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Kintrishi Strict Nature Reserve

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Kintrishi Strict Nature Reserve (Georgia)

Weather…

Kintrishi Strict Nature Reserve is located in the Adjara region on the western slopes of the Meskheti Range and was established in 1959. It protects the unique Colchic relict forests within the scenic gorge of the Kintrishi River, characterized by extraordinary biodiversity and high humidity. The reserve spans an altitudinal range from coastal lowlands to alpine zones exceeding 2,500 meters. Within its dense forests, ancient yew, chestnut, and beech trees thrive, some species persisting since the Tertiary period. The park is also famous for its historical landmarks, particularly the medieval arched stone bridges that span the Kintrishi River. Wildlife in the reserve includes the Caucasian brown bear, chamois, and numerous endemic amphibian species. Its pristine natural environment and temperate rainforest climate make Kintrishi one of Georgia's most significant botanical refuges and a key part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-114814182021181372
Rain mm11588966861706872121140139127

📋 Practical info

📅
Best season
Late spring and summer are generally considered the most accessible and visually impressive times to visit, providing sufficiently dry baseline conditions to comfortably explore the deep river valleys and incredibly lush relict forests.
🌅
Best time of day
Exploring during mid-morning typically allows the dense, lingering mist frequently found in these steep valleys to partially lift, offering substantially better lighting for appreciating the lush, animated flora and old stone bridges.
📜
Etiquette
Because this area functions as a strict nature reserve, visitors must rigorously follow all designated routes, leaving the unique local plant life absolutely untouched to help successfully preserve the fragile ancient relict ecosystem.
🎒
What to bring
High-grip, reliably waterproof hiking shoes are absolutely essential for safely negotiating the treacherously slippery moss-covered rocks and consistently damp forest paths typically found throughout this highly humid, shaded environment.
🧭
Getting there
The remote reserve is usually reached via progressively winding mountain roads departing from coastal Adjara; utilizing a sturdy four-wheel-drive vehicle is strongly advised due to the notably rugged and largely unpaved final access sections.
🦌
What to expect
The remarkably dense, jungle-like vegetation means that native wildlife can be extremely difficult to spot directly; take generous amounts of time to appreciate the incredible botanical diversity and the soothing sounds of the forest instead.

Geography

Coordinates
41.72640, 42.02940

Facts

  • Established in 1959 to preserve ancient Colchic flora and fauna.
  • The reserve covers an area of approximately 13.893 hectares.
  • Features the high-altitude Tbikeli Lake at 2,222 meters above sea level.
  • Home to the historic medieval stone arched bridge of Queen Tamar.
  • Contains rare stands of the ancient Yew tree (Taxus baccata).
  • Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2021.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Kintrishi Strict Nature ReserveKintrishi Strict Nature Reserve5 km · SExplore →
📍Ozurgeti17 km · EExplore →
Mtirala National ParkMtirala National Park18 km · SExplore →
Guria Citrus OrchardsGuria Citrus Orchards21 km · EExplore →
Makhuntseti WaterfallMakhuntseti Waterfall23 km · SWExplore →
Machakhela National ParkMachakhela National Park28 km · SWExplore →
📍Kobuleti29 km · SExplore →
TsikhisdziriTsikhisdziri30 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Kintrishi Strict Nature Reserve (8)

Peranga🌿 nature

A mountain peak in the Meskheti Range, offering rugged terrain and panoramic views of the Kintrishi Nature Reserve.

Varjanauli Bridge📍 landmark

A medieval stone arched bridge spanning the Kintrishi River, dating back to the 9th-12th centuries.

waterfall🌿 nature

An easy on the eye waterfall cascading through the dense, humid forests of the Kintrishi Nature Reserve.

coniarisis("jaimelas") t`ag'ovani xidi📍 landmark

A historic stone arched bridge, also known as Jaimela, located in the village of Tsoniarisi.

Memorial Tank📍 landmark

A military memorial featuring a preserved tank, commemorating history within the mountain landscape.

c`xmorisis xidis nangrevebi🏺 historical

The weathered stone ruins of an ancient bridge near Tskhmorisi, reflecting the area's medieval infrastructure.

p`ridon xalvashis saxl-muzeumi🏛 museum

This museum is dedicated to the life and work of the Georgian poet Pridon Khalvashi in his former residence.

Kintrishi Protected Landscape🌿 nature

A protected area featuring humid subtropical forests and rich biodiversity in the Adjara mountains.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What makes Kintrishi Reserve special?
It protects ancient Colchic forests and humid subtropical ecosystems.
Are there any historic bridges?
Yes, the stone arch bridge of Kobalauri is a well-known monument in the reserve.
What is the terrain like for hikers?
The terrain is mountainous and often very damp; non-slip footwear is essential.
Is camping allowed in the reserve?
Yes, there are designated picnic and camping areas for nature lovers.
Where exactly is Kintrishi located?
It is located in the Adjara region, near the town of Kobuleti.
Kintrishi Strict Nature Reserve: where is it located?
Kintrishi Strict Nature Reserve is located in Georgia.
Kintrishi Strict Nature Reserve: what is there to see?
Highlights include Peranga, Varjanauli Bridge, waterfall.
Kintrishi Strict Nature Reserve: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Kintrishi Strict Nature Reserve: why is it worth visiting?
Kintrishi Strict Nature Reserve is located in the Adjara region on the western slopes of the Meskheti Range and was established in 1959.
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