Overview
Akhalkalaki is a small transit town in Georgia's Samtskhe-Javakheti region, located approximately 30 km from the Armenian border. With a population of 7,500 (2024), about 90% are ethnic Armenians, giving the town a distinctive cultural character distinct from rest of Georgia.
Transit Hub
Before you go
Money
The local currency is Georgian lari (GEL), but the market on Nalbandiani Street may accept Russian rubles and Armenian dram, unusual for Georgia where foreign currency payment is technically prohibited.
Transport
The bus station is on the northern outskirts near the castle ruins. Buses connect to Tbilisi, Armenia, and Russia.