Samtskhe-Javakheti is one of the oldest Georgian regions and as usual, we are going to take you along for a photo-journey through this beautiful land. Follow us on yet another quest for new adventures and impressions!
The trail of the past is constantly present here and it constantly seems as if you are meeting the shadows of medieval lords and princes on the way. If you are lucky, you might even see King Erekle II together with his army, marching towards Aspindza. Let′s walk along this road, pass the old Khertvisi, raise the dust of Saatabago and leave behind the old Atskhuri…
Let′s travel to the land where old rocks groan, where the shadows of the ancestors are calling us: We are waiting for you!
The world of the great poet Rustaveli is waiting for us here. You will never be able to imagine what it is like if you don’t see it at least once – the reality of epic heroes and beautiful princesses who live in the epic poem and, even after all these years and centuries, still roil and trouble our hearts…
And there are also Borjomi and Bakuriani – the perfect harmony of modernity and past, painted with the unique brush of nature. We will take a cable car and go up the Kokhta Mountain. From there, the Caucasus range will stretch out before our eyes and don’t be surprised, because this festival of colors, blue space and enormous mountains stretches from the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea! This is Georgia!
Samtskhe-Javakheti is located in southern Georgia and covers the historical and geographical provinces of Samtskhe, Javakheti and Tori.
The region is situated in the historical Zemo (Upper) Kartli. Samtskhe includes territories of the present-day Akhaltshikhe and Adigeni, as well as part of Aspindza. Javakheti covers territories of Akhalkhalaki, Ninotsminda and part of Aspindza as well. Apart from that, the region consists of the historical province of Tori, which comprises the present-day Borjobi Municipality.
Samtskhe-Javakheti is a mountainous and rocky land, crisscrossed with ravines, springs and lakes, as well as fast and powerful rivers. The large lakes of Javakheti are Paravani, Khanchali, Sagamo, Madatapa, Bugdasheni, Tsunda etc. in Akhaltsikhe basin, there is a belt of spruce and pine forests, at an elevation of 1850 meters above sea level. Above these forests there are alpine and sub-alpine fields. In the Dzandze River gorge, on the eastern slopes of Goderdzi Pass, there exists tertiary flora, khnown as Goderdzi flora. However, the diversity of its nature is not limited to that.
The uniqueness of this land is also determined by its past and a very rich history. It is quite safe to say that Samtskhe-Javakheti is the foundation of Georgia′s spiritual and material cultural development.
We will show you the churches, monasteries and strongholds which speak of the past glory, everyday life and traditions of tis region, as well as natural monuments, together with unique flora and fauna.
Goderdzi fossil forest
Location: Adigeni municipality, river Dzindze gorge, village of Utkisubani, 1480 m above sea level
Access road: located near motor way Akhaltsikhe-Khulo-Batumi, in 10 km from the village of Zarzmi of A digeni municipality, distance from Tbilisi 250 km; from Akhaltsikhe 50 km, from Batumi – 110 km.
Goderdzi fossil forest starts from Adigeni district, village Utkino Ubani, and covers also upper Adjara, up to village Riketi. Total area runs up to 365 ha.
Fossil forest of Goderdzi within the frames of the Caucasus and, wider in the region, is the only and unique one. Formerly, it was entered into the Red book, while today, as a natural monument, it is protected by the laws, since fossil forest was given the status of a natural monument in 2013.
Waterfall of Chule
Location: Adigeni municipality, surrounding territory of Patara Zanavi; at the foot of Persati mountains, left bank of river Kvabliani; 1480 m above sea level.
Access road: from the territory of Adigeni municipality leads a motor road to waterfall; from the motor way Akhaltsikhe-Khulo-Batumi a rocky road turns towards village Zanavi and leads to Chule, distance from the fork is 7 km, distance from Tbilisi 237 km, from Akhaltsikhe – 35 km.
From the territory of Persati Plateau starts river Chulestskali which creates approximately 30-m high waterfall near the Chule monastery to the north-east.
Name Chule in Georgian meant sagging, covered place. This name fully reflects Chulevi whereabouts.
Kanyon of Tmogvi
Location: Aspindza municipality, community of Nakalakevi, gorge of river Mtkvari; 1260 m above sea level
Access road: distance from Tbilisi 250 km. from Aspindza 23 km, from Akhaltsikhe 55 km, from Akhalkalaki 40 km.
