The village of Didi Mitarbi lies on the northern slopes of the Trialeti Range in the Mitarbula River valley and is surrounded by coniferous forest and subalpine meadows. After descending to Didi Mitarbi, the trail follows jeep tracks, smaller forest paths, and stretches of asphalt. The change in surface is part of the trail’s specific character; surfaces can change with the weather or maintenance work.

Hiking and Natural Areas

Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park offers hiking, horseback riding, cycling, snowshoeing, and cultural and educational tours. The range of activities may change through decisions by the park administration. Didi Mitarbi is seasonally connected to the park’s hiking trail network; this connection supports high-mountain tourism. In the broader destination of Samtskhe-Javakheti, the national park also extends across Imereti and Shida Kartli. The seasonal connection from Didi Mitarbi concerns the hiking trail network; the other activities are part of the park’s broader offerings.

Routes and Access

A route between Patara Mitarbi and the main road in the Borjomi Valley passes a waterfall. Access to the waterfall and trail conditions may vary by season. The main road between Patara Mitarbi and the Nedzvi Reserve is an easily accessible starting point for hikers; traffic and road conditions can change. These are two distinct navigational details: the waterfall lies along a route, while the road section serves as an access point for hikes.

Several points along the stage can also be reached by 4×4 vehicles. Weather and road conditions may affect access. Unlike the access point on the main road, this information concerns several points along the stage. When navigating at the start, the road connection and the individual vehicle access points should therefore be considered separately.

Supplies and Water

There are no shops, shelters, or services along the trail between Tabatskuri and the end of the stage; this availability may change over time. A side route leads about five kilometers from Didi Mitarbi to Bakuriani. There you’ll find guesthouses, supermarkets, a pharmacy, and a medical center. A road also connects Didi Mitarbi with Bakuriani and makes a detour possible. The approximate five kilometers refers to the side route; the road connection is a separate option. Local services may also change.

The trail passes developed springs and crosses streams; water availability may fluctuate by season. Surface water along the stage should be filtered before drinking. The water sources are useful for navigating the trail, but do not replace the recommendation to filter surface water.

Winter

Didi Mitarbi is part of the Bakuriani ski area. The ski area’s infrastructure may change.

Nature in the Broader Destination of Samtskhe-Javakheti

The Javakheti Protected Areas include Javakheti National Park and the managed reserves of Bughdasheni, Khanchali, Madatapha, Sulda, and Kartsakhi. Lakes, unique wetlands, and subalpine and alpine meadows characterize these protected areas. From the birdwatching towers in the Javakheti Protected Areas, visitors can observe 140 species of breeding and migratory birds. These natural destinations are part of the broader destination of Samtskhe-Javakheti.

Discover more destinations: Borjomi, Zanavi, Tsemi, Tsaghveri, Akhaltsikhe, Tmogvi, Akhalkalaki, Bakurianis Andeziti

View the broader travel guide: Samtskhe-Javakheti.