Flying, Paragliding, Hot Air Baloons in Georgia
There are several options to experience flying in Georgia. Starting with paragliding, hot air balloons to charter flights with helicopter or small aircrafts like Cesna 2. Below we discuss available options, contacts and most popular locations.
Paragliding
Paragliding is one of the most popular adventure activities in Georgia, offering the chance to fly above dramatic mountain landscapes, valleys, and even city skylines. Thanks to the country’s mountainous terrain, favorable wind conditions, and accessible launch sites, both beginners and experienced pilots can enjoy paragliding here. Most visitors try tandem flights, where you fly together with a certified instructor who controls the glider while you simply enjoy the views.
Flights usually last 10–30 minutes, depending on weather conditions and the package chosen, and include a safety briefing, equipment, and often video footage of the flight. The activity is generally available from spring to autumn, though some locations—especially mountain resorts—offer flights year-round when weather conditions allow.
Best Places
Gudauri (Most Popular)
Gudauri, a mountain resort about 120 km north of Tbilisi, is widely considered the main paragliding hub in Georgia. The resort sits at around 2,200 m above sea level, with launch sites reaching almost 3,000 m.
Why Gudauri is popular:
- High altitude and stable wind conditions
- Wide open landing areas
- Spectacular views of the Greater Caucasus mountains
- Easy access from the Georgian Military Highway
Many visitors combine paragliding here with a trip to Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) and other scenic stops along the route.
Kazbegi / Stepantsminda
Paragliding is also possible near Stepantsminda, the main town in the Kazbegi region. Flights offer views of Mount Kazbek (5,033 m), Gergeti Trinity Church, and the surrounding alpine valleys.
This area is more remote and scenic, making it attractive for adventure travelers exploring the Caucasus.
Tbilisi
Short paragliding flights are available around Tbilisi, typically launching from hills overlooking the city. These flights offer views of the Mtkvari River, old town, and surrounding mountains.
They are usually shorter but very accessible, making them a good option for travelers who want a quick adventure without leaving the capital.
Batumi & the Black Sea Coast
On the Black Sea coast, paragliding flights are sometimes offered near Batumi, Gonio, and Kvariati. These provide a completely different experience — flying above the coastline, beaches, and subtropical hills.
Sighnaghi (Kakheti)
Occasional flights are organized above the picturesque town of Sighnaghi, overlooking the Alazani Valley and the vineyards of Kakheti.
Paragliding Companies
Several professional operators provide tandem flights and training:
- Fly Caucasus – one of the most established operators; flights in Gudauri, Tbilisi, Batumi, and Sighnaghi.
- XCaucasus – experienced pilots and flights mainly around Gudauri and Kazbegi.
- Cloudbase Georgia – tandem flights and training programs in Gudauri.
Most companies provide:
- tandem flights with certified pilots
- safety equipment and briefing
- photo/video packages
- transfers to the take-off site if needed.
- Best time: May–October for stable weather; winter flights possible in Gudauri.
- Price: usually $80–$200+ depending on duration and extras.
- Requirements: no experience needed; basic physical mobility and comfortable clothing.
- Weather: flights depend heavily on wind and visibility, so schedules may change.
Fly Caucasus Website XCaucasus Website Cloudbase Website
Hot Air Balloon Flights
Hot air ballooning is one of the most unique ways to experience Georgia’s landscapes from above. Floating quietly with the wind, balloon flights offer panoramic views of valleys, vineyards, historic towns, and the snow-capped Caucasus Mountains. The experience is smooth and peaceful, as the balloon moves at roughly the same speed as the wind, creating the sensation of gently drifting through the air rather than flying quickly.
Flights typically take place early in the morning or shortly before sunset, when wind conditions are most stable. Depending on the package, a balloon ride usually lasts about 45 minutes to 1 hour, although the entire experience (briefing, preparation, and landing) may take around 2–3 hours.
Website
Best Places
Mukhrani Valley (near Tbilisi)
One of the most common launch areas is the Mukhrani Valley, located about 30–40 minutes from Tbilisi near Mtskheta. The valley has ideal weather conditions and many open landing areas, making it one of the safest and most popular locations for balloon flights.
From the air you can see:
- rolling hills and vineyards
- the historic town of Mtskheta
- distant views of the Greater Caucasus Mountains
Alazani Valley (Kakheti)
The Alazani Valley in eastern Georgia is another spectacular location for balloon flights. Stretching along the southern slopes of the Caucasus, the region is famous for its vineyards and wine villages.
Flying here offers:
- views of the Caucasus mountain range
- vast vineyards and rural landscapes
- picturesque towns such as Sighnaghi and Telavi
This area is especially beautiful during the wine harvest season in autumn.
Tbilisi (Tethered Balloon Experience)
In the center of Tbilisi, visitors can also try a tethered hot air balloon located in Rike Park near the Peace Bridge. The balloon rises to around 150 meters, offering panoramic views of the Old Town, the Mtkvari River, and the surrounding hills.
Unlike traditional balloon flights that drift with the wind, this balloon remains attached to the ground and operates like a vertical sightseeing attraction. Flights usually last about 10–15 minutes.
Hot Air Balloon Companies in Georgia
Several operators organize balloon flights and sightseeing experiences:
- Sky Travel / Balloons Georgia – one of the most established balloon operators in the country, offering flights in the Mukhrani Valley and Alazani Valley.
- Air Balloon Tbilisi – operates the tethered sightseeing balloon in Rike Park in central Tbilisi.
- Some tour companies and travel agencies also organize balloon flights as part of day trips or wine tours in Kakheti.
- Best time: April–October, though flights depend heavily on weather conditions.
- Typical price: around $140–$160 per person for group flights; private flights can cost several hundred dollars.
- Flight duration: about 45–60 minutes in free-flight balloons; 10–15 minutes for the tethered balloon in Tbilisi.
- Weather dependency: flights may be postponed if wind conditions are unsuitable.
Helicopters and Small Aircraft Sightseeing
Helicopter flights are one of the most practical and spectacular ways to see Georgia from the air. Because the country is highly mountainous, helicopters are often used to reach remote regions that are difficult to access by road. Charter flights can be arranged for sightseeing, transfers, photography flights, or special events.
Popular helicopter routes include:
- Tbilisi → Kazbegi (Greater Caucasus mountains)
- Tbilisi → Tusheti or Khevsureti (remote highland regions)
- Tbilisi → Kakheti wine region
- Tbilisi → Batumi on the Black Sea coast
Some companies also offer short scenic flights over Tbilisi or the Caucasus mountains, usually lasting around 15–30 minutes.
Operators in Georgia are:
- Qwest Helicopters Georgia – offers sightseeing flights, wine tours, and private transfers around the country.
- Aviacopter – provides helicopter charters, heli-skiing access, and transfers to remote mountain areas.
- Air Taxi Georgia – organizes private helicopter charters and aviation transport services.
Small Aircraft Sightseeing Flights
Another lesser-known option is scenic flights in small planes, often departing from Natakhtari Airfield, about 20 km north of Tbilisi. The airport serves private aviation and domestic flights, and sightseeing flights with small aircraft or helicopters are sometimes offered from here.
Short flights typically circle:
- Mtskheta and Jvari Monastery
- the Mukhrani Valley vineyards
- the surrounding mountains north of Tbilisi.
