Javakheti

Tucked away in Georgia’s southern frontier, Javakheti is a land of wide-open skies, volcanic plateaus, and timeless fortresses. Here, between the high ridges of the Lesser Caucasus and the valleys of the Mtkvari River, history and wilderness merge in silence — creating one of the country’s most authentic and untouched landscapes. It’s a place for travelers who seek the road less traveled, where every trail leads to discovery and every ruin whispers a story of kingdoms long gone.

Discover Javakheti with us and explore a region shaped by wind, stone, and faith. Begin with Vardzia, Georgia’s most extraordinary cave city. Carved into the cliffs above the Mtkvari River in the 12th century by Queen Tamar, Vardzia once held over 6,000 chambers — churches, tunnels, dwellings, and storerooms — connected by a maze of passages. Inside the rock-hewn Church of the Dormition, frescoes of Tamar herself still gaze serenely across the centuries. At sunset, when the orange cliffs glow against the blue shadows of the valley, Vardzia feels almost mystical — a hidden sanctuary in the heart of Georgia’s spiritual heritage.

Not far away rises the Khertvisi Fortress, one of the oldest citadels in the Caucasus. Perched high above the confluence of two rivers, its massive stone walls once guarded the main route from Anatolia to Tbilisi. From its ramparts, travelers can see the same winding valleys that once carried Persian armies and Silk Road caravans — a view that still commands awe today.

For those drawn to adventure, Javakheti’s trails offer endless rewards. Hike through the Abuli volcanic range, a vast highland of lava domes, wildflowers, and silent lakes. The trek to Mount Abuli Fortress, an enigmatic cyclopean structure built from giant basalt blocks, remains one of Georgia’s most mysterious archaeological experiences. Nearby, the ruins of Tmogvi Fortress cling to a narrow canyon — a hauntingly beautiful reminder of medieval resilience. Between these ancient stones and mountain ridges, nature reigns supreme.

The region’s landscapes are equally diverse: alpine meadows, volcanic lakes, and steppe-like plains alive with migrating birds. The Paravani Lake, Georgia’s largest, reflects the changing moods of the sky — tranquil in summer, frozen in winter. Around the lake, remote villages preserve the traditions of highland life, where locals still bake bread in clay ovens and share hearty mountain dishes after a day of herding or haymaking.

Cultural encounters here feel personal and sincere. Javakheti’s people are known for their hospitality, their slow rhythm of life, and their deep respect for the land. In small guesthouses, travelers can taste homemade cheese, honey, and wine — and listen to stories told by candlelight about saints, shepherds, and silent fortresses.

Join our journey and explore Javakheti, Georgia’s forgotten highlands — a world of caves, castles, and cloud-touched plateaus. Walk in the footsteps of Queen Tamar, stand on fortress walls above endless valleys, and breathe the crisp mountain air that carries the scent of pine and history.

Here, in Georgia’s far south, adventure feels pure, ancient, and profoundly human.