Mighty snow-capped mountains, vast open steppe, rivers carving through incredible canyons, luscious green jungle, mystical cavernous caves, splattering brown mud volcanoes – the diversity of Georgia’s nature is truly remarkable. With six climate zones and endless wilderness, the country has many unique nature spots. Read on to find out which unique nature spots you absolutely must visit in Georgia.
TAKHTI TEPHA
Bubbling mud and desert landscapes made of sandstone and clay make Tatkhti Tepha truly unique. The mud volcanos are located on a plane 620 meters above sea level within Vashlovani national park close to Georgia’s border with Azerbaijan. The active volcanoes are made up of mud craters and vents which regularly spew out fresh mud. The largest mud crater measures 3.5 by 4 meters in diameter.
GOMIS MOUNTAIN
Image source: Ntravel Tours
Have you ever dreamed of watching the sunrise and set above the clouds? Gomis mountain is a true fairy tale during the summer months. Early-risers can watch the sun paint the sky red, as clouds form below the mountain. The mountain is also famous for its pine forests, panoramic views, yellow Azalea flowers, and pretty alpine cottages. You can reach Gomis by car from Orzurgeti or alternatively it is a two or three hour drive from Kobuleti, on Georgia’s Black Sea coast.
VASHLOVANI
Image source: the culture trip
Rolling emerald hills give way to unique wavering rock formations and shallow forests as you descend southerly into Vashlovani National Park. One of the most remote and wild regions of Georgia, Vashlovani is like nowhere else. Here, you can find rare species of birds, an abundance of snakes and animals that you would maybe expect to see on African safari rather than in Georgia, such as jackals, gazelles, and hyenas. To enjoy the wilderness of Vashlovani park, you will need a 4X4 vehicle that is capable of off-road driving. You should also try and visit during dry weather as the roads can become very muddy. As with all National Parks in Georgia, it is important to come prepared and respect your surroundings. If you do this, Vashlovani is a magical place to escape for an epic adventure.
ABUDELAURI LAKES
Image source: Caucasus trekking
The magical Abudelauri Lakes have bewitched visitors for centuries. Said to be home of Khevsuretian Gods, the three alpine lakes are nestled at the foot of the Chaukhi Massif standing 2500m high in the East of the Caucasus Mountains. The magic of these three lakes is the color: one is blue, one is white, one is green. You can hike to the lakes easily from Roshka village. The beautiful route takes you through the foothills of the Caucasus, past giant rocks formed during the last ice age. The best time of year to visit the lakes is from late April to October.
PROMETHEUS CAVE
Image source: Brownie on the go
Prometheus Cave is located near the Georgian town of Tskhaltubo, 20 km from Kutaisi in Georgia’s Imereti region. Discovered in 1984, it is the biggest cave in Georgia. Although only one tenth is open for tourists, it takes about an hour to explore it’s 1000 plus meter route. Prometheus Cave is magical – Stalactites, stalagmites, mirror pools, petrified waterfalls, “bottomless holes,” huge cavernous ceilings and a trip to the lowest point with a river miraculously running through. Legend has it that Prometheus cave was the place where Amirani was chained after angering the gods.