Region Javakheti | ჯავახეთი

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Where is Javakheti region?

Location

Javakheti is a region in southern Georgia, consisting of two culturally and politically interrelated parts: Samtskhe and Javakheti. The region encompasses the mountain range of the Lesser Caucasus.

It borders Imereti and Kartli in the north, Turkey and Armenia in the south, and Adjara and Guria in the west. The region includes 6 municipalities: Akhalzikhe, Adigeni, Aspindza, Akchalkalaki, Borjomi and Ninozminda. Akhaltsikhe is the administrative centre of Samtskhe and Akhalkalaki is the administrative centre of Javakheti.

Geography

The landscape and geography of  Javakheti region are particularly fascinating as it is part of the Lesser Caucasus, which is of volcanic origin. There are many stunning volcanic mountains, lakes, deep and impressive gorges and plateaus.

There are many volcanic formations in Samtskhe-Javakheti, including the Javakheti and Samsari mountain ranges. The highest elevations are found in the Samsari range, where Mount Didi Abuli reaches an altitude of 3305m.

The main river of the region is the Kura/Mtkvari, which rises in Turkey. Its tributaries are the Pozchovistskali and the Paravnizkali. The region is rich in lakes, including Paravani, Saghamo, Khanchali and other beautiful lakes. The lake landscapes attract many birds, which is why the impressive Javakheti National Park was established.

Climate

In most parts of the region, summers are cool (15 to 20 degrees Celsius) with little rainfall and cloud cover, and not much rain. Winters are cold and snowy, especially in Javakheti, where the snow cover reaches 40-50 cm at high altitudes. The absolute minimum temperature is minus 40 degrees Celsius at Lake Kazakh.

History and Culture

Key historical passages

The region of Javakheti, also known as Zaabakh, first appears in the writings of Urartu King Argishti I around 785 BC. It stretched across the western shore of what is now Lake Childir in Turkey and connected eastern and western Georgia through place names in the Zan language.

In the past, Javakheti was divided into Upper Javakheti (the plain of Akhalkalaki) and Lower Javakheti (the gorge of the Mtkvari River). Since ancient times, the region has been under the control of the King of Kartli, with Zunda as its centre. The construction of Georgian churches in the 4th to 6th centuries and the founding of a bishopric by Vakhtang Gorgasal shaped the region.

The region served as an important trade route between Byzantium and Kartlia. Arab and Armenian sources report the conquest by the Arabs in the 7th century, while the influence of the Arab Caliphate in the 8th

Although it belonged to various kingdoms, Javakheti became part of the Georgian Kingdom. In the 11th century, Javakheti fell to the Kingdom of Abkhazia, but in 1010 it became part of the central Georgian state.

In its heyday in the 11th to 13th centuries, Javakheti flourished with trade routes, bridges, churches and royal residences. In the 16th century, the Ottoman Empire conquered the region, leading to the forced conversion of part of the population to Islam.

At the beginning of the 19th century, tensions with Persia and the Ottoman Empire intensified. To fortify the borders, the Russian Empire settled Armenian and Russian Duchoborze in Javakheti. After the victory over Turkey in 1828, the government settled Christian Armenians and Greeks from Turkey in Trialeti and Javakheti.

Political differences between the Tsarist Empire and the Georgian kings affected the return of the displaced Meskhetian population to Imereti. Paskewitsch opposed this and tried to settle loyal populations on the borders to reduce government spending and promote ethnic division.

Culture

The region of Javakheti is rich in architecture, from a variety of churches, cathedrals and monasteries to imposing fortresses, castles and cave cities. Particularly unique are the megalithic structures found exclusively in this area and in Lower Kartlia.

Another noteworthy architectural feature is the so-called Mes’churi Darbazi or Mes’chiche hall, characterised by its unique construction: terraced houses partially sunk into the ground, providing excellent insulation.

Wine and Dine

The cuisine of the southern region of Georgia is characterised by its diversity. Here you will find dishes such as puff pastry khachapuri (cheese bread) and small dumplings filled with meat, chicken or cheese that are only prepared here. The Meshuri cheese called Tenili is one of the most expensive types of cheese in Georgia. A special sweet bread with walnuts, called kada, is also very popular. The Javakheti region is the only place in Georgia where snails are on the menu.

Georgia is considered the cradle of wine and the region is particularly known for its wine. Due to the scarcity of land, the inhabitants here have developed a special method of growing grapes, with vineyards being cultivated on steep slopes. The most important types of wine include Sapere, Tetra, Roketula and many more.

Travel tips for Javakheti region

Places of interest and activities

Cultural sights

• Vardzia Monastery Complex: he monastery of Vardzia was carved into the cliffs on the left bank of the Mtkvari River in the 12th and 13th centuries and is an outstanding testimony to Georgian culture. The complex rises more than 100 metres into the air and has between three and thirteen storeys. A one-hour guided tour allows you to see storerooms, refectories, huts, pantries, wine cellars and even a remarkable chapel with wall paintings by Queen Tamara, a rarity in Georgia.
• Sapara Monastery: In Achatiche, surrounded by a picturesque forest, lies the medieval Sapara Monastery. It contains beautiful frescoes depicting historical figures from the period. The route to the monastery offers breathtaking views of the Kura Valley and the mountains of the Lesser Caucasus.
• Tmogvi Castle: This 9th-century castle near Vardzia on the Kura River played an important role in controlling the route from Central Asia to Georgia. Around the fortress, traces of a once large settlement can still be seen. Despite the current state of ruin, the fortress is fascinating due to its location and architecture.
• Khertvisi Fortress: The late medieval fortress of Khertvisi, which is now a museum, is located at the confluence of the Paravani and Kura rivers. The fortress stands on a rock and makes for a good photo opportunity.

