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.
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.
Throughout the region
More than 5 Unique Lakes are homes to migratory birds during the summer season
More than 60 Lakes on Javakheti uplands
Don’t know where to begin? Here are the top experiences we believe every traveler must have while visiting Samtskhe-Javakheti.
Samtskhe-Javakheti
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. .
Bakuriani
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.
Samtskhe-Javakheti
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.
Samtskhe-Javakheti
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.
Samtskhe-Javakheti
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.
Samtskhe-Javakheti
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.
Samtskhe-Javakheti
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.
Samtskhe-Javakheti
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.
Samtskhe-Javakheti
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
Samtskhe-Javakheti
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.
Samtskhe-Javakheti is full of majestic places to see, so be ready to take on one of our hiking trails!
Route Length: 2.2 km.
Route Duration: 1 hrs. 10 min.
Min./Max. Height: 1113/1446m.
Total Ascent/Descent: 356/25 m.
Route Type: Connecting
Difficulty level: Moderate
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
Samtskhe-Javakheti DMO Reports to the Stakeholders On February 15, Davit Mumladze, the Executive Director of the Samtskhe-Javakheti Destination Management Organization presented a report on the activities performed in 2022 and […]
On 19-22, January 2023 Samtskhe-Javakheti Destination Management Organization together with the Georgian National Tourism Administration participated in the largest travel industry event in Northern Europe. Georgian stand was quite versatile. […]
On October 22-23, Georgian National Tourism Administration hold an info-tour in Samtskhe-Javakheti. Samtskhe-Javakheti DMO was also involved in the organization of the tour which was planned in connection with the […]
On October 22, 2022, the Biological Farming Association Elkana, Samtskhe-Javakheti Destination Management Organization (DMO) and Akhaltsikhe Municipality City Hall traditionally organized the Bread Festival in Akhaltsikhe, Samtskhe-Javakheti. The guests of […]
