Transport from Tmogvi/Vardzia to Armenia?
Replies: 3 - Last Post: Jun 21, 2012 12:43 PM Last Post By: janggeo
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Transport from Tmogvi/Vardzia to Armenia?
Hi,I will be leaving for Georgia and Armenia next week (June 26, 2012). I plan on spending some time in the Akhaltsikhe, Tmogvi & Vardzia area. I see in the 2012 Lonely Planet guidebook that there is a marshrutka running from Akhaltsikhe to Gyumri in Armenia. If I am staying at Tirebi Guesthouse in Tmogvi, what is the chance of catching that marshrutka on its way towards the border? I can't find any information about transportation from either Tmogvi or Vardzia to the border. Does anybody know anything about this possibility? I'd rather not backtrack to Akhaltsikhe, only to retrace my steps.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Also, if anyone has any reviews of Tirebi Guesthouse (http://www.tirebiguesthouse.com/), I'd appreciate it.
Also any reviews of the accommodations listed for Akhaltsikhe would be appreciated, too:
Hotel Prestizhi
Hotel Rio (http://www.riohotelakhaltsikhe.com/)
Hotel Meskheti
Thanks!
worldwidemike
Edited by: emd_two on Mar 6, 2013 8:37 AM
1
There is very little transport (apart from taxis) to tmogvi / vardzia, maybe one marshrutka a day to/from Akhaltsikhe.If you want to get to Armenia from there, best get first to Akhalkalaki (ახალქალაქი, Ախալքալաք) as it has a large Armenian population - indeed, you'll hear more Armenian than Georgian there. There's much more frequent transport from Akhalkalaki over the border, and also between Akhaltsikhe and Akhalkalaki.
2
There are at least two marshrutkas per day between Akhaltsikhe and Vardzia, and one between Vardzia and Tbilisi. All I know is the first two leave Akhaltsikhe at 1200 and 1630 (which won't help you as it's in the opposite direction) and the Vardzia-Tbilisi leaves about 0930. Depending on what time the Akhaltsikhe-Gyumri marshrutka leaves, you might be able to connect with it using this one.Really this doesn't have to be so complicated though. From Vardzia to the main road is only about 10km, less from Tmogvi, and the nature is beautiful so you could easily walk it, also visiting the Khertvisi fortress ruins. Failing that you could hitchhike. From the main road flag down anything going south and you will at least get to Akhalkalaki where you'll be able to pick up something to Armenia.
The earlier you start, the better your chances will be.
3
Hiit's 16 km from Vardzia to the main road
mini bus from Akhaltsikhe to Erevan(via Gumri)leaves at 7am
if you'll need the detailed info for this region,recomend to e-mail you're question. borjomi.tours@gmail.com
good luck.
