Rkoni Gorge

RKONSKY MONASTRY (7-13 centuries)

A wonderful destination for day trips from Tbilisi, which is not yet threatened by mass bus tourism: fortunately, you can only get here on foot (25 minutes from the village of Rkoni through the forest along the banks of the Tezami River). If this is not enough, then here is a possible continuation of the hiking routes that lead to even greater silence and seclusion: from the Rkonsky monastery - the hermit tower on the opposite bank of the Tedzami River (200 m up the hill from the stone bridge; on the second floor of the tower there are remains of frescoes), the ruins of the fortress of Kldekari in the Trialet Mountains (15.2 km / 5 h 50 min) or the village of Choliani (18.1 km / 6 h 45 min), and from the village of Rkoni - the monastery of St. George (Iqvi) with frescoscos of 11 c. (2 km / 30 min). And, of course, nothing prevents you from exploring the Rkon fortress, which is clearly visible on the hill from the road leading to the monastery. Locals advise to walk the forest trails with caution: they say there are many wolves in the vicinity. But you can be calm: in the escorts for a modest grocery reward, for scratching behind the ear and for that kind word, which is pleasant to the cat, you can hire a charming red dog, who will gladly bypass the nearest sights with you.

Transport, guide, water and WI-FI.