On one of the highest volcanic remnant mounts stands a fortress-citadel of Tmogvi dating back to X century. there are remnants of old bridge on the river. One bridge connected both palaces of the river while the other was used for transit. In the south-east the wall touches border of a cave which ties up with the citadel and river Mtkvari through secret passage constructed in the rock.
Lake Tabatskuri
Location: border of Borjomi and Akhalkalaki municipalities; 1991 m above sea level
Access road: from the settlement of Bakuriani to the village of Tabatskuri leads a motor way where from May to November transit is possible on four wheelers. Distance from Tbilisi 210 km, from Borjomi 60 km, from Tsalka 45 km.
Tabatskuri in the province of Samtskhe-Javakheti, on the border of Borjomi and Akhalkalaki municipalities, is a village developed on the peninsula and its name means a bay of lake (Tabi).
The lake created as a a result of outburst of volcano is also called Tabatskuri. The deepest point of the lake is 40.2 m. Tabatskuri was regarded as a lake rich with fish. It had plenty of trout.
The lake surrounded with Ktis-Tabatskuri Preserved Territory which was founded in 1995 aiming at protection of birds distributed on this territory. International association for protection of birds – Bird Life International has awarded Tabatskuri lake international status of important place for birds (IBA). The later was entered into the Red Book of Georgia.
Lava torrent of Abuli
Location: Akhalkalaki municipality, basin of river Paravnistskali
Access road: ground road for four-wheeler cars leads to the Abuli fortress via Abuli village of Akhalkalaki municipality. Distance from the village of Abuli to Didi Abuli fortess is 17 km; the shortest way to Abuli Fortress lies via the village of Gandzani in Ninotsminda municipality; walking route is 10 km long; distance from Tbilisi 150 km, from Akhalkalaki 28 km, from Akhaltsikhe 100 km.
There are two mounts known in Samtskhe-Javakheti as `Abuli` – Didi (big) and Patara (little) A buli, as wel as lake, a village, a river and Cyclopean fortress on Patara Abuli. As to lava torrent of Abuli, it is one of the miracles of the nature of Georgia.
Lava torrent starts from mount Didi Abuli situated on the Abuli-Samsari ridge. The height of Didi Abuli is 3303 m. to the south of Didi Abuli, slopes of Patara Abuli (2800 m) and its foot are covered by so called `stone seas`. In the central part of lava torrent there are several lakes.
Swamp of Sulda
Location: Akhalkalaki municipality, plateau of Javakheti, 1860 m above sea level
Access road: distance from Tbilisi 180 km, from Akhalkalaki 20 km, from Akhaltsikhe 90 km.
Two important swamps on the plateau of Javakheti – Sulda and Kartsakh – were given the status of preserved territory. Both swamps were created as a result of lake turning into wetlands.
Preserved area of Sulda wetland is located in 2,5 km from the village of Sulda.in wetlands of Sulda 15 species of fowls are registered, among them 8 are waterfowl species. In spring and in fall it is possible to engage in bird watching here.
The preserve of Sulda marshlands engulfs territory of Javakheti National Park. Its general space area is 320 ha. This preserve was founded on March 22,2011.
In 5 km from Sulda to the south-west is situated preserved territory of Kartsakhi. Its area is 158 ha. In 2004 around lake Kartsakhi and its surrounding area, in mountain steppes and steppe-like meadows, were discovered representatives of rose family described in the Georgian flora which are not distributed anywhere else in Georgia.
Lake Khanchali
Location: Ninotsminda municipality, environs of the villages Didi and Patara Khanchali, 1928 m anove sea level
Access road: distance from Tbilisi 165 km, from Akhalkalaki 18 km, from Ninotsminda 25 km, from Akhaltikhe 95 km.
Lake Khanchali is located in Ninotsminda municipality, near the villages of Didi and Patara Khanchali. Mirror area of the lake runs to 13,3 sq. m, maximal width 2500 m. water is fresh and brownish. Surface is covered with water plants, from the end of November until the end of April it is covered with ice. Compared with other lakes in Javakheti, due to low level of water, Khanchali is the warmest lake and the best possible venue for waterfowls to pick habitat and resting place.
