Day hike · Martvili, Georgia

Three Waterfalls
of Balda

A loop through the Balda gorge with a swim at every waterfall, and a wild river branch through boxwood jungle on the way back.

Saved for next time Best May–October 53 km from Kutaisi Start by ~09:45
13.6 km
Loop from the car
~650 m
Up, one real climb
~6½ h
On the trail, with swims
3
Waterfall swims

The hike

Park at Balda Monastery, 53 km (about 1h10) from Kutaisi through Martvili. Open the hike stops in Google Maps ↗

Main loop Plan B: ridge trail out and back

The day

The times are a relaxed pace with plenty of time for swims.

  1. Leave Kutaisi

    53 km through Martvili, about 1h10

  2. Look at the Abasha from the bridgeGo / no-go

    Clear water: full loop. Running high after the rain: Plan B.

  3. Start at Balda Monastery
  4. Top of the ridgeThe only real climb

    4.1 km · +390 m

  5. Toba waterfallQuick dip

    2.7 km, mostly downhill past Vako's Hut · long cascade

  6. Oniore waterfallSwim + lunch

    1.2 km · a 70 m wall of water at the warmest time of day · peek into Toba I cave (entrance only)

  7. Leave OnioreKeep moving

    Leaves plenty of daylight for the river branch, the best bit of the loop.

  8. Kaghu waterfallLast swim

    4 km down the river branch · log crossings through boxwood jungle, the most fun stretch of the day

  9. Back at the car

    1.5 km on the flat · change into dry clothes

Good to know

Plan B

  • River up after rain? Take the ridge trail to Toba and Oniore and back
  • ~16 km, with the same timings
  • Still two waterfall swims

On the trail

  • Wide, shallow river crossings: sandals make them easy
  • Wild in places, which is half the fun. The GPX keeps us on track
  • Fresh mountain water, so quick, refreshing dips
  • Download the offline map: there's no signal at Kaghu

Pack

  • Sandals for crossings, trekking poles
  • 2 L water each, lunch, snacks
  • Swimwear, towel, dry clothes in the car
  • Warm layer for after the swims
  • Offline map + GPX, power bank, first aid
↓ Download GPX track Hike stops in Google Maps Directions to parking