Javakheti Protected Areas are located in Akhalkalaki and Ninotsminda municipalities, Samtskhe-Javakheti region and are distinguished with lakes, unique swamps and subalpine and alpine meadows. Javakheti Protected Area includes Javakheti National Park and Managed Reserves of Bughdasheni, Khanchali, Madatapa, Sulda, Kartsakhi, and Tetrobi.
The main attraction of the Javakheti Protected Areas is its unique possibility of Birdwatching. Starting from May until beginning of October over thousands of approx. 270 species of birds nest on the lakes of the areas.
While during summer and autumn a traveler can enjoy birdwatching or fishing, winter brings the unforgettable emotions of walking on, skating or just enjoying the frozen lakes of Javakheti. Most of them freeze during winter and you can easily walk on them. Some of the local families can even offer fishing in the frozen lake that will be an interesting experience.
Javakheti Protected Areas Visitor Centre: Akhalkalaki, crossroad of Ninotsminda-Kartsakhi #1
Javakheti National Park located in the Ninotsminda and Akhalkalaki Municipalities 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.
From the grassland-covered mountains to the protected Kartsakhi and Sulda marshes, visitors will be in awe of the unforgettable landscapes. The plateau in the surrounding area is speckled with peaceful lakes, including five of the eight largest lakes in Georgia.
Bird watchers are treated to the possibility of observing rare and endangered species that are included in the Georgian and International (IUCN) Red Books. Among them are the Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus), Otters (Lutra lutra), and Marbled Polecat (Vormela peregusna). Only in Javakheti, mostly on Madatapa and Kartsakhi lakes, can you observe White Stork (Ciconia ciconia), Common Crane (Grus grus), and Curly and Pink pelicans (Pelecanus rufescens). It is said that these areas are one of the biggest corridors for the migratory birds.
From bird watching towers it is possible to watch about 270 species of nesting and migrating birds at different times of year on 7 hiking, horse riding and biking routes. There are so many different types of fish, they are perfect for sport fishing lovers.
Javakheti Protected Areas Visitor Centre: Akhalkalaki, crossroad of Ninotsminda-Kartsakhi #1
There are variety of hiking trails which go through the local villages to the historical monuments or the famous mountain ranges.
For detailed information about the hiking trails of this area visit the special section of the website – Click Here
Javakheti is home to the highest peak of South Georgia and the Samtskhe-Javakheti region – volcanic mount Didi Abuli. Situated in the breathtaking Abuli-Samsari Range at 3,301 meters from sea level, Didi Abuli’s majority parts are covered with alpine valleys, making it one of the fascinating places within the area with its spectacular scenery. Nearby are many glacial lakes, including the enchanting Levani Lake.
The main attraction of the Javakheti Protected Areas is its unique possibility of Birdwatching. Starting from May until beginning of October over thousands of approx. 270 species of birds nest on the lakes of the areas.
While during summer and autumn a traveler can enjoy birdwatching or fishing, winter brings the unforgettable emotions of walking on, skating or just enjoying the frozen lakes of Javakheti. Most of them freeze during winter and you can easily walk on them. Some of the local families can even offer fishing in the frozen lake that will be an interesting experience.
Please, contact us for more information about the easiest way to reach the peak.
Slightly less tall than Didi Abuli, Mount Samsari’s peak elevation of 3,285 meters, and is worthy of admiration. The mountain is a volcanic cone with an interior caldera spanning a diameter of 3 kilometers. Hikers who brave the journey up the mountain will be treated to the sight of small lakes, glacial debris, and volcano karst formations.
The mountain, which lends its name to the greater, 40 km-long Abul-Samsari Range, is graced with beautiful alpine meadows and grasslands as far as the eye can see. It is located on the border of the Samtskhe-Javakheti and Kvemo Kartli regions, northwest of Paravani Lake.
Besides the natural beauties a traveler can discover various megalithic spots.
There is a nice hiking trail which goes through Samsari Mount to Levani Lake. For more information please visit the section – Click Here
Levani lake is a glacial lake in the Ninotsminda Municipality. It is located on the ridge of Abul-Samsari, on the south-western slope of Mount Godorebi, in a deep valley, at an altitude of 2565 m above sea level. With a surface area 0.06 km, a basin of 1.38 km, and maximum depth 2.8 m, the steepness of the slopes around the lake basin are remarkable. It is fed by snow, rain and groundwater. The depth changes drastically from a high level in summer to low in winter.
There is a circular hiking route (comprising five independent routes) around the Levani Lake coming from different sides to the Lake. The routes are newly marked and you can find more information about them in the section – Click here
Samstke-Javakheti has a diverse range of lakes, from lakes high in the alpine nestled in the mountain slopes, to low lying lakes surrounded by forest. All of them share the same amazing water quality and fill you with a sense of tranquility. Animals love them to, many migrating and nesting birds call these lakes their home.
Javakheti Protected Areas cover the most of the lakes in this territory.
While during summer these areas are fascinating places to visit for birds and beautiful sceneries, during winter most of the lakes freeze and travelers can easily walk or ice-fish in them.
Tabatskuri Lake is located between Borjomi and Akhalkalaki, and surrounded by the villages of Tabatskuri and Moliti. It is a great place to fish for Trout, Barbel and Carp, especially during the summer months when the lake is not frozen. The lake is of volcanic origin and its water is sourced from underground, but also from snow and rain water. With its fresh blue water and mountain views, this lake is the prime place for appreciating nature. Its maximum depth is approximately 40 meters, averaging about 15 meters in most spots, and with an altitude of almost 2000 meters. Many travelers enjoy this spot for camping or as a basecamp for a relaxing hike.
This lake is equally beautiful during summer and winter. With severe winter coming the surface freezes and you can walk, skate or slide on it. During winter you can enjoy the Bakuriani-Tabatskuri tour with snowmobiles.
There is also a new ecotourism trail in Tabatskuri. Tabatskuri Ecotourism Trail is a 2.4 km long interpreted hiking trail, the main concept of which is the history of an endangered species – Velvet scoter (Melanitta fusca). As you travel along the trail, you will come across three interpretive boards that are thematically divided and provide you with a variety of information about Scoter. The small island of Lake Tabatskuri is probably the last nesting place of Velvet Scoter in the Caucasus.
For more information about the prices, facilities, contact details and services of the Javakheti Protected Areas, please visit the official site of protected areas – Click Here
Please take into account that in some areas closer to the borders (Kartsakhi and Madatapa) you need special validation document which can be obtained on the link above.
If you are interested in local services, please contact us directly and we will provide you with the information.
