Geological feature · Kveda Sairme, Tsageri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti
Sairme Pillars
საირმის სვეტები
A group of eroded pillars of Paleogene volcanic rock above the Tsablaristskali valley in Tsageri Municipality, Lechkhumi, visible from the Kutaisi–Alpana road and reached on a signed 2.5-kilometre path.
Where it is
42.5470, 42.8711
Why go
The Sairme Pillars are what remains of volcanic rock laid down in the Paleogene, more than 20 million years ago, and worn into free-standing columns over millennia. They stand on the west side of the Tsablaristskali valley near the village of Kveda Sairme, between Alpana and Tchrebalo, and can be picked out from the main road between Racha and Lechkhumi. This Sairme is in Lechkhumi and is not the Sairme spa resort in Imereti. The national tourism administration describes a signed path from an information board on the main road that passes about 200 metres from the pillars, with the ruins of a St George church seen from above and the apple orchards of a former settlement below the rock; it allows around three hours out and back.
Near Sairme Pillars
Spring
Lailashi Secret Pool
A spring-fed stone pool on a mountainside in Lechkhumi, built by Lailashi's Jewish community and looking out over the Lajanuri valley.
7 km · straight-line distance; driving distance and time differ
Church
Nikortsminda Cathedral
Carved reliefs of the Transfiguration, the Last Judgement, saints and real and fantastic beasts cover the façades of this St Nicholas cathedral in the Racha village of Nikortsminda, built for King Bagrat III in 1010–1014.
20 km · straight-line distance; driving distance and time differ
Waterfall
Kinchkha Waterfall
A three-stage waterfall dropping through the hills of Khoni municipality, high above the Okatse valley and reached on the same road as the canyon walkway.
27 km · straight-line distance; driving distance and time differ
Cave
Prometheus Cave
Georgia's principal show cave: a lit walking route of about 1.4 kilometres through six halls of stalactites and flowstone, ending with an optional boat ride on an underground river.
29 km · straight-line distance; driving distance and time differ