Escape to Glamping Tago: A Tranquil Oasis near Batumi

Tucked in the breathtaking mountainous region of Upper Adjara, genuinely magnificent scenery awaits you. Glamping Tago is where the charm of the great outdoors is seamlessly combined with the comfort and luxury of a boutique retreat. As you embark on a journey to the remote village of Tago, prepare to be captivated by the untouched beauty of it and the unforgettable experiences that lie ahead.

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The story of Glamping Tago

While glamping in Georgia has become very popular, Glamping Tago is still very distinctive from other luxury camp sights nationwide. However, the story of its foundation is very similar to other venues opened by expats who travel to Georgia, fall in love with the country, and decide to give back to the community while bringing something unique to the landscape of this beautiful country in the Caucasus. 

Jonas Shaik, the visionary behind this luxury camping spot from Belgium, traveled across Georgia when he found himself hiking in the picturesque village of Tago. 

The village’s charm and the surrounding natural beauty captured his heart, igniting a spark of inspiration. Unwilling to let go of this magical place, he made an impulsive decision and embarked on a long journey of creating Glamping Tago.

After spending several nights in the village and immersing himself in the local’s warm hospitality, Jonas took a leap of faith and invested in a remarkable clean land of the ridge with unparalleled views that stretched across the valley.

After five years of perseverance and countless hours of hard work, he poured his heart and soul into transforming his vision for Glamping Tago into a reality. Piece by piece, tent by tent, Jonas dedicated himself to the meticulous work, knowing that every detail mattered.

And finally, in the summer of 2021, Glamping Tago welcomed its first guests and has become a go-to destination for many. 

With every corner carefully curated and every amenity thoughtfully selected, Glamping Tago stands as a testament to one man’s unwavering passion and unyielding commitment to his dream.

We sincerely thank Jonas and his exceptional team for graciously hosting us for two memorable nights. In the spirit of transparency, we emphasize that the following review reflects our genuine and unbiased opinions and recommendations. Rest assured, every word shared accurately represents our personal experience.

Glamping Tago is more than luxury camping

While the concept of camping is reimagined here, blending the allure of adventure with the comfort and elegance of a luxury getaway, its mission has always been the same from the very beginning – to let individuals escape the everyday bustle into nature, but at the same time connect with people and share memories with them. 

The prime factor that makes Glamping Tago so unique is its vast open space and the layout how the tents and common areas are set. It is within this social atmosphere that Glamping Tago truly thrives.

You often interact with other guests, from the shared bathroom to the yurt restaurant and the central fire pit. However, you can always find solitude in your own tent, sipping coffee and enjoying either mountain or village views.  

The communal dining at its cozy yurt restaurant brings guests together, while the appeal of a campfire in the evenings irresistibly draws everyone in, creating a cozy and convivial atmosphere. 

Welcoming local community and fostering them back

Mountainous Adjara is a secluded and traditional community of Muslims, and the tiny village of Tago is no exception. I always wondered how locals met Jonas’s plan for developing the village and putting it on the map. 

On our first night at the glamping, we sat at the fire pit sipping wine and conversing with Jonas and other guests. 

As a Georgian who knows the mentality of mountainous local communities, I was surprised to hear Jonas say that the community embraced the project wholeheartedly. 

And I was even more surprised and pleased to hear that he consulted with every family in Tago during the early stages, discovering their excitement and enthusiasm for tourism development. 

And to give back to the community, almost every staff member is from Tago, including fascinating ladies in the kitchen, housekeeping, and drivers. Moreover, most of the fresh produce is sourced directly from farmers within the village, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship.

Evidently, he holds deep respect, admiration, and care for this tiny part of Georgia and its community. The website and venue’s social media channels showcase a captivating series of stories that beautifully narrate the essence of Tago, Khulo, and the fascinating history of the cable car (more on this below). 

Nature at its best! 

One aspect that cannot be escaped is the breathtaking landscape encircling Glamping Tago. Imagine waking up to the crisp mountain air, wrapped by towering peaks that kiss the sky and lush forests that drape those peaks. 

Wherever your gaze wanders, you’ll be greeted by the awe-inspiring grandeur of majestic mountains. And the campsite’s thoughtful layout ensures that each tent boasts its own panoramic views either of the village or mountains and forests.

When you zip up your door flap and open the window, a mesmerizing view of the valley unfolds before you, instantly transporting you to a realm where the hills seem to embrace your very being.

It was moody weather when we arrived at Glamping Tago. The sky was draped in a tapestry of clouds and rained gently briefly. 

