Visiting Borjomi

Exploring Green Monastery in Georgia

Hidden among the forested mountains of central Georgia, Green Monastery is a historic religious site near the town of Borjomi. Surrounded by dense woodland, the monastery has a peaceful atmosphere that contrasts with the violent events associated with its past. Its stone architecture and secluded setting make it an interesting place to visit while exploring the Borjomi region.

During my visit, locals told me a story about an attack on the monastery in which the monks were killed. According to the legend, so much blood flowed into the nearby river that the surrounding stones were stained red. The story has become part of the monastery’s local history, and visitors can still see reddish stones that residents associate with the massacre.

The rock pictured above is one of the examples I was shown. Whether the discoloration has any connection to the events described in the legend is uncertain, but the story adds another layer of history to an already atmospheric setting. Green Monastery is an interesting reminder of the importance of Orthodox Christianity in Georgia and the traditions that have developed around its religious sites.

Hiking the Mountains Around Borjomi

Green Monastery lies within the mountainous Borjomi region, an area known for its forests, hiking opportunities, and natural mineral springs. The surrounding landscape is part of the Lesser Caucasus mountain system, with wooded valleys, steep slopes, and extensive stretches of relatively undisturbed forest. It is an excellent region for exploring Georgia’s natural scenery beyond the country’s cities and historic towns.

The forests are home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, deer, and numerous bird species. Borjomi is also famous throughout Georgia for its naturally carbonated mineral water, which has been bottled commercially for generations and is widely associated with the town’s identity.

Late Summer in the Borjomi Forests

I visited Borjomi in late August and was surprised by how green everything still looked. Back home in Virginia, plants often begin to appear darker and more worn toward the end of summer, but parts of this forest looked almost spring-like. Large leaves, ferns, and thick vegetation covered the forest floor, while the surrounding mountains remained densely wooded.

One of the most memorable moments of the hike came when a giant owl suddenly flew out of a tree only a few feet away from me. I hadn’t noticed it sitting there, and its sudden movement caught me completely by surprise. Unfortunately, I didn’t encounter any bears, although the forests certainly seemed like suitable habitat for them. Perhaps I’ll have to return for a camping trip someday.

Forests, Moss-Covered Trees, and Rocky Terrain

Much of the scenery around Borjomi consists of thick woodland, with moss-covered trees and vegetation thriving in the sheltered valleys. The combination of forest, mountain terrain, and abundant greenery makes the region particularly attractive for hiking. Some areas feel almost untouched, with the trails passing through dense vegetation rather than developed recreational facilities.

Some of the steeper terrain also caught my attention as a climber. Several exposed rock faces looked as though they might offer interesting climbing opportunities, although I didn’t attempt any routes or investigate the quality of the rock. The contrast between the steep stone walls and the surrounding forest made this part of the hike especially scenic.

While exploring, I also came across this unusual hole in the ground. It looked like the remains of an old structure or possibly some kind of outpost, but I couldn’t determine what it had originally been used for. Discoveries like this were part of what made wandering through the Borjomi Mountains interesting, even when I didn’t know the history behind everything I encountered.

Borjomi Mineral Water and Signs of Bears

Borjomi is one of Georgia’s best-known spa and mineral-water destinations. Natural mineral springs in the region have attracted visitors for generations, and Borjomi water is sold throughout Georgia and internationally. The water is naturally mineralized and has a distinctive taste, with a long-standing local reputation for health benefits.

In some locations, visitors can drink mineral water directly from designated natural sources. The springs are an important part of the town’s history and remain one of the features that distinguish Borjomi from other mountain destinations in Georgia.

Although I never saw a bear during my hike, I did come across a tree with deep marks in its bark that appeared to have been made by one. I couldn’t confirm what caused them, but seeing possible evidence of a large animal moving through the same forest made the experience more exciting.

Borjomi turned out to be much more than a destination famous for mineral water. Between the history of Green Monastery, the dense forests, mountain scenery, and opportunities to encounter wildlife, it was one of the more interesting natural areas I explored in Georgia. I would gladly return to spend more time hiking, and perhaps even camping, in the surrounding mountains.