Holidays in Bakuriani (Georgia): tours from Almaty from 425,000 ₸

Holidays in Bakuriani are two big seasons: a snowy winter from December to April and a cool mountain summer from June to September. The resort stands at an altitude of 1700 meters in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region. From Almaty, travelers get there via Tbilisi, then about two and a half hours by land. In winter, people come here for the slopes and snow, in summer for trekking, lakes and silence.

When to go to Bakuriani: seasons and shoulder periods?

Holidays here are divided into two vivid seasons. In winter, people come for the snow, in summer for the coolness of the mountains and walks along the ridges.

Ski season from December to April

The snow season at the resort starts in December and lasts until April. Bakuriani is located in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region, and the snow here lies steadily. At the height of winter, skiing is in full swing, and by April the slopes gradually soften. Tours to Bakuriani for New Year dates sell out months in advance, so it is worth booking early. February is considered the most stable month weather-wise. In March, daylight hours are longer, skiing is more comfortable, and there are fewer people. For a holiday in Bakuriani, it is important to catch exactly this snowy stretch. In the shoulder period in November the slopes are not yet ready, and in May they are already melting.

Summer months and mountain walks

From June to September, Bakuriani enjoys a mild summer. During the day the air warms up moderately, at night it is cool, so a warm sweater will come in handy in the suitcase. Georgian nature in these parts is generous: coniferous slopes, alpine meadows, clear streams. Holidays in Bakuriani in summer are trekking, picnics and trips to the lakes. Rain happens, but it is short. There are almost no mosquitoes because of the altitude. September pleases with golden foliage and clear views. Tours to Bakuriani in this period are taken by those who want silence and air instead of the beach.

How to prepare for a trip to Bakuriani?

Packing for the resort begins long before departure. Let's go over documents, money and what should be decided in advance.

Visa, passport and insurance for citizens of Kazakhstan

Citizens of Kazakhstan do not need a visa to Georgia for a stay of up to 90 days. Only a passport valid for the entire period of the trip is needed. Medical insurance is not required by law, but for active holidays in Bakuriani it is taken out voluntarily. For skiing on the slopes, a separate policy for alpine skiing is needed: a regular one does not cover injuries on the slope. Tours to Bakuriani with such insurance are sold more often than without it. Documents are best kept in electronic form and in print. Copies will come in handy if the original is lost on the road. Before departure, check the passport validity period.

Money: tenge, lari and bank cards

The currency of Georgia is the lari, and there are almost no exchange offices in Bakuriani. It is more reliable to exchange tenge for lari in Tbilisi or withdraw cash from an ATM along the way. Visa and Mastercard cards of Kazakhstani banks are accepted, but there are not terminals everywhere at the resort. Cash is needed for cafes, taxis and small purchases on the slope. Georgian cuisine in local establishments includes khachapuri, khinkali, chakapuli, shashlik. Prices in Bakuriani are higher than in Tbilisi, so the budget should be planned with a margin. It is reasonable to keep part of the amount in lari, part on the card.

Visa and entry rules change: check with the primary source — the Embassy of Georgia in the Republic of Kazakhstan, https://kazakhstan.mfa.gov.ge/en/e-visa-portal. The information on this page was checked on 14.09.2026.

What to keep in mind on site

The first days at the resort require attention to yourself. Let's go over the altitude, language and time difference.

Altitude of 1700 meters and adaptation in the first day

Bakuriani stands at an altitude of about 1700 meters above sea level. Sensitive people may experience mild mountain adaptation in the first day. It is better to start a holiday in Bakuriani on the first day calmly: without long ascents and alcohol. A headache or rapid pulse may appear. Drinking plenty of fluids and full sleep help. By the second day, most tourists feel fine. Tours to Bakuriani with children are planned so that the first day is a light one. If the condition does not improve, it is worth going down lower and seeing a doctor.

Language of communication and time difference with Almaty

The language of communication with locals is Georgian, but in the tourism sector Russian and English are understood. In cafes, rentals and hotels of Bakuriani, problems with explaining usually do not arise. The time difference with Almaty is 1 hour all year round: Georgia is on UTC+4, Kazakhstan on UTC+5. This means that acclimatization is gentle. Georgian speech sounds unusual, but the friendly attitude is felt immediately. A few simple words like "gamardjoba" win over the interlocutor. Holidays in Bakuriani only benefit from this.

What to do besides skiing

The slopes are not the only entertainment of the resort. There are activities here for those who do not ski as well.

Snow tubing, snowmobiles and horse riding

Snow tubing in Bakuriani is available almost all winter and requires no skills. Snowmobiles take people along marked routes around the resort, often with an instructor. Horse riding is popular in the warm season, when the snow melts. Georgian nature opens up from the saddle quite differently than from the slope. Tours to Bakuriani often include one such activity in the package. For children, snow tubing is the safest entertainment. Equipment is provided on site, you do not need to buy your own.

Paragliding and trips to Borjomi and Tsemi

Paragliding in Bakuriani flies in the warm season, when wind and weather allow. The flight gives a view of the ridges and valleys that cannot be seen from the ground. Near Bakuriani are Borjomi with its mineral springs and Tsemi — they are often combined in one trip. The road to Borjomi takes little time. Georgian cuisine and the thermal parks of Borjomi complement the mountain program. Tours to Bakuriani for several days allow you to cover both. Tsemi is known for its ancient church and views of the gorge.

How to choose and book a tour

Booking at the resort has its own logic. Let's go over the deadlines and conditions that are worth knowing in advance.

Booking deadlines for the New Year and February holidays

Apartments and guesthouses in Bakuriani are booked in advance for the New Year and February holidays. At peak times, choice is limited and prices are higher. It is optimal to start searching three to four months before the dates. Holidays in Bakuriani in January are the most in demand, so you should not delay. The February holidays also fill up quickly. If your dates are flexible, choose weekdays: more availability and cheaper. Tours to Bakuriani outside the holidays are booked more calmly. In winter, the road to the resort may be closed due to snowfall and avalanche danger, so allow extra time.

Briefly

• High season in Bakuriani is from December to April and from June to September.
• The shoulder seasons in November and May are poorly suited for activities.
• Citizens of Kazakhstan do not need a visa for Georgia, but they do need a passport.
• A separate insurance policy for alpine skiing is arranged for the slopes.
• It is more reliable to exchange lari in Tbilisi or withdraw it from an ATM along the way.