KAKHETI
Kakheti, the eastern region of Georgia, is famous for winemaking, ancient churches, local cuisine and hospitable people.
Telavi is the main city of the region, which used to be the capital of Kingdom of Kakheti. The royal castle still remains in the center of it, where you can stroll around and visit the museum to learn more about its past.
Alaverdi Cathedral, founded by an Assyrian monk Joseph Alaverdi, who came to Georgia to spread the Christianity. He lived in a small village and founded the monastery there. The present cathedral was built in the 11th century and is the second tallest religious cathedral after the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi.
Tsinandali is a small village near Telavi which belonged to the 19th-century Georgian poet Alexander Chavchavadze. This summer mansion in Tsinandali became a museum after his death. Visitors can see various memorabilia belonging to the royal family, his wine cellar, and a beautiful garden.
Shuamta monastery is another beautiful place to visit in Kakheti. There are two Shuamta monasteries - new and old (Akhali and Dzveli in Georgian) and both of them are nested between the mountains making the scenery absolutely stunning.
Sighnaghi, or the town of love as it's often referred to, is a charming small town overlooking beautiful Alazani valley. With its red rooftops, wooden curved balconies, and narrow cobblestone streets, Sighnaghi is a romantic place to be.
St. Nino-Bodbe Monastery is an important religious site for many Georgians. Located only two km from Sighnaghi, Bodbe monastery was built in the 9th century, however, it significantly repaired in the 17th century. St. Nino, an evangelist who brought Christianity to Georgia is buried here.
The town of Gremi used to be another capital of Kakheti Kingdom back in the days. It is home to Gremi Church, a 16th-century religious building located on the top of the mountain offering panoramic views of the surrounding nature.
David Gareji Monastery Complex is 60-70 km from Tbilisi and serves another cave town of the country. Curved on the slope of Gareja mountain, the complex includes churches, chapels, and refectories.
Ikalto Monastery had an educational purpose and served as an academy where students learned science, winemaking, history, and many other subjects.
Sagarejo Municipality is home to Ninotsminda Cathedral, one of the best examples of ancient architecture.
Kvareli Lake Resort is a great getaway destination for many locals and travelers coming to Georgia. Surrounded by beautiful forest with the lake in the middle, the resort is a perfect relaxation spot after a long adventurous trip.
Nekresi Monastery complex, situated on the top of a steep hill overlooking the Alazani valley, was founded by one of 13 Syrian monks Abibos Nekreseli. It’s one of the most unique and gorgeous sites in Georgia.
Just like Kvareli Lake Resort, Lopota Lake Resort is another popular relaxation spot for many. Located only two hours drive from Tbilisi, Lopota is a great option to unwind from a busy city.
Lagodekhi National Park offers wide possibilities for hiking lovers. Established in 1912, it’s one of the oldest national parks of the country occupying around 19,749 hectares of land. One of the highlight trails of the park is to trek the Black Rock Lake while enjoying unique beautiful flora and fauna of the area.
Place to go
Bordered by Russian republics of Dagestan and Chechnya on the north and east, Tusheti is a gem of the Caucasus Mountain Range. On Georgian side, it’s located near provinces of Kakheti and Pshav-Khevsureti. The population of Tusheti is sheep breeders, known for their heart-warming hospitality.
Omalo is the central town of Tusheti, however, administratively it is part of Akhmeta municipality of Kakheti region. Omalo is one of the most mountainous part making it isolated from the rest of the country for most of the year. Nested below the mountains, Omalo offers breathtaking views of the surrounding nature.
Dartlo is an almost depopulated village of Tusheti located 2,000 meters above the sea level. With its medieval defense towers, a typical architectural style of the region, Dartlo is a picture-perfect location to visit.
Parsma is another depopulated village of Tusheti, located around 40 km far from Omalo and not far from Dartlo.
Located in the eastern part of Georgia, this mountainous region is a fascinating place to explore. Bordered by Caucasus Mountain Range, the region covers approximately 1,050 square kilometers. The Range divides Khevsureti into two parts - northern and southern parts.
Shatili is the major village of Upper Khevsureti and is one of the unique villages of Georgia, distinguished by its architecture. Located at 1,400 meters above the sea level, Shatili offers fascinating views and a time-travel experience in the medieval period. Since 2007 Shatili has been enlisted in UNESCO tentative list.
Mutso is another interesting village of Khevsureti as it used to serve as a defensive entrance to the region. An almost depopulated village is one of the most magical places in the country.