Gori – Uplistsihe: The Path to the Ancient Cave City

1 day

duration

easy

difficulty

11 km

distance

↑200 m

elevation gain

The trail kicks off from the Gori cemetery. From there, we’ll head through fields and small canyons along the river. This used to be a busy trade route back in the day.

We’ll hit a sandy canyon along the way, followed by a nice little church sitting on a hill.

As we approach the cave city, we’ll find an ancient cemetery with a small church tucked under the hill and some old ruins. This settlement at the base of the cliffs was inhabited for a long time—people lived here right up until the mid-20th century when excavations began.

The final destination is the cave city of Uplistsihe itself. The layout mimics a real city: narrow alleys and stairs branch off from the central "street," leading to homes and public spaces. Archaeologists found remains of a pharmacy, a Hellenistic theater, a prison, and even a complex sewage system. One of the coolest things is that the rock halls were carved to look like traditional architecture. Inside the caves, you'll see stone columns, beams, and even coffered ceilings made to look like wood.

what to wear?
what to pack?

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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