Georgia · Wildlife

6-Hour Snowy Forest Tour from Tbilisi with Bear Shelter Visit

6 Hours Round trip from Sabaduri Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Discover the snowy fairytale forest of Sabaduri mountain pass
02 Stop for memorable pictures of Sabaduri's picturesque winter views
03 Visit the Secret Bear Shelter and get closer to rescued bears
04 Explore the impressive Chronicles of Georgia monument with its 35-meter pillars

Reach the snowy fairytale forest of Sabaduri, just an hour and a half from Tbilisi city center, and enjoy bright white views of snow-covered trees draped like white lace on the mountain slopes. Stop along the way for memorable pictures of the picturesque scenery, then visit the Secret Bear Shelter to get closer to these amazing animals and learn more interesting facts about them. The tour ends at the impressive Chronicles of Georgia monument, built with 35-meter bronze pillars, where the giant cross and the monument's powerful atmosphere invite silence and respect.

Winter in Sabaduri Forest is truly a fabulous journey into childhood dreams and fantasies.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Hours

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Tbilisi, Tbilisi National Park

Languages English, Russian

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Snowy Wonderland at Sabaduri Pass

Sabaduri Pass is an attractive road through Sabaduri mountain, covered with a mixed deciduous-coniferous forest. It lies within the territories of the Mtskheta and Tianeti municipalities and forms part of Tbilisi National Park, the first national park in Georgia. Established in 1973, Tbilisi National Park stretches along the Saguramo-Yalno ridge on the southern slopes of the main Caucasus ridge and its branches, at an altitude of 600-1,700 meters above sea level.
Tourist infrastructure, along with sites for picnics, camping, and lighting fires, has been arranged in the Sabaduri forest. Sabaduri Forest is beautiful in every season, but it becomes especially magical in winter and autumn. In autumn, the colorful forest, the smell of dried and lightly rustling leaves, and the chance to wander away from the dust and bustle of the city create an exciting and peaceful escape on a sun-filled day.
In winter, the forest feels like a wonderland. The snow-capped trees and icy splendor make you feel like a fairy-tale hero. Silence, walks in the snow, sunlight reflecting on ice crystals, and the surrounding landscapes fill you with impressions and эмоции. Winter in Sabaduri Forest is truly a fabulous journey into childhood dreams and fantasies.

Day 02

Visit the Zoological Centre for Bears

The official name of this place is the Zoological Centre for Bears. It was established in 2010, and its story began when the shelter's founder brought a bear cub named Balu from West Georgia to Tbilisi at the request of his friends. Balu's mother had been killed, but the cub was spared.
Mr. Jikurishvili, the shelter's founder, had planned to hand the cub over to the zoo or seek help from state institutions. At that time, Balu weighed only 1 kilogram, and no one knew what to do with him. The bear lived in his home for some time because government agencies did not provide assistance and the zoo refused to accept him.
When Balu began to grow, Jikurishvili decided to create a shelter for him and for other bears in need of help. Today, the shelter covers an area of 5,000 square meters and is home to 18 bears.

Day 03

Chronicles of Georgia Monument

The Chronicle of Georgia, also known as the History Memorial of Georgia, is a monument located near the Tbilisi Sea. It was built in 1985 by the world-renowned Georgian-Russian sculptor Zurab Tsereteli.
The monument stands at the top of a large staircase. It consists of 16 pillars, each between 30 and 35 meters tall. The upper half features kings, queens, and heroes, while the lower part depicts stories from the life of Christ. There is also a grapevine cross of St. Nino and a chapel.
Because it is situated on a large hill in the northern part of Tbilisi, this Georgian "Stone Hange" can be seen from many different corners of the city. The site stands at a surface elevation of 650-800 meters above sea level.