Bakhmaro by Car from Batumi: the Road, the Season and What to See
Bakhmaro is a mountain resort in Guria at about 2,000 metres. Wooden cottages among alpine meadows, fir forest, cool air even in August and the main reason people come: sunsets you watch from above a sea of clouds. It's about 140 km from Batumi and one of the most beautiful drives in western Georgia.
How to get there from Batumi
The route follows the coast to Kobuleti, then goes via Ozurgeti to Chokhatauri. Up to Chokhatauri it's good asphalt, about 80 km. From there the main part begins: almost 60 km of mountain road up the gorge, through forest and over passes to the resort. In total, 3.5–4 hours each way.
On the way, stop in Nabeghlavi: this is the source of the famous mineral water, and you can drink it straight from the spring.
The road: what to know
- Serpentine. The upper part is narrow, with tight bends and stretches without asphalt: gravel, stones and washouts after rain. The road is gradually being repaired, but expect a mountain road, not a highway.
- The car. Many people make it in ordinary cars, but AWD and high ground clearance make it much more relaxed, especially after rain.
- Fuel. Fill up in Chokhatauri. There are no petrol stations at the top.
- Signal. Mobile internet drops out on parts of the route. Download an offline map in advance — see navigation and internet in Georgia.
- Daylight. Set off in the morning and don't plan to drive down the serpentine in the dark.
When to go
Season: June to September, peaking in July and August. In early October you can often still get there if there's no snow. From late autumn to spring the road is usually closed by snow and the resort empties. Even in summer evenings can be around +10 °C, and fog can cover the slope in half an hour — bring warm clothes. Weather by month — when to visit Georgia by car.
What to do in Bakhmaro
- Sunset above the clouds. The main event of the day. Climb the ridge above the village an hour before sunset: the clouds often lie below you and the sun sets right into them.
- Sunrise. If you stay the night, the valleys below are often covered in fog in the morning while it's clear at the top.
- Walks. Alpine meadows and fir forests around the resort — trails start right from the cottages. In summer locals offer horse rides.
- Air and silence. Bakhmaro is known as a climate resort: people come for a few days just to breathe and escape the heat of the coast.
Where to stay and what to bring
Bakhmaro has guesthouses and wooden cottages for rent by the night. It's simple accommodation, no hotel service. In July and August book in advance. There are few cafés and little choice, so bring water, snacks and cash in lari — cards aren't accepted everywhere.
Day trip or overnight
There and back is about 280 km and 7–8 hours behind the wheel. A day trip is possible, but then you have to leave before the sunset you came for, or drive down the serpentine in the dark. We recommend staying at least one night.
Which car to take
The best choice is an AWD crossover: Buick Encore, Hyundai Tucson, Subaru Forester or Mitsubishi Outlander. All our AWD cars are in 4x4 SUV rental in Georgia.
Tell us when booking that you're going to Bakhmaro: we'll suggest the right car and check the tyres before handover. Mileage is unlimited, insurance with excess is included, most cars need no deposit, and you pay on pickup.
Fuel cost. 280 km in a crossover is roughly 22–25 litres, about 80–90 GEL or $30–35. Fuel prices and petrol stations — petrol in Georgia.
Car sharing doesn't suit this trip: kilometres are paid separately, gravel roads are usually not allowed, and the car must be returned to Batumi. The full calculation — 5 places to visit from Batumi: car sharing or rental.
FAQ
How long is the drive from Batumi to Bakhmaro? About 140 km, 3.5–4 hours each way. The last almost 60 km from Chokhatauri are a mountain road.
Do I need AWD? Not strictly, but it's recommended. In an AWD crossover the upper stretch is much easier, especially after rain.
When is the road open? Usually June to September, sometimes until early October. In winter and spring it's closed by snow. Check the road conditions with us or your hosts before the trip.
Is there a petrol station in Bakhmaro? No. Fill up in Chokhatauri.
Can I do it as a day trip? Yes, but you'll most likely miss the sunset above the clouds. Better to stay overnight.
Where to stay? In guesthouses and wooden cottages. Book ahead in summer.
Can I go by car sharing? Usually not: car sharing forbids or doesn't insure gravel roads, and the kilometres get expensive.
Bottom line
Bakhmaro isn't the easiest place to reach, but it's one of the most memorable: a mountain road, meadows, silence and a sunset above the clouds. Take an AWD crossover, fill up in Chokhatauri, leave in the morning and stay the night. Another mountain spot in Guria with a view over the clouds — Gomismta.
Available cars for your dates are on the booking page, everything about renting in the city — car rental in Batumi.