A short day trip from Kutaisi brings you to Dikhashkho’s open-air sulfur pools — hot, mineral-rich waters used locally for generations. This practical guide explains what to expect, how the springs work, and how to plan a comfortable visit.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The steam rises off an open-air pool as you step down from the minivan — blue-green water steaming against the cool Imeretian air, the Sulori river murmuring nearby. You can feel the mineral tang the moment your fingers touch the water; the pools at Dikhashkho have been drawing locals for a century, a practical refuge as much as a ritual.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires basic mobility for uneven steps and short walks
Wildlife
History
Vani sits near archaeological sites from ancient Colchis; locals have used the region’s mineral waters for therapeutic purposes for generations.
Conservation
Avoid introducing soaps or lotions to the pools, pack out trash, and follow local guidance to protect delicate pool edges and riverbanks.
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Bring water shoes
Pool bottoms can be rocky and algae-covered; lightweight water shoes protect your feet while entering and exiting the pools.
Avoid soaps and oils
Do not use soaps, shampoos, or oils in the pools — they harm mineral balance and local ecology.
Time your soak
Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy milder temperatures for an outdoor soak.
Respect local customs
Modest swimwear and quiet behavior are appreciated — some visitors come for therapeutic, not recreational, reasons.
Swimsuit
Required for bathing in the public pools and comfortable soaking.
Towel and change of clothes
Quick-dry towel and dry clothes make the short trip more comfortable.
Water shoes
Protects feet on slippery or rocky pool edges and riverbanks.
Light jacket
Spring visits can be cool between pools; a windproof layer helps after soaking.
spring