Bakuriani is a mountain resort in pine forest at around 1,700 metres, next to Borjomi. In winter it means skiing and snowboarding; in summer it is alpine meadow walks, cable cars and the historic narrow-gauge "kukushka" train. It is an easy choice for families and anyone who wants the mountains without a long drive or demanding trails.
Price
from ₾160
Duration
9–10 hours
Group
up to 7 people
Departure
08:30
Language
English
Format
Private tour
Written by Timur, private tours in Tbilisi since 2015 · 460+ tours · rating 4.9/5
Why choose this tour
Private car — pickup from your hotel at 08:30, return in the late afternoon
The short, easy drive (~2.5 hours) makes this one of the most relaxed mountain days
The historic narrow-gauge "kukushka" railway through forest and over an Eiffel-workshop bridge
Cable cars up to alpine meadows and panoramas of the Trialeti range
Cool, pine-scented air at 1,700 m — an escape from Tbilisi's summer heat
Group up to 7 people — ideal for families with children
In short: Bakuriani Tour from Tbilisi — from ₾160 per person. Small group, private guide from Sakhva Travel, direct booking with no agency fees.
The Kukushka narrow-gauge train between Borjomi and Bakuriani has been closed for restoration since the 2025/26 season; a restart is announced for around January 2027. Until then we drive the mountain road via Tsagveri (40 minutes) — the rest of the day is unchanged.
The "Kukushka" Railway
The historic Borjomi–Bakuriani narrow-gauge railway was built more than a century ago. The little train locals call the "kukushka" climbs slowly through forest and ravines, crossing a graceful bridge designed in Eiffel's workshop.
Riding even part of the line on the "kukushka" is a delight in itself and the best photo stop of the day.
Bakuriani in Winter and Summer
In winter Bakuriani is a ski resort with gentle slopes ideal for beginners and children: easy runs, rentals and ski schools. In summer the snow gives way to quiet walks among the pines.
At around 1,700 metres the air stays cool even in the hottest months — people come here simply to escape the heat of the lowlands.
Cable Cars and Mountains
Gondola and chair lifts rise to the upper stations, where the Trialeti range opens up. In summer the top is meadows and trails; in winter it is the start of the ski runs.
The ride suits everyone — no preparation needed, just the wish to see the mountains from above.
Timur's insider tip
In summer do not skip the "kukushka" — even a short stretch on the old narrow-gauge line through forest and over the Eiffel-style bridge is more memorable than the resort itself. Bakuriani pairs perfectly with Borjomi: park and mineral water in the morning, mountains and a cable car after lunch, so you get both the spa-town classic and real mountains in one day. With children, ride the cable car up and walk the easy meadow trails at the top — the views are big and the effort is small.
Detailed itinerary
Bakuriani is the easiest mountain trip in this collection: the drive takes about 2.5 hours and there are no demanding trails on arrival. That makes it a good fit for families and anyone who wants the mountains without serious effort.
The programme is flexible and seasonal: in winter the focus is snow and cable cars, in summer the narrow-gauge train, walks and meadows. Bakuriani combines naturally with Borjomi, which is right next door.
08:30Departure from Tbilisi — hotel pickup, ~2.5 hours south-west
11:00The "kukushka" narrow-gauge train — a stretch of the historic Borjomi–Bakuriani line
12:00Bakuriani resort — walk through the resort, pine air and mountain views
12:45Cable car — gondola up to the upper stations and panoramas
13:30Lunch — mountain cafe in the resort (₾20–30, not included)
14:30Meadows / forest — alpine meadows in summer, slopes in winter
15:30Return to Tbilisi — ~2.5 hours back
~18:00Arrival — drop-off at your hotel
Included
Private transfer from Tbilisi and back
Personal guide (English)
Walk through Bakuriani
Scenic drive via Tsagveri and the Borjomi gorge
Mountain views and meadows
Bottled water
Not included
Meals and drinks
Cable cars, ski and sled rental (optional)
Personal shopping and souvenirs
Want to pair the mountains with Borjomi's mineral springs and Rabati fortress?
The tour starts from your hotel in Tbilisi — Timur picks you up in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Groups are a maximum of 7 people and families with children are very welcome. Payment is in Georgian Lari (₾). Booking is through WhatsApp.
When to book
Book 2–3 days ahead in winter ski season and summer holidays. The "kukushka" runs on a limited timetable — confirm when booking. Free cancellation up to 48 hours before.
What to bring
Warm, waterproof clothing in winter; a light jacket in summer for the altitude
Comfortable shoes for walking in the resort and meadows
Sunglasses — snow glare in winter, strong sun on the meadows in summer
Camera — the train, the forest and the panoramas
Best time to visit
Year-round: skiing and snow December–March, walks, the train and meadows May–October. The cool altitude makes it especially good in the hot summer months.
Book the Bakuriani Tour
Private tour from ₾160 · Up to 7 people · Timur answers within 1 hour
Summer means walks through pine forest and meadows, a cable car up to the panoramas, a ride on the historic "kukushka" narrow-gauge train and cool air at 1,700 m as an escape from the heat. There is no snow, but the mountains and forest remain.
Is it good for skiing in winter?
Yes — in winter Bakuriani is a resort with gentle slopes ideal for beginners and children. Rentals and instructors are available on site; skiing is paid separately.
Is it suitable for families with children?
Very much so. It is one of the most comfortable mountain days: a short drive, no hard trails, plus a cable car and a train that children love.
A wonderful, reliable company: detailed information, very friendly and caring staff, always in touch. We booked a three-day route from Batumi to Tbilisi with a 4-month-old baby and sightseeing; they helped with every question and drove us carefully along a route of at least 700 km. (translated from Russian)
Yulia Z. — Google, August 2026
★★★★★
We were looking for a customized day trip from Batumi to Kutaisi that covered the key religious sites as well as the natural beauty of the area. Sakhva delivered a perfect schedule, an excellent driver, Mamuka, and they stayed in touch with us quickly during the booking process and the day before the tour to confirm details. As it turned out we were in Bagrati Cathedral on a Sunday when 3 weddings were taking place for a very beautiful and memorable day.
Glen Nicholson — Google, September 2026
★★★★★
Huge thanks to Saba and Timur for making our bachelor party such an amazing experience! They were professional, friendly. Everything was perfectly organized, fun, and unforgettable. Couldn’t have asked for better guides. Highly recommended, 10/10!
