Tbilisi is one of those cities where, in just a few minutes by bike, you can move from an urban environment into nature. Around the city, there are many interesting trails, ridges, forests, lakes, and village roads that create great opportunities for mountain biking.
In this article, we selected 4 MTB routes near Tbilisi. You will find both easy short routes and medium-difficulty rides where you will need more attention, endurance, and technical control. Each route has its own character: quiet forest trails, open ridges and views, old caravan roads, and lesser-known sections that can turn into a real adventure.
All routes have been personally ridden, tested, and selected based on real experience. This article is not just a list of maps. It includes practical information you may actually need on the trail: where the surface may be slippery, where it is better to reduce speed, where you may meet dogs, and which route is better suited for which rider.
Before riding any route, we recommend checking the weather and your bike’s technical condition. Mountain biking always includes some risk, so a helmet, water, spare tube, small tools, and a GPS route are the minimum essentials.
Why are these routes interesting?
These routes are not only about sport. They give you a chance to discover nature, views, old roads, village landscapes, and trails near Tbilisi that are rarely included in standard tourist routes.
For local cyclists, this is a good way to find new directions. For tourists, it is an interesting experience outside the city.
Some routes can be completed in half a day, while others are better for a full-day MTB ride. The choice depends on your experience and physical preparation.
1. Tskneti - Tsavkisi - Mtatsminda
Difficulty: Easy
The Tskneti - Tsavkisi - Mtatsminda route is a good choice for those who want a short, pleasant, and relatively easy MTB ride very close to Tbilisi. The route starts in Tskneti, on Sairme Street. The starting point can also be reached by public transport.
At the beginning of the route, there are light climbs. The road then continues through forest sections and gradually heads toward the Tsavkisi valley. Riding in the forest is especially pleasant in summer, because the shade and cooler air make the route more comfortable.
After reaching the Tsavkisi valley, the space opens up. From here, the route continues toward the Mtatsminda area and eventually finishes at a point where you can descend back into the city by bike. This detail makes the route very practical: you do not need to return the same way, and the ride logically ends in the city.
Overall, over 7 km you ride about 190 meters of ascent and 350 meters of descent. This means the route is not too tiring, but it still gives you the feeling of an MTB ride.
Pay special attention to the forest sections after rain. The ground may be slippery, and small stones or roots may be hidden under the leaves. If you are riding in a group, it is good to warn beginner riders in advance to keep distance on descents.
Who is this route good for?
This route is good for beginner and intermediate cyclists who want a short, easy-to-access MTB ride close to the city. It is also a good option for tourists who have limited time in Tbilisi but want to experience nature around the city.
2. Shavnabada - Tabakhmela - Kumisi Lake
Difficulty: Medium
The Shavnabada - Tabakhmela - Kumisi Lake route is already a longer and more varied direction. It starts near Shavnabada Monastery, from where you get views of Tbilisi, Kvemo Teleti, and the surrounding hills. This is a good starting point, because the route gives you a sense of height and open space from the beginning.
Through the Shavnabada ridge, the route continues toward Tabakhmela. On this section, you will find open spaces, village roads, and views that make you feel quite far away, despite being close to the city.
After Tabakhmela, the route descends toward Kumisi Lake.
This 22 km route is a good challenge for an intermediate cyclist. The ascent is 280 meters, and the descent is 570 meters.
In summer, sunny sections can be quite hot, so you should take enough water in advance.
Who is this route good for?
This route is a good choice for those who want a longer ride near Tbilisi, open ridges, a lake direction, and a medium-difficulty MTB experience. It is also interesting for tourists, because one route combines monastery views, ridge riding, village roads, and the direction of Kumisi Lake.
Tips for this route
- In spring, you may meet sheep flocks with dogs. It is good to carry bread or lavash with you.
- Be especially careful when crossing the Ponichala - Marneuli road.
- In summer, make sure to take enough water.
3. Orbeti - Didi Toneti - Orbeti
Difficulty: Medium
The Orbeti - Didi Toneti - Orbeti route is a loop and a very good choice for those who want to leave the city by car, ride in nature, and then return to the starting point. A loop route is logistically convenient, because you do not need to leave transport at a second point or plan a separate return.
The route starts near Orbeti. From the starting section, you descend by asphalt road toward Didi Toneti, then turn into the village.
