21/08/2024
Dear Passengers,
due to reoccuring questions regarding the availability of David Gareji Monastery Complex, we would like to kindly inform that at the moment there is still no access to the upper parts (located on the mountain ridge).
However, the main monastery, Lavra, which was founded in VIth century by David, Syrian monk (who at that time inhabited a natural cave, before the dormitories, refectory and chapels had been carved in rocks) - is still open for visitors.
The route of the minibus leads first through Kakheti region, then through the fields and vast grassland hills south of Sagarejo, passes by a pictoresque salty lake, a legendary Udabno settlement, to stop near the "Rainbow Hills" in the secluded borderland.
There are no strict time limitations to visit the monastery, although the usual time it takes travelers to sightsee is around 1,5 hrs. You can explore Lavra and David's tomb (keeping in mind that up to this date it is an active religious site therefore we encourage you to remain respectful; longer skirts/trousers and sleeves and head scarfs may convey that). You can climb next to the watchtower to discover David's tears - a carved rock gathering water precious in this arid area. Next to the parking you can visit a little souvenir shop to purchase wine produced on site. On the other side of the road you may find a path to take a stroll and enjoy the view of "Rainbow Hills", colourful layered slopes formed over millenia from sediments of various origin. In sunny weather you can encounter on your way lizards, rare birds (also predatory ones) as well as tortoises!
Our driver will await the passengers to come back and then will head to stop in Udabno. It is a settlement intentionally designed in the 1980s, mostly for families resettled from Svaneti region. Nowadays there are restaurants, family hostels, cabins to rent, a seasonal bakery and horse riding guides, offering possibility to have a rich experience of Georgian cuisine and leisure. You may also become a witness to a spontanous performance of polyphonic singing by Udabno women's or youngsters' choirs :)
The trip's schedule is flexible, if the passengers have no wish for a break in Udabno, our driver will promptly return to Tbilisi. Therefore the return times may vary, usually being between 4 and 5 pm back to Pushkin Park.
Feel free to contact us should you have any questions and we're looking forward to seeing you! :)