Lake Khanchali and Javakheti plateau are one of the main migration routes for birds. Depending on season, especially in the fall, there are numerous and diverse birds of prey, waterfowls and marshland dwellers here.
Mount Chikiani
Location: volcanic plateau of southern Georgia, northern part of Javakheti range, 2415 m above sea level
Access road: from the Tsalka-Ninotsminda motor road, to the north-east from the village of Paravani starts a pathway in the direction of mount Chikiani; distance from Tbilisi 165 km, from Akhalkalaki 18 km, from Ninotsminda 25 km, from Tsalka 25 km, from Akhaltsikhe 95 km.
The mount was structured from the sediments of volcanic origins having glass in the consistence. The world `chika` in old Georgian meant `glass`. Chikiani is structured almost totally from obsidian. In the sunny day this summit reflects sun beams and is shining. To the south-west of the mount, in the structural basin between Abul-Samsri and Javakheti range, is located the biggest lake in Georgia, Paravani (surface area 37,5 sq. km, basin area 234 sq. km).
Region of Samtskhe-javakheti today is part of old meskheti and includes three historical provinces – Samtskhe, Javakheti and Tori. The total area of the region is 6421 sq. km. comprises 6 administrative units – municipalties of Borjomi, Adigeni, Aspindza, Akhalkalaki, Akhaltsikhe and Ninotsminda. Region has favorable geopolitical location enabling it to develop commercial, economic and cultural relationships with neighbor countries. Baky-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline, Transcaucasia gas pipeline as well as Marabda-Kartsakhi-Kars railway run across the region.
Samtskhe-javakheti is considered by the scholars as the cradle of Georgian grain and Georgian grapes. During excavations wine kvevri (clay vat) and wine cellars were uncovered even in such places where grapes does not grow for centuries.
Resorts of Borjomi group are one of the major and most important recreational resources of Smtskhe-Javakheti.
Resort of Abastumani
Location: southern slope of Meskheti range, gorge of river Otskhe
Distance: 25 km from Adigeni, 28 km from Akhaltsikhe, 240 km away from Tbilisi
Sea level: 1250-1450 m
Landscape: mountainous
Climate: middle mountain, winter cold, mean temperature in January -6, degrees, summer moderately warm, mean temperature in August 16 degrees centigrade
Average annual precipitation: 688 mm
Average comparative annual humidity: 77%
Duration of annual sunny light: 1967 h
Natural treatment factor: mild climate and thermal, silicon acid, sulpuric-chloride, calcium-sodium mineral waters with general mineralization 0,6 g/dm3
Type of therapy: passive climate therapy, mineral water baths
Diseases for treatment: pulmonary TB in a phases of development, chronic and acute forms of pneumonopleuritis and lymphodenitis; bone and joints and peripheral nervous systems, as well as gynecological diseases.
On the Southern slopes of Meskheti range covered with coniferous forest is located a famous mountain climatic spa resort of Abastumani with the climate indispensable for prevention of pulmonary diseases. Spring season is especially wholesome when pine-trees start pollination. While breathing yellow dust gets into lungs and makes positive impact on them.
Besides major treatment factor of the resort – climate, Abastumani is also famous for it hyperthermal, slightly mineralized springs with total discharge of 1 million l/day. Mineral waters are used for treatment of numerous diseases.
Scientific research of thermal mineral waters started from 70s of the XIX century. In sync with this, foundation was laid in development of Abastumani as a pthisiology resort.
Abastumani Astrophysical Observatory is located on Mount Kanobili, 1650 m, 8 km away from Abastumani. Founded in 1932. It was the first Astrophysical Observatory in the former Soviet Union.
Resort of Aspindza
Location: slope of Trialeti range
Distance: 240 km away from Tbilisi, 230 km via Ninotsminda
Sea level: 1050-1060 m
Landscape: mountainous
Climate: middle mountain, winter moderately cold, mean temperature in January -2, degrees, summer warm and dry, mean temperature in August 16 degrees centigrade
Average annual precipitation: 520 mm
Average comparative annual humidity: 64%
Duration of annual sunny light: 2100 h
Natural treatment factor: climate of middle mountain lower belt and thermal, slightly sulfide, sulpuric-chloride, sodium-calcium mineral waters with silicon acid content and general mineralization 0,8-1,0 g/dm3
Diseases for treatment: musculoskeletal, skin and peripheral nervous system, as well as gynecological diseases.
