Hike to Skhalta Monastery
Duration: 4-6h
Difficulty: Medium
Short description
Embark on a great journey to the ancient Skhalta Monastery, nestled deep within the mountains. Your adventure begins on rugged mountain paths and winds through dense, mystical forests, offering breathtaking views at every turn.
What’s the trail like?
Difficulty: medium. While the hike is generally manageable, be prepared for the challenging return to the glamping site, as the trail becomes steep. Ensure you allocate extra time for this part of your journey to savor the experience without rush. Also, if you don’t feel like going back on the ascending road, you can enjoy a nice hike from the glamping site to the monastery and then rent our taxi for the return trip. Please ask our managers about this option before you go.
Below, we also offer variations of this route if you are ready for a more challenging and longer hike.
What to wear?
Any comfortable clothing and footwear will do. On a rainy day, part of the road may be muddy, while on a sunny day, it may be slippery due to sand.
Wildlife
Since the trail stays close to the village, encountering wild animals is unlikely. However, if you do, please follow the general guidelines we’ve posted here.
Hike Tips
Trail Markers: The entire path is well-marked with yellow signs. If you lose sight of these markers, you might be off-course. Yet, don’t worry! Your phone will maintain signal throughout the hike, allowing you to reach out for assistance if needed. You can call us if you need help.
You can also follow the navigation apps and maps we share below. We have checked the maps, so you won’t get lost if you follow them.
Asphalt Section: Near the monastery, you’ll encounter a short stretch of asphalt road. Exercise caution here, as vehicles tend to speed. Stay safe by walking along the edges.
Skhalta Monastery: The monastery is sometimes closed, but you can find a phone number on the door. If you call it, the keeper will come and let you in.
The Route
The route starts similarly to the hike to the Green Hill. You set out from the Glamping through the upper exit and go to the right on the road. Soon, you will reach the forest road that will lead you to a village. Leaving the village to the right, you continue following the same road until you reach a fork where you need to follow a yellow sign and take the left path. Go straight until you encounter another fork and yellow sign, directing you again to the left, into the forest.
The road becomes a lovely green path along a picturesque fence. This path leads into the forest, where the scent of pine trees on a sunny day is incredible. Eventually, you’ll come to a newly constructed road that might be muddy. Be sure your footwear can handle it.
The trail ends in a fern field, which is beautiful in summer and vibrant during autumn. Though the path seems to end here, keep going a bit further through the ferns, and you’ll see the trail continues. Finally, the green path leads you to a stunning green hill. Take your time here to take photos and rest and when you are ready cross the field.
Continuing further, you will soon notice that a path leads into the forest. Go straight on the comfortable car road, enjoying the views and the smell of pines around you. When you reach another fork, choose the right road that goes down and follow it. Be careful, as the sandy path can be slippery if your boots are not suitable for hiking.
Keep following the road. You will leave the village to the right and will see several turns to the left, but keep going on your path. As you descend, the views of the mountains and the river below become very nice. When you see the sign to Dzmagula, choose the road to the left and down and follow it. Soon, you will step onto a car road, so please take care as cars can drive here quite fast.
Continue, and you will reach a sign to Skhalta Hotel. It is easy to get tricked here as you don’t need to follow the sign; instead, choose the left road with the water spring.
You can refresh and drink water on a hot sunny day here. Go further, and you will soon reach a shop where you can buy some snacks, ice cream, or water.
Leaving the shop behind, keep following the road, and soon you will cross a bridge. One more turn to the right, a bit more walking, and you will finally reach the Skhalta Monastery.
Retrace your steps to return or rent our taxi for the return trip. Please ask our managers about this option.
What to Expect
Skhalta monastery
The region of Skhalta was well advanced in the Middle Ages. The shortest road from Ajara towards Artaani passed through here. The Skhalta Monastery is a well-preserved example of medieval sacred architecture in Ajara.
