Mtirala (Tsiskara) is a rare and unique place, celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty. This rocky massif, covering an area of 15,800 hectares, is the national park of Adjara. Nestled at an altitude of 1,761 meters above sea level on Mtirala Mountain, which translates from Georgian as “The Crying Mountain,” it earned its name due to the frequent rains and mists that envelop the park. With an astonishing annual precipitation of 4,500 mm, Mtirala is considered the wettest place in Europe, second only to the west coast of Scotland. Residents of the nearby village of Chakvi often express skepticism about the existence of any place that experiences rainfall as frequently as theirs. If you’re planning a visit to the park, it’s wise to bring along umbrellas or raincoats. However, despite the possibility of rain, this enchanting and pristine corner of untouched nature is well worth the trip.
The park’s landscape is characterized by terraced levels that cascade down towards the sea. Each elevation boasts its own unique flora and trees, typical of the specific climate zone. Here, you can find mixed deciduous-coniferous forests, beech groves, Pontic oaks, Colchian forests, deep gorges, waterfalls, boxwood thickets, and chestnut woods, alongside mountain rivers and alpine meadows adorned with a variety of grasses and flowers. The air is crystal clear and invigorating, impossible to get enough of. The park is dotted with numerous healing springs, offering both plain and mineral water, located on the mountain slopes.
The primary goal of establishing the Mtirala Nature Reserve is to preserve the unique Colchian forests that have remained in their pristine form to this day. The dedicated rangers working within the reserve strive to protect not only the plant life but also the entire ecosystem that has developed over millennia, creating a harmonious natural complex.
The journey from the park entrance to the information center is a 5-kilometer trek along a narrow winding road flanked by cliffs and rocky outcrops. As you approach the tourist area of the park, you can consult a map and route guide available at the visitor center, where you can also gather any information you need about excursions, local customs, and traditions. The center features guest rooms, an information hall, and an exhibition showcasing local artifacts. Admission to the park is free. The national park administration offers visitors a variety of tours, including walking, horseback riding, scientific, and photography tours. Knowledgeable guides accompany you throughout your journey. For those interested in trekking, equipment such as tents, backpacks, and sleeping bags can be rented. Tours are available for one day or extended to two to three days.
Two designated trails have been developed for exploring the reserve. The first trail spans 3.5 kilometers and typically takes about three hours to complete. This leisurely walk offers breathtaking views of the unique and beautiful landscape, including a stunning waterfall and a tranquil lake. The second, more adventurous two-day route stretches for nine kilometers into the mountains, where hikers can find spots to rest and immerse themselves in the wild jungle-like atmosphere.
If you prefer to travel independently, you can stay at a nearby guesthouse where you can enjoy a cozy night’s rest and delicious meals. The rooms are comfortable and equipped with all the essentials.
The park’s trails meander up and down through forests, streams, rocks, and cliffs, making athletic clothing and comfortable footwear the best choice. It’s advisable to think ahead about water and snacks, or you can refuel at local cafés. Here, you’ll be offered fresh river trout, shashlik (grilled meat), khachapuri (cheese bread), homemade wine, and more. The food prepared outdoors using traditional recipes is just what you need after a long hike in the mountains. Prices in the park are quite reasonable, and the quality of wine, chacha (grape vodka), and honey sold in every household here far exceeds that found in the city.
The tourist route begins at the river, which is an adventure in itself. The cable crossing you’ll find here resembles something out of old films or documentaries. The cabin accommodates 3-4 people, and one of you must use a wheel to maneuver the cabin across to the other side. Tourists are always thrilled by this unique experience.
From there, the path ascends and leads to a fork. The lower trail, stretching 700 meters, takes you to a small blue mountain lake, while the upper trail (1.5 km) leads to a stunning 15-meter waterfall. The walk to the lake won’t take much time or effort. The view that unfolds before you is breathtaking – nestled among mountains cloaked in dense, impenetrable vegetation lies a blue dish of a mountain lake that reflects the surrounding landscape. There’s something magical in this beauty and tranquility, as if time has stopped here. The water in the lake is very clear but chilly, around 15 degrees Celsius in the summer. Swimming is possible in the lake.
As you wander through Mtirala Park, you’ll feel a disconnection from civilization, which brings a subconscious joy. Here, you can acutely sense your bond with nature, feeling like an integral part of it. It feels as if you are traversing subtropical jungles – trees and shrubs intertwine, ivy and vines hang overhead, obscuring the sky, while underfoot lies a green carpet of ferns and moss.
Due to the consistently high humidity, which reaches 80-85%, moss thrives everywhere: on trees, bushes, rocks, and cliffs. The lush green color surrounds you, calming and uplifting your spirits. Occasionally, jungle thickets part, offering glimpses of the mountain slopes.
The upper excursion to the waterfall is significantly more challenging, as the path climbs steeply into the mountains, but the views from above are breathtaking.
You will encounter several stunning viewpoints that overlook the lush, green expanse of Adjara. Upon reaching the waterfall, you will undoubtedly be tempted to take a dip, although the water is always quite cold. Nevertheless, the refreshing chill is a welcome relief during the summer heat, and many visitors are undeterred by the temperature.
In a world where few places remain untouched by human presence, Mtirala Park stands out as one of them. It is a magnificent and extraordinary location for hiking and connecting with nature. It promises to impress not only nature enthusiasts but also those seeking solitude and a moment of reflection away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. For everyone who finds themselves here, Mtirala Park will leave lasting impressions, and the pure mountain air, filled with intoxicating aromas of wild herbs and flowers, will linger in your memory forever.