Okatse Canyon
Updated: November 6, 2026
Imereti · about 45 km from Kutaisi
Okatse is a canyon of the Okatse River in Khoni Municipality, Imereti, near the village of Zeda Gordi. The natural monument is a stretch of gorge about 2 km long.
The river has cut a slit 3–6 m wide, 15–20 m in places, into the limestone, and the canyon is up to 100 m deep. At the bottom there are waterfalls and small lakes.
A hanging metal walkway runs along the sheer wall, and at its end a viewing platform juts out over the abyss.
- WhereImereti, about 45 km from Kutaisi
- Depthup to 100 m
- Hanging walkwayabout 780 m
- NearbyKinchkha Waterfall
- How long2–2.5 hours
Tours that visit Okatse Canyon
8.6592 reviewsCanyons of Western Georgia: Martvili, Okatse and Prometheus
9.4164 reviewsExcursions from Kutaisi
9.6911 reviewsExcursion from Batumi to Kutaisi
How the canyon is formed
The canyon is a two-kilometre section of the fourteen-kilometre Okatse River. In places the walls almost meet and form natural grottoes; under one of them, Boga, the depth reaches 100 m.
Long ago a tectonic fault blocked the valley and a lake formed in it. Scientists study ancient flora from its sediments: swamp cypress, hemlock and other trees long gone from the region once grew here.
What to see
- Hanging walkway — about 780 m along the cliff.
- Viewpoint 20 m long, overhanging the canyon.
- Dadiani forest — a stone path from the visitor centre in Gordi, with the ruins of the Dadiani estate nearby.
- Descent to the river — a metal staircase of 989 steps to the bottom, where the canyon is no more than 4 m wide.
Best time to visit
The best months are May to October. In the shoulder season check whether the walkway is open: in winter the canyon may be closed because of ice on the hanging bridges.
How to get there
- From Kutaisi: about 45 km to the visitor centre in the village of Gordi.
- From the visitor centre you can walk to the start of the walkway through the forest or drive.
- On a tour: usually together with Martvili Canyon and Prometheus Cave — more in the article about Okatse Canyon.
Tips and safety
- If you are afraid of heights, you can skip the platform over the abyss — the walkway and the forest are worth it without it.
- You need comfortable shoes: the route has a lot of steps.
- You need shoes with a good sole and a rain jacket: the weather in Imereti changes quickly.
Okatse Canyon photos
Photos from Wikimedia Commons
What’s near Okatse Canyon
Kinchkha Waterfallin the same gorge, main cascade 70 m
Prometheus Cave≈ 10 km as the crow flies
Where to stay nearby
KutaisiOrange Kutaisi Hotel is a good choice in Kutaisi. Bagrati Cathedral and the Green Bazaar are a 15-minute walk away.
KutaisiHotel Mimino is an option in the very heart of Kutaisi. Bagrati Cathedral is a 1-minute drive away, and Givi Kiladze Stadium is a 5-minute drive.
KutaisiTerrace Kutaisi Hotel is located in the very heart of Kutaisi. The Kutaisi State Historical Museum and the Green Bazaar are a 15-minute walk away.
Trip.com prices per night for 2 adults, check-in 07–08.11.2026, data as of 31.10.2026; Trip.com shows hotel prices in US dollars. Booking and payment — on Trip.com, our partner.
Okatse Canyon on the map
Okatse Canyon FAQ
Where is Okatse Canyon?
In Khoni Municipality, Imereti, near the village of Gordi, about 45 km from Kutaisi.
How deep is the canyon?
Up to 100 m deep and 3–6 m wide, 15–20 m in places.
How long is the hanging walkway?
About 780 m along the canyon wall, ending in a platform over the abyss.
What is there to see nearby?
Kinchkha Waterfall in the same gorge and Prometheus Cave.
How much time do I need for Okatse?
2–2.5 hours for the forest, the walkway and the platform.
Are there tours to Okatse Canyon?
Yes — tours of the canyons of western Georgia and excursions from Kutaisi. They are listed above on this page.
Photo sources
- tamarata5, Pinterest
- reicheru33, Pinterest
- aysenazlitr, Pinterest
- mananasiradze, Pinterest
- preview_georgiantour_com, Pinterest
- yourlifestylejournee, Pinterest
- Teo Demetrashvili, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Lasha ge, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Gaga.vaa, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
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