Okatse Canyon is located 50 kilometers northeast of Kutaisi. In 2012, a metal staircase was built on the rocky slope of the canyon, after which the canyon became accessible to the public. This canyon can be called one of the wonderful natural attractions in the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains.
There are many deep canyons in the mountain system of the Main Caucasian Ridge, which are absolutely inaccessible to visitors due to high rocks and rough terrain at the bottom. Okatse Canyon was like this until the Georgian authorities created a tourist infrastructure here. Now it has become a popular attraction in the vicinity of Kutaisi. After visiting the Lower Okatse Canyon, it is necessary to drive to the Kinckha Waterfalls.
The tourist trail to Okatse Canyon begins in the village of Zeda Gordi. On the eastern outskirts of the village, there is a Visitor Center where you can park your car and buy tickets. After that, you need to walk through the park of the former summer residence of the Princes Dadiani. Near the Visitor Center, you can arrange with taxi drivers who will take you directly to the entrance to the canyon. The trail is 2 kilometers long in the direction of the canyon goes down with a height difference of 130 meters. It`s not complicated, so it`s better to walk there.
Approaching Okatse Canyon, you will see a small pavilion where the descent to the iron staircase begins. It is fixed on the steep slope of the canyon at an altitude of 140 meters. For people with acrophobia (fear of heights), walking up these stairs will be a test, others will simply feel an increased level of adrenaline in their blood. The views of Okatse Canyon from this staircase are spectacular.
Okatse Canyon has a length of 16 kilometers, the Okatse River flows along the bottom of the canyon. The slopes of the gorge and its bottom are covered with dense forest. In some places, a path is visible at the bottom of the canyon, but it is not intended for tourists. A metal staircase stretches along the canyon wall for 750 meters and ends with a beautiful bridge.
If the staircase is attached directly to the canyon wall, then the bridge protrudes one side 40 meters above the cliff. Its structure is firmly fixed, so walking on this bridge is not dangerous. From it, you can admire the beauty of the canyon, being directly above the Okatse River, which flows along its bottom.
After the bridge, you need to go back to the Visitor Center. The road back will be 750 meters along the canyon and 2 kilometers through Dadiani Park, and you will have to go back uphill all the time. It is going to be exhausting. Alternatively, you can negotiate with taxi drivers who offer their services near the bridge. They will take you back to the Visitor Center along a broken country road through the village of Bangweti.
After you return to the Visitor Center, drive 7 kilometers north to the village of Zeda Kinchi. The road goes up the slope of the gorge. Before reaching the village 2 kilometers, turn left to the Kinchkha Waterfalls.