The main structure of the complex is the Skhalta Virgin Church, a single-nave hall-type church. There is no information available about the exact construction date of the church. Traditional reports and artistic peculiarities connect the construction of the Skhalta Church to Queen Tamar and the middle of the 13th century.
The so-called Skhalta Small Church is situated southwest of the main church. The distinguished frescoes of the small church belong to the 14th-15th centuries. The decorations are based on centuries-old wall painting traditions as well as innovations of modern Byzantine wall painting. The frescoes were restored in the 1990s.
Navigation
Komoot
The free version of the Komoot app can guide you on this route, but you will need internet access. Just scan the QR code or follow the link to download the app and join the hiking route.
Alltrails
The free version of the Alltrails app can guide you on this route, but you will need internet access. Just scan the QR code or follow the link to download the app and join the hiking route.
MAPS.me
To use maps.me, just download the app, follow the link with the ending point, and click to create a route. In the app, you can also download the offline map before you go to navigate offline.
Tago – Viewpoint. At the crossroads go left and follow a car road. This road is not visible on Maps.me. Go straight.
Viewpoint – Cheri. Take a downhill dirt road and then 10 min on the asphalt road.
Cheri – Skhalta. Take again the asphalt and dirt road to reach Skhalta.
Alternative Route
For the more adventurous, consider taking a different route back. Venture towards Cheri and Dzmagula, and then follow a scenic dirt road back to the glamping site. This alternative path offers new sights and experiences, adding an extra layer of excitement to your hike. Note that you can also consider the route through Dzmagula and Cheri for your journey TO Skhalta. Please check the maps below for your convenience.
Navigation
Komoot
The free version of the Komoot app can guide you on this route, but you will need internet access. Just scan the QR code or follow the link to download the app and join the hiking route.
Alltrails
The free version of the Alltrails app can guide you on this route, but you will need internet access. Just scan the QR code or follow the link to download the app and join the hiking route.
MAPS.me
To use maps.me, just download the app, follow the link with the ending point, and click to create a route. In the app, you can also download the offline map before you go to navigate offline.
Tago – Viewpoint. At the crossroads go left and follow a car road. This road is not visible on Maps.me. Go straight.
Viewpoint – Dzmagula. Go downhill on dirt road for about 30 min.
Dzmagula – Cheri. Take a downhill dirt road for about 20 min and then 10 min on the asphalt road.
Cheri – Skhalta. Take again the asphalt and dirt road to reach Skhalta.
Alternative Route 2 (Hard Hike)
Are you an experienced hiker willing to take on some challenges? We have an exciting idea for you. This challenge involves a full-day hike, including a return journey through Otsinary Lake, Pachkha Village, and Mount Argineti. You will visit a beautiful and peaceful lake in the mountains and climb one of the highest peaks around Tago, offering stunning panoramic views. Refer to the maps below to guide you.
If you seek a challenge but prefer not to combine too many activities in one day, check out our separate routes to Otsinary Lake and Mount Argineti, which are excellent hikes on their own.
Equip yourself with this guide, embrace the adventure, and create lasting memories on your hike to Skhalta Monastery. Happy hiking!
Navigation
Komoot
The free version of the Komoot app can guide you on this route, but you will need internet access. Just scan the QR code or follow the link to download the app and join the hiking route.
Alltrails
The free version of the Alltrails app can guide you on this route, but you will need internet access. Just scan the QR code or follow the link to download the app and join the hiking route.
MAPS.me
To use maps.me, just download the app, follow the link with the ending point, and click to create a route. In the app, you can also download the offline map before you go to navigate offline.
Tago – Viewpoint. At the crossroads go left and follow a car road. This road is not visible on Maps.me. Go straight.
Viewpoint – Cheri. Take a downhill dirt road and then the asphalt road.
Cheri – Skhalta. Take again the asphalt and dirt road to reach Skhalta.
Skhalta – Pachkha
Pachkha – Otsinary
Otsinary – Mount Point
Mount Point 2
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