Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Discover the haunting beauty of Georgia’s Soviet past on the Soviet Ghost Towns: Chiatura & Tskaltubo Day Trip offered by exploregeorgia. Priced with no specific fee listed, this 13-hour journey takes you deep into two of Georgia’s most intriguing abandoned sites—Chiatura and Tskaltubo—with optional stops at the Mgvimevi Monastery and Katskhi Pillar. Starting early from Tbilisi, this tour is designed for those eager to see untouched Soviet relics, architectural decay, and landscapes frozen in time.
This tour emphasizes uncrowded locations rarely seen on typical Georgia itineraries. With guided visits, local insights, and plenty of photo opportunities, it appeals especially to urban explorers and architecture lovers. However, a minimum of 4 participants is required for the tour to operate, though solo travelers are welcome if the group forms. Expect a full day of discovery, walking, and capturing striking views, with a focus on authentic, uncurated scenes.
Key Points
- Deep exploration of Chiatura’s Soviet cable cars and abandoned structures
- Guided visits to Tskaltubo’s crumbling sanatoriums and historic buildings
- Optional stops at Mgvimevi Monastery and Katskhi Pillar provide scenic breaks
- Unique photo opportunities of deserted architecture and surreal landscapes
- Full-day experience lasting approximately 13 hours from early morning pickup in Tbilisi
- Suitable for those interested in history, architecture, and raw urban landscapes
Journey into Chiatura’s Surreal Cable Car Network
Chiatura has earned fame for its aging Soviet cable cars, many still suspended over deep valleys. This network was once a symbol of technological progress—today, it offers a surreal, almost dreamlike setting for photography. The guided tour of Chiatura spans two hours and includes visits to abandoned structures, public spaces, and residential buildings echoing the architectural style of the Soviet modernist and Brutalist eras.
The cable cars themselves are a highlight, creating a frozen-in-time atmosphere as they hang over the cityscape. Most of these relics remain operational or at least visually intact, giving visitors a rare chance to see urban decay intertwined with engineering relics. The exploration offers a glimpse into a city built around steep cliffs and deep valleys, making it a compelling destination for urban explorers and photographers.
Planning more time in Tskaltubo? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
A Scenic Stop at Mgvimevi Monastery Before Urban Exploration
On the way to Chiatura, there is an optional 30-minute stop at the Mgvimevi Monastery. This cave monastery, carved into rock, provides a moment of calm and offers scenic views before the urban exploration begins. The monastery’s peaceful setting contrasts with the gritty remnants of Chiatura, making it an ideal photo and reflection spot.
From Chiatura to Katskhi Pillar: A Natural and Historic Marvel
After exploring Chiatura, the tour continues with a 35-minute stop at Katskhi Pillar. This remarkable limestone monolith rises about 40 meters high and has served as a Christian worship site for centuries. The Katskhi Pillar is not only notable for its religious significance, but also for its natural grandeur, providing stunning views and an interesting contrast to the industrial relics seen earlier. It’s a great addition for those interested in historic sites perched atop natural formations.
Discovering Tskaltubo’s Decaying Sanatoriums and Villas
The final major segment takes place in Tskaltubo, a town once famed as a luxury health resort during Soviet times. Now, the town’s grand sanatoriums, bathhouses, and palaces are in stunning disrepair. The guided 3.67-hour tour uncovers these abandoned structures, where peeling murals, vast halls, and echoing corridors tell silent stories of a bygone era.
Nature has gradually reclaimed parts of these buildings, adding a post-apocalyptic vibe that is both eerie and fascinating. Visitors can expect to see several iconic abandoned buildings, including former spa resorts and government villas, which showcase both architectural grandeur and urban decay.
More Great Tours NearbyPracticalities: Route, Timing, and Group Size
The tour begins with pickup at a designated location in Tbilisi, with the full 13-hour duration including all guided stops, optional breaks, and travel time. It is designed for comfort and deep engagement with the sites, ensuring a balanced pace. The route emphasizes less crowded locations, providing ample space to absorb the atmosphere and capture photographs.
Note that the tour requires a minimum of 4 participants to operate. Solo travelers and small groups can still book; if the minimum is not met, they are contacted in advance with options or rescheduling. The tour operates with guides speaking English and Georgian, offering local insights into each site’s history and significance.
While you're exploring Tskaltubo, here are other experiences we've looked into
What to Expect During the Day Trip
From early morning pickup in Tbilisi to return in the evening, the day is packed with guided exploration of Chiatura’s surreal cable cars, the peaceful Mgvimevi Monastery, the natural wonder of Katskhi Pillar, and the decaying sanatoriums of Tskaltubo. The tour combines urban exploration, historical storytelling, and photo opportunities in an authentic, raw environment.
Participants should bring comfortable shoes, a camera, water, and comfortable clothes suitable for walking and outdoor conditions. The tour does not accommodate baby strollers or carriages, and is not suitable for those with claustrophobia or wheelchair users.
Value and Unique Aspects of the Tour
This tour offers a rare look at Georgia’s Soviet relics that are often inaccessible or overlooked. The combination of industrial decay, natural monuments, and historic architecture creates a visual feast for lovers of abandoned sites and urban decay photography.
Compared to other tours, this one particularly emphasizes off-the-beaten-path locations and authentic scenes left untouched by modern tourism. The inclusion of optional stops allows for personalized pacing, while the full-day format provides a comprehensive snapshot of Georgia’s Soviet-era monuments.
Suitability and Recommendations
This tour is best suited for those with a keen interest in architecture, history, and photography. It is not designed for individuals sensitive to dark, abandoned environments or with mobility restrictions. The pace is manageable with plenty of photo stops and scenic breaks.
The Soviet Ghost Towns: Chiatura & Tskaltubo Day Trip delivers an authentic, visually striking experience that captures the raw remnants of Georgia’s Soviet past. It provides a balanced mix of urban exploration, natural beauty, and historic storytelling—perfect for travelers eager to see unseen corners of Georgia.
Ready to Book?
Soviet Ghost Towns: Chiatura & Tskaltubo Day Trip
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, solo travelers can book this tour. If the minimum group size of 4 is not met, the tour provider contacts solo travelers in advance and offers alternatives or rescheduling.
What should I bring for the day trip?
Participants should bring comfortable shoes, a camera, water, and comfortable clothes suited for walking and outdoor exploration. Baby strollers and baby carriages are not allowed, and the tour is not suitable for those with claustrophobia or wheelchair users.
Are there any optional stops during the tour?
Yes, the Mgvimevi Monastery and Katskhi Pillar are optional stops, allowing for scenic breaks and additional sightseeing. These stops add about 30-35 minutes each to the schedule.
How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 13 hours, starting early in the morning from Tbilisi and returning in the evening, with guided visits and breaks included.
Is the tour physically demanding?
While the tour involves walking and exploring large abandoned sites, it is designed to be manageable within a full day. Participants should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for outdoor conditions but do not need specialized physical fitness.