight in the tents.
DAY 2 Breakfast on the camping area. We are starting the route from trekking through the narrow passage. You need 1-2 hours to reach the ruins of the ancient fortress Dedatsikhe, here we are making the break, and then again a short climb to the top of the hill, that was surrounded by the fortress. Unbelievable picturesque panoramic views of the Algeti valley,Trialeti mountain chain and forests are before your sight! Have a rest, relax and just enjoy the nature! Picnic in on the open air.
