1 day
duration
easy
difficulty
9 km
distance
↑590 ↓670 m
ascent / descent
What you'll see on the trail
The Sakhizari natural monument sits on the slopes of the extinct Kabardzhina volcano,
right near the village of Sioni.
These wild rock formations are the result of centuries of volcanic rock being carved by rain and weathering.
right near the village of Sioni.
These wild rock formations are the result of centuries of volcanic rock being carved by rain and weathering.
The name "Sakhizari" carries a story: it translates to "place of shelter"
or "refuge."
Back in the Middle Ages, locals from nearby villages would find safety among these fortress-like stone walls during enemy raids.
or "refuge."
Back in the Middle Ages, locals from nearby villages would find safety among these fortress-like stone walls during enemy raids.
Route schedule
08:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Departure from Tbilisi (300 Aragveli metro) — Drive to Sioni village
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Prep and start of the route
11:30 AM – 2:00 PM | Ascent through Sakhidari Valley to the Sahizari Pillars
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM | Chilling at the pillars, photos, and picnic
3:30 PM – 5:30 PM | Descent back to the car in Sioni
5:30 PM – 8:30 PM | Heading back to Tbilisi
Important: This timing is just an estimate. The actual time it takes to finish
the route depends on the group's pace, everyone's fitness level,
and how long we stop for photos and breaks.
- We'll head up the Georgian Military Highway. After about 1.5-2 hours, we'll make a quick pit stop. Then we cross the Jvari Pass and descend to Sioni village.
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Prep and start of the route
- We'll park, hand out snacks, do a quick briefing, and hit the trail.
11:30 AM – 2:00 PM | Ascent through Sakhidari Valley to the Sahizari Pillars
- We head up through the valley's stunning alpine meadows. The trail gains elevation gradually. After about 3 km, a panoramic view of the bizarre erosion rock pillars opens up. We'll get up close to check them out.
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM | Chilling at the pillars, photos, and picnic
- Take some time to soak in the unique volcanic landscape (perfect for sci-fi movie shots), enjoy a picnic overlooking the valley, and if the weather plays nice, catch a glimpse of Kazbegi peak.
3:30 PM – 5:30 PM | Descent back to the car in Sioni
- We head back down the trail (or take a small loop along the ridge if the group is feeling energetic). It's all downhill from here and takes about 2 hours at a relaxed pace.
5:30 PM – 8:30 PM | Heading back to Tbilisi
- We hop in the car and start the drive back to the city. We're planning for 3 hours to account for traffic, heading straight to the 300 Aragvians metro station.
Important: This timing is just an estimate. The actual time it takes to finish
the route depends on the group's pace, everyone's fitness level,
and how long we stop for photos and breaks.
How to pay?
To book your spot, we require 100% payment upfront
Pay in USD or EUR to a Georgian TBC card
Pay in RUB to a Raif card at the Zolotaya Korona exchange rate
Read more about cancellation, rescheduling, and refund policies here
what’s included?
Guide support throughout the route
Round-trip transfer from Tbilisi
Tea
what to wear?
what to pack?
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.
let’s stay in touch!
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Ready for an adventure?
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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!
Ready for an adventure?
Sign up – we’ll take you on a hike you’ll be telling your friends about for ages!