What to Expect and Is It Worth Visiting
The gorge in the village of Chernigov (Chernigov gorge) is a relatively new attraction in Abkhazia, equipped for tourist visits, and deservedly became incredibly popular. Large groups of tourists from all over Abkhazia are brought here, you can come on your own, so there are always a lot of vacationers here. We advise you to come to Chernigovka without fail and not only walk along the gorge, but also sit and relax in a cafe. After visiting this place, many come back again and again.
This natural landmark is a small beautiful gorge, along the bottom of which a mountain river flows. It feels like you are in a fairy-tale forest with elves and nymphs. Mini waterfalls, boxwood forest, moss-covered shores, lakes filled with water look so wonderful. It's cool in the gorge, so on a hot day, being here will be just a salvation.
Along the gorge, there are hinged walkways, bridges, stairs, observation decks, gazebos, benches, lighting, in general, everything that is necessary for a pleasant walk and acquaintance with the beauties. The walk will give pleasure to adults and children.
To pass through the gorge does not require good physical fitness and any equipment, any tourist can master the route. There are several paths along which you can walk, slightly deviating from the main direction. In the mountain river, the hardiest can swim.
Souvenirs are sold at the entrance. Also at the entrance to the gorge is the famous apatskha (restaurant, cafe) Assir, where shish kebab and local dishes are cooked, has its own wine cellar with homemade wine. A visit to the restaurant is an integral part of the excursion, without which the visit is not so pleasant, although you can do without it. Prices here are about the same as everywhere in tourist restaurants and cafes in Abkhazia, i.e. they are not overstated, although, of course, in cities you can find places to have lunch and cheaper. But here the atmosphere and the views are much more pleasant. If you come here on your own (without a tour), you can first make an order at a restaurant, take a walk along the gorge, which will take 30-60 minutes, and return for lunch. For those who are in a hurry or do not want to wait for an order, fast food, ice cream, corn, drinks are offered in a separate window.
Tips for visiting the Chernigov gorge
- It is better to wear comfortable shoes, no studs or slates, because the paths, decking and stones become wet from the water.
- If there is a large crowd of people waiting a long time for the food ordered in the cafe, we advise you to leave the order in advance, but you can use a local snack or take it with you.
- Parking can be filled during periods of influx of visitors, you will have to look for a parking space.
- Those who wish can swim in the mountain river, but for this it is worth taking a towel with you and you will have to change in advance, since there are no changing rooms here.
- On the way to the gorge along the road there are shops with vegetables, fruits, honey, nuts, tea. Prices are relatively low, you can pay them in cash or by transfer.
🕐 Working hours
In the daytime.
💵 Entrance fee / ticket price
Entrance to the gorge is paid - 250 rubles, children - free of charge. In order to get even just to the restaurant, you still have to pay for the entrance to the gorge.
🚶 How to get there
Chernigov Gorge and Assir restaurant are located 20 kilometers by road from Sukhum (entrance to the gorge on the map). You can get here only by your own transport or with an excursion. Excursions here can be bought at all resorts of Abkhazia, the cost is from 850 rubles + entrance to the gorge. The price depends on the city of departure, the cheapest is from Sukhum. Some excursions include a visit to the Merheul spring (Marhiaul), the Church of the Holy Great Martyr George the Victorious (Merheul Church), Kyndig hot springs and other places along the way. You can buy excursions from distributors on the streets of resorts or online on websites:
You can use your own transport to get right to the entrance to the Assir restaurant, where there is free parking. The road to the place is well paved. There are several places with worse coverage, the road narrows down the last couple of kilometers to the attraction and you should drive very carefully, as you will have to leave with oncoming cars and tourist buses, pulling off to the side of the road. You can get there by any car. When traveling on your own, please note that the village of Chernigovka is located in a different place according to maps and navigators. The correct coordinates of the gorge are indicated on our map.
💥 We remind you that it is much more interesting to get acquainted with the sights of Pitsunda with the help of excursions, and therefore we advise you to look at online booking options on these proven search and price comparison sites: