Tskhrajvari: the Shrine of Nine Crosses and the climb near Nakerala
At a glance
Tskhrajvari, or the Shrine of Nine Crosses, is near Nakerala Pass, close to Tkibuli, on the border of Imereti and Racha. Visitors come to the shrine of St George and for the mountain panorama. The trip includes a climb on foot, so check the weather, trail conditions and your return journey in advance.
Information checked on 26 October 2026.
What you will see at the summit
The name Tskhrajvari is translated as “nine crosses”. Crosses of different sizes stand on the rock; the site is open, with views of the surrounding mountains. Kutaisi’s tourism description gives an elevation of 1,569 metres. This helps explain why visibility at the top matters as much as the road there.
For reference, geographical names in the surrounding area include the twin-peaked Ushba and the Colchis Lowland. What you can see from the summit depends on the weather.
View the Tskhrajvari listing on Madloba to match the photographs to the location on the map. The directory category name alone does not describe the shrine’s layout. Plan your visit as a trip to a religious site and a walk along a mountain trail.
Planning the journey there
The main landmarks for the drive are Tkibuli, Nakerala Pass and the road towards Ambrolauri. Save the start of the walking section separately from the summit location: navigation to the shrine does not mean that a car can reach the crosses.
The Wander-Lush guide names an abandoned cable car station as the landmark for the start of the trail. Before setting off, confirm the stopping point and current vehicle access with a local driver or guide. If you take a taxi, arrange waiting time and the return journey before starting the climb.
No current direct timetable to the trail is provided here. Do not base your return on finding a passing car. If you use public transport, first check where you will be dropped off and how to cover the remaining stretch.
Regional references: Imereti, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti, Tskhrajvari as a holiday destination.
Tip. Save an offline map and mark the parking location separately. A summit photograph makes the destination easy to recognise, but will not help you find your parked car in fog.
How far to walk and why estimates differ
Kutaisi’s tourism portal describes an approach of up to 2 km and rates it as moderately difficult. Georgia Travel also warns of a rocky section. Different descriptions may use different starting points, so compare distances with your planned start first.
Do not assume a short route is an easy stroll. Wear shoes with reliable grip and keep your hands free. Steps or railings along the way do not mean that the entire route is in good condition or suitable for every member of the group.
Find out the current condition of the steps before visiting. If the passage is damaged, do not look for a way around it along the cliff edge. Turning back early is wiser than continuing the climb for a photograph you had planned.
| Conditions on site | Decision before setting out |
|---|---|
| The trail is visible and the surface is dry | Assess the passage and the abilities of the whole group |
| Fog hides the path | Postpone the climb |
| Wet rocks, ice or snow | Choose another plan |
| The passage or barrier is damaged | Do not skirt the obstacle along the cliff edge |
| The return journey is not arranged | Resolve the return journey first |
Weather and time to spare
Georgia Travel specifically notes rapid weather changes and fog. A forecast for the town does not replace assessing conditions at the trailhead. If clouds have hidden the trail, do not assume that the summit will clear.
Allow time for the outward and return walk, stops, and the journey after the descent. Agree on a turnaround time with your group in advance. Fatigue on the way back does not make the rocks and steps any easier.
Important. Postpone the climb in fog, on slippery surfaces or if the passage is damaged. On a rocky section, missing a good photograph is no reason to take a risk.
Two stories about the Nine Crosses
The first legend tells of the father of nine sons who went to war. He raises crosses while praying for their safe return; the sons come home alive. This is a legend of hope and gratitude, not an established family biography.
The second legend connects the site with the Sopromadze family. The family vows to build a shrine where a released dove lands. The story continues with its construction and later repentance. Details vary between retellings.
Do not attach these stories to a precise founding date without a documentary source. They explain why the place is revered, but do not replace historical research.
Tskhrajvaroba and respect for the shrine
According to Georgian Travel Guide’s description, Tskhrajvaroba falls on the last Saturday in May. If you plan to visit for the celebration, check access, possible crowds and visiting arrangements in advance.
Do not disturb prayer or use the crosses as supports when posing. Ask permission before taking someone’s portrait. Leave candles and other offerings only where this is permitted on site.
Common mistake. Treating a festival date as a guarantee of easy access, clear weather or a trail in good condition. These conditions must be checked separately.
What to bring and what to ask
Pack water, clothing suited to the mountain forecast, footwear for uneven ground, a charged phone and an offline map. Before setting out, tell someone close to you your route and return plan.
Check the condition of the road and passage, the stopping point, expected weather and return journey. With children and anyone who finds steps difficult, discuss the option of stopping earlier; there is no universal “suitable for everyone” recommendation here.
Example. “We would like to climb to Tskhrajvari. Where does the walking section start now, is the passage intact, what is visibility like at the top, and can you wait for our return journey?” It is better to get an answer before leaving town.
What to add to the trip
If conditions and time allow, explore more of Racha-Lechkhumi. For a separate stop, see the article about Shaori Reservoir. Choose Nikortsminda and other stops according to the daylight remaining, rather than the number of pins on the map.
Sakinule Cave is a separate site. Do not confuse it with the cave mentioned near Tskhrajvari; check access and preparation for each trip separately.
Checks before travelling
Before travelling, check the forecast at the pass, visibility, road and trail conditions, the start of the walking section, footwear, daylight remaining and your return arrangements. If one of the key conditions is unsuitable, leave the climb for another day.
Help the next visitors
Have you recently climbed to the Nine Crosses? Include the date, starting point, weather and condition of the passage. A photograph of the steps is more useful than a general “everything is fine”: it helps explain conditions, but does not guarantee they will remain the same for the next visit.
Frequently asked questions
This article is about the shrine near Nakerala, close to Tkibuli. Check that exact location on the map.
Near Nakerala Pass, on the border of Imereti and Racha. Plan the drive and the approach on foot separately.
Do not plan on that. Agree on the stopping point and the start of the walking section before travelling.
The time depends on the starting point, trail conditions and your group. A moderate difficulty rating is not a personal time target.
Postpone the climb if the path is hard to see. A forecast does not replace assessing conditions on site.
The name is linked to legends, including the story of a father with nine sons. A legend should not be presented as a confirmed founding date.
On the last Saturday in May. Check access and visiting arrangements separately for the year of your trip.
Assess the child’s experience and the current condition of the rocky section. The article makes no universal promise of safety for families.
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