Rkoni & Ikvi Monastery Day Hike – 19 OCT

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Rkoni & Ikvi Monastery Day Hike – 19 OCT

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Overview

Join us on a beautiful Rkoni Monastery Day Hike. Our trail will lead us through Tedzami River Valley – a scenic gorge hiding medieval ruins and spoiling visitors with scenic views.

 

Date: 19 OCT

Duration: 1 day
Driving distance: 160 km
Trip difficulty: Easy to moderate
Group size: Min. 5 participants
Pick-up: 09:00, Samaia Garden, Tbilisi
Drop-off: Around 19:00 (The arrival time will depend on the group’s hiking speed and traffic)
Price:  130 GEL

 

Trail parameters:

Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Distance: 11 km (A to B)
Min. elevation: 965 m.a.s.l.
Max. elevation: 1180 m.a.s.l.
Elevation gain: 215 m
Duration: 5-6 hours
Trail description: It is an easy, one-way trail with a couple of uphill sections and river crossings. Large part of it is done in a forest. We recommend wearing hiking boots and bringing walking poles.

 

Itinerary:

We will leave Tbilisi in the morning, and head to Tedzami River Valley. We will start our hike at the Church of the Mother of God in Chachubeti Village. First, we will reach Ikvi Church, a cross-in-square temple dated to the 11th century. The trail to the church follows an old earth road surrounded by trees, forested mountains, and gentle meadows. From Ikvi church, we will head to the medieval Rkoni Monastery. The main temple of the monastery dates to the VII century. Our last stop will be the picturesque Tamar’s Bridge, one of the best-preserved stone bridges in Georgia. From Tamar’s Bridge, we will hike back to Rkoni village, where we will meet our vehicle. Return to Tbilisi. The end of the tour.

 

Inclusions:

      1. 4 wd Transfers
      2. Sightseeing/hiking itinerary with an English-speaking guide

Exclusions:

      1. Personal travel insruance,
      2. Meals.

 

Note:
Please check Terms and Conditions for our cancellation and insurance policy.

Places You’ll See :

Chachubeti Church of Mother of God is a lovely medieval temple that marks the beginning of our hike. It stands on a hill overseeing Tedzami Valley.

1Chachubeti Church

The Ikvi Church of Saint George dates to the 11th century. The church is famous for its elaborate decorative external stone carvings and the 12th–13th-century frescoes.

2Ikvi Church

The oldest section of Rkoni Monastery dates to the 7th century. The temple once stood at the crossroad of several important commercial and military trails. Due to its location, Rkoni served as a refuge for the locals. Today the monastery does not work. The temple is well preserved, but other buildings are in ruins.

3Rkoni Monastery

Tamar's Bridge stretches over the Tedzami River near Rkoni Monastery. It dates to the 12th-13th century and is a stunning example of stone architecture.

4Tamar’s Bridge

F.A.Q

How to prepare for the tour

<p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>MEETING TIME AND PLACE</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">We meet at 09:00 in <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://goo.gl/maps/beH1uLALqG5abPnA7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Samaia Garden</a></span></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;" data-preserver-spaces="true">Please be on time. In case of any delays, please inform your guide. Otherwise, the group will depart without you.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>WEATHER</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;" data-preserver-spaces="true">Georgian weather changes often and fast. For this reason, it's essential to follow the weather forecast closely. </span></p> <p><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.yr.no/en/forecast/daily-table/2-12109948/Georgia/ShidaKartli/Rkoni">Here is the weather forecast</a></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Please check it the night before the tour to be well prepared.  </span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>WHAT TO WEAR</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Please wear clothes appropriate to the weather. Hiking boots are a must. We also recommend walking poles. Bring raincoats in case it rains. <br /></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;" data-preserver-spaces="true">We will be crossing a river. It won't be very deep. But, if you don't want to get your hiking boots wet, you may bring flip flops, sandals, or any other spare pair of shoes to change in during the river crossing. </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;" data-preserver-spaces="true"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>FOOD &amp; DRINKS</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;" data-preserver-spaces="true">Always make sure you have enough drinking water. 1.5-2 litters should be enough for the day. Please make sure to bring snacks - sandwiches, dried fruit, sweets. They will help you maintain your energy during the hike. </span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>OTHER ESSENTIAL ITEMS</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;" data-preserver-spaces="true">If you are prone to motion sickness, please have medicine with you. Bring a day pack to carry important items with you. </span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>GUIDE </strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;" data-preserver-spaces="true">We will e-mail you the guide's name and contact info a few days before the trip. Please make sure to check your inbox. Meanwhile, if you have any questions, feel free to contact us via e-mail or WhatsApp.</span></p>

Activities

  • Hiking