THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Ride the historic Kukushka narrow-gauge from Borjomi to Bakuriani, taste mineral waters at a 19th-century park, and walk forested slopes on a private day trip from Tbilisi. Expect scenic rail climbs, simple monastery stops, and a moderate day of activity.
Ride the historic Kukushka narrow-gauge from Borjomi to Bakuriani, taste mineral waters at a 19th-century park, and walk forested slopes on a private day trip from Tbilisi. Expect scenic rail climbs, simple monastery stops, and a moderate day of activity.
You step off the minivan into cold, scented air—spruce and thawing earth—while the valley opens like a slow breath. The narrow-gauge Kukushka waits, its electric croc-bot hum a reminder of an earlier industrial age. As the train climbs from Borjomi (820 m) to Bakuriani (1,700 m), forested slopes press close; tunnels and viaducts frame quick, cinematic vistas.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by SelectGeorgia-For Holiday · Borjomi, Samtskhe-Javakheti
You step off the minivan into cold, scented air—spruce and thawing earth—while the valley opens like a slow breath. The narrow-gauge Kukushka waits, its electric croc-bot hum a reminder of an earlier industrial age. As the train climbs from Borjomi (820 m) to Bakuriani (1,700 m), forested slopes press close; tunnels and viaducts frame quick, cinematic vistas.
This route has history in its bones: the line began construction in 1897 and first ran in 1902, with an Eiffel-designed bridge part of the engineering story. Borjomi’s mineral springs were popularized in the mid-19th century as balneological cures; the Mineral Water Park dates to the 1850s and remains the best place to taste the effervescent, slightly salty spring. Geology here is direct — volcanic lava flows shaped Bakuriani’s ridges and left a mosaic of acidic soils that favor spruce stands.
Culturally the region blends Georgian mountain hospitality with small-town resort rhythms: quiet afternoons in Likani Park, Orthodox chapels like Chitakhevi offering historic fresco fragments, and cafés serving local bread and cheese.
Practicalities: the private day tour covers roughly 370 km roundtrip from Tbilisi and runs about 12 hours. Expect a moderate fitness requirement—short walks and standing on the train; altitude rises to 1,700 m. Dress in layers, bring water and cash for small purchases, and allow extra time for photography at viewpoints. Respect trails in Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park; stay on marked paths and pack out waste. The experience pairs slow, nostalgic rail travel with crisp mountain air and easy access to mineral-spring culture.
Yes — the private tour includes entry/tickets for the narrow-gauge Kukushka ride between Borjomi and Bakuriani.
The Kukushka segment covers about 37 km and runs roughly 2–2.5 hours, climbing steadily through tunnels and viaducts.
Yes — Borjomi’s mineral water is a long-established spring used for drinking and balneological treatments; follow any local guidance about quantities if you have health concerns.
The tour is suitable for travelers with moderate fitness; contacts include some walking and standing, but no technical hiking is required.
SelectGeorgia-For Holiday operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You step off the minivan into cold, scented air—spruce and thawing earth—while the valley opens like a slow breath. The narrow-gauge Kukushka waits, its electric croc-bot hum a reminder of an earlier industrial age. As the train climbs from Borjomi (820 m) to Bakuriani (1,700 m), forested slopes press close; tunnels and viaducts frame quick, cinematic vistas.
You step off the minivan into cold, scented air—spruce and thawing earth—while the valley opens like a slow breath. The narrow-gauge Kukushka waits, its electric croc-bot hum a reminder of an earlier industrial age. As the train climbs from Borjomi (820 m) to Bakuriani (1,700 m), forested slopes press close; tunnels and viaducts frame quick, cinematic vistas.
This route has history in its bones: the line began construction in 1897 and first ran in 1902, with an Eiffel-designed bridge part of the engineering story. Borjomi’s mineral springs were popularized in the mid-19th century as balneological cures; the Mineral Water Park dates to the 1850s and remains the best place to taste the effervescent, slightly salty spring. Geology here is direct — volcanic lava flows shaped Bakuriani’s ridges and left a mosaic of acidic soils that favor spruce stands.
Culturally the region blends Georgian mountain hospitality with small-town resort rhythms: quiet afternoons in Likani Park, Orthodox chapels like Chitakhevi offering historic fresco fragments, and cafés serving local bread and cheese.
Practicalities: the private day tour covers roughly 370 km roundtrip from Tbilisi and runs about 12 hours. Expect a moderate fitness requirement—short walks and standing on the train; altitude rises to 1,700 m. Dress in layers, bring water and cash for small purchases, and allow extra time for photography at viewpoints. Respect trails in Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park; stay on marked paths and pack out waste. The experience pairs slow, nostalgic rail travel with crisp mountain air and easy access to mineral-spring culture.