Sakhizari and Sioni
Have you ever touched real rocky peaks?
Visit a non-tourist region to spend a day in peace and quiet, contemplating the stone cliffs with a mug of hiking tea.
PROGRAM
Our route will pass along the rocky natural monument of Sakhizari, on the right bank of the Terek, along the Terkhena River, where erosion pillars with an interesting geological structure are located, formed as a result of abundant sedimentation.
In simple terms, these are menacing, free-standing piles of stones that seem to have grown straight out of the ground...
The route passes through the Sakhizari rock natural monument on the right bank of the Terek River, along the Terkhena River. Here, erosion pillars with an interesting geological structure are located, formed as a result of abundant sedimentation. Simply put, these are formidable, free-standing piles of rocks that seem to have grown straight out of the earth.
First, we'll walk along the riverbed, where we might encounter a herd of free-roaming horses. Then we'll approach a rocky wall. We'll walk along the bed of a dry stream and stop for lunch. Those who wish can climb a rocky ledge and see the neighboring valley. And those who prefer peace and quiet can lie in the tall grass, listening to the sounds of rockfalls.
History of Sioni and the Kazbegi region
The hike begins in the village of Sioni , located in the historical region of Khevi. This entire region—from Sioni to Stepantsminda (formerly Kazbegi)—has been inhabited since ancient times. Archaeological finds date back to the 6th–5th centuries BC. One of the routes of the Great Silk Road—the only natural corridor connecting the South and North Caucasus via the Darial Gorge—passed through these areas.
Right in the village of Sioni stands the Khev Sioni Basilica , a three-aisled church built between the 9th and 10th centuries. It is constructed of local dark stone, and its exterior walls are decorated with archaic reliefs depicting animals, human figures, and geometric patterns—a rare testimony to the medieval beliefs of the mountaineers. The church also served a defensive function, guarding the road to the Darial Gorge. A four-tiered watchtower adjoins the church on a steep rocky cliff. Traces of ancient frescoes still remain on the western wall.
The name Sakhizari translates as "refuge"—in the Middle Ages, these cliffs served as a place where locals hid from enemies coming through the Darial Pass. The famous Gergeti Church (14th century) at an altitude of 2,100 meters and the ruins of the Darial Fortress (2nd century BC) are other iconic monuments of this historic region.
The name Stepantsminda itself comes from the monk Stepan, who built a hermitage here and warned residents of an avalanche. During Soviet times (since 1925), the city was called Kazbegi, and in 2006, its historical name was restored.
PROGRAM
Geology of Sakhizari
Sakhizari is a natural monument consisting of impressive erosion columns carved into the slopes of Mount Khabarjina (also known as Kabarjina or Kajarbina). Mount Khabarjina is an extinct volcano ; the entire landscape here was shaped by ancient volcanic activity millions of years ago.
The pillars were formed by centuries of leaching: rainwater gradually dissolved and washed away the softer rocks of the volcanic mountain, leaving behind hard, erosion-resistant columns. The result was a majestic columnar rock formation—a veritable petrified forest of stone.
The Greater Caucasus, of which Mount Kazbek (5,033 m) is a part, began to rise approximately 25 million years ago as a result of the collision of the Arabian and Eurasian tectonic plates. Kazbek itself is an extinct stratovolcano; its last eruption occurred approximately 6,000 years ago. The entire region around Sioni lies in its geological shadow—volcanic rocks and glacial deposits form the dramatic relief you see today.
The Terkhena River Valley, along which our route passes, offers a unique cross-section of these geological processes: volcanic basalt formations, river erosion, and the slow but constant work of frost weathering that continues to shape the pillars today.
Details
- Duration: 1 day
- Distance: 10-13 km
- Climb: 400-500 m
- Complexity: Light
What is included in the price
- Transfer from Tbilisi and back
- Guide services
- Food
- Photos from the route
cost
135 GEL
INCLUDED
- Transfer from Tbilisi and back
- Guide services
- Food
- Photos from the route
SEPARATELY
- Equipment rental
- Insurance
IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW
To register for a tour, a mandatory prepayment of 50% of the tour cost is required.
Refund of prepayment is carried out upon cancellation of the tour no less than 5 days.
If you cancel the tour less than 5 days in advance, prepayment does not return
We offer equipment rental , and you can also read about where to buy equipment in Tbilisi.
