Okatse Restaurant Kutaisi
Experience breathtaking views from suspended walkways over a verdant river canyon with dramatic cliffs and waterfalls.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene views
Okatse Restaurant Kutaisi
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience breathtaking views from suspended walkways over a verdant river canyon with dramatic cliffs and waterfalls.
"The views from the bridges are spectacular! Definitely worth a visit."
🚗 Drive to the Canyon
Don't walk the 2.5km from the visitor center unless you want a long hike. Drive to the canyon entrance! :car:
💰 Negotiate Taxi Back
If you need a ride back, negotiate prices. We got it down to 20 GEL for a car. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Suspended Boardwalks
Over the canyon
Walk on perforated walkways suspended high above the verdant river canyon, offering breathtaking views.
Canyon Views
Along the trail
Marvel at the dramatic cliffs and lush greenery from various vantage points along the well-maintained trail.
Waterfalls and Cliffs
Within the canyon
Discover hidden waterfalls cascading down rugged cliffs, adding to the natural beauty of the gorge.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating to Okatse Canyon
Timing Your Visit for Tranquility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive to the Canyon
Don't walk the 2.5km from the visitor center unless you want a long hike. Drive to the canyon entrance! :car:
💰 Negotiate Taxi Back
If you need a ride back, negotiate prices. We got it down to 20 GEL for a car. :moneybag:
🚶♀️ Be Prepared for Stairs
The trail involves many stairs, so wear comfortable shoes. :athletic_shoe:
🗺️ Trust Local Roads
Google Maps can be unreliable. Follow visible roads, not just GPS. :world_map:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive to the Canyon
Don't walk the 2.5km from the visitor center unless you want a long hike. Drive to the canyon entrance! :car:
💰 Negotiate Taxi Back
If you need a ride back, negotiate prices. We got it down to 20 GEL for a car. :moneybag:
🚶♀️ Be Prepared for Stairs
The trail involves many stairs, so wear comfortable shoes. :athletic_shoe:
🗺️ Trust Local Roads
Google Maps can be unreliable. Follow visible roads, not just GPS. :world_map:
⏰ Short Experience
The actual canyon walk is less than 30 minutes. Plan accordingly. :stopwatch:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the spectacular views and the unique experience of walking on suspended boardwalks over the dramatic canyon. The convenience of driving closer to the entrance is highly praised, though some find the initial hike from the visitor center lengthy. Minor drawbacks include potential language barriers and the presence of smokers.
"The views from the bridges are spectacular! Definitely worth a visit.
The walk is not long — only the first part is a bit scary, as you walk on a perforated walkway. The whole experience takes less than 30 minutes.
Advice about the road there:
There is NO NEED to hire a driver or to walk the way. After buying tickets at the visitor center, drive your car a little way back along the road you came from. Soon, you will see a sign to the left for "Okatse Canyon", and a paved road will take you all the way to the starting point. Any vehicle can go there.
We hired a driver and paid 70 GEL — totally unnecessary. Anyone can drive the road. It's narrow, but not a problem."
Liat Lerner
"Beautiful route to the canyon and walking above it revels great view. There are many stairs along the trail. We've done the walking from the visitors center, but it is also possible to reach by car to the begining of the canyon itself. Highly recommended!"
Barak Lanciano
"Lady at reception barely speaks English and is hard to understand that actually you need to walk 2.5km to the actual canyon where your tickets will be checked. Then the actual canyon walk starts. So it’s a steep 7km hike that can take you 3h. There is an option to stop directly at the canyon by car and skip these 2.5km of nonsense walk in a forest full of pigs and horses. We took a local guy waiting at the end of the actual canyon with a Lada Niva for 60 lari to take us back to the visitor center. This saved us like 1.5-2h going back. Careful with the decisions :) The canyon itself is really nice."
iveto0oo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Kutaisi, you can drive directly to Okatse Canyon. After visiting the visitor center, follow the signs for "Okatse Canyon" onto a paved road that leads to the canyon entrance. This avoids the long 2.5km walk from the visitor center. Taxis are also available, but negotiate the price beforehand.
Yes, absolutely! There's a paved road that takes you directly to the starting point of the canyon walk after you pass the visitor center. Any vehicle can handle this road, which is narrow but manageable.
Public bus information to Okatse Canyon is scarce. It's generally recommended to travel by car or hire a taxi for convenience, especially given the road conditions and the option to drive closer to the entrance.
Some travelers have reported issues with Google Maps directing them on off-road paths. It's best to follow the clearly marked roads and signs for Okatse Canyon, or use Street View for guidance on the proper route.
