Kharagauli Travel Guide

City Town in Imereti near Kharagauli National Park

Kharagauli fronts Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park with forested ridges and marked trails. Hikers and horseback riders arrive for multi-day treks, mountain viewpoints and home-cooked Georgian meals in simple guesthouses.

Main image
Costs
$30-55 per day (budget)
Affordable Georgian small-town prices for food and lodging.
Safety
Low crime, rural caution
Generally safe; usual caution on rural roads and trails.
Best Time
May-September
Best for hiking and park access in late spring to early autumn.
Local Time
9:44 AM
GMT+4
Weather
Mostly Clear 52°F
Mostly Clear
Population
1,738
Infrastructure & Convenience
Basic regional buses and trails, limited tourist services, mountain roads.
Popularity
Attracts hikers and nature lovers; limited international awareness.
Known For
gateway to Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, hiking, forests, mountain scenery, eco-tourism, wildlife, mineral springs nearby, rustic guesthouses
Kharagauli is a gateway to Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, which spans roughly 85,000 hectares.

Why Visit Kharagauli? #

Sitting at the edge of Borjomi‑Kharagauli National Park, this town is ideal for travelers who want mountain trails and forested scenery alongside Georgian hospitality. The park’s hiking routes and viewpoints are complemented by local guesthouses that serve Imeretian dishes and homemade wines, and traditional supra feasts offer a chance to experience polyphonic singing and Georgian toasting rituals. Outdoor activities and regional food culture combine to make it a rewarding stop for nature lovers and culture seekers alike.

Best Things to Do in Kharagauli

All Attractions ›

Kharagauli Bucket List

Don't Miss
  • Kharagauli National Park - Hike Kharagauli National Park's trails through mixed forest and mountain meadows with ridge views.
  • Kharagauli Local History Museum - Small museum tracing local crafts, wartime history, and traditional Imeretian life.
  • Kharagauli Town Market - Bustling weekly market selling Imeretian cheeses, honey, and seasonal produce.
Hidden Gems
  • Likhi Pass viewpoint - Short uphill walk to panoramic views over Imereti and the Kharagauli foothills.
  • Family-run wineries - Visit small family-run wineries producing Imeretian amber wines and homemade chacha.
  • Local shepherd trails - Follow lesser-known shepherd paths for quiet mountain scenery and pastoral encounters.
Day Trips
  • Gelati Monastery (near Kutaisi) - Drive to Gelati Monastery near Kutaisi to see medieval frescoes and monastic architecture.
  • Prometheus Cave - Explore Prometheus Cave's long passages, stalactites, and illuminated underground river tours.

Best Time to Visit Kharagauli #

Kharagauli is best from late spring through early autumn when trails are accessible and the landscape is green. Winters bring snow and cold, suited to winter-sport visitors.

Winter
December - February · -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F)
Winters are cold with regular snow in the mountains-beautiful for winter sports but expect freezing nights and icy roads.
Summer
June - August · 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F)
Warm, often humid summers are lush and excellent for hiking in forests and valleys; occasional heavy rain afternoons possible.
Spring & Autumn
March - May & September - November · 5°C to 18°C (41°F to 64°F)
Green, mild shoulder seasons showcase blooming hills in spring and colorful forests in autumn-perfect for scenic drives and quieter trails.

Best Time to Visit Kharagauli #

Climate

Kharagauli'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 29°C. Abundant rainfall (1066 mm/year), wettest in December.

Best Time to Visit
AugustSeptemberJuly
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
41°
Warmest Month
-18°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

39 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

108 mm
Rainfall
1.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.3h daylight

February

February is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

41 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

91 mm
Rainfall
1.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.4
UV Index
Low
10.4h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

49 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

76 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
11.8h daylight

April

April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

61 Good

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
18°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

83 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.1
UV Index
High
13.2h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

63 Good

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
11° 21°
74%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

77 mm
Rainfall
1.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.5
UV Index
Very High
14.4h daylight

June

June is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

75 Very Good

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
13° 25°
70%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

97 mm
Rainfall
1.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.9
UV Index
Very High
15.1h daylight

July

July is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

79 Very Good

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
17° 27°
66%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

72 mm
Rainfall
1.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.9
UV Index
Very High
14.8h daylight

August

August is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

83 Excellent

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
17° 29°
62%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

65 mm
Rainfall
1.6 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 14°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

81 Excellent

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
14° 25°
67%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

69 mm
Rainfall
1.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.2
UV Index
High
12.3h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

65 Good

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
19°
73%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

98 mm
Rainfall
1.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
10.9h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

53 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

103 mm
Rainfall
1.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.3
UV Index
Low
9.6h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (127 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

39 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

127 mm
Rainfall
1.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.0h daylight

How to Get to Kharagauli

Kharagauli in Imereti is served by regional road and rail links; Kutaisi and Tbilisi airports are the main air gateways. Use trains or marshrutkas from the hubs for the final leg into town.

By Air

Kutaisi International Airport (KUT): Kutaisi is the closest major airport for much of western Georgia and is often used for low‑cost flights. From Kutaisi you travel by regional bus or taxi towards Kharagauli; the drive is typically 1.5-2 hours and taxis cost roughly 50-100 GEL depending on negotiation and exact pickup point.

Tbilisi International Airport (TBS): Tbilisi is the main international gateway; from Tbilisi the road trip to Kharagauli takes about 2-3 hours by car or a combination of train/bus. Intercity buses and marshrutkas connect major cities to towns in Imereti and nearby areas.

By Train & Bus

Train: Georgian Railways operates services through Imereti; Kharagauli has a rail station on the line between Zestaponi/Kutaisi and Tbilisi depending on the route. Trains can be used for the main leg, with travel times varying by service and stop pattern-check Georgian Railways for current schedules and fares.

Bus / minibus (marshrutka): Marshrutkas run between Kutaisi, Zestaponi, and smaller towns; this is often the most direct and frequent public option to reach Kharagauli. Prices are generally low (single digits of GEL) and journeys are typically 1-2 hours depending on departure point.

How to Get Around Kharagauli #

Kharagauli is a small Georgian town - compact and walkable for everyday needs. Road connections and minibuses (marshrutkas) link Kharagauli with regional centres; taxis operate but can be limited. If you plan to explore the surrounding national park and gorges, arrange transport in advance or hire a car, as services outside town can be infrequent.

Where to Stay in Kharagauli #

Budget
Kharagauli centre - GEL 20-60/night
Kharagauli is a small Georgian town with limited verified budget listings; guesthouses exist but require local confirmation.
Mid-Range
Kutaisi (nearby) - GEL 80-150/night
Mid-range hotels are limited; consider staying in nearby Kutaisi for broader options and services.
Luxury
Kutaisi / Tbilisi - GEL 180+/night
Luxury accommodations are not common in Kharagauli; major cities like Kutaisi or Tbilisi host higher-end hotels.

Where to Eat in Kharagauli #

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Kharagauli's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Regional
Kebab

Nightlife in Kharagauli #

Nightlife in Kharagauli is very quiet. Expect informal socialising in cafés and small bars rather than organized nightlife or nightclubs. Those seeking evening entertainment usually travel to larger towns or cities for a broader scene.

Shopping in Kharagauli #

Shopping in Kharagauli is basic: small shops, bakeries and local markets serve daily needs. For a wider selection of goods, larger cities are where you’ll find supermarkets and specialty stores. Local stalls may sell regional agricultural products and homemade foods when markets operate.

Nearby Cities #