Tours around Tbilisi (2): Karsani Ridge / Mzkheta
Hike from Karsani to St. Nino Chapel and down along the ridge to the Tbilisi-Mzkheta road
Start at the left turn with the sign Karsani 2 km on the Tbilisi-Mzkheta road (5 km before reaching Mzkheta, 500m after restaurant Schashnike).
You can also drive up the 5 km !!! bumpy, cobbled road to the village Karsani and start your walk there.
Follow the road through the village to reach the forest track that leads to a meadow (on a small pass) from where you can look down into Armazi Valley. Cross the meadow to the right and up and follow the path into the woods until a small side pass leads left up and traverses up to second meadow on a small plaeteau.
Cross the second meadow on your right to the highest point of the hillock, where St. Nino's chapel is located. Retrace your steps to the bigger path, which you'll cross, slightly descending through the bushes and trees to a meadow which leads up to a rocky ridge, from where you enjoy fine views over Mzkheta and Mtkvari valley. Do not step on one of the many land turtles who like the place, too.
Follow the ridge to the end and walk down to the road when the ridge becomes less steep an bushy. If you have your car in Karsani it makes sense to cut short to your right and walk down to the road on a small not very well defined path, which starts at the lowest point of the ridge.
Best season: All year, leave early in summer.
Combination: Can be combined with Walk 10: Armazis Canyon or a visit to Mzkheta.
Restaurant: Restaurant Sachashnike on the road serves good food (self service for ordering and payment before eating. The several parts of the restaurant serve different food, so you'll have to cue up a few times when it's busy. If you mention your table number staff brings the food.)
More scenic is the restaurant Armazis Zqaro (Tour 10)
For more information see: Haeberli/Harker: Under eagles Wings. Hikes, Bike, Horseback and Skitours in Georgia. 2005.
(Attention: for this tour the map in the book is incorrect, the ruins of Armazi Fortress are not on the same side of the Gorge as St. Nino chapel. Be careful with the steep slopes down into the Gorge!)
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