Thirty five minutes is not long, but the whole landscape changes inside it: from the city to the historic plain of Mtskheta, and from there onto the green slopes below the Trialeti ridge. This is a route that is part of the destination.
The route, stage by stage
- 1TbilisiLeaving the city. The route heads north west from the very start.
- 2MtskhetaThe historic town where the landscape begins to change in earnest.
- 3ArmaziThe Armazi road is one of the most beautiful stretches of the whole route.
- 4KhekordziFrom here the belt of cherry plum and almond orchards begins.
- 5Nichbisi and KavtiskheviFields of wheat and barley, the open plains of Kartli.
- 6The village of NostetThe foot of the Trialeti ridge and the Oxygenia site, 800 metres above sea level.
What you see along the way
A comfortable surface
A newly asphalted, well maintained road without sharp bends or steep pressure changes.
Almond and cherry plum orchards
Orchards stretch along both sides of the road, and in spring the whole belt comes into blossom.
The plains of Kartli
Fields of wheat and barley that change colour through the year.
Cyclists
This route is a favourite among cyclists, precisely because heavy vehicles do not use it.
„Driving out to Oxygenia and back to Tbilisi, whether by car, motorbike or bicycle, is always an enjoyable trip.“
The road to Oxygenia
The historic surroundings
Being close to the Trialeti ridge gives Oxygenia a setting with real historic depth. In the neighbouring villages you will find waterfalls, old bridges, towers, churches and fortresses.
| Place | Known for | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Ertatsminda | A historic church and almond orchards | Close by |
| Mepisqalaqi | A historic settlement and its walls | Close by |
| Gudaleti | A mountain village and its pastures | Close by |
| Chachubeti and Drisi | The area around Tamar's fortress | Close by |
| Gariqula, Tskhaveri, Gostibe | Wooded gorges and natural landmarks | Close by |
Distances are measured from the Oxygenia site and mean a short drive.
Four seasons on the road
Spring
Almond orchards in blossom and green plains. The most photogenic season along the whole route.
Summer
Noticeably cooler air the moment you arrive on site, compared with the city.
Autumn
The full palette of forest colour on the Trialeti ridge and clear open views.
Winter
A snow covered panorama towards the Caucasus, on a road that stays maintained through the season.
Practical advice
- For a first visit choose daylight, so you can judge the view and the direction of the sun properly
- Book the visit in advance so a member of the team can meet you on site
- If you are cycling, plan for 38 kilometres and a climb on the final stretch
- In autumn and winter, plan to head back before dusk
A useful detail
The absence of heavy vehicles on this route is more than a comfort. It means less noise, less dust and a road surface that wears far more slowly.
Frequently asked questions
38 kilometres on a newly asphalted and well maintained road. The drive takes around 35 minutes.
No. There are no sharp bends or steep pressure changes along the route, so the drive is comfortable for children too.
You will not see freight trailers on the road to Oxygenia. It is, however, one of the favourite routes of local cyclists.
Gudaleti, Ertatsminda, Gariqula, Mepisqalaqi, Tskhaveri, Chachubeti and Gostibe are all close by, with waterfalls, bridges, towers, churches and fortresses among them.