Tsalka Canyon and the Diamond Bridge are one of the newest and most talked-about day trips from Tbilisi. The canyon is officially called Dashbashi Canyon and lies in the Tsalka district, about 2 hours from Tbilisi. In this guide I will tell you how to get there, what the bridge is really like, what you pay for and how to see the waterfall from the bottom of the canyon.
A personal note: if you can, go in autumn. The canyon turns gold, red and orange, and every time I am there in autumn I think that Van Gogh – my favourite painter – would have dreamed of painting this place.
How to Get from Tbilisi to Tsalka Canyon
There is no convenient public transport to the canyon, so you need a private car. From Tbilisi there are three ways out of the city:
- via Tskneti,
- via Mtatsminda,
- via the Marneuli road.
After a while all three roads meet, and from there everyone follows the same road to the canyon. The drive takes about 2 hours.
The Diamond Bridge: What to Expect
The Diamond Bridge is a glass bridge hanging high above the canyon, with a café in a diamond-shaped glass structure in the middle. The bridge itself is a real highlight: it is made of glass, the views are beautiful and the feeling is… different. If you are afraid of heights, think twice before walking on it.
Tickets
- About 50 GEL per person – this covers walking across the bridge and entering the café, where you can order coffee or wine. Nothing more is included.
- Extra activities – a giant swing and a zipline bicycle (a bike on a cable over the canyon), each paid separately.
- There is also a small restaurant on site. The menu is not big, but it is a pleasant place for a meal.
Go Down Into the Canyon: The Waterfall Tour
If you have time, don’t leave without seeing the canyon from below. At the same ticket office, tell them you want to go down. It costs about 11 GEL per person extra. A 4×4 vehicle takes you down to a drop-off point, then you walk a short way to the waterfall and see the Diamond Bridge from below – honestly even more impressive than from above, and a really memorable experience.
The same 4×4 then brings you back up to the ticket office, and from there you drive back to Tbilisi.
Where to Stay Near the Diamond Bridge
If you want to stay overnight, there are beautiful cottages right in front of the bridge that you can rent. Waking up next to the canyon, especially in autumn, is a great experience.
Combine It With Mtatsminda
On the way back to Tbilisi you can stop at Mtatsminda – I will write a separate guide about it soon. Our Tsalka Canyon, Diamond Bridge and Mtatsminda day trip includes both.
Local Tips for Tsalka Canyon
- Go in autumn for the most beautiful colours (usually October).
- Take a private car – there is no easy public transport.
- Check the ticket prices on the day – they can change.
- Bring warm clothes – Tsalka is on a high plateau and much colder and windier than Tbilisi.
- Do the canyon descent – the waterfall and the view of the bridge from below are the best part.
Tsalka Canyon and Diamond Bridge: FAQ
How far is Tsalka Canyon from Tbilisi?
About 2 hours by car.
How much does the Diamond Bridge cost?
Around 50 GEL per person for the bridge and café, plus about 11 GEL for the 4×4 trip down to the waterfall. The swing and zipline bicycle are paid separately.
Is the Diamond Bridge scary?
It is made of glass and hangs high above the canyon. Most people love it, but if you are afraid of heights, it may not be for you – you can still enjoy the canyon from the viewpoints and from below.
What is the canyon called?
Dashbashi Canyon, in the Tsalka district of Georgia.
Visit Tsalka Canyon With Us
Book our Tsalka Canyon and Diamond Bridge day trip or message us on WhatsApp. More day trips: Borjomi, Kakheti wine tour and Kazbegi.
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