While waiting for dinner, we sat at the wooden tables at the edge of the ridge overlooking the valley. At one moment, the sun would come out, and the next, a mystical shroud of fog and mist gracefully girded itself around the hills and us. I felt enchanted by the ambiance that made me silently glaze at the fast-changing weather. 

It was truly magical! Now I understand why and how Jonas fell in love with this place because it is hard not to once you visit. 

The Lotus Belle Tents

When sitting at the fireplace on the first night, I asked Jonas why Lotus Belle Tents, and his answer was simple – these mushroom-like tents perfectly blend with the surrounding nature and hills they stand on.

Currently, there are ten Lotus Belle Tents, each 12 sq. meters. They feel incredibly spacious because every element has been thoughtfully curated to ensure your utmost comfort and contentment. There’s ample room to unpack and settle in, allowing you to create your own cozy haven. They might not look tall from the outside, but you can easily stand upright stepping inside. 

Comfy beds and stylish furnishings seamlessly blend with the natural scenery, while a wood-fired fireplace adds a touch of sophistication. 

Each side of the mattress has lamps and two power boards equipped with four sockets each, offering plenty of charging opportunities for all your electronic devices. 

However, the true gem that will capture your heart lies just beyond the window of your tent – the stunning and unforgettable vistas that unfold before you.

Glamping Tago has three tent categories: Mountain View, Sunset View, and Forest View tents. Rest assured, regardless of your selection, both options offer breathtaking views. It’s also worth mentioning that the venue is both kid and pet friendly. 

Each tent presents stunning glimpses of either side of the valley, immersing you in the beauty enveloping you. We stayed in a Mountain View tent overlooking the village Tago, and it was a remarkable experience to zip up my window and enjoy a cup of coffee in the mornings. 

The Half-Dome dormitory

The Half-Dome tent is a hostel with bunk beds that can accommodate nine people. It is ideal for big families or groups of friends. 

The tent, perched on an elevated platform, offers more than a comfortable respite. Step onto the small balcony and be greeted by the incredible majesty of the surrounding mountains, accompanied by breathtaking views of captivating sunsets. It’s an ideal setting for forging new connections, sharing stories, and immersing yourself in the laid-back ambiance that permeates Glamping Tago.

The dome has a three-tiered sleeping arrangement within the tent divided into lower, middle, and upper levels.

The price of your stay will depend on the tier you select for your bed, ensuring that you find the perfect balance between affordability and the desired level of accommodation. However, regardless of the deck you choose, the large windows of the tent ensure you get gorgeous panoramic views. 

Those who’ll choose the top tier also have a panoramic roof, allowing you to bask in the sun’s warmth during the day and marvel at the beautiful starlit sky at night.

Bathrooms

A wooden cabin atop the ridge has three showers, toilets, and open-air washbasins, offering another breathtaking valley view. It’s no exaggeration to say that brushing your teeth and refreshing during the day will become even more enjoyable while overlooking the splendid landscape.

The design of these bathrooms also mirrors the attention to detail found within the tents themselves. Natural wood creates an inviting and harmonious atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience. The corner shower with big windows is incredibly ‘Instagrammable’, as one of my friends calls it. 

Yurtalisious restaruant

The center of the Glamping Tago complex features a Mongolian yurt where the restaurant is. 

Breakfast and dinner are buffet-style, served from 9 am to 11 am and 8 pm to 10 pm, respectively. Both cost an additional fee per person. 

The buffet includes a wide choice of fresh veggies, dairy, cakes, and light breakfast meals, while dinner has a filling main course choice, dessert, and soups, along with fresh veggies and dairy produce. 

You can order food from 1 pm till 5 pm if you get hungry during the afternoon. The menu offers staples of Adjarian cuisines, such as Adjarian Khachapuri, Sinori, and Borano, and various plant-based appetizers, soups, salads, and main courses. 

If you can’t stay at Glamping Tago for whatever reason, you can certainly come here for lunch and spend a few hours admiring the captivating nature and scenery. 

In the evenings, you can also enjoy various alcoholic or soft drinks. The bar of Yurtalisious includes draft beer, a good selection of wines from local communities in Keda and Khulo, spirits, and cocktails, to name a few.  

What to do around Glamping Tago

At Glamping Tago, the art of relaxation comes effortlessly, whether you unwind in the comfort of your tent, find solace in nature at its outdoor seating area, or play board games in the yurt. There is a Wifi connection, and Magti mobile data also works perfectly if you need to be connected to the world for whatever reason. 

However, I have a few suggestions if you are like me and can only stay still for a few hours and want to explore the area. 

