Chiatura and Katskhi Pillar day trip: Stalin-era cable cars

Ride the original Stalin-era gondolas through a Soviet mining town frozen in time.

This full-day tour from Tbilisi takes you to Chiatura, a surreal Soviet-era mining town, and the Katskhi Pillar, a 40-meter natural limestone monolith crowned with a hermitage. You'll ride the original cable car system that still connects the town to the mines above, explore abandoned factories and murals, visit the 8th-century Mgvimevi Monastery carved into a cliff, and return to Tbilisi in the evening. The tour runs 12 hours total and includes hotel pickup, a local guide in English or Russian, and bottled water. Choose between a private tour with your own guide or a small group option.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Katskhi Pillar and Chiatura

• Hotel pick-up in Tbilisi
• Visit Mgvimevi Monastery
• See Katskhi Pillar limestone monolith
• Ride Stalin-era cable cars in Chiatura
• Walk around Chiatura town center
• Return to Tbilisi in the evening

The experience

You start from your Tbilisi hotel and drive roughly two and a half hours through mountain landscapes to reach Mgvimevi Monastery, an 8th-century complex built partly into a cliff face. The church walls still carry original murals from that era, and a 12th-century bell tower rises from the monastic grounds. From there, the route continues to Katskhi Pillar, a striking 40-meter limestone column standing alone in the landscape with a small hermitage perched at its crown: a tangible symbol of human perseverance in an isolated setting.

The centerpiece is Chiatura itself, a city that feels suspended in the Soviet past. The cable car system (10 passenger cars and 2 for manganese transport) still operates as the primary way to move around town, spanning over 6 kilometers of cable across the Qvirilia River gorge. You'll ride these original Stalin-era gondolas, which some stations still adorned with murals of Soviet heroes. The cable cars are a genuine feat of Soviet engineering and remain the most distinctive way to experience the town's geography and industrial character. Note that the maximum capacity per car is 4 people, and some lines may be closed for repair on any given day.

Beyond the cable cars, you walk through Chiatura's center to see Soviet-era architecture and abandoned factories: the visual record of a city built around manganese mining. The atmosphere is nostalgic and raw, without the polish of typical tourist destinations. Your local guide provides context in English or Russian throughout the day. The return journey to Tbilisi takes the evening, arriving back after a full 12 hours away from the city.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup from Tbilisi.
• a local guide speaking English or Russian.
• and bottled water throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 07:30, the last at 09:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (under 12)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Friendly.ge: Transfers & Tours in Georgia

Is this one for you?Choose the private tour if you want your own guide and flexible pacing through the cable cars and Chiatura's streets. Pick the small group option if you prefer to share the drive and experience with other travelers. Either way, the 12-hour commitment and mountain roads mean this suits travelers with a full day free and comfort with long drives, not ideal for anyone prone to motion sickness or back problems.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Russian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 12).

What is the Katskhi Pillar and why is it worth the drive?

Katskhi Pillar is a 40-meter natural limestone monolith in the village of Katskhi, near Chiatura, crowned with a small hermitage. It stands as a striking landmark symbolizing human perseverance and isolation, and it's one of Georgia's most extraordinary sites outside the usual tourist circuit.

Are the Stalin-era cable cars in Chiatura safe to ride?

Yes, the cable car system is still in active use and serves as the main transport around the city. It's regarded as an exemplary feat of Soviet engineering. Each car holds a maximum of 4 people, and your guide will manage the rides. Some cable lines may be closed or under repair on any given day, which could limit which routes you access.

How long is the drive from Tbilisi, and is this tour suitable if I get motion sickness?

The drive is approximately 2.5 hours each way, making the total tour 12 hours. The tour is not recommended for travelers prone to motion sickness or back problems due to the length and mountain roads.

Can I book this as a private tour, or do I have to join a group?

You can choose between a private tour with your own guide or a small group option at checkout. Both include hotel pickup from Tbilisi, a local guide in English or Russian, and bottled water.

What is Mgvimevi Monastery and when was it built?

Mgvimevi Monastery is an 8th-century complex built partly into a cliff face, featuring a church with original murals from the 8th century and later additions from the 16th century. The monastic grounds also include a two-storey bell tower built in the 12th–14th century and a long tunnel under the church strengthened by arches.

Is this tour suitable for people with a fear of heights?

No, this tour is not suitable for travelers with a fear of heights. The experience includes riding old cable cars and visiting elevated viewpoints, which may be challenging for guests uncomfortable with heights or enclosed spaces.