1 day
duration
below average
difficulty
20 km
distance
↑↓675 m
elevation gain / loss
What you'll see on the trail
The trail kicks off in the tiny village of Kvemo Okrokana. Only one sweet old lady still lives there. From there, the road follows Terek River through a gorge with scenic cliffs and waterfalls. We take a slow descent toward the valley.
The valley starts with travertines. It's something between limestone and marble. Thermal springs, rich in carbon dioxide and lime, bubble up to the surface. Once they hit the air, the gas escapes and the lime settles. Over the years, this sediment layers up, hardens, and turns into porous stone. It's full of tiny holes and cavities—traces of air bubbles or twigs and leaves that got trapped in the rock and eventually rotted away, leaving empty spaces.
Then we head up the hill. You get a great view of the valley from the top. We'll keep going until we reach a bubbling mineral lake. Legend has it they once tried to measure its depth by sending down divers, but they never actually hit the bottom.
Along the way, we'll run into some seriously vibrant mineral springs. They're packed with iron, so they look like flowing lava or rust.
Along the way, we'll run into some seriously vibrant mineral springs. They're packed with iron, so they look like flowing lava or rust.
The biggest spring is right by the village of Ketrisi. People left it back in the 90s, and now it's just ruins.
Next, we'll pass two active monasteries: male and female monasteries. After that, we’ll climb up to the ruins of Zakagori Fortress for some tea.
Next, we'll pass two active monasteries: male and female monasteries. After that, we’ll climb up to the ruins of Zakagori Fortress for some tea.
Route schedule
7:30 AM – 11:00 AM — Departure from Tbilisi (300 Aragveli metro) to Kvemo Okrokana village
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM — Hike from Kvemo Okrokana to the valley entrance (4.5 km)
12:30 PM – 1:00 PM — Entering the valley and the Bottomless Lake (Abano)
1:00 PM – 2:45 PM — Trekking through the valley: from the lake through abandoned villages to Zakagori Fortress
2:45 PM – 4:15 PM — Picnic at the fortress
4:15 PM – 7:15 PM — Return trip from the fortress to Kvemo Okrokana (about 10-11 km)
7:15 PM – 10:30 PM — Drive back to Tbilisi
Important: This timing is just an estimate. Real time on the trail depends on the group's average pace, fitness levels, and how long we stop for photos and rest.
- Transfer along the Georgian Military Highway with one scheduled pit stop.
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM — Hike from Kvemo Okrokana to the valley entrance (4.5 km)
- Start of the hike. We’re budgeting 1.5 hours for the gorge so we can keep a steady pace, stay together, and snap photos of the Tergi River and the canyon.
12:30 PM – 1:00 PM — Entering the valley and the Bottomless Lake (Abano)
- We’ll hang out by the bubbling mineral lake, walk across the travertines, and grab some group shots.
1:00 PM – 2:45 PM — Trekking through the valley: from the lake through abandoned villages to Zakagori Fortress
- A walk through the open valley past old settlements and monasteries to the foot of the fortress. We’ll keep a pace that’s comfortable for everyone.
2:45 PM – 4:15 PM — Picnic at the fortress
- We’ll head up to the fortress ruins, relax after the long trek, and set up a proper big picnic with a view of the gorge.
4:15 PM – 7:15 PM — Return trip from the fortress to Kvemo Okrokana (about 10-11 km)
- The long walk back to the car. We’re planning for a full 3 hours since we’ll be tired by evening and our pace will slow down.
7:15 PM – 10:30 PM — Drive back to Tbilisi
- Heading out of the valley back to 300 Aragveli metro station. Between the dark and evening traffic entering the city, the drive will take about 3 hours.
Important: This timing is just an estimate. Real time on the trail depends on the group's average pace, fitness levels, and how long we stop for photos and rest.
how to pay?
To book your spot, full payment is required 100%
Pay in USD or EUR to a Georgian card TBC
Pay in RUB to a Raif card at the Zolotaya Korona rate
More details on cancellations, transfers, and refunds here
what’s included?
Guide support throughout the route
Round-trip transfer from Tbilisi
Tea
what to wear?
what to bring?
what to bring?
Proper gear is key to making sure your trip is all about good vibes. Check out this quick guide on clothes and footwear.
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Ready for an adventure?
Sign up – we’ll take you on a hike you’ll be telling your friends about for ages!
Ready for an adventure?
Sign up – we’ll take you on a hike you’ll be telling your friends about for ages!
Ready for an adventure?
Sign up – we’ll take you on a hike you’ll be telling your friends about for ages!