Mtirala (Tskiskara) is a rare and unique place of natural beauty. This rock massif, covering an area of 15.8 thousand hectares, is a national park in Adjara. It is situated at an elevation of 1761 meters above sea level on Mtirala Mountain, which translates from Georgian as “Weeping.” The mountain received its name due to the frequent rains and fogs in Mtirala Park. With an annual rainfall of 4,500 mm, Mtirala is considered the wettest place in Europe. When planning a visit to the park, it’s wise to bring umbrellas or raincoats just in case. Despite the potential rain, this magical and unique corner of untouched, pristine nature is undoubtedly worth visiting.
The park’s landscape consists of terraced steps descending to the sea. Each level features unique plants and trees characteristic of the specific climate zone. The area includes mixed deciduous and coniferous forests, beech groves, Pontic oaks, Colchic forests, gorges, waterfalls, boxwood groves and chestnut forests, mountain rivers, alpine meadows with diverse herbs and flowers, and crystal-clear mountain air that is simply irresistible. The park also has many therapeutic springs with both plain and mineral water, located on the mountain slopes.
How to get to Mtirala National Park from Batumi
Mtirala Park is located high up, there is nothing else on this road, so reaching the goal can be difficult if you do not prepare for it in advance. Actually, this is what my article is for. I would like to draw your attention to the fact that a very good asphalt road has been laid to the park in recent years. Yes, it is “serpentine”, but of excellent quality.
Taxi from Batumi
The taxi fare ONE WAY is about 40 GEL. The emphasis on “one way” is important because you cannot call a taxi back, at least not through an app, as the coverage of taxi aggregators doesn’t reach Mtirala. There are two options: either negotiate with the taxi driver to wait for you for a few hours (not all will agree to this), or arrange your return with local taxi drivers. They may ask for double or even triple the fare. Alternatively, you could ask tourists with a car for a ride if there aren’t many of you.
Taxi from Chakvi
First, you need to reach the village of Chakvi. You can take minibus No. 40 or bus No. 6 to get to the “Mtirala National Park” sign; this is here. You can also take a taxi from Batumi to this point, which will cost about 15-20 GEL.
There is a small square (a crossroads of two roads) where taxi drivers who go to Mtirala usually gather. They are convenient because their fare includes the trip there, back, and a two-hour wait at the site. The total cost is 100 GEL. However, even though these prices and conditions are well-established, we urge you to discuss all the terms in advance to avoid being cheated by those who might try to take advantage of you.
Car rental
Based on the above conditions, one of the best options is to rent a car. The cost will not be much higher, and the comfort and peace that you will receive will allow you to enjoy Mtirala to the fullest!
The park’s territory begins well before the actual tourist zone. As you drive through this area, you can already enjoy stunning views of the evergreen subtropical forests, where something is always blooming, fragrant, and bearing fruit. The winding road climbs higher and higher. Below, mountain streams crash noisily against the rocks, splitting into countless flowing rivulets. The first stop for great photos is a suspension bridge.
With each step, the bridge sways from side to side, which might be a bit daunting at first. But once you get used to it, you can sit on the bridge with your legs dangling above the rushing river and soak in the beauty and harmony of the landscape: cows peacefully graze on the emerald-green grass covered with wildflowers, birds chirp everywhere, colorful butterflies occasionally flutter by, and above, there’s the brilliant blue sky that can only be found in the mountains.
From the park entrance to the info center, it’s a 5 km drive along a narrow winding road between cliffs and a precipice. As you approach the park’s tourist zone, you can familiarize yourself with a route map available at the tourist center and obtain any information regarding excursions, local customs, and traditions. The center features guest rooms, an information hall, and an exhibition with local artifacts.
Entry to the park is free. The national park administration offers visitors various tours—walking, horseback, tourist, scientific, and photography. Guides will accompany you throughout. For a tourist tour, you can rent equipment—tents, backpacks, and sleeping bags. Tours are available for one day or 2-3 days. Accommodation rental prices here start at 50 GEL ($15) per night per person.
If you’re traveling independently, you can stay at a guesthouse near the park, where you can spend the night and enjoy a good meal. The rooms are cozy and equipped with all the essentials.
What to see in the park
The park’s trails lead up and down through forests, streams, rocks, and cliffs, so it’s best to choose sportswear and comfortable shoes. It’s essential to plan ahead for water and snacks or to refresh yourself at the local cafes. Here, you can enjoy fresh river trout, shashlik, khachapuri, homemade wine, and more. Food prepared in the open air using traditional recipes is just what you need after a long mountain hike. Prices in the park are quite reasonable, and the quality of wine, chacha, and honey sold in every house here is much higher than in the city.
