This is the first of seven parts detailing a cycle tour around Georgia & Armenia in August and September 2024. The route began by roughly following the Rioni River towards the town of Baghdati. The ride passed through several little villages. The destination was the town of Baghdati which is a wine region. Baghdati is the entrance to the Lesser Caucasus and, continuing south, the ride began by ascending over 2,000m in elevation to the Zekari Pass. The first 13km of the climb, to the village of Sairme was all on paved roads. Shortly after leaving Sairme, the paved road turned into gravel. The pass is marked by a sign and offers great views in all directions. The final part of the descent took me though the town of Abastumani into Akhaltsikhe. I spent two night in Akhaltsikhe and had a great time walking round the old town. The undoubted star is the Rabati Fortress, a vast complex originally dating from the 9th century. Inside the enormous city walls there are palaces, churches, a mosque, many towers and impressive decorative features.
Cycling Georgia: Kutaisi to Akhaltsikhe
Sairme & Zekari Pass
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