Rafting near Tbilisi: Real White Water, 1.5 Hours from the City
No airport, no hotel change, no long expedition. Drive up the Kazbegi highway after breakfast, raft the White Aragvi, feast by the river, and be back in Tbilisi for dinner.
The closest real rapids to the capital
If you are searching for rafting near Tbilisi, here is the honest picture: the capital itself has no white water. The nearest genuine mountain rapids are on the White Aragvi River at Zemo Amirni, just above Pasanauri, and that is exactly where our camp sits. It is around 90 km north of the city on the Georgian Military Highway, a scenic 1.5 to 2 hour drive past the Zhinvali reservoir and the Ananuri fortress.
That distance is what makes this the default rafting day trip from Tbilisi. Close enough to do on a whim with a free morning, far enough that you are properly in the mountains, with snowmelt water, a green gorge, and air that smells nothing like the city.
How your day trip works
- Morning: the drive upLeave Tbilisi after breakfast and head north on the Kazbegi highway. Any car, taxi, or Gudauri-bound tour passes our camp. Look for the Raft in Georgia banner on the right just after Pasanauri.
- Briefing and gearOur guides fit your life jacket, helmet, and paddle, hand you a wetsuit if the water calls for it, and walk you through safety from zero. Most of our guests are first-timers.
- The runRaft the White Aragvi with a certified guide in your raft. Choose a gentle tourist-friendly route, or push into the extreme section if your crew wants waves.
- The feastBack at camp, khinkali and mtsvadi come off the grill while you dry off. Read about the food, it deserves its own page.
- Home by eveningYou are back on the highway by late afternoon and in Tbilisi in time for dinner, with GoPro footage if you rented one.
Tourists, expats, and weekend escapers
Most guests fall into three groups: travellers ticking off Kazbegi and Gudauri who break the drive with rapids, Tbilisi expats and locals escaping the summer heat, and families with kids from age 5 looking for a day everyone actually enjoys.
- No experience neededFull briefing and a guide in every raft.
- Guides in 5 languagesEnglish, Russian, Spanish, Italian, and Dutch.
- On the way to Gudauri and KazbegiPerfect stop on a Military Highway road trip.
Getting here from Tbilisi
Zemo Amirni, right on the Georgian Military Highway just north of Pasanauri. Follow the road toward Gudauri and watch for our banner by the river.
Day-trippers usually ask
Can we come just for a half day?
Yes. The 6 km half-day run gives you the full thrill of the rapids in a few hours, easy to combine with Ananuri, Gudauri, or Kazbegi on the same road. Making a full day of it? The long route covers 14 km. See all trip formats.
Do we need to book ahead?
In July and August, yes, a few days ahead is smart, especially for weekend mornings. Message us on WhatsApp at +995 599 33 19 00 and you will have your slot confirmed in minutes.
What do we bring?
Swimwear or sports clothes, shoes that stay on in water, a towel, and dry clothes for the feast. All rafting equipment is provided. Full list on the FAQ page.