Sakinule Cave: Georgia's Icy Underground Wonder
Explore Sakinule Cave: A natural wonder in Georgia's Racha region, featuring stunning ice formations and a constant chill.
Sakinule Cave, near Nikortsminda, Georgia, is a natural 'freezer cave' featuring stunning ice formations. With a constant zero-degree temperature, water droplets freeze into impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and ice columns, some reaching up to 8 meters in height, offering a unique and chilly spectacle for visitors.
A brief summary to Sakinule Cave
- F378+8V, Nikortsminda, GE
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Wear sturdy shoes, as the cave floor can be uneven and slippery.
- Bring a light jacket; the temperature inside the cave can be noticeably cooler.
- Check the local weather before your visit, as heavy rains can affect cave accessibility.
Getting There
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Walking
From the village center of Nikortsminda, the cave is approximately 3 km away. Follow the road opposite the Nikortsminda Church for 2.5 km; this is a dirt road. The final 0.5 km is a hiking trail with signs leading directly to the cave. Be prepared for a potentially slippery path, especially in wet weather.
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Public Transport
From Kutaisi, take a marshrutka (minibus) to Ambrolauri. From Ambrolauri, hire a taxi to Nikortsminda. From Nikortsminda follow the walking directions to the cave. The taxi fare from Ambrolauri to Nikortsminda is approximately 20-30 GEL. The marshrutka from Kutaisi to Ambrolauri costs around 12 GEL.
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Taxi
From Kutaisi, a taxi directly to Sakinule Cave is possible, but it's best to negotiate the price beforehand. A taxi from Kutaisi to Nikortsminda typically costs $60-$80 USD. From Nikortsminda follow the walking directions to the cave. Alternatively, take a taxi to the start of the hiking trail and walk the final half kilometer.
Discover more about Sakinule Cave
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Nikortsminda Cathedral
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Shaoris Tsqalsats'avi
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Khotevi Fortress
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Hotel Metekhara
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Glamping Georgia, Krikhi
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Royal Khvanchkara
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Khvanchkara Monument
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Chateau Dio
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WineSpace
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Church of the Archangels of Upper Krikhi
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Tskhradjvari
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Ambrolauri Museum of Fine Arts
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Margvelidze Winery & guesthouse
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Katskhi Column
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Viewpoint
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Ghvirishi waterfall
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Essential places to dine
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Gharistskali
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Tchrebalo Wine Cellar/ ჭრებალოს მარანი
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Bambooki
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Lunch at Lia
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Family Dinner In Chiatura
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ZuMi
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Restaurant Rcheuli
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Gazapkhuli 2007 Restaurant
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Restaurant
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Restaurant Balu
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Khvamli Restaurant
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Spar
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Daily
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Iline
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Merkviladze st, Chiatura, Georgia
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Memoire Wine Room
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Pub Barca
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Destino
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