Explore mystical Javakheti: Dashbashi Canyon, Paravani, and Sagamo Lakes. Discover volcanic plateaus, birdwatching havens, and the magic of Georgia’s diverse landscapes.
- Dashbashi Canyon - Dashbashi Canyon is located several kilometers from the town of Tsalka. It is one of the most stunning yet lesser-known natural landmarks in the country. The canyon’s height ranges from 1100 to 1500 meters, and it stretches for 8 km. The area features numerous waterfalls of various shapes and subterranean water sources. (Unfortunately, some development projects have begun, so we will be able to visit Dashbashi Canyon from a safe distance or walk from the other side to enjoy its beauty up close (it’s safe, of course).
- Paravani Lake - Next, you will visit the village of Phoka along the shoreline of Paravani Lake, situated at an altitude of 2,080 meters. Paravani Lake is the largest in the country. In the village, you will visit the Phoka St. Nino Convent. The monastery is named after St. Nino, who entered the country through this region, arrived in the town of Mtskheta, then the capital of Georgia, preached the Gospel, and converted Georgians from paganism to Christianity in the 4th century.
You can have lunch at the Phoka St. Nino Convent and taste delicious Georgian dishes made from organic products by the nuns.
- Sagamo Lake - Sagamo Lake, whose name literally means “Evening,” is located near the village of Sagamo. The lake is of tectonic origin and completely freezes in winter.
After that, we will visit Khanchali Lake, a unique lake with a depth of only 0.8 meters. It is one of the best places for birdwatching, as it is warmer than other lakes and many birds nest here. The shallow water makes it easy for birds to find food. During the warm seasons, many migratory birds use this area as a temporary feeding station.
- Poka Nunnery of St. Nino - In the village, you will visit the Phoka St. Nino Convent. The monastery is named after St. Nino, who entered the country through this region, arrived in the town of Mtskheta, then the capital of Georgia, preached the Gospel, and converted Georgians from paganism to Christianity in the 4th century.
- Khanchali Lake - Khanchali Lake is unique due to its depth of only 0.8 meters. It is one of the best places for birdwatching, as it is warmer than other lakes and many birds nest here. The shallow water makes it easy for birds to find food. During the warm seasons, many migratory birds use this area as a temporary feeding station.
- Transportation by comfortable A/C minivan or sedan
- Live English speaking guide service
- One bottle of mineral water without gas per person
- Food and alcohol drinks
We’ll be venturing off to Javakheti, a unique and distinctive region in the southern reaches of Georgia near the Armenian border. This region is an anomaly in terms of its climate and terrain; its elevation rises approximately 2,000 meters above sea level and is largely made up of a massive volcanic plateau, the crown jewel being the formidable Abuli Mountain towering at a height of 3,301 meters. Its broad flatlands and pasturelands, sparsely forested, stand in stark contrast to the rest of Georgia, creating the harshest and coldest winter environment in the country. This ever-windy, thinly inhabited area has barely any local traffic, lending the landscape a surreal, enchanting quality.
The lakes of Javakheti serve as ideal bird-watching sites, particularly in the autumn season when migratory birds flock to these water bodies. In some of the villages, it’s common to spot large nests built by White Storks on power poles and rooftops of houses.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
