Tsageri and Lechkhumi
The centre of Lechkhumi in the Tskhenistskali valley — wine country, fortresses and the Lajanuri reservoir.
- Time needed
- 3 h
- From Tbilisi
- 325 km · 5:00
- Road
- Mostly paved
- Car needed
- Crossover / SUV
- Season
- May–October
- Entry
- free
Tsageri is the administrative centre of Lechkhumi, set in the valley of the Tskhenistskali river at around 480 metres. It is a small, quiet town with minimal tourist infrastructure, and that is precisely its appeal. Compared with the high mountain routes of Racha, Lechkhumi is far more accessible and stays open through the whole season.
Lechkhumi is above all wine country. Rare varieties are grown here, including Usakhelouri, produced in tiny quantities and regarded as one of the most expensive red wines in Georgia. Family cellars in Tsageri and the surrounding villages offer tastings, usually by prior arrangement.
A day here typically covers:
- the centre of Tsageri, its market and old church
- Muri fortress above the valley
- the Lajanuri reservoir, with its turquoise water
- family wine cellars in the valley villages
Tsageri also works as a staging point on the way towards Svaneti, though that leg needs planning of its own. If you are already heading into Racha, Lechkhumi is a natural addition that costs little extra driving and gives the trip a lower-altitude, gentler second half.
Gallery
Practical advice
Arrange cellar tastings in advance — Lechkhumi producers are small operations and Usakhelouri is not always available. Decide who is driving before the tasting begins, since Georgia enforces a strict alcohol limit. Carry cash, as cards are not accepted everywhere. There is fuel in Tsageri but little choice of station, and an ATM in the centre. Guesthouses are modest, and booking ahead in season is sensible.
How to get there from Tbilisi
From Tbilisi take the E60 to Kutaisi, then head north into the valley towards Tsageri — around 325 km and five hours in total. Past Kutaisi the road narrows and follows the Tskhenistskali gorge: asphalt exists for most of it but is broken in places, and several village turnoffs are gravel. Extra ground clearance improves the drive considerably. In winter the road remains passable but ices over. Fill the tank in Kutaisi, where the choice is far better.
Click a marker for details. Coloured lines are ready-made road trips.
Nearby places
Martvili Canyon
A turquoise river between limestone walls, with boardwalks and a short boat ride — Samegrelo's most visited natural site.
Okatse Canyon
A metal walkway pinned to the canyon wall high above the river, beyond the Gordi forest.
Nikortsminda Cathedral
An 11th-century cathedral covered in exceptional stone carving, with late medieval frescoes inside.
Best car for this trip
Mostly paved
Guides
- The Best Time to Visit Georgia, Counted Month by Month Georgia does not have one season. It has two countries: a 60% country from November to April and a 99% country
- Driving in Georgia: What the Distances Actually Cost You Georgia is a small country with slow roads. Here is what 267 measured drives from Tbilisi say about how long y
Pickup locations
Car Rental in Kutaisi — 42 km (straight line)
Booking and enquiries
The easiest way to reach these places is by car — you pick the route and the stops.