Family-Friendly Walks Around Borjomi and Bakuriani

Easy trails, short loops and gentle forest paths in Georgia's spa country, with distances, drive times, the best months and what to skip with children in tow.

Borjomi Central Park: the easiest forest walk in the region

Borjomi's Mineral Water Park, at the top of the town along the Borjomula river gorge, is the obvious first walk with children. The paved main path climbs gently past the colonnade and the bottling plant to the mineral springs and the cable car, roughly 3 km return with maybe 80 metres of ascent, which takes a family one and a half to two hours at toddler pace. Pushchairs manage it as far as the springs; beyond that it turns to steps and gravel. The park is open daily and there is no charge, though the cable car and the small rides near the entrance cost extra.

The walk along the river itself is the better pick for little legs than the climb to the upper viewpoints. Stick to the lower loop, cross the wooden bridges and let the children paddle where the water is shallow, then turn back at the second spring pavilion. Early morning is quietest. If you only have one day in Borjomi, do this and save the plateau walks for older children. For hotel choice, staying within a ten-minute walk of the park entrance on Rustaveli Street or near the Borjomi train station saves a taxi each way with tired children.

Bakuriani and the Didveli plateau

Bakuriani sits at about 1,700 metres, an hour's drive from Borjomi on a good road, and much more if snow or logging traffic has slowed the descent. In summer the Didveli plateau is a meadow with broad, surfaced tracks suitable for prams, and the ski lifts run for walkers in high season, taking you up to around 2,200 metres where the paths are open and easy to follow. The valley floor near the park and the children's playground is flatter still, and the 15-minute stroll from the centre to the lower station is a fine low-effort outing on a grey day.

Come prepared for change. July and August afternoons can turn over quickly, and even in mid-summer evenings drop to around 10 degrees, so pack a fleece and a light rain jacket for everyone. June and September are my favourite months here — fewer people, dry paths and comfortable walking temperatures. September and October bring the beech colour, which is the best reason to book accommodation in Bakuriani rather than Borjomi for a night or two. I would choose Bakuriani over Borjomi if the children are over six and the weather forecast is settled.

Short walks near Borjomi you can fit around a spa morning

The walk to the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park visitor centre at Likani, about 3 km from central Borjomi and reachable by marshrutka from the station, gives you marked forest trails from a couple of hours to a full day without committing to anything technical. The shorter paths are signed and shaded, and the rangers will match a route to the age of your children. There is no reliable food on the trail, so buy bread, cheese and fruit at the small shops on Rustaveli Street in Borjomi before you set out.

For a gentler half-day, the Romanov-era park at Likani, with its cedar and sequoia avenues, is level, enclosed and easy to combine with a picnic. Allow 30 to 40 minutes of walking and an hour of sitting. Skip the higher ridge paths in the park if anyone in the group is under five or if rain fell the night before — the clay gets slippery fast. Between June and early October you have the best odds of dry weather, and Borjomi's altitude at roughly 800 metres keeps it a little warmer than Bakuriani.

Getting around, and what to skip

Borjomi and Bakuriani are 30 km apart, about an hour by taxi, marshrutka or the narrow-gauge railway that runs between them in season — worth doing for the ride alone, though check the day's departures in town rather than assuming the timetable. Within Borjomi everything in this article is walkable from the centre. In Bakuriani you will want wheels to reach Didveli unless you stay in the 25 April district near the lifts, and taxis wait around the main square. Bring cash; card readers are common in newer hotels but patchy at trailhead kiosks.

Things I would leave out with children: the long Kharagauli traverses, ridge walks above Bakuriani after rain and anything requiring an early alpine start. Skip the cable car if the queue at the lower station is long — walkers can reach the springs on foot in the same time. Avoid the peak ski weekends in February if you are not skiing, as prices and traffic rise sharply. If you want a single base, Borjomi gives you more shops, pharmacies and transport, with Bakuriani as an easy day trip in the opposite direction.

Questions, answered

How far is it from Borjomi to Bakuriani?

About 30 km, roughly one hour by road, or the narrow-gauge train in season. Allow longer in winter or after heavy rain. Marshrutkas leave from near Borjomi station. It works well as a day trip from either town.

What is the best month for walking with children here?

June and September are the sweet spot, with dry paths, comfortable temperatures and fewer visitors than July and August. Late September and October bring autumn colour in Bakuriani. July and August are still fine, but expect afternoon showers and build in a morning walk.

Are the walks suitable for a pushchair?

In Borjomi's Mineral Water Park the lower river path works as far as the springs, then turns to steps and gravel. In Bakuriani the Didveli plateau tracks are surfaced and manageable. Anything into the national park at Likani is a carrier or hand-holding job.

Do we need a car in Borjomi?

Not for the town itself — the park, the spa district and the shops on Rustaveli Street are walkable. A car or taxi helps for Likani and the national park visitor centre. For Bakuriani and Didveli, either drive or take the train and a local taxi.

What should we pack for Bakuriani in summer?

Layers for everyone, a fleece, a light waterproof jacket and sturdy shoes. Evenings at 1,700 metres can drop near 10 degrees, and afternoon storms come in quickly. Add water and snacks, as trailhead food options are limited.

Is the national park at Likani good for younger children?

Yes for the short marked loop, which the rangers will suggest based on your children's ages. Avoid the higher routes under five, or after rain, when the clay is slippery. Pack lunch in Borjomi beforehand, as facilities are minimal.

Where should we stay with a family?

Borjomi is the better base if you want shops, pharmacies and transport within walking distance, ideally near the park or station. Bakuriani suits older children and settled weather. Booking early is wise for February ski weekends and the September holidays.

How much time do we need in the area?

Two full days covers the Borjomi park and Likani; three lets you add Bakuriani and Didveli without rushing. Families with toddlers often find two days enough and use the rest of the trip for Tbilisi or Kutaisi. The drive from Tbilisi is roughly two and a half to three hours.

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