From Tbilisi: Borjomi and Bakuriani Ski resort Day Trip ❄️☃️

Borjomi’s famous mineral water and Bakuriani’s snowy mountain setting give this day trip two very different moods. In the morning, you explore a forested spa town and its springs. Later, you reach a high mountain resort where the air feels cooler and the views open wide.

I like the easy contrast between Borjomi Central Park and the ski slopes of Bakuriani. I also like the price: at $34, the tour includes transport, a professional guide, and the 5 Lari Borjomi entrance fee. The drawback is the long 12-hour day, with cable cars, ski gear, meals, and snowmobiles all costing extra.

Key points to know

• Borjomi mineral water: Taste the famous spring water at its historic source in Central Park.
• Forest and mountain scenery: Travel through the Samtskhe-Javakheti region, with pine forests, mountain air, and broad views.
• Two destinations in one day: Combine a spa town with Georgia’s best-known mountain resort.
• Winter sports at Bakuriani: Didveli and Kokhta offer skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and snowmobile rides.
• Good value at $34: Transport, a professional guide, and Borjomi admission are included.
• Plan for extra costs: Meals, cable car rides, equipment, snowmobiles, and personal spending are not included.

From Tbilisi to the forests of Borjomi

This trip carries you south from Tbilisi into Samtskhe-Javakheti, a region known for forests, mountains, and traditional Georgian towns. The driving time is part of the experience, since the scenery changes as the city gives way to greener hills and higher ground.

The day lasts about 12 hours, so you should treat it as a full outing rather than a quick escape. Comfortable transportation is included, and a professional guide accompanies the group. Commentary is available in English or Russian, which helps you understand the places instead of simply stopping for photos.

The meeting point is in front of a bus stop. Check the exact starting time when you book, since departure times depend on availability. Bring water, sunscreen, a camera, comfortable shoes, and warm clothing. Even on a clear day, Bakuriani can feel much colder than Tbilisi.

Borjomi’s mineral springs and Central Park

Borjomi is best known for its naturally carbonated mineral water, bottled and exported since the 19th century. The town sits in a forested gorge, and its mild climate, pine trees, and springs helped turn it into a famous spa destination.

The visit centers on Borjomi Central Park, where walking paths follow the stream and lead past bridges and waterfalls. The park gives you room to stroll at an easy pace rather than rushing from one monument to another. The sound of running water and the surrounding trees make this a pleasant first stop after the journey from Tbilisi.

You can taste the mineral water at the spring area and visit the Borjomi Mineral Water Pavilion, connected with the historic source of the water. The taste may surprise you. It has a strong mineral character, and many people find it very different from ordinary bottled water. That is part of the point: this is not just a drink, but the main reason Borjomi became famous.

The 5 Lari entrance fee is included, which is a useful saving and keeps the visit simple. Personal purchases are not covered, so budget separately if you want to buy bottled Borjomi water or other items in town.

A closer look at the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park

Borjomi also serves as an access point to Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, one of Europe’s largest national parks. The park is valued for hiking, nature trips, and eco-tourism, with large wooded areas and mountain terrain.

The tour introduces you to the park area, but the schedule does not turn this into a full-day hike. That distinction matters. You should expect scenic nature and time outdoors, not an extended trek deep into the park. If you want serious hiking, you would need a separate visit with more time and the right route planning.

For this day trip, the park adds an important sense of place. You see why Borjomi was chosen as a spa town: forests surround the town, the air feels fresh, and the mountains are close. Bring shoes with a good grip, since park paths and walking areas can be uneven or damp.

Riding higher toward Bakuriani

After Borjomi, the trip continues to Bakuriani, a mountain resort at roughly 1,700 meters above sea level. The higher altitude changes the feel of the day. Borjomi is a spring town in a wooded gorge, while Bakuriani offers open alpine views, mountain air, and a resort atmosphere.

Bakuriani is popular with families and winter-sports visitors. In the colder months, the main activity areas include Didveli and Kokhta. Their ski runs suit both beginners and more experienced skiers, according to the tour information, so you can choose between a gentle introduction and more active time on the slopes.

The tour does not include ski equipment. You also pay separately for snowmobile rides, and cable car tickets are not included. This makes the $34 starting price attractive, but you should not mistake it for the full cost of a ski day. If you already have equipment or only want to see the resort, the price works especially well. If you plan to ski, snowboard, ride a snowmobile, and use the cable car, bring extra money.

Winter at Didveli and Kokhta

Bakuriani is at its most recognizably alpine in winter. Snow covers the slopes and trees, and the resort becomes a base for skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and snowmobile rides.

You can use the day in different ways. Beginners might prefer to enjoy the snow, take photographs, or try sledding rather than commit to a full ski session. More confident skiers may want to focus their time at Didveli or Kokhta, depending on available conditions and personal preference.

Because the tour is only one day and includes travel from Tbilisi, do not expect unlimited time on the slopes. You need to balance the journey, the Borjomi stop, and your chosen Bakuriani activity. The trip suits people who want a taste of the resort and mountain scenery. It is less suitable for someone seeking several uninterrupted hours of skiing.