The most obvious would be to stroll through the charming village of Tago leisurely. Timber houses, quaint wood piles, and vintage cars adorn this picturesque hamlet. And don’t forget to peek inside a small wooden mosque for its unique interior. It’s unlike other mosques I have seen in predominantly Muslim communities like Turkey, for instance. 

If you haven’t experienced a Khulo Cable Car ride (see below how to get to the Tago section), it is an attraction not to be missed. As Europe’s second-longest free-span cable car, this remarkable Soviet-era transport spans nearly two kilometers, soaring 350 meters above the lush treetops. Embrace the exhilaration of a seven-minute journey that showcases the breathtaking beauty of the valley below. 

Sadly, there are few things to do in Khulo once you arrive from Tago. There are not that many restaurants to have lunch in either.

During my stay, I embarked on a journey to visit some of those wooden mosques I mentioned earlier. They are not only places of worship but also cherished historical heritage. These mosques are silent witnesses to the rich Islamic roots and the enduring presence of the Muslim community in Upper Adjara. Over 50 wooden mosques are dotted within the region, active or abandoned. 

These wooden mosques, constructed with intricate craftsmanship and architectural finesse, are a testament to the artistic and cultural traditions that have been preserved over the centuries.

Once we stepped out of the cable car, I walked up the hill to find one in Khulo and then hired a taxi to drive me to Ghorjomi, home to the most fascinating and grand wooden mosque in Upper Adjara. 

If these are not up your alley and you’d want to spend more time in nature, Tago offers a selection of well-marked trails, including the captivating route leading to Skhalta Monastery and pristine lakes. Just ask the staff to give you the directions. 

Here are a few tips when visiting Glamping Tago

• Pack light if you’ll take the cable car because some walking is involved. 
• They provide hygiene amenities such as shampoo, shower gel, towels, and earplugs. 
• Bring a rain jacket and pullover for chilly and rainy weather.
• Throw in a bug spray or mosquito repellent to protect yourself against insects. 
• Bringing your own food and drinks is discouraged because the prices are incredibly reasonable, and by providing you with cooked meals, you also support the local community. 
• Glamping Tago closes over the winter because of the heavy snow reaching four meters. They open and close depending on the weather. Typically they operate from mid-spring till mid-autumn. In 2023 they opened in the first weeks of April. 
• If you prefer camping, there is a designated space at the end of the ridge where you can set up your own tent for a fee. 

How to get to Glamping Tago

To reach Tago village in Upper Adjara, you first must get to Khulo, the main town. If you’re coming from Batumi, you can drive east on a well-maintained asphalt road, which takes around 2:30-3 hours. Another route is driving west from Akhaltsikhe, which takes 4-5 hours on a partially unfinished road suitable for cars with high clearance. 

There’s another new green bus from Batumi to Khulo, but it departs from outside the city at the intersection of Gogol and Mayakovsky streets

Once in Khulo, you have two options to reach Tago – a Khulo Cable Car or a taxi.

Khulo Cabe Car has been temporarily closed for repairs since the summer of 2024. Instead, you can use a shuttle service provided by Glamping Tago. The shuttle departs from the cable car at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. The ticket costs 12 GEL. On your way back, the shuttle leaves Glamping premises at 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Khulo Cable Car is the fastest and easiest way to reach Glamping Tago. The cable car ride takes around seven minutes over the valley. Then you’d need to walk about 20 more minutes to reach the glamping area. For more picturesque scenery, you can also walk through the village of Tago to get to the glamping spot. 

The cable car works from 9 am till 6 pm and has a break from 1 pm till 2 pm. It departs on demand, or once enough people gather, but the wait is usually short. 

The ticket costs 5 GEL for everyone except the residents of Tago, and you don’t pay when returning to Khulo. Don’t throw the receipt when you get it with your tickets; the conductor will ask you before the departure. 

Note that the cable car stops operating in solid wind, thunder, and rain or when there is no electricity in Khulo. 

This brings us to the second option: local taxis are available right at the cable car station in Khulo if you prefer driving there rather than using the cable car. The journey takes around 40 minutes through the unpaved offroad. The price for a taxi should be at most 50 or 60 GEL. Alternatively, you can arrange the transfer through Glamping Tago. 

You can certainly drive yourself to Tago with a rental car. I recommend Local Rent for reliable service and reasonable prices, however, note that because of the dirt road, you’d need to rent a 4WD car. 

Details to get in touch: 

• Address: pin on Google Maps
• Book: glampingtago.ge / Booking.com
• Social networks: Facebook / Instagram
• Rent a car via Local Rent in Batumi or other cities for affordable prices
• Hire a private diver via GoTrip.ge