15 Things to Do in Akhaltsikhe, Georgia’s Castle City in the South

Everything you need to know before you visit Akhaltsikhe – including the best things to do in Akhaltsikhe beyond Rabati Castle, where to stay and eat, and how to use the city as a base for exploring southern Georgia.

Akhaltsikhe is the main hub in Georgia’s southern Samtskhe-Javakheti region, and for most travellers, it is synonymous with Akhaltsikhe Castle: The massive hilltop fortress that gives the surrounding settlement – meaning ‘New Castle’ in Georgian – its name.

Akhaltsikhe is a small city, and once you’ve toured the castle, there is not an enormous amount to ‘do’ in the classic sightseeing sense. But its budget-friendly guesthouses and quiet, low-key vibe does make Akhaltsikhe a nice base for exploring the wider region – including the cave city of Vardzia, located 60 kilometres (37 miles) south-east.

There is more to Akhaltsikhe than just the castle. Georgian Orthodox, Armenian Apostolic and Catholic churches sit alongside synagogues and Ottoman-era bathhouses, attesting to the city’s long history as a multicultural trading post.

Just beyond the city limits, you’ll find gems that very few tourists get to experience: Saro village, a craft brewery where beer is made in clay amphora, and agritourism projects.

Food is another very good reason to spend time in Akhaltsikhe. Meskhetian cuisine is one of Georgia’s most unique and underrated food traditions, known for miniature khinkali, pulled tenili cheese, and even snails. This is easily one of the best foodie destinations in the country.

So whether you’re stopping overnight on a bigger Georgia itinerary, using Akhaltsikhe as a base for exploring Samtskhe-Javakheti, or passing through on your way to the Armenian border and Gyumri, this guide will show you how to make the most of your time – including the best things to do in and around Akhaltsikhe, where to stay, where to eat, and how to get around.

There is no questioning what Akhaltsikhe’s main attraction is: The hilltop dominates the landscape.

If you’re a fan of the British TV series Race Across the World, you’ll recognise the castle from season six!

Known colloquially as Rabati after the old fortified quarter where it is located, Akhaltsikhe Castle is a vast, double-walled fortress that rises above the city on the north bank of the Potskhovi River. Parts date back to the 9th century, when Akhaltsikhe was known as Lomsia, with many of the later structures added or adapted in the medieval period.

The castle was heavily restored in 2011-12, and the results are quite impressive. There is definitely a Disneyland-esque quality – everything is very polished, symmetrical, and in places perhaps a little too perfect! But at the same time, it is undeniably grand, extremely photogenic, and a lot of fun to wander around. If you’re travelling with kids, this is not one to miss.

Pavilions, gardens, terraces and the restored fortress walls and towers themselves are all contained within the upper part of the castle, connected by neat stone pathways.

At the heart of the complex is a huge mosque with a glimmering golden dome – a reminder of the period from the 1500s onwards when the Ottomans controlled Akhaltsikhe and made it the residence of a pasha.

My favourite part of the castle is the old madrasa and the ablution fountain. The latter is easy to miss: As you walk around the back side of the mosque, look for the long partition wall with Islamic-style star cutouts on your right. Behind it, there is a courtyard with two tiled pools, plus an indoor fountain. It has a riad-style feel and is one of the prettiest corners of the whole complex.

The main fortress includes a tall flag tower that you can climb for a view over the castle and the city beyond.

Before you summit the stairs, pop into the Meskhetian darbarzi house, a recreation of a traditional dwelling with a hearth and incredibly detailed wooden ceiling. In villages around Akhaltsikhe, you can still find centuries-old examples of darbarzi – more below in #11.

The lower part of the complex around the restaurant and hotel – including an observation tower, a section of old wall, and a terraced vineyard – is free to visit. The upper part requires a ticket. Be sure to head directly to the ticket office when you first arrive to avoid having to double back – it is located on the right-hand side as you enter.

Tickets cost 20 GEL, or 10 GEL for Georgian citizens and residents, with free entry for children under six. Audio guides and guided tours are also available and can be organised at the ticket desk.

Akhaltsikhe Castle is open daily from 9am until 6pm, with extended evening hours in summer. The complex is quite compact, but you’ll need at least 60-90 minutes to walk around. If you plan to visit the Samtskhe-Javakheti History Museum inside the castle as well, allow extra time. The museum has a separate ticket and is covered in #2 below.

If you have a drone, this is one of my favourite places to fly in Georgia. Sunrise and sunset are particularly atmospheric. You can launch from the carpark out back.

Located on the castle grounds, the Samtskhe-Javakheti History Museum is Akhaltsikhe’s only museum and worth a visit if you want more context for the region.

Occupying the Jakeli Palace, a former residence for the noble family that ruled Samtskhe for centuries, this is a modern museum that opened in 2012 with the castle restoration (though the collection traces its history back to 1923). I’ve seen a few complaints online that the museum is too dark – the lighting is very dramatic, but I personally didn’t have a problem with it (actually, it’s a nice relief from the hot and exposed castle grounds outside).

The collection starts with prehistoric finds from Meskheti and moves through the medieval period to the Ottoman era and beyond. For me, the most interesting displays are the ones that tie directly back to Akhaltsikhe itself: Painted tiles, mother-of-pearl inlaid hammam shoes, and other objects that attest to the city’s Ottoman chapter. There is also a small exhibition dedicated to Akhaltsikhe’s Jewish community and synagogue (more below in #5).

One of the highlights is a reproduction of the rare Queen Tamar fresco found at Vardzia (pictured above right). Since photography of the original is not permitted, this is your chance to get a snap. There are also beautiful lapidary inscriptions, carved stone details and ethnographic displays that help explain why Samtskhe-Javakheti feels so different from other parts of Georgia.

The museum requires a separate 15 GEL ticket and is not included in the castle entrance price. It is open from 10am until 6pm Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Mondays).

Perched above the fortress on a winding backstreet, St. Marine Church is not exactly hidden – you can see it from the castle walls – but most people do not make the short walk up.

The church dates to the 19th century and is one of the main Orthodox landmarks in Rabati district. Historically, this part of the city was home to Georgian and Greek families – one of several small religious and ethnic neighbourhoods that made up old Akhaltsikhe (more below).

The main reason to come up here is for the view. From the back of the churchyard, you can look straight onto the citadel walls below. It is one of the best viewpoints of Rabati Castle, especially in the late afternoon when the sun sits behind you.

Take a moment to pop inside to see the frescoes and icons, then have a look around the churchyard. Some of the graves are quite unusual for Georgia, including an ornate stone tomb topped with a headless marble figure in classical dress, now half-swallowed by greenery.

From St. Marine, continue walking through the steep backstreets of old Rabati. This is most interesting part of Akhaltsikhe to explore on foot.

The name Rabati comes from the Arabic word rabat/ribat, used to describe a fortified place or outer settlement attached to a citadel (the same root behind Rabat in Morocco and in Malta). In the past, Akhaltsikhe’s Rabati was divided into small neighbourhoods clustered around different places of worship. Georgian Orthodox, Armenian Apostolic, Catholic, Jewish and Muslim communities all lived here side by side.

Today you can see a recently renovated Catholic church (below left), the ruins of the Armenian St. Stephen’s Church, an old mosque and hammam (below right), two synagogues, and a Jewish cemetery.

We went over for a closer look and discovered the lot in front is being used as a parking space, which made it tricky to get a good look at the facade. The wooden door to the hammam is padlocked shut.

When we sent our drone up, we were quite surprised to see how large the complex actually is. One of the domed roofs is in surprisingly good condition. Just imagine how cool this would be if it was restored into a modern spa, a-la the Tbilisi sulfur baths!

The most impressive historic house of worship in Rabati is without a doubt the main synagogue.

Georgian Jews are one of the oldest Jewish communities in the Diaspora, with roots traditionally traced back around 2,600 years – far older than the Ashkenazi communities that developed in medieval Europe.

Akhaltsikhe once had a sizeable Jewish population. In the late 1800s, people of Jewish faith accounted for almost 20% of the city’s population – around 800 families in total. As with Oni in Racha and other communities, most families emigrated years ago.

Built in 1863 and featuring an incredible woodwork interior (all hand-made by local craftsmen), the Akhaltsikhe Synagogue is a work of art. Sadly the community isn’t big enough for regular services: In Orthodox practice, a minyan requires 10 Jewish men, and there is only one currently living in the city.

That is Benjamin, the young man who takes care of the synagogue’s upkeep – a task he inherited from his father and his great-grandfather before him. He also leads prayers when there are enough visitors in town to form a minyan.

With some advance notice, Benjamin will gladly open the doors for you and show you the synagogue. He speaks perfect English and is a very welcoming person. You can reach him on the phone number posted on the synagogue gate.

The highlight of visiting the synagogue is having Benjamin draw back the red velvet parokhet to reveal one of the Sefer Torahs kept here – a scroll that is believed to be around 500 years old. Written in Hebrew on deer skin, it is extremely delicate and very beautiful.

There are two parts to Akhaltsikhe: Old Rabati around the castle, and the newer part of the city on the opposite bank of the Potskhovi River.

There is nothing wildly exciting to see on this side of town, but it is worth a quick wander if you have time. Follow the main road and duck down a few of the side streets, where you’ll find Armenian lavash shops, hatters, thrift stores, old-school barbers, and more of the everyday details I always enjoy seeing in small Georgian cities.

The centrepiece is Amaghleba Church, a cross-domed church that was reconstructed in 2020. It is the first thing that commands your attention after you cross the bridge, mostly because of the statue out front: Queen Tamar, or King Tamar as she is often called, standing with her gaze fixed firmly towards the castle in the distance.

Tamar ruled Georgia from 1184 to 1213, presiding over the country’s Golden Age, and she has strong associations with this part of Georgia – most famously Vardzia.

Meskhetian food is one of my favourite regional cuisines in Georgia – completely distinct from what you find elsewhere in the country, with a strong emphasis on dried and preserved ingredients.

This makes sense when you consider the landscape and history of Samtskhe-Javakheti: High mountains and harsh winters produced communities that had to be creative with their cooking. Combined with the cross-pollination of flavours and techniques brought in by the trade route, this has created a very unusual regional cuisine.

My favourite restaurant in Akhaltsikhe is Old Bar, located right on the main street as you cross onto the new side of town. The menu here has a dedicated section for local dishes, making it a great place to order a proper Meskhetian spread.

Start with Meskhetian apokhti khinkali, small manti-like dumplings filled with dried, salted beef or goose meat and served with garlic, sour cream and black pepper. They also come in a cheese version. Tatarberaki, pasta-like ribbons of dough topped with crispy onions, sour cream and garlic is another of my favourite dishes.

Meskhetian kada khachapuri (below left) is a must-try: This special regional version of the cheese pie is extra-crispy thanks to the laminated dough that is layered with butter. Lokokina, Meskhetian-style snails that are boiled and served either plain or with garlic and herbs, and Tenili cheese, the region’s famous brined ‘pulled cheese’, are also worth trying if you are feeling adventurous.

Another solid option is Natenadze Wine Restaurant, located just inside the entrance to Akhaltsikhe Castle. This slightly more upscale restaurant is attached to Giorgi Natenadze’s winery – Giorgi is known for his work with ancient Meskhetian grape varieties, including wild grapes collected from the forests and old vines growing on restored terraces in the mountains around Vardzia.

His wines are sold here by the glass or bottle, and are best paired with dishes from the Meskhetian specialty menu: Makarlama, a thin handmade pasta topped with caramelised walnuts and tenili cheese, claypot snails, and Meskhuri cheese khinkali.

A few restaurants in Tbilisi serve Meskhetian dishes – Chveni and Chef Saradjeff are my two picks.

For a more hands-on foodie experience just outside Akhaltsikhe, see #12 below.

If you have a car, Sapara Monastery is the easiest side-trip from Akhaltsikhe. This Orthodox monastery complex is tucked into a forested gorge around 12 kilometres southeast of the city, reached via a fully asphalted road.

Sapara has existed since at least the 9th century, and later became closely associated with the Jakeli family, the rulers of Samtskhe. The oldest surviving church here is the small Dormition of the Virgin Church, while the largest and most impressive building, St. Saba’s Church, was built in the late 13th century.

Its dozen churches, bell tower, ruined fortifications, and the remains of a palace are all arranged on terraces that trail up the hillside. The buildings appear to grow out of the slope, with different angles opening up as you walk around – a bit like Haghpat in Armenia.

The main church has beautiful frescoes inside, but photography is strictly prohibited. When we visited on a Saturday, it was very busy with Georgian families and a few big bus groups, so if you prefer a quieter experience, aim for a weekday.

Just after the main gate, on the right, there is a small set of stairs you can climb for a view over the complex, with the main church poking up above the treetops. From there you can continue further up towards the ruins of Sapara Castle, which towers above the monastery.

On the way up, keep an eye out for the small St. George Church by the roadside. It makes for a nice quick stop, and there is a good view back towards Akhaltsikhe from this part of the road.

Akhaltsikhe is the best jumping-off point for visiting Vardzia, one of Georgia’s most extraordinary historic sites. The cave monastery lies around 60 kilometres south of the city, and the drive takes around 90 minutes.

Carved into the cliffs above the Mtkvari River, Vardzia was founded in the 12th century during Georgia’s Golden Age and expanded under Queen Tamar. At its peak, this was not just a monastery, but a vast cave city, with hundreds of rooms, tunnels, wine cellars, pharmacies and living quarters spread across multiple levels of the rock face.

Vardzia is one of those places that really does live up to the hype (in my opinion), and it is absolutely worth building your Akhaltsikhe itinerary around. I recommend making a full day of it by combining it with stops at Khertvisi Fortress and Saro (see #10 and #11 below), and lunch at the nearby Vardzia Resort.

If you don’t have your own car, marshrutka vans and taxis are both available from Akhaltsikhe Bus Station. For times, prices and more transport tips, see my guide on how to get to Vardzia.

For my advice on what to see inside the caves and tips for planning your visit, see my full Vardzia visitor’s guide.

I was surprised to learn that Khertvisi is actually one of the oldest fortresses in Georgia. According to local legend, there was a castle here from as early as the 2nd century BC – allegedly destroyed by none other than Alexander the Great. What you see today dates to the 10th-11th centuries.

Part of Georgia’s tentative UNESCO listing for Vardzia-Khertvisi, the partially restored complex opened to visitors a few years ago. I have been inside twice now and honestly, unless you are an avid castle person, I’m not sure it is worth the 10 GEL ticket. There is no museum or anything like that – just ruins, and a few low-level lookouts. For most people, the view from the highway is enough.

Perched on a high ridge between Akhaltsikhe and Vardzia and accessible via a sealed road, the village of Saro is a true hidden gem in Georgia. I was blown away when I first visited this place in summer 2022 – and now I simply cannot drive past the turnoff without taking a detour.

Saro is known for its twin cyclopean fortresses, two of an estimated 1,000 megalithic structures that are scattered around Samtskhe-Javakheti. Abuli Fortress and Shaori Fortress are two more such sites – if you’re up for a hike, both have marked trails leading to the top.

Quite incredibly, the ruins in Saro – constructed from impossibly heavy stone blocks and still with discernible doorways – are thought to have been built 3-4 millennia ago. The ruins sit on an outcrop, commanding perfect views of the Chobaretiskhevi River gorge.

Adjacent to the ruins, the 7th-century Archangel Church of Saro is similarly a sight to behold. Sister Teona is a true gem herself (that’s us pictured above right!), and will warmly welcome you inside the active church, where you can see ancient icons, an old Baptisimal font, and a set of standard bearer flags used in the past for battle processions and Easter celebrations alike.

Pay attention to the ceiling of the chapel, where you can see clay pipes embedded in the rafters to improve the acoustics! Be sure to visit the gift shop and support Sister Teona and the other nuns by purchasing a bracelet or a brooch.

In Saro village, you can find a few examples of Darbazuli Sakhi or ‘Hall Houses’, traditional Meskhetian dwellings with intricate ‘gvirgvini’ pyramid ceilings that use a special nailless wood joinery technique. Locals call these swallow’s ceilings because birds often nest in the corners.

Some of the old houses – which could be 200-300 years old – are privately owned and locked up. One, known as Aspanidze Darbazi (above left), is abandoned and open. Because it is built partially underground, it is a bit tricky to locate – on our last visit to Saro, we asked around in the village and someone quickly volunteered to walk us over and show us around.

If you’re interested in learning more, Darbazi Dialogues is dedicated to documenting this unique architectural tradition.

If you are curious about Meskhetian food, this is the experience you should plan your visit around.

Chobareti Meskhetian House – also known as Meskhuri Oda – is an agritourism project run by Aluda Jvaridze and his family in the village of Chobareti, around 30 minutes from Akhaltsikhe. Aluda, a farmer from Aspindza, started restoring traditional Meskhetian darbazi houses on his family’s land a few years ago. Today, his project is part restaurant, part cooking school, part living museum.

The setting is gorgeous – the rolling hills and vineyard views give it a Tuscany-of-Georgia vibe, only with far more khinkali!

The experience usually starts in the kitchen, where visitors gather around a traditional furne oven for a short masterclass. When we last visited, Natia showed us how she makes Meskhetian-style ringed bread with endemic wheat flour, crispy kada khachapuri, and a sweet version of the same pastry with sugar and honey. We also learned how to pinch tiny Meskhetian khinkali filled with apokhti dried meat.

Tenili cheese is another focus here. This Meskhetian cheese is submerged in hot water and pulled into long, fine threads before being packed into clay pots to mature – completely different in texture and appearance to most other Georgian cheeses.

Lunch is a true feast and more than you could possibly hope to finish: Fresh baked bread, tenili, two types of khinkali, tatarberaki, khachapuri, salads, sweets, homemade drinks and wine. We paid 60 GEL per person, which is excellent value considering the whole experience. Remember to bring cash.

This is an ideal lunch stop on the way down from Akhaltsikhe. After eating, you can continue through the village along the same road (fully asphalted to the end) until you eventually reach Aspindza and Vardzia.

Advance bookings are required, so please call or message a day or two in advance. Natia speaks a bit of English – but if you want a more in-depth experience, it’s best to visit with a guide.

Meskheti is one of Georgia’s oldest and most unusual winemaking regions. Viticulture here looks very different compared with Kakheti – instead of wide valley vineyards, vines were grown on stone-walled terraces carved into steep hillsides.

The region was once famed for its own local grape varieties (some wine historians even believe that Saperavi – Georgia’s most famous red grape – may have originated in this part of the country) and rock-cut wine presses, but many vineyards are long abandoned. Now, winemakers are slowly reviving Meskheti’s traditions by replanting old varieties and restoring terraces.

One of the nicest places to get a taste of this revival is Khachapuridze’s Marani in Kvabiskhevi, a village roughly halfway between Borjomi and Akhaltsikhe. Nikoloz Khachapuridze was working as a lawyer before he decided to return to his ancestral village and start making wine in the family cellar. The marani dates back to the 19th century and retains its old qvevri, a traditional Meskhetian fireplace, and a wooden wine press.

Degustations are very personal and low-key, usually accompanied by tenili cheese, local honey, and other small bites. Reservations are essential – contact Nika through Facebook to book.

As well as being home to some of Georgia’s oldest grape vines, this part of the country is known for its ancient grains and endemic wheat – recognised as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO since 2025.

Run by entrepreneur Zaza Zedgenidze, Amphora Beer in Aspindza utilises local grains to brew craft beer – and quite unlike any other brewery in Georgia, they use clay qvevri, normally reserved for wine, to age their brews!

Stop in for a six-beer tasting in the garden, and sample the full range of light and dark lagers served on tap. The Javakhuri Beer, named after the region, is my personal favourite. They also have a beer spa (!) and guest rooms.

The resort town of Abastumani and its legendary Astrophysical Observatory can be reached in about 30 minutes from Akhaltsikhe, making it a great alternative day trip option.

Another fascinating place in Georgia, Abastumani flourished in the 1880s after Grand Duke George Alexandrovich Romanov, the younger brother of Tsar Nicholas II, sought treatment here for TB. The Romanovs built a palace here, and the aristocratic families that followed them erected gorgeous dacha houses along the main street.

With its restored heritage buildings and bathhouse, manicured parks, and hiking trails that lead up to the edges of Borjomi National Park, Abastumani is a real delight. I love it so much, it’s where I’ve chosen to spend my birthday this year!

The mountain-top observatory – the first of its kind to be built in the Soviet Union, and responsible for a number of important galactic discoveries – offers guided tours during the day, and stargazing experiences by night. It too was recently renovated and now boasts a new telescope – although I personally love the retro telescope, with its retractable roof.

Find all the details – including how to organise the tour – here in my Abastumani travel guide.

If you don’t have a car, marshrutka vans from Akhaltsikhe to Abastumani run at 10.30am, 1.30pm and 5pm (returning at 9.30am, 10.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm and 4.30pm) for 3.5 GEL per person.

Where to stay in Akhaltsikhe

Old Street is our go-to in Akhaltsikhe. This family-run guesthouse has comfortable rooms and onsite parking, and is walking distance from both the bus station and the castle. The hosts can organise well-priced transfers to Vardzia, Sapara and other sights around Akhaltsikhe, plus they can help you coordinate onward transfers to Armenia or Turkiye.

I’ve stayed here several times and they have always gone above and beyond – whether it was preparing breakfast the night before so we could eat before our early bus, or chaperoning us around the city on a Saturday morning to help us find a mechanic to change a flat tire.

