Bakhmaro (ბახმარო) is a mountain resort village in Southwestern Georgia, Guria.
Understand
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Bakhmaro is located at around 1,800-2100 meters above sea level. It is known for its cool climate and scenic forested surroundings, making it a popular summer retreat. Bakhmaro was discovered in 1890s and developed as a health resort in 20th century.
The resort is most active in summer, when families from across Georgia escape the lowland heat. Visitors come for the fresh mountain air, relaxation, and opportunities for hiking and nature walks. Access is possible only by mountain roads, which are generally open from May to November. The rest of the year, snow makes the roads impassable, and the village is effectively cut off. Bakhmaro therefore retains a rustic, off-the-beaten-path character, best suited for travelers seeking quiet nature and simple conditions. Due to limited infrastructure it attracts mainly adventurous people and locals rather than mass tourism.
Get in
[edit]By bus
[edit]During the active season (mid-July to mid-September), regular minibus services operate to Bakhmaro from Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, Lanchkhuti, and Ozurgeti. All of these routes pass through Chokhatauri, the nearest town, where travelers can find shops and basic services before heading up to the mountains.
By car
[edit]Outside the peak season, transport options are irregular, and visitors often need to arrange private cars or shared taxis from Chokhatauri or Ozurgeti. The road to Bakhmaro is steep and winding, and it is open only from May to November. In winter months it becomes inaccessible due to heavy snow. Well developed regional road (50 km) connects Bakhmaro to Chokhatauri. Road is paved and in good condition. Riding a car lasts from one and a half hours from Chokhatauri. An alternative route of driving is from Ozurgeti trough Mtispiri which connects to Chokhatauri-Bakhmaro road in Khidistavi.
On foot
[edit]Hiking to Bakhmaro is possible for well-prepared trekkers. The most common approach is from the surrounding Gurian villages, such as Mtispiri, Khidistavi, Vakijvari and Gomismta, following shepherds’ paths and forest roads. The ascent is not too long, but with no signage.
There are several mountain paths going to Bakhmaro from villages of Guria. The best of them are Vakijvari-Bakhmaro,Mtispiri-Bakhmaro and Gomismta-Bakhmaro
Get around
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Bakhmaro is a small resort area, and most places of interest can be reached on foot. The village is spread across a wide alpine valley with wooden cottages scattered on the slopes, so expect some uphill walking between accommodations and viewpoints.
During the summer season, horses are commonly available for rent from locals, offering both a traditional experience and an easier way to explore the surrounding mountains.
There is no public transport within Bakhmaro, and only a few roads are suitable for cars. A
See
[edit]Of course, the great mountain panorama is the main attraction of the town and its immediate surroundings.
- 1 Spring of Beauty (სილამაზის წყარო). Very cold water source. The path starts from Vakijvari Street and goes down in the woods.
- 2 Lonely Stone (ობოლი ქვა). Very cold water source. The path starts from Vakijvari Street and goes down in the woods.
- 3 Stone (ქვა). Viewpoint
- 4 Waterfall (ჩანჩქერი).
Do
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- 1 Attend Horse Race (დოღი). August 19 (the day of the Transfiguration of Our Lord) is an important day in Bakhmaro, where the large traditional horse race will be held. The spectacle attracts several thousand visitors from the region but also from other regions too. The beginning of the race is usually about 13:00.
- 2 Watch Sunrise (მზის ამოსავალი). from a "Sunrise hill". You have to at 02:00 and reach the highest point of the mountain.
- 3 Zotikeli (ზოტიყელი). Path to an aul Zotikeli from mountain resort Bakhmaro goes in the beautiful gorge of river Bakhvistskali. Every 12 August a horse race is held in Zotikeli.
- 4 Watch Sunset (ჩასავალი გორა). from a "Sunset hill"
Buy
[edit]Apart from a few small mini markets in the resort, there is no shopping. However you can buy homemade milk products and wooden toys from local people. There is also a market where fruits and vegetables can be bought. Prices are usually higher than in nearby towns due to transportation costs. There are no ATMs or banks in the resort, so it is important to bring enough cash.
Eat
[edit]- 1 Art Cafe (არტ კაფე). 20-30 ₾.
- 2 PIONEERS (პიონერები), Market street, ☏ 551719171. 30-40 ₾.
- 3 Purne N1 (ფურნე N1). 20-30 ₾.
Sleep
[edit]Most of the accommodation consists of simple wooden cabins. They are rented usually daily, weekly, monthly or seasonal basis.
- 1 PIONEERS (პიონერები), #34 Market street, ☏ 551719171. 30-40 ₾.
- 2 Old Bakhmaro (ძველი ბახმარო), ☏ 595406506.
- 3 Panorama Bakhmaro (პანორამა ბახმარო), Buksieti Street, ☏ 598980382.
Stay healthy
[edit]Bakhmaro has no hospital or ambulance service, so medical assistance is very limited. A few small pharmacies operate in the area during the summer season, but they stock only basic medicines.
Travelers should bring any essential prescriptions with them and take extra care in the mountains, as help can be far away in case of an accident.
Stay connect
[edit]The reception of the mobile networks is not excellent in the resort, there are some dead spots in the mountains.
Go next
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