The tourist route in the park begins at the river, and this in itself is a small adventure. Such a cable crossing can be seen only in old movies or shows. The cabin holds 3-4 people, one of whom must use the wheel to move the cabin to the other shore. Tourists are always thrilled by such a journey.
The trail then climbs up and brings you to a fork. The lower path, 700 meters long, leads to a small blue mountain lake, while the upper path (1.5 km) takes you to a magnificent 15-meter waterfall.
At this junction, there is something for sports and extreme sports enthusiasts—a zip line. This adventure offers a burst of energy and positive emotions. There are four zip lines, each about 10 meters above streams, rocks, and forest. It’s entirely safe, thanks to experienced instructors and safety equipment.
The walk to the lake doesn’t require much time or effort. What a breathtaking view awaits you—a blue mountain lake nestled among mountains covered with dense, impenetrable vegetation, reflecting the landscape in its waters. There’s something magical about this beauty and tranquility, as if time has stopped here.
The lake’s water is very clear but cold, around 15 degrees Celsius in the summer. Swimming is allowed in the lake. There are no changing rooms, so tourists often seek secluded spots among the lakeside bushes. Near the lake, there’s a gazebo for picnics, but there’s only one, and it’s likely to be occupied by those planning a long pause for a meal.
Walking through Mtirala Park gives you a sense of being disconnected from civilization, which brings a subconscious joy. Here, you feel your connection with nature acutely, sensing yourself as an integral part of it. It feels like you’re navigating through subtropical jungles—trees and shrubs intertwine, ivies and vines hang overhead, covering the sky, and underfoot is a green carpet of ferns and moss. You half expect a fairy tale character, like a forest guardian or a wood gnome, to step out from behind a tree or bush.
Due to the consistently high humidity, which reaches 80-85% here, moss is everywhere: on trees, shrubs, rocks, and cliffs. The green color surrounds you from all sides, soothing and uplifting your mood. Occasionally, the jungle thickets open up, offering glimpses of the mountain slopes.
The upper excursion to the waterfall is much more challenging, as the path steeply ascends into the mountains, but the views from the height are breathtaking. You’ll encounter several stunning viewpoints overlooking the lush greenery of Adjara. Upon reaching the waterfall, you’ll surely want to take a dip, but the water is always very cold. However, in the summer heat, this hardly deters anyone. Photography enthusiasts hurry to capture the perfect shot by standing behind the waterfall, inevitably getting wet in the process. A friendly and positive atmosphere always prevails here. If you’re traveling with small children or elderly people, it’s best to refrain from this mountain hike.
While strolling through the park, it’s essential to make stops to listen to the birds singing, admire the beauty of the mountain landscape, drink spring water from a mineral source, and inhale the intoxicating aroma of diverse herbs and various blossoms. It’s incredibly challenging to describe all the beauty and uniqueness of this nature reserve, crafted by nature itself, which still retains its purity and untouched state.
Mtirala Park boasts a diverse and unique flora and fauna. The flora includes Georgian, Adjara, Colchic, and Caucasian endemics. The park is home to many lakes and waterfalls. Rare plants from ancient Colchis, some on the brink of extinction, have been preserved here, with many listed in the Red Book.
About a hundred species of fauna inhabit the Mtirala Reserve. Squirrels, badgers, hares, foxes, roe deer, weasels, wild boars, wolves, and brown bears coexist harmoniously with a variety of amphibians, reptiles, and different birds. This is not surprising, as they live in their natural environment with minimal human intervention.
Mtirala National Park plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the natural ecosystem, preventing soil erosion and flooding in surrounding areas. The park’s territory contains large natural reserves of fresh water.
In Mtirala Park, you can attend an exhibition-sale of local products grown in this environmentally pristine area, and taste and purchase authentic mountain honey made from local wildflowers. You can also enjoy a horseback ride and receive a few riding lessons from professional instructors.
In reality, there aren’t many places left on Earth where the presence of humans is barely felt. Mtirala Park is one of them. It’s a wonderful place for hiking and connecting with nature. This beautiful spot will impress not only nature enthusiasts but also those who just want to be alone with their thoughts, away from the noise. For everyone who visits, Mtirala Park leaves lasting impressions, and the pure mountain air, filled with the intoxicating aromas of meadow grasses and wildflowers, will never be forgotten.
Anyone who has ever visited this exotic corner of wilderness will leave with the most positive and delightful memories.
More about Batumi and Georgia:
Best hotels in the mountains of Georgia
Souvenirs – what to bring from Georgia as a gift
The Best Adjarian Khachapuri in Batumi. Top 5 Places
Shekvetili Dendrological Park (48 km from Batumi)
My name is Vitaly Kibitlevsky, I am a tour guide and creator of unique quests in Batumi. If you want to walk around the city with a fascinating storyteller or plunge into an exciting adventure, write to the mail: vitkibit@gmail.com
Find out more about me and my projects here