Megalithic ruins

• The megalithic ruins of Saro: On a plateau in the village of Saro are the impressive remains of a castle from the megalithic culture. The ruins, an outstanding example of megalithic culture in Georgia, consist of castle walls and buildings. Today there is a medieval church here that serves as a nunnery and is easily accessible by car.
• Abuli Fortress: On Mt. – Little Abuli, the Abuli Fortress is a remarkable megalithic monument in the region. Built more than 2000 years ago from primitive stones and large boulders at an altitude of 2670 metres, it houses a fence, warehouses and stone tombs in its centre. The massive walls, 5 metres high and 3 metres wide, make the fortress blend into its natural surroundings. It can only be accessed on foot.

Natural sights

• The Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park covers an area of 107,083 hectares in the regions of Imereti, Javakheti and Lower Kartli, which is more than 1% of the country’s total area. With a network of 12 marked and well-maintained hiking trails, the park offers opportunities for day and multi-day hikes. Along the trails, there is accommodation, picnic areas, tent sites and fire pits. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, horseback riding, cycling, snowshoeing, and cultural and educational tours.
• Javakheti National Park covers areas of Akhalkalaki and Ninotsminda municipality and encompasses 14,200 hectares. It is surrounded by protected areas with natural treasures such as Lake Khanchali, Lake Bughdasheni, the Kartsakhi Marshes, the Suldi Moor and Lake Madatapha. The park offers seven hiking trails, as well as horse riding and bicycle paths. A special bird-watching tower allows year-round observation of 140 native and migratory bird species.
• Lake Tabatskuri, which extends between Borjomi and Akhalkalaki in Samtskhe-Javakheti, covers an area of 14.2 km² and lies at an altitude of 1991 metres. In winter the lake freezes over and is surrounded by the Ktsia-Tabatskuri reserve. Various species of fish and crabs live in the fresh water. The villages of Tabatskuri and Moliti are located on the lake. Tabatskuri is particularly attractive because of its location on a peninsula in the lake. The wide blue lake landscape between the mountains is an impressive sight and the area is ideal for bird watching.Top of Form
• Thermal Springs – Javakheti region has numerous thermal springs, some of which are in the open air and freely accessible. Some springs are equipped with bathing facilities, for example in Abastumani and Borjomi.

Javakheti – lakes

Lake Paravani, a volcanic-tectonic lake in the Ninotsminda district of the Samtskhe-Javakheti region, is 2073 metres above sea level. In winter, the lake is frozen over, with the ice varying in thickness from 47 to 73 centimetres. It is home to a variety of fish such as trout, carp, bream and other species. The lake is located directly on the route and is easy to reach.

Lake Saghamo is very close to Lake Paravani, about a 15-minute drive away. The lake is very scenic, which is why many landscape photographers come here to capture its beauty.

Resorts

• Abastumani was already a well-known climatic health resort in the 19th century. It is located directly at the foot of the Zeakri Pass and offers a particularly healthy microclimate that has a positive effect on lung diseases. Visitors can enjoy beautiful hikes, horse riding and bike tours through picturesque forests. Abastumani also has thermal springs that offer a relaxing bath. Places of interest such as the Romanov Palace, the observatory and a nunnery enrich the region.
• Bordzhomi, a balneoclimatic resort, is located between the Meskheti and Trialeti mountains at an altitude of 800 to 900 metres. The main treatment is based on mineral water and also includes climate and mud treatments. The resort offers comfortable accommodation and activities such as rafting, hiking, horse riding and the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, which boasts breathtaking natural and cultural treasures.
• Bakuriani is a well-known mountain and climatic health resort and an important ski resort. The first ski slope was created in 1932. Cableways run from Bakuriani to Mount Kochtagora (1.3 km) and to the Zchrazkaro Pass (3.5 km), and ski-jump hills have been constructed. Besides its reputation as a ski resort, Bakuriani attracts many visitors in summer because of its clean air and climate.

Activities

• Cultural tours: Those interested in culture are attracted by ancient fortresses, megalithic culture, churches, cave cities, ancient villages and palaces. These include the palace of the Romanovs, sulfur baths and museums.
• Hiking: In addition to the country’s largest national park, the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, which offers many hiking opportunities, there are also great hiking opportunities in other areas. Day trips to Vardzia or hikes to the mountain lakes in Adigeni are possible.
• Horseback riding: The hiking trails mentioned also offer opportunities for horseback riding. Local providers organise numerous tours in the region.
• Jeep tours: The route over the Tabatskuri Pass from Zalka to Bakuriani or the villages in the interior are beautiful opportunities for jeep tours in the region.
• Birdwatching: The lakes and national park of Javakheti are ideal for birdwatching, which is possible here almost all year round.
• Photography: The landscape and cultural monuments offer fascinating subjects for photographers. The region is also very interesting for bird photography.
• Cycling: The gentle landscape is ideal for cycling tours, especially for mountain bikers. The routes along the Paravani and Saghamo lakes and in the Javakheti National Park are popular with many tour operators.
• Culinary and wine tours: The region offers unique culinary experiences and tempting dishes for gourmets. Some families organise culinary excursions where you can prepare dishes such as Khachapuri yourself.
• Rafting: Rafting on the Kura River is a popular activity offered by several providers in the region, particularly in Borjomi.
• Fishing: Fishing is possible in the lakes Paravani and Saghamo and in the Kura River.

Tours in Javakheti Region

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