Yes, you can walk the 2.5km from the visitor center. However, many visitors advise against it unless you're prepared for a significant hike, as there's an option to drive much closer to the actual canyon entrance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees are typically collected at the visitor center. While specific prices can vary, it's a relatively affordable attraction. It's advisable to check the official park website or inquire at the visitor center for the most current pricing.
Okatse Canyon is generally open daily, but hours can vary seasonally. It's best to confirm the operating hours before your visit, especially if you plan to go during off-peak seasons or holidays.
Tickets are usually purchased at the visitor center upon arrival. There's no widespread indication that advance booking is necessary, but for peak times, it might be a good idea to check if online options become available.
Your tickets will be checked at the beginning of the actual canyon walk, after you've reached the canyon entrance, either by driving or hiking from the visitor center.
The perforated walkways can be a bit daunting for those with a fear of heights. While there are no strict age restrictions, visitors should be able to navigate stairs and uneven surfaces.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The actual walk on the suspended boardwalks over the canyon is quite short, typically taking less than 30 minutes. However, if you include the hike from the visitor center, the total experience can extend to 3 hours or more.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential due to the stairs and the nature of the walkways. Dress in layers as the weather can change, and bring water, especially if you plan to hike from the visitor center.
The first part of the walkway, being perforated, can feel a bit unnerving for those with a fear of heights. However, it's generally considered safe and offers incredible views.
Restroom facilities are typically available at the visitor center. It's advisable to use them there before heading to the canyon itself, as amenities within the canyon area might be limited.
Yes, photography and videography are generally allowed and highly encouraged to capture the stunning scenery. Be mindful of other visitors and ensure your equipment is secure while on the walkways.
🚇 🚗 Transportation & Logistics
Taxi prices can vary, but travelers have reported paying around 60 GEL for a Lada Niva to take them back. Some managed to negotiate it down to 20 GEL for a car. It's wise to agree on the price before starting the journey.
Hiring a driver for the entire day might be unnecessary if your primary goal is Okatse Canyon, as you can drive yourself closer to the entrance. However, for convenience and exploring multiple sites, it can be an option, but negotiate rates carefully.
The road from the visitor center to the canyon entrance is paved and suitable for most vehicles. It's described as narrow but not problematic for drivers.
Yes, local drivers often wait near the canyon entrance or at the end of the visitor center hike to offer rides back. These are typically private arrangements, so confirm the price beforehand.
If you don't have your own transport, hiring a local taxi or arranging a ride with another visitor is the most practical way to get back to the visitor center or your accommodation.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider driving directly to the canyon entrance to minimize walking distances, especially with younger children. The 2.5km hike from the visitor center might be too long for little ones. Ensure everyone wears comfortable, sturdy shoes as there are many stairs. While the canyon itself is a relatively short experience, the drive and the views make it a worthwhile stop.
🚶 Budget Travelers
For the return trip from the canyon entrance, try to negotiate taxi prices diligently. Travelers have reported success in lowering fares significantly. If you're feeling adventurous and have the time, walking back from the visitor center is free, but be prepared for an uphill trek. Packing your own snacks and water can also help save money on potential onsite purchases.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Okatse Canyon Experience: What to Expect
Many visitors highlight the spectacular views as the main draw. The contrast between the rugged cliffs, the lush greenery, and the flowing river creates a picturesque landscape. The trail involves a fair number of stairs, so comfortable footwear is a must. While the canyon itself is a highlight, the journey to and from it, especially the drive on the narrow but accessible road, adds to the overall adventure.
For those looking to optimize their visit, arriving early in the morning, particularly during spring, is highly recommended to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience. If you need to return to the visitor center after your walk, consider arranging a taxi in advance or negotiating with local drivers waiting nearby, as the walk back can be uphill and time-consuming.
Navigating the Journey: Driving vs. Hiking
However, a significant number of visitors recommend driving a short distance back from the visitor center and following the signs for "Okatse Canyon." This leads to a paved road that takes you directly to the canyon's starting point, significantly cutting down on travel time and effort. This option is ideal for those who want to maximize their time exploring the canyon itself or have mobility concerns. It's important to note that while the road is narrow, it's generally manageable for most vehicles.
For the return journey, especially if you've driven to the entrance, you might consider arranging a taxi or local transport back to your car or the visitor center. Some travelers found that walking back uphill was strenuous, and negotiating a ride with local drivers waiting in the area proved to be a practical solution, though prices should be agreed upon beforehand.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit