Bakuriani Travel Guide
City Mountain resort town and ski centre
A compact ski town in the Lesser Caucasus, Bakuriani draws skiers to gentle slopes and Soviet-era chairlifts, hikers to pine ridges and meadows, and food seekers to taverns serving hot khinkali, local cheese and pot-roasted mountain stews.
Why Visit Bakuriani? #
High in the Lesser Caucasus, this Georgian ski-and-mountain resort draws winter sports fans and summer hikers alike. Didveli slopes and the Bakuriani ski area offer reliable runs and a compact resort feel, while pine forests and alpine meadows open up for summer trails and berry picking. Mountain cuisine-think khinkali and hearty stews-pairs well with the alpine hospitality found in guesthouses. It’s a practical, year-round alternative to larger Caucasus resorts.
Top Things to Do in Bakuriani
All Attractions ›
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- Didveli Ski Area - Main ski area with varied slopes served by modern lifts and snowmaking.
- Kokhta - Kokhta offers hiking and panoramic views above Bakuriani in summer and winter.
- Borjomi-Bakuriani Railway - Historic narrow-gauge line offering scenic journeys between Borjomi and Bakuriani.
- Bakuriani Botanical Garden - Small alpine garden showcasing native Caucasus plants and experimental cultivars.
- Local paragliding launch sites - Local paragliding launch sites provide tandem flights with views over conifer forests.
- Borjomi‑Kharagauli trailheads - Trailheads leading into Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park for multi‑day hiking routes.
- Borjomi - Famous spa town with mineral springs, central park, and cable car rides.
- Akhaltsikhe and Rabati Fortress - Medieval Rabati complex in Akhaltsikhe with museum, mosque, and restored tower.
Best Time to Visit Bakuriani #
Bakuriani is a winter destination for skiing and snow sports, while summers are cool and excellent for hiking. Shoulder seasons are variable-expect lingering snow at elevation into spring.
Best Time to Visit Bakuriani #
Bakuriani's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -8°C to 21°C. Moderate rainfall (825 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -2°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (111 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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How to Get to Bakuriani
Bakuriani is a mountain ski resort in southern Georgia; most visitors fly into Tbilisi (TBS) then travel by road to Borjomi and onward to Bakuriani. The seasonal narrow-gauge Borjomi-Bakuriani line is a scenic alternative to road transfers when it operates.
Tbilisi International Airport (TBS): Tbilisi is the main international gateway for reaching Bakuriani. From TBS travel to Tbilisi Didube bus station (~15-30 minutes) and then take a marshrutka or regional bus toward Borjomi; total travel to Bakuriani is several hours (see below).
Kutaisi Airport (KUT): Kutaisi can be an alternative for some international flights; from Kutaisi you travel overland to Borjomi/Bakuriani by train or bus - expect longer travel times and at least one transfer.
Train + Narrow-Gauge: Reach Borjomi by road or train from Tbilisi; from Borjomi a narrow-gauge tourist train (“Kukushka”) runs to Bakuriani on a scenic line (service can be seasonal/supplemented by buses). The narrow-gauge trip takes longer but is a notable experience when it runs.
Marshrutka / Bus: Regular marshrutkas and minibuses run from Borjomi to Bakuriani (road journey typically ~40-60 minutes). From Tbilisi you can take a marshrutka or bus to Borjomi (about 2-3 hours) then transfer to Bakuriani.
How to Get Around Bakuriani #
Bakuriani is a mountain resort that’s easy to navigate on foot within the town; many hotels, restaurants and lifts are close together. In winter, ski boots and short walks are the norm.
Seasonal minibuses, taxis and organised transfers connect Bakuriani with Borjomi and other regional centres. If you plan to explore further, a car or booked transfer is helpful.
Where to Stay in Bakuriani #
- Bakuriani guesthouses (tourist listings) - Budget homestays and pensions
- Small inns and apartments - Economical rooms close to slopes
- Mid-range hotels and ski lodges - Comfortable hotels with ski access
- Local listings and mid-range options - Ski-oriented hotels with extras
- Quadrifoglio Hotel (Bakuriani) - Upscale hotel with spa and dining
- Luxury resorts in wider region - Top-tier options sometimes available seasonally
Where to Eat in Bakuriani #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Bakuriani's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Bakuriani #
Bakuriani has an approachable, low-key nightlife centered on hotel bars, après-ski cafés and family restaurants. There are some lively evenings in high season, but no large club scene.
Expect cozy bars and live-music nights rather than late-night clubbing.
Shopping in Bakuriani #
Shopping caters to visitors: ski rental shops, outdoor gear stores and small souvenir kiosks are common. You’ll find essentials and tourist items rather than large retail outlets.
For specialty sporting goods or wider selection, consider larger towns with bigger sports shops.
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