A Walk Along the Ridges of Time
Tianeti is one of eastern Georgia’s most storied and distinctive regions. First mentioned in written chronicles as early as the 4 th century, its name is entwined with the Christianization of the country. Nestled between ridges and sub-ridges, and bordered by the municipalities of Akhmeta, Mtskheta, and Sagarejo, its unique geography has long made it a natural corridor across the Caucasus. This is a land of forests, crests, ravines, and far-reaching horizons—a place rich in biodiversity, layered history, and cultural heritage. Tianeti’s velvet-like climate adds softness to its character, while countless local legends cloak the region in mystery.
The Tianeti Greenway follows one of these very folk trails, reviving an old caravan path. Sixty percent of Tianeti’s land is covered in rare, mixed forests—and the route winds among them, offering an intimate encounter with the region’s living biodiversity. The second half of the trail joins the legendary ‘Horsemen’s Road’—a high-ridge trail once beloved by riders, not just for its purpose, but for the courage it demanded. Those who crossed it rode with skill and heart, mounted on Georgia’s mountain horses—resilient, intuitive companions born for this terrain. Symbolizing this legacy is Taglaura—a folk hero who galloped like wind from Kakheti to Tianeti, claiming the ridgelines as his realm. His valor, complexity, and mythic spirit still echo in folk songs and poetry.
Tianeti’s Greenway is more than a trail—it is a soulful journey. Among ancient forests and sweeping vistas, it reawakens legends, revives echoes of hooves and heroism, and becomes a path not just through nature, but through memory, story, and inspiration.
Route Description:
(Sioni – Devenaantkhevi)
- Means of travel along the route: on foot, on horseback
- Route length:9 km
- Total ascent: 343 m
- Total descent: 368 m
- Route difficulty: The route is of easy category.
The Tianeti Greenway begins on the southeastern shores of Lake Sioni. The trail climbs through timbered slopes, leading toward the very ridgelines once crossed by ancient caravan routes. Gradually gaining elevation, the circular path winds into untouched ecosystems of mixed forest. At the heart of the woods lies a small eco-museum — with hammocks, facilities, a children’s play area, and interpretation panels that reveal the forest’s hidden secrets. The forest road continues gently upward to the crest of the ridge, where sweeping views open toward Lake Sioni, the Ertso Valley, and the Kartli Range. These ridge-top paths were once known as the horsemen’s road; Through them, riders would pass betweenmKartli and Ertso. The route then gently descends into the Ertso basin, toward the quiet village of Devenaantkhevi — a settlement mentioned in early Christian sources. The trail winds through the village, past local homes and narrow lanes. At its southern edge lies the well-known Sabaduri Horse Ranch, welcoming visitors with open gates — a place to experience Georgia’s riding traditions and forge unforgettable memories on horseback.
* The Tianeti Greenway can also be started from the slopes of the village of Devenaantkhevi.