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 finish line is the Uplistsihe cave city. The city's layout mirrors a typical urban environment: narrow alleys and stairs branch off from a central "street," leading to homes and public spaces. Archaeologists found remains of a pharmacy, a Hellenistic theater, a prison, and even a complex drainage and sewage system here. One of the coolest things is that the rock halls carved to mimic ground-level architecture. Inside the caves, you can see stone-carved columns, beams, and even coffered ceilings that look just like wood.

what to wear?
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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