The dense forest sections are especially beautiful in spring and early summer. During this period, nature is very green, although in some places the grass can be quite high. That is why covering your legs fully is a good idea. It will protect you from grass, scratches, and the risk of ticks.
The medium difficulty level is logical for this route. Although it is not very extreme, it still requires some physical preparation and minimum experience in controlling an MTB bike.
This route will especially appeal to those who are interested in nature, historical surroundings, and a less urban atmosphere together with cycling.
Who is this route good for?
This route is a good choice for those interested in a loop MTB route, forest, old roads, and a quiet natural environment.
Tip for this route
In spring, some sections have quite tall grass. It is better to keep your legs fully covered to protect yourself from ticks. Also, after the ride, it is good to check your clothes and body, especially after riding through forest and grassy sections.
4. Skhaltba - Khidiskuri - Nichbisi
Difficulty: Medium
This route remained one of our favourite lesser-known directions for a long time, but we decided to share it with other cyclists as well.
The Skhaltba - Khidiskuri - Nichbisi route is one of the most interesting options for those who want a more adventurous and less standard MTB ride near Tbilisi.
The route starts from the Tserovani side. At the beginning, you climb through dense forest toward Skhaltba. This section is very pleasant for riders who enjoy forest trails. Tree shade, natural surroundings, and a relatively quiet road give the route a good character from the start.
From Skhaltba, it is possible to look over Shio-Mgvime from above. These views are one of the main values of the route, because by bike you see the place from a point where many people never go. Then the route continues through another forest section, and the trail passes through places where it is possible to look toward the Ksani side.
Another interesting part of the route is the trail running parallel to the railway. This section gives you rare views and adds a completely different character to the surroundings. Then a pedestrian bridge over the Mtkvari River takes you to the village of Miriani. After the bridge, the road continues along the riverbank and finally comes out in Akhali Nichbisi.
This route is more suitable for people who do not want just an easy ride. It includes forest, views, descents, village roads, and riverside sections.
Skhaltba - Khidiskuri - Nichbisi is a good choice for riding together with experienced cyclists. Going alone is not recommended if you do not know the route well. It is better to download the GPS route in advance, keep your phone charged, and carry minimum technical equipment with you.
Who is this route good for?
This route is more suitable for experienced cyclists or tourists who already have good MTB skills.
Tip for this route
After the village of Khidiskuri, the road is dry and loose in some places. Before reaching the railway-parallel trail, be careful and do not rush. On loose surfaces, sharp braking or fast turning can easily cause loss of control.
Practical Information for Tourists
If you are visiting Tbilisi and want an active experience outside the city, these MTB routes are a good opportunity to see a different side of Georgia’s nature in a short time. Not far from the centre of Tbilisi, you can reach forests, mountain ridges, lakes, or old village roads.
Bike: An MTB bike is recommended. Some sections may also be possible with a gravel bike, but on loose and forest trails, MTB is much more comfortable and safer.
Season: The best periods are spring, autumn, and cool summer mornings. In summer, heat on open ridges can be tiring.
Transport: The Tskneti route can also be reached by public transport. For the other routes, a car or transfer is more convenient.
Guide: For foreign visitors, riding with a local guide is recommended, especially on lesser-known trails.
GPS: Download the route in Komoot or another GPS app in advance, because internet may not be stable in some places.
Safety: A helmet is essential. It is also recommended to ride with a group, especially on longer and lesser-known routes.
What to Take on an MTB Route?
- Helmet
- Enough water
- Spare tube or tire repair kit
- Mini pump
- Multitool
- Charged phone
- GPS route in Komoot or another app
- Small snack or energy bar
- Small first aid kit
- Light jacket, especially on ridges or in changeable weather
Short Safety Tips
- Always wear a helmet.
- After rain, reduce speed on forest trails.
- On open ridges, consider wind and sun exposure.
- On village roads, watch out for dogs, livestock, and cars.
- When crossing roads, especially the Ponichala - Marneuli road, make sure it is completely safe.
- If riding alone, share your route and expected return time with someone.
- Do not rush on unknown descents. Read the trail first, then increase speed.
- After forest and grassy sections, check your clothes and body for ticks.
Want to Ride These Routes with a Guide?
If you are in Tbilisi and want to ride an MTB route with a local guide, contact us. We can help you choose a route, assess the difficulty, and select a direction that matches your experience and available time.
Comments (0)
No comments yet.