Mountain side of Aspindza municipality is located in the Eastern part of Akhaltsikhe hollow surrounded by slopes of Trialeti and Erusheti mountains. `Aspindza` in Persian means `Hotel on the Highway`, `Station on the way`
Center of the municipality, townlet of Aspindza, is famous for its several type slightly mineralized, thermal waters having positive impact on musculoskeletal and perhiperal nervous systems. Therapeutic waters have many other outlets on the territory of the municipality. Nakalakevi (1100-1150 m) was a famous resort and its `Essentuki`-kind thermal (33 degrees) water was used for treatment of musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and nervous system diseases as well as gynecological and skin pathologies. Vardzia is also rich with mineral waters though it is more famous for its unique complex of cave monastery dating to XII-XIII c.
In many places of Sothern Georgia, we can see monuments of rock cut architecture, like Tavkvetula, Vani (Vahani) Kvabebi, Oloda, Gelsunda, Baiebi… but of course, they have smaller profile.
Resort of Bakuriani
Location: northern slope of Trialeti range
Distance: 30 km away from Borjomi, 180 km away from Tbilisi
Sea level: 1700 m
Landscape: mountainous
Climate: middle mountain, winter cold, mean temperature in January -5,6 degrees, summer moderately warm, mean temperature in August 14 degrees centigrade
Average annual precipitation: 800 mm
Average comparative annual humidity: 77%
Duration of annual sunny light: 2000 h
Natural treatment factors: passive and active climate mountain
Types of treatment factors: application (drinking) of mineral water, passive climate therapy
Diseases for treatment: lymphadenitis, non-TB respiratory tracts chronic diseases, blood deficiency.
Popular mounting skiing and health resort of Bakuriani is situated in Borjomi gorge, on the northern slope of Trialeti range, and is surrounded by unique fir-tree and pine-tree groves and alpine meadows.
In XIX century after Borjomi mineral water had gained high reputation for its unique therapeutic properties, a lot of people from Russia were in a hurry to visit the gorge.
In 1910 on the western slope of Kokhta-Gora mount Botanical garden was founded. The purpose of setting up Botanical Garden was introduction and acclimatization of high mountain vegetation.
In the 30-ies Bakuriani already had skiing base and several children’s sanatoria. In several years two 45 and 75-meter ski-jumps were erected, cable lifts constructed, and skiing trails for professionals and amateur skiers laid.
Fascinated by location and scenery of the resort, guests called Bakuriani `Capital of Soviet skiing sport` and `Soviet Davos`.
Resort of Borjomi
Location: between slopes of Meskheti and Trialeti ranges
distance: 155 km away from Tbilisi
Sea level: 800-1000 m
Landscape: mountainous
Climate: low mountain forest area of subtropical zone, winter moderately cold, mean temperature in January -2,1 degrees, summer warm, mean temperature in August 20,1 degrees centigrade
Average annual precipitation: 653 mm
Average comparative annual humidity: 77%
Duration of annual sunny light: 1800-1900 h
Natural treatment factors: climate of low mountain, carbohydrate, hydro-carbonate, sodium mineral waters with general mineralization of 5,0-7,5 g/dm3
Types of treatment factors: passive climate therapy, mineral water application (drinking), mineral water baths gastric lavages and inhalations
Diseases for treatment: chronic gastritis, stomach and duodenium ulcer diseases, colitis and entercolitis, pancreas, diabetes mellitus.
The best known and popular Georgian resort of Borjomi is placed in the magnificent gorge, between Meskheti and Trialeti ranges. River Mtkvari which has two tributaries on the territory of the town – Borjomula and Gujaretistskali – divides Borjomi in two parts.
The major wealth of the town is mineral water in the whole word with its therapheutic properties.
In 1844 new Viceroy of the Caucasus, Mikhaeil Vorontsov, worked out a project of Borjomi development according to which Administration of mineral waters was established in the town, bath houses, hotels were built, and a new park developed. Soon Borjomi became the first-class health center which provided the same quality health services as its European counterparts. In 1894 Mikhail Romanov built water bottling shop in the mineral water park. Since 1900 mineral water has been exported to Russia and in a very short time Borjomi became very popular. In the 1980-ies sales of Borjomi mineral water reached 400 million bottles. Today its export area comprises 30 countries.
