Take a break from the noise, check out hills that look like bacon, breathe deep, and get those 10,000 steps in!
Take a break from the hustle and bustle, look at the bacon-shaped hills, breathe in the air, hit your 10,000 steps
Majestic sandy rocks, in which time and wind have carved intricate patterns. Monastery cells were cut out of such soft rock for centuries. We will also meet herds of sheep grazing under the supervision of shepherd dogs, and we will drive through the expanses of the Gareji steppe
Iconic hills with red and pink stripes (thanks to the iron in the soil), yellow layers of ancient sandstone and white patterns of sea salt, chalk and limestone. They are often compared to bacon. It's literally a walk through the history of the ancient seabed
The central temple carved into the rock with unique frescoes from the 12th century, including images of Queen Tamar and the master. There are ancient systems of canals and reservoirs that the monks used to collect water in the arid desert.
One of the first desert monasteries, founded by the disciples of David Gareja. We will look at medieval architecture and take a close look at the cells carved into the rock. We will also learn what happened here during Soviet times, when the desert was an army training ground and artillery fired at the slopes with the monasteries.
The main monastery of the desert. We will tell you why it was founded right here in the waterless steppe, who the 13 Assyrian Fathers were, and how deer, according to legend, came to feed the first monks with milk.
Svans are a mountain people, yet they live in the middle of the desert. How they ended up here and why this is not the only Svan village in Kakheti will be discussed over dinner at a local restaurant.
Departure from Tbilisi and the drive to the start of the hike
A morning departure from the city and a drive to the start point of the route through the colourful hills of Gareji (about 2 hours' drive).
Hike through the colorful hills of Gareji
A walk through picturesque multicolored hills, exploring the landscape and searching for minerals and fossils. Exploring the route past viewpoints, picnic areas and a chapel.
Drive to the Natlismtsebeli monastery
A short drive from the end point of the hike to the cave monastery complex of Natlismtsebeli.
Visit to the Natlismtsebeli monastery
Exploring the historic complex, the cave structures, and climbing to an old defensive tower with stunning views. Total time at the site is just over an hour.
Return to Tbilisi
David Gareja Lavra
The most revered monastery of the complex, which is still active today. We share who the 13 Assyrian Fathers were, why the monastery was founded in a waterless desert, and how deer, according to legend, fed the first monks with milk.
Dinner in Udabno (not included in the price)
We drop by the village of Udabno, where Svans—a mountain people in the middle of the desert—live. Over dinner at a local restaurant, we talk about how they ended up here and why this is not the only Svan village in Kakheti.
Return to Tbilisi
We are heading back to the city. We will be there around 20:00.
Easy. 6 km and 300 m of elevation gain with smooth ascents and descents, the hike takes 3–3.5 hours including a picnic. Special training is not needed: if you calmly walk around the city for a couple of hours, this route is within your power.
Yes, the route is suitable for children from 12 years old who are used to walking. Please note that the day is long, about 12 hours including travel time. If you are coming with a child, please let us know in advance.
Sneakers or trekking boots with a good sole. The slopes are clayey and crumbling in places, so shoes with a smooth sole will not work. Dress in layers according to the weather: it is hot in the sun during the day in the desert, but it can be cool and windy in the morning and evening.
Yes, these are active monasteries. Men need long trousers. Women need a skirt below the knee and a headscarf, and shoulders must be covered. It is convenient to bring a skirt with you and put it on over your trousers before entering.
At least 1.5 liters per person. There is almost no shade on the hills, and there is nowhere to get water along the way. We bring tea and coffee for the picnic with us.
At the picnic, each participant gets two onigiri, tea, and coffee, which is included in the price. There are fish, meat, and vegan options. If you have allergies or special preferences, please mention them when booking. In the evening, we have dinner at a restaurant in Udabno, dinner is paid separately, on average 30 GEL per person.
No. You can simply sit with the group for tea or take a walk around the village while the others are having dinner.
There are no toilets on the hike itself, it is an open desert. Toilets are available at the David Gareja Lavra and at the restaurant in Udabno.
The best time is spring and autumn: the weather is mild, and in spring the hills are also green. In summer it is very hot during the day. A trip in winter is possible, but after rain or snow, the dirt road to the hills may become impassable.
In the warm season, you can encounter snakes, as in any steppe. They avoid people, and the guide watches the trail. It is enough to watch your step and not put your hands into crevices between rocks.
After heavy rain, the dirt road to the hills gets muddy and becomes dangerous even for an off-road vehicle. In this case, we will warn you in advance and offer to reschedule the date or provide a modified program.
After the hike, take a break and enjoy lunch with a mountain view. Every guest gets two onigiri with different fillings, plus hot tea and coffee
Fish, meat and vegan options are available
You can download the route track as a GPX file — open "Open in Map Magic" on the map below and download it there
Send a request and we will confirm availability and all details
A booking requires full 100% payment
Payment in GEL, US dollars, euros or rubles to a Georgian TBC card
Read more about cancellation, rescheduling and refund terms here
Prepare comfortable clothes and footwear for the weather. The full list is available in our checklist
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