Batumi to Khulo: Mountain Adjara, the Tago Cable Car & Private Transfer
Batumi to Khulo at a glance
- Destination: Khulo, a small town in the mountains of Adjara
- Setting: above the river gorge of the upper Adjaristsqali valley
- Highlight: the cable car across the valley to Tago village
- Cable car: 1700 metres across, about 10 minutes per ride
- Local life: the cable car is used by locals for everyday transport
- Where to stay: homestays, small hotels and restaurants in town
- From Batumi: a private car with driver, door-to-door, with free stops
Facts about Khulo come from Wikipedia, Wikivoyage, Against the Compass and Georgian Tour.
Why go to Khulo?
Most visitors to Adjara see only the coast. Khulo is the opposite: a small, hilly town in the mountains, with terraced slopes, wooden houses, small mosques and churches, and a pace of life that has little to do with the resort city an hour or two away. It is the gateway to upper Adjara and a base for walks among the villages and high pastures above the valley.
The town sits above the river gorge of the upper Adjaristsqali valley, and from almost every corner you look across the valley to the slopes opposite. That view is exactly where the region’s most famous ride goes.
The Khulo–Tago cable car
The cable car crosses the valley from Khulo to the village of Tago on the other side. It stretches 1700 metres across and a ride takes about 10 minutes, swinging high above the river with the whole gorge below you. It is not a tourist attraction built for visitors: locals use it for everyday transport, which is part of its charm.
On the Tago side you can sit and enjoy the views back towards Khulo, or walk on a little into the village. We recommend checking on the day whether the cable car is running, as it can stop for maintenance or in bad weather.
How to get from Batumi to Khulo
The road leaves Batumi inland and follows the Adjaristsqali river up into the mountains, through a long green valley with villages, arched stone bridges and waterfalls along the way. Minibuses run from Batumi, but they follow a fixed timetable and are slow; a private car with driver is far more flexible for a day trip, because you can stop wherever you like and come back the same evening.
| Option | Best for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Minibus | Solo travellers on a budget | Fixed timetable, slow, no stops of your choice |
| Private car with driver (day trip) | Families, couples, groups | Free waiting while you ride the cable car; see live prices for your date on this page |
| Private car, overnight stay | Slow travellers, hikers | Book a homestay in Khulo; arrange the return when you book |
See drivers and live prices: Batumi to Khulo
When to go
Late spring to early autumn is the easiest time, with green slopes and long days for walking on the Tago side. In autumn the valley turns gold and the roads are quiet. In winter the mountains can be beautiful but the weather is less predictable, so keep the plan flexible and confirm that the cable car is running before you set off.
Stops on the way
With a private driver, stops on the way are free, and this valley is made for them. The classic first stop is Makhuntseti, with its waterfall and old arched stone bridge; our Makhuntseti waterfall guide explains the visit. Further up, small roadside cafes serve Adjarian dishes, and there are viewpoints over the river. Tell your driver what you would like to see when you book.
Staying overnight and going further
Khulo has homestays, small hotels and restaurants, so it is easy to stay a night and enjoy the mountains in the evening and early morning. Beyond Khulo the road continues up towards the Goderdzi pass and the Goderdzi ski resort; our Batumi to Goderdzi transfer guide covers that route. In autumn and winter, check mountain road conditions the day before, as weather changes quickly at altitude. For more ideas from the coast, see Batumi things to do and day trips.
Why travel with OrbiTrip
- Free stops on the way: waterfalls, bridges, viewpoints or lunch.
- Free waiting: ride the cable car and walk in Tago without rushing.
- Free cancellation: useful if mountain weather changes.
- Same price day and night: early starts cost the same.
- Pay the driver in cash: GEL, USD or EUR, no prepayment.
- Name-sign meeting: the driver meets you with a name sign.
- Child seat on request: mention it when you book.
- Book ahead: at least 90 minutes before pickup.
- Reliability: Your driver is guaranteed to come: if a driver has a valid reason they cannot, we send another driver at the same price.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Khulo?
Khulo is a small mountain town in Adjara, in south-western Georgia, above the river gorge of the upper Adjaristsqali valley.
What is the Khulo cable car?
A cable car across the valley from Khulo to the village of Tago. It stretches 1700 metres and a ride takes about 10 minutes; locals use it for everyday transport.
How do I get from Batumi to Khulo?
By minibus on a fixed timetable, or by private car with driver, which lets you stop on the way and return the same day. See live prices for your date on this page.
Can I visit Khulo as a day trip from Batumi?
Yes. With a private driver you can ride the cable car, stop at Makhuntseti on the way and be back in Batumi in the evening.
Can I stay overnight in Khulo?
Yes, Khulo has homestays, small hotels and restaurants.
Is the road open in winter?
Weather in the mountains changes quickly; check road conditions the day before, especially if you plan to continue towards Goderdzi.
Checked on 30 October 2026. Sources: Wikipedia, Wikivoyage, Against the Compass and Georgian Tour.
OrbiTrip Georgia — private transfers across Georgia with local drivers. Per-vehicle price shown before booking, no prepayment.