Kutaisi: Chiatura Cable Cars & Katskhi Pillar Guided Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

Mobile ticket

Take a guided tour from Kutaisi to explore the hidden gems of the Imereti region. Visit the Katskhi Pillar, a 40-meter-high limestone monolith with a church on top.

The next stop will be the mining town of Chiatura, once number 1 in manganese mining, and was renowned for its unique Soviet-era cable car system, which was installed in the 1950s to transport miners and residents up and down the steep hillsides. Believe it or not, until today cable cars are one of the main means of public transport for the locals. The old cable cars were changed to the new ones, but you will see some of the old cable cars, aka "flying coffins" hanging on the abandoned lines. You will take a ride on a new Chiatura gondola lift and feel like a local for some time. You will spot Soviet monuments and mosaics scattered around Chiatura, and also see typical soviet residential buildings.

After a walk in Chiatura, continue to the Mghvimevi convent, which is carved in rock. In the evening return to Kutaisi.

Additional Info

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

WiFi on board

English speaking guide

New Cable Car ride

Air-conditioned vehicle

Lunch

What To Expect

Katskhi Pillar

Katskhi pillar is a spectacular 40 m. high rock with a church on top. There is rarely a chance to go up, as monk is living there permanently, even his brothers only communicate with him by bring food and with the help of the rope. You can take breathtaking photos of the pillar on the way or from the parking lot. However, there is a church and monastery on the ground level. So it is not a very long visit, but definitely worth it.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Cableways Chiatura

Chiatura is very important industrial town in western Georgia, it is one of the main mines of manganese. It is also extremely famous for its rope cable cars, which was built in the 50s as a mean of transport for the mine workers. You will take a ride on one of the new lines.

1 hour • Admission Included

Options

Kutaisi: Chiatura Cable Cars & Katskhi Pillar Guided Tour

Reviews

4.88

8 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Great tour
Megan R,
Aug 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This was a great day tour, definitely recommend. The route was perfect- there was lots to see and explore without too much time spent traveling between locations. It was refreshingly slower-paced despite including many notable sights which was great because we saw a lot without feel rushed. Content consisted of a lovely mix between history, views, culture, and religion. We especially liked that this tour allowed us to see and appreciate many things that we wouldn’t have otherwise. Our guide was welcoming, approachable, attentive, and knowledgeable. Her driving was *excellent* and we felt fully safe and comfortable with her behind the wheel. We actually did 2 tours with Megobari and loved their overall vibe; while still very professional and organized, there was less of a “corporate” feel and more of a warm, personal feeling.
We enjoyed this day trip...
Theresa R,
Jul 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
We enjoyed this day trip with different kinds of stops very much! It was a good mixture between landscapes, architecture and history (from soviet times as well as before). It was also very interactive, as we got to ride on the old and new cable cars of Chiatura. The tour guide was very kind and told us a lot of interesting facts about Georgia! Thank you!
Tolle Tour
Christine-Schoep,
Jun 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We experienced with our guide Sandra a very interesting varied tour through the history and development of a mining industry town with a focus on the cable cars. It was an impressive tour.
Great experience with Teona
S6509GXal,
May 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I truly recommend this tour. Our guide Teona was amazing! She answered all our questions e tell us a lot of interesting facts about places. She is very appassionate, gentle and also a great fotographer :)
An interesting excursion...
Mario K,
Feb 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00
An interesting excursion that will appeal to fans of history, religion and technology, full of beautiful views. Guide knows what he's talking about. The small van we were travelling in was quite cramped (but the train to Chiatura is currently not running, so there is no choice). Keep in mind that you may get muddy, so choose appropriate clothing.
Very good guide
L3812LTtheom,
Feb 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Very attentive guide, perfect to discover this little piece of paradise through the old cable car dating from the Soviet Union in particular
Great guide, dystopian, monasteries
thomt977,
Nov 26, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Chiatura is such a wonderful dystopian city to visit. Teona is a great guide and showed the Katskhi monastery on top of the hill. We went on multiple cable cars and nice viewpoints to see this old Soviet mining city from many angles. A must see and do go with Megobari, very well organised!