Samtskhe-Javakheti distinguishes itself in our diversity: a million new experiences await visitors across a vast region. Whether you spend the afternoon in a quiet forest bird watching, fill up on traditional Georgian food and wine, walk in the footsteps of St. Nino who first brought Christianity to Georgia, or soak up hundreds of years of ancient architecture and history – your experience will be infinite in variety.
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Infinite Adventure Awaits in Samstskhe-Javakheti
Samtskhe-Javakheti, one of the most important historical and ethnographic regions of Georgia, is rich with variety: distinct diversity of microclimates, from snow-packed mountains to lush forests, with pristine rivers and lakes unlike anywhere else on earth; the most ethnically diverse region of Georgia, with rich history dating back to ancient empires; and a wide variety of man-made and natural wonders to explore.
Six distinct regions comprise the whole of Samtskhe-Javakheti: Meskheti, Akhaltsikhe, Adigeni, Aspindza, Akhalkalaki and Ninotsminda districts, and the historic Tori-Borjomi region. Infinite adventure awaits you.
Samtskhe-Javakheti in Numbers
3 National Parks
Throughout the region
5 Unique Lakes
More than 5 Unique Lakes are homes to migratory birds during the summer season
60 Lakes
More than 60 Lakes on Javakheti uplands
YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE
Don’t know where to begin? Here are the top experiences we believe every traveler must have while visiting Samtskhe-Javakheti.
Samtskhe-Javakheti
Rabati Castle
Akhaltsikhe Castle will take you through its history and diverse culture. In one space you will discover many different areas built in different periods of history with different purposes. .
With over 29 kilometers of slopes and 20 transport lifts to choose from, the Bakuriani ski resort in the heart of the breathtaking Caucasus Mountains offers skiing, night, skiing, snowboarding, winter hiking, and tobogganing during its four to five month extended winter season.
Spanning six administrative districts, Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park and the neighboring Borjomi Nature Reserve comprise 1% of Georgia’s overall land territory. The park is 160 km northwest of Tbilisi, and is renowned for its unique geography, landscapes, and historical monuments.
Javakheti National Park located in the Ninotsminda Municipality near the tri-national frontier of Georgia, Armenia, and Turkey is a part of Javakheti Protected Areas. The park boasts the rich biodiversity of the Javakheti Plateau.
The historical village of Saro is located a few kilometers from the Akhaltsikhe-Vardzia road. The indigenous Meskhetian culture and architecture of Meskheti is probably the best preserved in Saro.
The unanswered mysteries of Lake Paravani capture the interests of even the most avid travelers as they explore the largest lake in Georgia, around 37.5 square kilometers.
Abastumani resort has been a distinguished therapeutic bath resort in the South of Georgia since the XIX century. Abastumani is famous for its fresh air, healing waters, and sulfur baths.
Starry-eyed travelers will have a field day at the Soviet-era Abastumani Astrophysical Observatory atop Mount Kanobili. The journey begins with the option between an hour-long hike or a cable car ride to the observatory.
Take a step back into medieval times by visiting the Georgian Orthodox Sapara Monastery, located in Samtskhe-Javakheti. Believed to be built during or before 10th century, the monastery was once the residence of the prominent Jakeli family
Vardzia is a monastery dating back to the 12th century AD, located on the banks of the river Mtkvari, and it is one of the most important historical sites in Georgia. The location, in the middle of a huge gorge, offers unforgettable views. Even today some monks still live in those caves.
Length: 15.3 km. (return back 15.3 km.) Duration: 7 hrs. (return back 6 hrs. 10 min.) Min./Max. Height: 2003/ 3271 m. Total Ascent/Descent: 1360/793 m. Type: One-way Difficulty level: Moderate
Length: 33.3 km. (return back 33.3 km.) Duration: 11 hrs. 25 min. (return back 10 hrs. 50 min.) Min./Max. Height: 1986/3084 m. Total Ascent/Descent: 1424/854 m. Type: One-way Difficulty level: Moderate
Length: 3.5 km. (return back 3.5 km.) Duration: 1 hr. 45 min. (return back 1 hr. 10 min.) Min./Max. Height: 1414/1731 m. Total Ascent/Descent: 367/100 m. Type: One-way Difficulty level: Moderate
Route Length: 14 km Route Duration: 5 hrs. 20 min. Min./Max. Height: 919/1323 m. Total Ascent/Descent: 940/872 m. Route Type: Connecting Route category of complexity: Moderate
Length: 26.7 km. (return back 26.7 km.) Duration: 9 hrs. 20 min. (return back 8 hrs. 45 min.) Min./Max. Height: 2027/2894 m. Total Ascent/Descent: 1379 /840 m Type: One-way Difficulty level: Moderate
Route Length: 25.5 km Route Duration: 11 hrs. 55 min. Min./Max. Height: 1052/2533 m. Total Ascent/Descent: 1917/2064 m. Route Type: Connecting Route category of complexity: Moderate
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