Day trip
Season: Year-roundUplistsikhe, Gori and Mtskheta day trip from Tbilisi
- The rock-cut town of Uplistsikhe above the Mtkvari river
- Gori Fortress or the Stalin Museum, plus Jvari and Svetitskhoveli in Mtskheta
The essentials
| Location | Eastern Georgia, along the Mtkvari river west of Tbilisi |
|---|---|
| Regional capital | Gori, Georgia’s fifth-largest city |
| Main towns | Gori, Kaspi, Kareli, Khashuri and Surami |
| Time zone | Georgia Time (UTC+4), no summer time |
| Currency | Georgian lari (GEL) |
| Airport | Tbilisi (TBS), about 1¼ hours from Gori |
| Plugs | Types C and F, 220 volts |
| Emergency number | 112 |
When to visit
Shida Kartli has a continental climate, with hot summers and cold, dry winters. The sights are open all year, but spring and autumn are the most comfortable.
| Months | What to expect |
|---|---|
| March to May | Fruit blossom in the orchards around Gori, green hills and mild days. Easter is the biggest festival of the year. |
| June to August | Hot and dry, often above 30 °C. Visit Uplistsikhe early or late in the day. Surami’s cooler hills are popular in summer. |
| September and October | Rtveli, the grape harvest, and fruit picking in the orchards. Warm days, golden colours and often the best time to visit. |
| November to February | Cold, with frost and some snow. Quiet, with low prices; churches and museums stay open, and the Caucasus is often clear. |
Weather and what to wear
Summer days are usually 28 to 32 °C in Gori, and the rock at Uplistsikhe gets very hot. Winters are cold, around 0 °C, with frosty nights.
- Shoes with good grip for the smooth rock of Uplistsikhe and the fortress paths
- A scarf for women, and long trousers or a long skirt, for visiting churches
- A sun hat, sunscreen and water in summer
- A warm coat, hat and gloves from November to March
Festivals and events
- Orthodox Christmas: 7 January, with church services and family feasts.
- Easter: the most important festival in the Georgian Orthodox calendar, with services at midnight and red-dyed eggs.
- Rtveli: the grape harvest in September and October, with wine-making and feasts in the villages.
- Mtskhetoba: the feast of Svetitskhoveli in Mtskheta in mid-October, an easy trip from Tbilisi on the way to Gori.
Money and costs
Shida Kartli is very good value. A meal in a local restaurant, a marshrutka ride or a museum ticket costs much less than in Western Europe. Cards are accepted in Gori’s hotels, supermarkets and many restaurants, but carry cash for transport, taxis, villages and markets.
Safety and health
- The occupation line: the Russian-occupied Tskhinvali region begins a few kilometres north of Gori. Do not approach the line. Read our safety guide.
- Roads: driving in Georgia can be fast and aggressive. Wear a seat belt, and choose a reputable driver.
- Heat: carry water and a hat in summer, especially at Uplistsikhe.
- Dogs: stray dogs are common but usually calm. Do not feed or approach them.
Etiquette
- Dress modestly in churches and monasteries, and women should cover their hair.
- Ask before photographing people, and inside churches.
- If you are invited to a meal, expect toasts led by a tamada, the toastmaster. Drink when the toast is made, not between toasts.
- Learn “gamarjoba” (hello) and “madloba” (thank you).
