Chokhatauri Travel Guide

City Municipal centre in Guria region, western Georgia

Chokhatauri stands in Guria’s green hills amid tea plantations and karst ridges. Visitors use it as a base for mineral springs, walks through fragrant tea fields, and access to mountain retreats; expect home-cooked khachapuri, lamb dishes and regional hospitality.

Main image
Costs
$25-45 / day (budget town)
Very low local prices for food, guesthouses and minibuses.
Safety
Mostly safe, low violent crime
Typical small-town caution after dark; watch belongings in markets.
Best Time
May-October (mild, hiking season)
Warm, dry weather and open mountain trails.
Local Time
9:45 AM
GMT+4
Weather
Mostly Clear 53°F
Mostly Clear
Population
1,454
Infrastructure & Convenience
Few English signs, minibuses and taxis available; small walkable centre.
Popularity
Draws Georgian hikers and spa visitors rather than international crowds.
Known For
gateway to Gurian countryside, mountain hiking, mineral springs, Georgian polyphonic singing, Orthodox churches, local markets, guesthouse hospitality, Soviet-era architecture, nearby vineyards, rural landscapes
Chokhatauri is the administrative centre of Chokhatauri Municipality in Georgia's Guria region.

Why Visit Chokhatauri? #

Nestled in Guria, Chokhatauri draws visitors for its off‑the‑beat mix of mountain air and regional culture; nearby Bakhmaro’s summer trails and the tea‑growing slopes of western Georgia set it apart. Food is a reason to come: rich khachapuri and churchkhela sold in market stalls offer local flavor. The area’s Gurian polyphonic singing and relaxed village life give travelers a chance to experience an authentic slice of Georgian rural tradition.

Best Things to Do in Chokhatauri

All Attractions ›

Chokhatauri Bucket List

Don't Miss
  • Bakhmaro Plateau - High-mountain summer resort with wooden cabins and cool forested walking trails.
  • Nabeglavi Mineral Springs - Bottled mineral water source offering spa springs and local tasting opportunities.
  • Chokhatauri Central Market - Weekly market selling regional cheeses, greens, and artisanal products from Guria.
Hidden Gems
  • Family-run wine cellars - Family-run cellars producing regional wines, with tastings by appointment and friendly owners explaining traditional methods.
  • Gurian polyphonic singing evenings - Occasional local performances showcasing Gurian polyphonic singing and traditional dance.
  • Meskheti foothills trails - Undemanding trails through mixed forests offering quiet nature and village views.
Day Trips
  • Ureki Black Sand Beach - Sandy black-pumice beaches famed for therapeutic sand and gentle sea bathing.
  • Ozurgeti - Regional center with museums, bakeries, and cultural events reflecting Guria traditions.

Best Time to Visit Chokhatauri #

Late spring and early autumn are the best times to visit Chokhatauri when hills are green and temperatures are mild. Summers are warm and humid with frequent rain, while winters are mild but often wet.

Winter
December - February · 3-10°C (37-50°F)
Wet, mild winters make valleys lush but muddy; some sights remain open, but expect frequent rain, low clouds, and limited hiking days.
Spring
March - May · 8-20°C (46-68°F)
Spring is the sweetest - warm days, flowering orchards, and comfortable hikes; occasional showers won't ruin plans but bring mosquitoes later in May.
Summer
June - August · 20-30°C (68-86°F)
Hot, humid summers see heavy afternoon storms; great for river dips and festivals, but expect sticky conditions and occasional travel delays from downpours.

Best Time to Visit Chokhatauri #

Climate

Chokhatauri's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 27°C. Abundant rainfall (1751 mm/year), wettest in December.

Best Time to Visit
AugustMayJuly
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
43°
Warmest Month
-18°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 9°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (167 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

45 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

167 mm
Rainfall
1.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.3h daylight

February

February is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (149 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

47 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

149 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.3
UV Index
Low
10.4h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

49 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
14°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

118 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
11.8h daylight

April

April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

59 Acceptable

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
19°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

104 mm
Rainfall
1.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.0
UV Index
High
13.2h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

75 Very Good

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
12° 23°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

86 mm
Rainfall
1.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.5
UV Index
High
14.4h daylight

June

June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (142 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

71 Very Good

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
15° 26°
73%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

