Gareja Desert Jeep tour
Starts from: Tbilisi/Sagarejo
Available: April-October
Type: Private full day jeep tour
Total Distance: 285 km
Duration: 8 hours
This private cross-country jeep tour takes you to David Gareja semi-desert, Sabereebi caves, famous Lavra Monastery and colorful hills around Mravaltskaro reservoir. The route will lead you through an abundance of sandstone colors, extraordinary medieval frescoes, birdlife and semi-desert wildlife, the picturesque landscape and rock carved-out water channels near the entrance of the monks’ residence.
Aerial footage of Mravaltskaro:
Morning pick-up from the hotel. First, we will drive towards Kakheti (Wine region of Eastern Georgia), until reaching village Iormughanlo. After passing through the village we will enter the semi-desert area and this is where our off-road adventure begins.
Take a hike to abandoned Sabereebi caves
This old monastery complex dating back to 9-10 cc. is stretched along the ridge in the middle of David Gareja semi-desert, consisting of hand-carved caves, decorated with colorful ancient Orthodox frescoes. We will pass along the ridge and take a couple of short hikes to some of the well-preserved areas of the monastery, that nowadays rarely get any visitors.
Visit David Gareja Lavra Monastery
Our next stop is at the nowadays active David Gareja Lavra Monastery, which is still inhabited by the monks who maintain the ascetic lifestyle of their predecessors. Here you take a glimpse of what the monastic life used to be in the whole area centuries ago and if you are lucky, listen to the polyphonic Orthodox chants that are being sung during the liturgy.
Take a hike around Mravaltskaro Reservoir
This old soviet reservoir (now abandoned) is located in a rarely visited area of David Gareja desert and can be a nice hideaway from otherwise busy and touristic Lavra and Udabno monasteries.
To get the best views, here you can take a short hike on top of the hill just above the lake or go around and walk among the colorful hills of Mravaltskaro.
At the end of the day, return to Tbilisi passing by industrial city of Rustavi and old abandoned soviet military base "Pobeda".
| Group size | Price per adult |
|---|---|
| Solo | 317 $ |
| 2 - 3 people | 173 $ |
| 4 - 15 people | 108 $ |
| Child Policy |
|---|
| 0-6 years - Free |
| 7-12 years - 50% |
| 12 years and above - Adult |
*Online booking deposit will be deducted from the total tour price.
The balance can be paid in one of the following ways:
For a larger group or custom itinerary please contact us at info[at]georgianholidays.com
Tips for booking procedure:
How to know which “Operator” to select?
You only need to select the Operator name if you have previously communicated with one of our sales agents via phone or email, otherwise please leave it at default.
* Make sure you wear comfortable hiking shoes, long pants, a hat and bring sun-screen for this itinerary.
Dress code applied in Lavra monastery
Extra services:
Hiking Poles: 15 $ per person
OPTIONAL SERVICES:
To arrange airport transfers and hotel overnights, contact us at info[at]georgianholidays.com
Cancellation is free of charge prior 2 days of the starting day.
If Tourist cancels the booked tour for some reasons not depending on Tour Operator, the following sums are kept back as a fine:
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