Travel Guide to Gelati Monastery

Getting There

• Car

  If you are traveling by car from any central location in Tusheti, first navigate to the main road leading out of the village. You will need to head towards the town of Motsameta. Follow the signs to Tbilisi and then merge onto the E117 highway. Continue on E117 for approximately 70 kilometers until you reach the town of Motsameta. Once in Motsameta, look for signs that indicate the direction of Gelati Monastery. The monastery is located at coordinates 42.2946599, 42.7681086, and there is a road leading directly to it from the town center. The road may be narrow and winding, so drive cautiously.

• Public Transportation

  To reach Gelati Monastery using public transportation, you will first need to make your way to the nearest bus station in Tusheti. From there, catch a marshrutka (minibus) heading towards Tbilisi. Once you arrive in Tbilisi, transfer to another marshrutka to Motsameta. The journey from Tusheti to Tbilisi may cost around 20 GEL and take approximately 4 hours. After arriving in Motsameta, the monastery is approximately a 15-minute walk from the bus drop-off point. Look for signs leading to Gelati Monastery; the path to the monastery is well-marked.

• Taxi

  If you prefer a more direct route, consider hiring a taxi from your location in Tusheti to Gelati Monastery. This option may be more costly, typically ranging from 50 to 100 GEL depending on your starting point. The taxi will take you directly to the monastery without the need for transfers. Make sure to negotiate the price before starting your journey. The taxi ride will take about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.