David Gareja & Hike Rainbow Hills Day Tour – 23 May
Join us on an unforgettable day tour to David Gareja Monastery Complex and Georgian semi-desert! Let’s hike together around the Mravaltskaro Reservoir and admire the stunning rainbow hills surrounding it. We will also peak into the Natlismtsemeli Monastery.
Date: 23 May
Duration: 1 day
Driving distance: 190 km
Trip difficulty: Easy BUT includes off-road drives.
Group size: Min. 5 participants
Pick-up: 09:00, Samaia Garden, Tbilisi
Drop-off: Around 18:00 (The arrival time will depend on the group’s sightseeing speed and traffic)
Price: 120 GEL
Hiking included: YES – We will walk a short distance on the “Rainbow” hills. There is no clear walking path, and the terrain consists of sand and gravel. We recommend wearing proper hiking shoes to avoid slipping.
Itinerary:
We will leave Tbilisi early in the morning and head to Mravaltskaro Reservoir. Mravaltskaro is famed for the colorful, rainbow-like hills surrounding it. We will also visit Natlismtsemeli Monastery. The complex was originally established at the end of the 7th century. Nowadays, it’s one of the main pilgrimage sites in the region.
Finally, we will reach David Lavra – the main section of David Gareja Monastery Complex, founded in the 6th century (Please be aware that the monastery is partly on the territory of Azerbaijan. Some parts are unavailable for sightseeing). Time and weather permitting, we will also stroll across the “Rainbow Hills” surrounding the shrine.
We will finish our trip with a dinner in a local guesthouse in Udabno. The meal is NOT included in the price of the tour. You can order it a la carte. Return to Tbilisi. The end of the tour.
Inclusions:
- Transfers
- Sightseeing/hiking itinerary with an English-speaking guide
Exclusions:
- Meals
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities
Note:
Please check Terms and Conditions for our cancellation and insurance policy
HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE TOUR
MEETING TIME AND PLACE
We meet 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.
Hiking boots or sports shoes with a good grip are recommended.
Georgian customs require a strict dress code in monasteries. Women are obliged to cover their heads and legs. We recommend bringing one or two scarves for that purpose. Otherwise, you will have to wear communal clothes. Men must wear long trousers.
It can be muddy at rainbow hills. Having extra shoes are comfortable. Bring raincoats.
FOOD & DRINKS
Always make sure you have enough drinking water. 1.5 liter should be enough for one day.
Please bring snacks. We may stop for dinner on the way back to Tbilisi if we have time.
OTHER ESSENTIAL ITEMS
If you are prone to motion sickness, please have medicine with you.
Bring a daypack to carry your items. It’s better to take a plane pillow for a nap during the ride.
If the weather forecast is sunny, bring sunscreen and sunglasses.
GUIDE
We will send you guide’s contact details a few days before the tour. Please make sure to check your inbox and spam.
