Tabori Mountain and Monastery

Tabori Mountain rises above the Kharpukhi and Krtsanisi sides of Old Tbilisi, Georgia, and is crowned by the Monastery of the Transfiguration, a small Georgian Orthodox complex with wide views of the old town and the Mtkvari river valley. The walk begins from Abanotubani (the Sulphur Baths district) or Metekhi, from where a street route leads to the base of Tabori Mountain Street. Bolt and Yandex Go taxis can drop visitors at the same point for about 6 to 8 GEL from the centre. No permit or entry fee applies to the trail, though the monastery is an active place of worship. The round trip is about 3.5 km with around 300 m of elevation gain, taking 1.5 to 2 hours, which rates as moderate because the upper section climbs steadily on steep lanes and dirt paths. The surface combines asphalt on the lower streets, stone steps and compacted earth higher up, with loose gravel in dry weather. Shade is limited on the upper slope, so the climb can be hot in summer, and there are no steep drop-offs along the main path. Landmarks include the Kharpukhi houses, the hillside viewpoints over Narikala and the Mother of Georgia statue, and finally the monastery itself, where the grounds are small and quiet. The monastery gates are a natural turn-around point. Visitors should cover shoulders and knees, and women are commonly expected to wear a headscarf. Water is not available on the path; there are no huts, but small shops at the base can supply drinks. A phone with an offline map helps on the lower residential lanes where signage is sparse. The descent follows the same route and takes about 40 minutes. Late afternoon visits give warm light over the city, and the walk combines easily with a soak at the baths afterwards.