Warm clothing is essential. The supplied information specifically recommends it, and that advice matters at 1,700 meters. Comfortable shoes remain useful even if you do not ski, since you may walk around the resort or snow-covered areas.

Summer activities and a different Bakuriani

Bakuriani is not only a winter destination. In summer, the resort offers hiking, cycling, horse riding, and walks through forests and meadows. The same mountain setting that attracts skiers in winter becomes a place for fresh-air outings in warmer months.

A summer visit also changes the practical side of the trip. You may need less heavy clothing, but sunscreen and water become more important. The tour information recommends both, and you should keep them with you throughout the day.

Do not book this excursion expecting the same activity list in every season. Skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and snowmobile rides belong to the winter experience. Summer focuses on walking, cycling, riding, and time outside. The main value remains the same: you see Borjomi and Bakuriani in one day, with the season shaping what you do at the second stop.

What the $34 price really covers

At $34 per person, this is a strong value for a long day outside Tbilisi. The price includes comfortable transportation, a professional guide, and the Borjomi entrance fee of 5 Lari. Those inclusions remove some of the basic costs that can make an independent day trip harder to arrange.

The value is strongest if your priorities are transport, scenery, and a guided introduction to both destinations. You get a practical route without needing to work out the connection between Borjomi and Bakuriani yourself.

The price does not cover meals, personal expenses, ski equipment, snowmobiles, or cable car rides. These exclusions are easy to overlook, especially if the snowy views tempt you into extra activities. Pack water and plan for food costs. If you want the cable car or a snowmobile ride, set aside additional money.

A useful way to judge the price is to ask what kind of day you want. For a sightseeing day with optional activities, $34 is reasonable. For a full ski outing with rented equipment and paid rides, the final amount will be higher.

The guide, transport, and pace of the day

A professional guide leads the trip in English or Russian. Since the route covers two towns and a national park area, the guide is useful for keeping the day moving and explaining the purpose of each stop.

The tour uses comfortable transportation, but the schedule remains demanding. You spend much of the day moving between Tbilisi, Borjomi, and Bakuriani, then walking or enjoying outdoor activities at each place. You should be ready for an early start or a late return, depending on the available departure time.

The pace favors variety over depth. You get a taste of Borjomi’s springs and park, then time in Bakuriani, but you will not have the freedom of a private multi-day trip. That tradeoff is fair for a $34 group excursion, as long as you value seeing more than one place.

The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Uneven paths, park walking, winter conditions, and the general amount of movement make that restriction important. If you have limited mobility, ask the provider for details before booking rather than assuming every stop will be easy to access.

What to bring for a comfortable day

Pack lightly, but prepare for two types of weather and activity.

• Wear comfortable shoes for Central Park and outdoor walking.
• Bring warm clothing for Bakuriani, especially in winter.
• Carry water, since meals and drinks are not included.
• Pack sunscreen even in cold weather.
• Bring a camera for the springs, forests, and mountain views.
• Set aside money for food, cable cars, equipment, and optional snowmobile rides.

You should also leave room in your plan for a slower pace. Borjomi is not only a photo stop. The mineral spring, pavilion, bridges, and waterfalls reward a calm walk. Bakuriani is not only a ski label. It is a mountain resort worth seeing even if you never put on skis.

Who should book this Borjomi and Bakuriani trip?

I would recommend this tour to first-time visitors who want to see more of southern Georgia without arranging several transfers. It also suits couples, families, and small groups looking for a change from Tbilisi’s streets and museums.

The trip is especially useful if you want both culture and nature. Borjomi gives you Georgian spa-town traditions, mineral water, historic architecture, and park paths. Bakuriani adds higher mountain scenery and seasonal activities.

I would hesitate if you dislike long day trips or want a relaxed, single-place visit. The 12-hour duration is a serious commitment. Skiers who need a full day on the slopes may also prefer to stay in Bakuriani longer. And if mobility is limited, this is not the right choice.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if the weather or your Tbilisi plans are still uncertain, but check the available departure time before committing.

Should you book it?

Book this excursion if you want an affordable, guided introduction to Borjomi and Bakuriani in one day. The included transport and Borjomi admission make the $34 price attractive, while the mix of mineral springs, forest paths, and mountain views gives the day real variety.

Skip it if your main goal is a long ski session, a serious national park hike, or a quiet overnight stay. For everyone else, it is a practical way to trade Tbilisi for fresh air, Georgian mineral water, and a high mountain resort without a complicated travel plan.

FAQ

How long does the Borjomi and Bakuriani tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 12 hours, including the journey from Tbilisi and visits to Borjomi and Bakuriani.

What is included in the tour price?

The price includes a professional guide, comfortable transportation, and the Borjomi entrance fee of 5 Lari.

Are meals included?

No. Meals are not included, so you should plan and budget for your own food.

Is ski equipment included?

No. Ski equipment is not included in the tour price.

Are cable car rides and snowmobiles included?

No. Cable car rides and snowmobile activities cost extra.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide provides commentary in English or Russian.

Can I cancel the booking for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.