Excursion to the Colorful Mountains "Striped Desert of Mravaltskaro"

- Today, we'll venture to the colorful mountains, traversing a unique desert!
- Desert?! Colorful mountains?! In Georgia???
- Yes!

Believe it or not, Georgia is home to a desert! In the southeastern region of Shida Kartli, where Kakheti begins and the David Gareja Monastery is located, you'll find a desert. Of course, it can't be compared to the Arabian, Gobi, or Sahara deserts, but for Georgia, it's quite a desert indeed.

While many nature enthusiasts are familiar with the colorful mountains in China, Peru, the USA, Bolivia, and Argentina, few know that the South Caucasus, specifically Azerbaijan and Georgia, is also home to such natural wonders. In Azerbaijan, you'll find the Kyzyl Mountains, with their radiant shades of red, terracotta, and gold, near the sacred mountain of Beshbarmag and the pink Masazir Lake. In Georgia, it's the hills near the David Gareja Monastery and the Gareja Desert.

The colorful mountains of Mravaltskaro are extensive hills on a dry plateau with sparse vegetation, featuring distinct elevations and steeply piled hills. These "colorful mountains" were named after the prevalent sedimentary rocks of various hues found here. The colors create different layers in the soil: yellow for sandstone, brown, red, and gray for clay, and white for sea salt (as the Gareja Desert was once the floor of the sea). Within the desert area, there are several spots where the colorful stripes are visible right on the ground.

The most picturesque spot is near the Mravaltskaro reservoir. Everything here is beautiful, from the lake to the hills. It's best to visit on a sunny day when nature showcases its vibrant colors. Everyone is welcome to visit, except geologists! Their explanations about the nature of the colorful hills might spoil the romance and enchantment of this remarkable place.

Excursion Itinerary:

• Early departure from Tbilisi for the romantics who want to witness the sunrise at Jandari Lake (optional, included upon request as waking up early is required).
• Crossing the Gareja Desert; we won't stay here for long as it's a border zone. However, we'll make a couple of stops for photo sessions, of course.
• Mravaltskaro Reservoir - this is the main location of our excursion. We'll wander through the colorful hills and the picturesque shores of the reservoir, capturing fantastic photographs and enjoying a small picnic. Keep in mind that the beauty of the Colorful Mountains is revealed under bright sunshine and blue skies, but there is no vegetation to provide shade in the summer! So, be sure to bring caps, hats, sunscreen, and water.
• Our journey then takes us to the Gareja Lavra, one of the elements of the David Gareja Monastic Complex. It is so scattered across the Gareja Desert that it cannot be fully explored in this excursion (there is a separate tour dedicated to St. David of Gareja and the cave monasteries).
• The final part of our excursion includes a visit to a winemaker, the Ninozminda Women's Monastery, and the journey back home.

Join us and let's go!

Difficulty level of the excursion is easy. By car, it covers 240 km, and on foot, it's up to 10 km. Almost all attractions are easily accessible by transportation, and the hiking routes are not challenging.

❗️Necessary equipment:

• Backpack
• Trekking boots or any other comfortable non-slip footwear
• Raincoat
• Warm sweater
• Buff/cap
• Socks (preferably two pairs)
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Personal water bottle

❗️Tour rules:

1. The tour will be guided by knowledgeable guides.
2. All participants are required to follow the guide's instructions to ensure a safe, organized, and equally comfortable tour for everyone.
3. Participants are not allowed to arrive at the meeting point under the influence of alcohol. Those in such a state may be excluded from the tour at the guide's discretion.
4. Consumption of alcoholic beverages in the transportation vehicle during the journey is prohibited.
5. The use of headphones while walking is prohibited.
6. Let's keep the environment clean and refrain from picking flowers.
7. Pets are not allowed on the tour.
8. To avoid potential conflicts, we refrain from discussing topics such as a) politics, b) religion, and c) football during the hike.
9. In case of unforeseen circumstances, the guide reserves the right to change the tour route.

❗️Food - According to personal taste preference.
❗️Water - As per individual needs, but not less than 1 liter.
❗️Avoid overloading the backpack with unnecessary items; make sure to calculate the required amount of food and clothing accurately. Food and equipment are not included in the price! Purchase food in advance!
❗️ID cards are required.

If you're interested, please contact us for more details about the program, safety guidelines, and the cost of the excursion.

❗️The excursion program provided is a promotional outline. Due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances, certain elements of the program may be substituted with equivalent alternatives. 
❗️The average cost of the excursion is indicated for two people. The final price will be determined based on your specific requirements regarding hotel standards, restaurants, and group size. A detailed tour itinerary and list of services will be sent to you via email after registration on the website or upon request. 
❗️If you have allergies to specific plants, animals, food products, or dietary restrictions, please inform us in advance.