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Photos: Zysko serhii (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Mygeorgianguide (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Zysko serhii (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Jon Gudorf Photography (CC BY-SA 2.0) · Zviad Avaliani (CC BY-SA 4.0) · United States Embassy Tbilisi, Georgia (Public domain) · Wikimedia Commons

Okatse Canyon

Imereti & Racha · Nature

Getting there
About 45 km (1 h) north of Kutaisi via Khoni on paved roads, to the visitor centre in Gordi
Best time
April–November
Recommended stay
2–3 hours

About Okatse Canyon

Okatse Canyon is a deep limestone gorge of the Okatse river near the village of Gordi in Imereti, about 45 km (1 h) north of Kutaisi. From the visitor centre, a forest path through the old Dadiani park leads to a 780-metre metal walkway bolted to the canyon wall, ending at a viewing platform that juts out over the gorge. The whole walk takes 2–3 hours. It suits active travellers comfortable with heights, and pairs with Kinchkha Waterfall, 5 km away.

Tours Including Okatse Canyon

See the tour

Must-See Attractions

  • Hanging walkway

    780 m of metal walkway fixed to the vertical canyon wall, with the river far below through the grating.

  • Cantilevered viewpoint

    The platform at the end projects out over the gorge for the widest view.

  • Dadiani forest path

    The approach walk through the former princely park, with old trees and stone remains.

Nearby

  • Kinchkha Waterfall

    Three-step waterfall with a 70-metre main drop, 5 km (15 min).

  • Martvili Canyon

    Boat trips in a second limestone gorge, about 40 km (50 min).

  • Prometheus Cave

    Show cave near Tskaltubo, about 45 km (1 h).

  • Kutaisi

    About 45 km (1 h).

Location42.4513° N, 42.5501° EView on map

Good to know

Getting there

About 45 km (1 h) north of Kutaisi via Khoni on paved roads, to the visitor centre in Gordi.

Best time

April–November

Best time

Late spring and autumn are the most pleasant for the walk, with autumn colour in October; summer is hot and busy, and in winter the walkway often closes for snow or rain.

Recommended stay

2–3 hours

Fees

A ticket from the Agency of Protected Areas; foreign adults about 30 GEL, or 40 GEL for the Okatse + Kinchkha combo ticket.

Opening hours

Daily, about 10:00–18:00.

Heads-up

The walkway closes in rain and snow, and children must be over 6.

Walking

About 2–3 h in total on forest paths and steps; not for travellers with a strong fear of heights.

Getting there

A paved road leads to the Gordi visitor centre; no 4x4 needed.

History & culture

History

The forest around Gordi was the summer hunting estate of the Dadiani, the ruling princes of Samegrelo, and the path to the canyon runs through their old park. The Agency of Protected Areas opened the hanging walkway and visitor centre in the 2010s, and the canyon is protected as a natural monument.

Accommodation

A few guesthouses in Gordi and nearby villages; most travellers stay in Kutaisi.