Not only the most beautiful places of Georgia can be found in the Gareji desert. The mystery and riddles of many centuries of the ancient country of Sakartvelo live here.

1. Into the desert by jeep
2. Mravaltskaro – colored mountains and reservoir
3. Recommendations for transport and route passage

Into the desert by jeep

The route is simple, its length is 225 km. The journey starts in Tbilisi, goes through Rustavi to the Gareji Desert.

You have to visit several interesting places.

Mravaltskaro – colored mountains and reservoir

The mountains were formed from sedimentary rocks of different colors, hence the name – colored. Not far from the rainbow hills there is a multi-threaded reservoir of the same name.

Then the way lies to the cave David Gareji Cave Complex, there are about 20 monasteries in it. The first monastery was founded by the monk David from Assyria (6th century).

The Monastery of the Martyrs is a small medieval church. There is a reliquary near the northern wall, where the bones of the martyred monks are kept. It is considered a monument of the 11th century.

Natlismtsemeli is a male monastery in honor of St. John the Baptist is carved into the rock. In front of the altar of the main church of the monastery there is an iconostasis of the 18th century.

Chichkhituri is a monastery built in the form of a column. It looks like a medieval castle.

The central part of the David–Gareji Monastery is the Lavra of David, and the whole complex began its existence from it. The monastery is of great importance for Georgians. This is a shrine, the same as for all Christians – Jerusalem.

Then the route leads along the old highway through the village of Udabno. The next object for inspection is the cells for monks carved in the rocks. Some are shaped like churches.

The monastery of David Gareji formed its own direction of fresco painting. Fragments of such paintings have been preserved in almost all the temples of the complex.

Recommendations for transport and route passage

A trip to the desert is possible at any time of the year, it is advisable to travel in dry weather. The route will take 10-12 hours to complete, so it is better to leave Tbilisi early in the morning.

Necessary: water supply, comfortable clothes and shoes, hats to protect from the sun.

When choosing what to see in Georgia in one day, pay attention to the David–Gareji Monastery.

Those who love desert landscapes and unusual landscapes will say that the most beautiful places in Georgia are here, in the Gareji desert.

You can travel endlessly in Georgia and learn something new every time. A huge number of attractions, ancient ruins, incredible and unique traditions and customs fascinate absolutely all tourists.

Enjoy the mountain scenery, explore the excavations, meet the locals and come again! Read more about Georgia on the pages of the Madloba catalog