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Join a one-day winter tour to frozen Paravani Lake on January 19, where you’ll witness the Orthodox Epiphany ceremony with priests blessing the waters and brave believers plunging into the icy cross-shaped hole. The trip includes a visit to St. Nino’s Monastery and nearby Poka Nunnery, with time to enjoy local hospitality and winter landscapes.
Dates: 19 Jan 2026
Duration: 1 day
Driving distance: 350 km
Trip difficulty: Easy (Please take low temperature, snow, and ice into consideration. Good winter shoes and very warm clothes are a must)
Group size: Min. 6 participants
Pick-up: 09:00, Samaia Garden, Tbilisi
Drop-off: Around 20:00 (The arrival time will depend on the group’s speed and traffic)
Price: 160 GEL
Itinerary:
Today, we will head along curvy mountain roads to Paravani – the largest lake in Georgia. Paravani Lake lies at 2072 m.a.s.l. and freezes completely in winter. This day is Natlisgheba (Orthodox Epiphany) at Paravani Lake, held annually on January 19. followed by the ice-bathing ritual (“Holy Water”). Participants descend a ladder into icy water, immersing up to three times while crossing themselves, symbolizing purification and good health m the ice, try great Armenian food, and more. Weather permitting, we may spot local Armenians fishing from the ice. We will also visit St. Nino Nunnery of Poka, near an important pilgrimage site. The nuns produce goods such as cheese, jams, honey, and chocolate. For lunch, we will stop at a small local restaurant/guesthouse owned by the Margaryan family. The delectable homemade dishes are a real culinary treat. Return to Tbilisi. The end of the trip.
Inclusions:
- Transfers
- Sightseeing/hiking itinerary with an English-speaking guide
- Homemade lunch at Armenian family-owned restaurant
Exclusions:
- Travel insurance
- Gratitudes
Note:
Please check Terms and Conditions for our cancellation and insurance policy
HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE TOUR
MEETING TIME AND PLACE
We meet at 9:00 at Samaia Garden. Please be on time. In case of any delays, please inform your guide. Otherwise, the group will depart without you.
WEATHER
Georgian weather changes often and fast. For this reason, it’s essential to follow the weather forecast closely. Here is the weather forecast. Please check it the night before the tour to be well prepared.
WHAT TO WEAR
Please wear clothes appropriate to the weather. Paravani is called Georgian Siberia for a reason. It will be very cold. You must wear a proper winter jacket, a hat, a scarf, gloves, warm shoes, and so on. Wear layers.
FOOD & DRINKS
Always make sure you have enough drinking water. 1.5–2 liters should be enough for the day. Please make sure to bring snacks – sandwiches, dried fruit, and sweets. They will help you maintain your energy level until lunch. Since it will be cold, a thermos with hot tea or coffee is also a good idea.
OTHER ESSENTIAL ITEMS
If you are prone to motion sickness, please have medicine with you. Bring a day pack to carry important items with you.
GUIDE
We will send you guide’s contact details a few days before the tour. Please make sure to check your inbox and spam.