→ Check prices and availability for Old Street on Booking.com.

Luka Rabati Guesthouse is a good budget option near the castle, with simple, clean rooms and a convenient location.

→ Check prices and availability for Luka Rabati Guesthouse on Booking.com.

Hotel Gino Wellness Rabath is a slightly fancier option, conveniently located inside the castle complex. Rooms are comfortable, some with balconies overlooking the grounds, and there is a large spa and restaurant onsite.

→ Check prices and availability for Hotel Gino Wellness Rabath on Booking.com.

How to get to Akhaltsikhe

With no active passenger train service to Akhaltsikhe (although there are now plans to restore the rails in 2026 – watch this space!), the best way to get to Akhaltsikhe from Tbilisi is by marshrutka van or private car.

Akhaltsikhe is around 200 kilometres (124 miles) from the capital, or around 3.5-4 hours by road when using the main E60 highway. An alternative route through Paravani Lake and Javakheti takes around 5 hours, and is much more beautiful. Marshrutka drivers only use the main highway – but if you are self-driving, I thoroughly recommend the scenic route. See Day 1 of my Georgia Road Trip Itinerary for suggested stops and tips.

Coming from Tbilisi, minivans depart from Bus Station Nige, located inside Tbilisi’s Didube Station, every 40-60 minutes throughout the day, starting from 7am. The fare is 15 GEL. Alternatively, a one-way transfer to Akhaltsikhe from Tbilisi with a private driver starts from around 220 GEL for the car when booked through GoTrip.

There are frequent vans to Akhaltsikhe from Borjomi (60 minutes travel time; ~10 GEL), and semi-frequent departures from Kutaisi (3 hours travel time; ~20 GEL). If you are coming from Batumi, you might have to change vans in Khashuri. Double-check times and fares locally.

Looking for a guided day trip to Akhalstike from Tbilisi? This private tour with Friendly.ge visits Rabati Fortress, Vardzia, and Borjomi. Use the code wanderlush for a 10% discount.

→ Book a discounted day trip to Akhaltsikhe here.

Onward travel from Akhaltsikhe within Georgia

Direct vans to Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Batumi, Gori and other cities all depart from Akhaltsikhe Bus Station. Times are posted outside, and staff at the ticket desk are very helpful.

You can also double-check times and fares locally at the Tourist Information Office inside Akhaltsikhe Castle.

• Akhaltsikhe to Tbilisi: 6.20am, 6.50am, 7.30am, 10.10am, 11am, 11.40am, 12.20pm, 1.10pm, 4.30pm, 4.45pm; 15 GEL
• Akhaltsikhe to Kutaisi: 10.40am, 11.45am, 12.20pm, 3pm; 20 GEL
• Akhaltsikhe to Batumi: 8.30pm, 11am; 30 GEL
• Akhaltsikhe to Gori: 12.50pm; 10 GEL
• Akhaltsikhe to Ninotsminda: 8.15am, 3pm; 12 GEL

Onward travel from Akhaltsikhe to Armenia or Turkiye

Akhaltsikhe is a logical place to stop if you’re continuing your Caucasus trip in Armenia or venturing to Eastern Turkiye.

The Armenian border crossing at Ninotsminda-Bavra is roughly a 2-hour drive from Akhaltsikhe, with vans departing for Gyumri (40 GEL) and/or Yerevan (~50 GEL). Check departure times locally at the bus station.

Private drivers also operate shared cross-border transfers, departing from Akhaltsikhe in the early morning. Ask your guesthouse to contact one of the two drivers in advance to save you a spot.

• Misho: +995 579 55 25 23
• Simon: +995 599 24 82 60

Note that vans to Armenia might be running on a pared-back schedule (or not running at all) during winter. It is therefore essential to call ahead. If there is no van leaving Akhaltsikhe, an alternative option is to travel to Akhalkalaki and find a taxi to Gyumri from there.

It is also possible to book a private cross-border transfer with GoTrip. Drivers from Akhaltsikhe are able to take passengers to Gyumri, Yerevan – or anywhere else in Armenia. Check prices here on GoTrip.ge.

The Turkish border crossing at Vale-Turkgozu is just 30 minutes by road from Akhaltsikhe. Vans depart for the border every 30-60 minutes between 9am and 6pm, and the fare is 1 GEL. From there, you’ll will need to cross by foot before grabbing another van or taxi on the Turkish side.