Background

Tsutskhvati Cave: A Journey Through Time

Discover Georgia's ancient secrets within the thirteen stories of Tsutskhvati Cave, a journey through time and nature near Tkibuli.

4.7

Explore the ancient Tsutskhvati Cave near Tsutskhvati village, a unique 13-story cave system revealing layers of history from Neanderthals to the Middle Ages. Discover archaeological finds, stunning formations, and a glimpse into Georgia's natural beauty.

A brief summary to Tsutskhvati cave

  • 7VC3+G4, Tsutskhvati, GE

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy shoes with good traction, as the cave floor can be uneven and slippery.
  • Bring a flashlight or headlamp to explore the darker areas of the cave.
  • Check local weather conditions before visiting, as rain may affect access to the cave.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Car

    From Kutaisi, take the road towards Tkibuli. Continue for approximately 25 km until you reach the village of Tsutskhvati. Once in the village, follow signs for Tsutskhvati Cave. A road will lead you closer to the cave, where you may need to park and walk the final 15-20 minutes uphill to the cave entrance. Note that the road to the cave is good for any car. There is no parking fee.

  • Public Transport

    From Kutaisi, take a marshrutka (minibus) towards Tkibuli. From Tkibuli, follow the road to Racha for 6 km, then hike to Tsutskhvati. Alternatively, from Kutaisi, take a marshrutka to Tsutskhvati village (approximately 25km from Kutaisi). From the village, it's about a half-hour walk down through the forest to the cave. Ensure you have some cash on hand for the marshrutka fares, which typically range from 1 to 5 GEL.

Unlock the Best of Tsutskhvati cave

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Tsutskhvati cave

Tsutskhvati Cave, known locally as "Maghara," is a remarkable 13-story cave complex located near Tsutskhvati village in the Tkibuli municipality of Georgia. Rising 260-340 meters above sea level, this protected area offers a unique journey through time and nature. The cave's history spans millennia, with archaeological discoveries ranging from the Middle Paleolithic era to the Middle Ages. The cave has provided evidence of both Neanderthal and Homo sapiens habitation, with artifacts dating back as far as 80,000 years ago. Stone tools, fossilized animal bones, and a 50,000-year-old Neanderthal child's tooth have been unearthed within its chambers. Each of Tsutskhvati Cave's floors tells a different story. The first floor features a narrow opening where the Shabatghele River flows. The second floor contains remnants of an ancient cult building. The fifth floor, also known as the Bronze Cave, holds a 13-meter-deep sediment layer containing Bronze Age relics and records of climatic changes over the last 140,000 years. On the eleventh floor, the upper cave reveals primitive religious objects, including carefully arranged animal bones and teeth. From the seventh to ninth floors, you can see where the cave openings were used as fortifications during Georgia's feudal era, complete with mortared stone walls and carved steps. While exploring, be prepared for uneven and potentially slippery surfaces. Bring a flashlight to fully appreciate the darker sections. Though not as developed or brightly lit as some other caves in Georgia, Tsutskhvati Cave offers a raw and authentic experience, connecting visitors with the region's deep past and natural wonders.

Popular Experiences near Tsutskhvati cave

Popular Hotels near Tsutskhvati cave

Select Currency