MTB adventure in the Ajarian highlands

Overview

I created this blog about my MTB tour in Georgia after my adventurous bike tour through the highlands of Adjara. When talking about Adjara, a region in western Georgia on the Black Sea, the listener immediately associates Batumi. Batumi is the capital of Adjara and is located directly on the Black Sea. With its numerous casinos, nightclubs, expensive hotels and restaurants, it is a typical holiday resort.

Few people know that Adjara also has mountain villages and how beautiful the mountains are there. The region is particularly interesting for guests who are looking for remote places in the mountains for their cycling tours in Georgia.

Mountain biking in the highlands of Adjara in the Lesser Caucasus is a unique experience. It is an adventure that no mountain biker should miss. In this blog, we will share pictures of the best trails, sights and experiences that can be had on an MTB tour through Adjara.

A mountain bike tour through the highlands of Adjara is a unique opportunity to explore the incredible landscape of Georgia. It offers a range of breathtaking places where you can experience wild beauty, steep cliffs, lush forests, crystal-clear lakes and even the mystical ruins of ancient mountain fortresses (Khikhani fortress ruins).

So, on a mountain bike tour in the highlands of Adjara, you can enjoy the beauty of the mountains and the hospitality of the people undisturbed and experience an unforgettable time.

Mount Gomi in Guria, the neighbouring region of Adjara, where the tour begins, is particularly beautiful. The mountain is famous for its wonderful view at sunset.

For these and many other reasons, I decided to travel around this region by mountain bike and have unforgettable experiences.

What does the route look like?

My MTB trip through the highlands of Adjara took me to the most beautiful and remote places. It was a journey that challenged me physically and at the same time invigorated my senses. Some of the paths are unpaved and rocky, where you have to go very slowly. You have to be especially careful downhill. The differences in altitude are not without danger either. But it’s worth it, because the routes promise unforgettable experiences.

A brief summary of my itinerary

The trip lasted 5 days and was divided up as follows:

Day 1. Travelling by car to Ozurgeti and stage 1: from Ozurgeti to Gomi Mountain

Day 2. Stage 2: Gomi Mountain – Shuakhevi

Day 3. Stage 3: Shuakhevi – Khikhadziri

Day 4. Stage 4: Khikhadziri – Chirukhi

Day 5: Chirukhi – Shuakhevi and transfer via Batumi to Ozurgeti

I was only able to photograph 4 of these 4 stages. On the 5th day, all batteries were dead and the beautiful descent from Chirukhi Mountain was not recorded.

I used summer huts and guest houses for accommodation.

The Tour in Pictures

Day 1. Ozurgeti – Gomi

The journey began with romantic words…

It was so foggy that I could hardly see anything. In theory, I should have had good visibility, but I was just unlucky.

I was very tired when the sun came out briefly and the shiny roofs of the huts showed that I was close to my destination.

And the first picture at the sign… I did it!!!

Just great…

The first attempt at photographing the sunset. Not so good… 🙁

The settlement looked so nice.

On the second attempt, I was able to take the picture I wanted. This is the view at sunset that most people come to Gomi for.

My accommodation: a typical holiday hut on Mount Gomi.

Very simply furnished. I was invited by the owner and was allowed to stay for free. The first example of Georgian hospitality on the trip.

Day 2: From Gomi to Shuakhevi

The sunrise was no less beautiful.

After breakfast I continued my journey, leaving the beautiful settlement on Mount Gomi behind me.

The idyllic daily routine of the people in their summer holiday homes. The little girl clears the yard…

Women washing carpets at the spring…

The mother lets the children play in the courtyard…

… and the washing dries in the clear sky.

Farewell – picture… they were so nice…

A trace of the Soviet military past – Russian military equipment used as a small bridge.

Another beautiful view

Hm… where did the cyclist go?

I see… the whole group of children was in the gorge, where they found a dead bird of prey. The little cyclist was there too.

There he is again… with his transport!

The only connection to the mountain pastures is the old Soviet bus.

… but the cows are transported in slightly more modern vehicles.

Almost every house has a well. This time with a hand millstone.

The highlight of the day is a nearly 300-year-old wooden bridge that is still in use today. It really is worth seeing!

Day 3: From Shuakhevi to Khichadziri

A typical village in Adjara with a mosque in the centre. The majority of the inhabitants are Muslims.

A stretch of the road to Khikhadziri.

It was too hot for the afternoon. I had to take a short break in the shade…

In one village, I discovered a small shop where you can also order food…

Of course, I ordered khinkali (a big mistake on my part). Oh… now I have to cycle on a full stomach… torture!!!

Before Khinkali was cooking, I was able to talk to a local. We talked a lot about politics and daily life.

A war casualty from the village. In 2008, Georgia waged a seven-day war against Russia.

My destination is not far away…

When I arrived in the village, I immediately stormed into a pub to have a beer. Gaumarjos!!! Cheers!

In the village of Khikhadziri, there is interesting architecture to see. For example, this house.

The sledge is still a very useful tool for farmers today.

This is what my table looked like, laid with delicious Adjarian dishes. All organic!

Day 4: From Khikhadziri to Chirukhi

I didn’t have time to visit the Khikhani fortress, so I went straight to Chirukhi.

On the way, I was able to enjoy beautiful views again and again.

They invited me along, and after a few glasses of chacha (Georgian schnapps) and some sweets, I felt even more self-confident. Another example of hospitality!

What a shame!!! They wanted something tasty from me, but unfortunately I didn’t have anything with me 🙁

On the former Soviet military bunker. Today it has no function and is just an ugly concrete block in the countryside.

He invited me to dinner. A nice family.

On the way, you will come across some smaller but beautiful lakes.

The path is no longer in use and has become overgrown.

At the end of today’s stage…

My accommodation for today.

The hostess immediately prepared delicious food for me.

I found a new friend there.

A look outside.

Summary

My MTB trip through the highlands of Adjara was an unforgettable experience. The landscape was breathtaking, the people warm and welcoming and I took home many precious memories. It was a great experience to learn more about the culture and lifestyle of Georgia and I am very happy that I had the opportunity to get to know this beautiful corner of the country. I would recommend everyone to take the opportunity to take a tour of the Ajarian Highlands, because there is so much to see and do. It is a trip you will never forget.