142 mm
Rainfall
1.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.8
UV Index
Very High
15.1h daylight

July

July is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (121 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

75 Very Good

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
18° 27°
71%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

121 mm
Rainfall
1.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.8
UV Index
Very High
14.8h daylight

August

August is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (136 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

77 Very Good

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
18° 27°
68%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

136 mm
Rainfall
1.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.7
UV Index
Very High
13.7h daylight

September

September is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (157 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

73 Very Good

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
15° 25°
71%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

157 mm
Rainfall
1.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.1
UV Index
High
12.3h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (174 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

65 Good

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
10° 21°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

174 mm
Rainfall
1.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
10.9h daylight

November

November is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (182 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

59 Acceptable

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
15°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

182 mm
Rainfall
1.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.3
UV Index
Low
9.6h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (215 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

43 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

215 mm
Rainfall
1.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.0h daylight

How to Get to Chokhatauri

Chokhatauri is best reached by road from regional airports in western Georgia; there is no large airport in the town itself. The nearest airports serving international flights are Batumi (BUS) and Kutaisi (KUT); onward travel is by regional bus, marshrutka or taxi.

By Air

Batumi International Airport (BUS): Batumi is the closest international airport to Chokhatauri. From Batumi you can take a regional marshrutka or bus toward Ozurgeti/Lanchkhuti and change for a short taxi or minibus to Chokhatauri; expect about 1-1.5 hours of road travel to Ozurgeti and a further 15-30 minutes to Chokhatauri depending on connections.

Kutaisi International Airport (KUT): Kutaisi is another common entry point for western Georgia with low-cost connections. From Kutaisi there are minibuses (marshrutkas) and intercity buses toward Lanchkhuti/Ozurgeti; total travel time to Chokhatauri is typically around 1.5-2.5 hours by road depending on transfers.

By Train & Bus

Train: The nearest significant railway access for the Guria area is via Lanchkhuti or Samtredia on Georgian Railway services (regional trains on the Poti-Batumi corridor). From Lanchkhuti you will need a local minibus or taxi for the final 15-25 km to Chokhatauri; journey times depend on connections.

Bus/Marshrutka: Intercity minibuses (marshrutkas) and regional buses run between Batumi, Kutaisi and towns in Guria (Ozurgeti, Lanchkhuti) and provide the most frequent direct access to Chokhatauri. Fares are low (single-digit to low double-digit GEL) and journey times from Batumi or Kutaisi are commonly 1.5-2.5 hours.

How to Get Around Chokhatauri #

Chokhatauri is a small, compact town and easy to explore on foot-most guesthouses, cafes and the central square are within a short walk. For longer trips, marshrutkas (shared minibuses) and regional buses link Chokhatauri with Ozurgeti and the Black Sea coast; fares are low (typically a few Georgian lari). Taxis are available but not abundant; agree a price or ask for the meter. Roads in the region can be narrow and hilly, so allow extra time for connections and keep cash for fares in smaller vehicles.

Where to Stay in Chokhatauri #

Budget
Chokhatauri center - GEL 30-70/night (approx.)
Chokhatauri is a small Georgian town; budget stays are local guesthouses and family-run hotels with basic facilities and few websites.
Mid-Range
Chokhatauri / Guria region - GEL 80-140/night
Mid-range pensions and small hotels exist but are limited; expect comfortable rooms and home-cooked meals rather than boutique services.
Luxury
Batumi area - GEL 200+/night
No major luxury hotels in Chokhatauri; for upscale stays, look to Batumi on the Black Sea coast (1-2 hours away).

Where to Eat in Chokhatauri #

Nightlife in Chokhatauri #

Evening life in Chokhatauri is low-key. Most social evenings happen in cafes, small bars attached to guesthouses or family-run restaurants where locals gather for dinner and conversation. If you want more nightlife-live music or late-night bars-plan to head to larger towns like Ozurgeti or the coastal resorts, especially in summer when seasonal venues are busier.

Shopping in Chokhatauri #

Shopping is basic and functional: a handful of small grocery shops, bakeries and kiosks cover everyday needs. You’ll also find local stalls or market days selling seasonal fruit, vegetables and other produce. There are no large malls; for supermarkets, branded shops or a wider selection you’ll want to travel to nearby Ozurgeti or Batumi.

Nearby Cities #