Didi Kvabebi, the great caves, is another cave monastery of Gareji. The upper tier of caves is almost entirely destroyed and the lower chambers are filled with earth washed down the slope, so only part of the openings can be seen.
The complex is placed in the ninth century and counted among the twenty odd Gareji houses scattered along the ridge from the Lavra of Saint David to the eastern spurs. The ridge is semi desert: burnt grass in summer, a short flowering in spring and no water anywhere. The road here is unpaved and becomes impassable in rain.
Keep a restrained manner: for nearby villages this is a place of memory. The site remains part of the everyday life of the area, and that deserves respect.
Tips
- Come in the morning while the light is soft.
- Check the forecast, as rain makes the approach slippery.
- Wear shoes with a firm sole.
Getting there
- The last stretch runs along a dirt road that softens after rain.
- Plan the visit together with nearby stops, as there is no dedicated transport here.
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