Resort of Likani
Location: Borjomi
distance: 160 km away from Tbilisi
Sea level: 1300 m
Landscape: mountainous
Climate: subtropical, winter moderately mild, snowy, mean temperature in January -2 degrees, summer very warm, mean temperature in August 16 degrees centigrade
Average annual precipitation: 800 mm
Average comparative annual humidity: 65-70%
Duration of annual sunny light: 2200 h
Natural treatment factors: climate of middle mountain, carbohydrate, hydro-carbonate, calcium-sodium mineral waters containing silicon acid with general mineralization of 3,5-4,5 g/dm3
Types of treatment factors: climate therapy, mineral water application (drinking), balneotherapy procedures (baths, showers, inhalation)
Diseases for treatment: diseases of alimentary tract system, pulmonary TB (active form).
There are three operational sections of mineral water in Borjomi: central (within boundaries of the town), Likani (on the territory of Likani) and Vashlovani-Kvibisi (on the territory of Vashlovani and Kvibisi). There are 9 operative springs in sections that are 1200-1500 m depth. Mineral water Likani is a special combination of hydro-carbonates, magnesium and calcium, and large quantities of natural carbonic acid gas providing water flowing from 1500 m depth with unmatched mild taste.
Park in Likani was laid out in the end of XIX century. Area 45 ha, forest covers 16 ha and garden – 3 ha and the rest of the space is occupied by decorative plants and support buildings. One of them is Palace of the Russian Viceroy.
Resort area of Mitarbi
Location: Borjomi gorge, bank of river Mitarbula, includes two villages (Didi and Patara Mitarbi)
Distance: 25 km away from Borjomi, 175 km away from Tbilisi
Sea level: 1300-1480 m
Landscape: mountainous
Climate: middle mountain, winter cold, snowy, mean temperature in January -2,9 degrees, summer moderately warm, dry, mean temperature in August 18 degrees centigrade
Average annual precipitation: 800 mm
Average comparative annual humidity: 77%
Duration of annual sunny light: 2050-2100 h
Natural treatment factors: climate of middle mountain, carbohydrate, calcium-sodium mineral waters with general mineralization 3,8-4,2 g/dm3
Types of treatment factors: application (drinking) of mineral water, passive climate therapy
Diseases for treatment: alimentary tract diseases, including chronic gastritis, stomach and duodenum ulcer, colitis and entercolitis.
Gujareti – gorge of river Gujarula – is a historical region in Georgia. Mitarbula is a left tributary of river Gujaretistskali. Resort of Mitarbi belonging to the Borjomi group of health resorts is located on the northern slope of Trialeti range, on the riverside, in highland village 25 km away from Borjomi, resort infrastructure is nearly none extent, but mineral water springs available there are known and popular. Mineral water has peculiar taste and therapheutic properties. Mitarbi water has been distributed to Tsagveri by water mains where it had been bottled for commerce since 1970-ies of the last century.
Resort of Abastumani
Location: slope of Trialeti range, gorge of river Uraveli
Distance: 18 km from Akhaltsikhe, 215 km from Tbilisi
Sea level: 1250 m
Landscape: mountainous
Climate: middle mountain, winter cold, mean temperature in January -4, degrees, summer moderately warm, mean temperature in August 17 degrees centigrade
Average annual precipitation: 520 mm
Average comparative annual humidity: 73%
Duration of annual sunny light: 2000 h
Natural treatment factor: climate of middle mountain and carbohydrate, hydro-carbonate, sodium-calcium-magnesium mineral waters with general mineralization 3 g/dm3, biologically active silicon acid and bivalent iron
Type of therapy: mineral water baths and application (drinking), passive climate therapy
Diseases for treatment: alimentary tract organs, musculoskeletal and peripheral nervous system diseases.
Georgia’s historical and geological region of Samtskhe, nowadays represented by Akhaltsikhe municipality, is stretching in the gorges of rivers Mtkvari and Potskhovi, in the hollow of Akhatsikhe. In the South it is bordered by the Georgian-Turkey state border.
Akhaltsikhe, a hub on the crossroads and linking roads of Kartli, Javakheti, Ajara-Imereti and Tao-Klarjeti was always distinguished by its multi-national population. Here always lived Georgians, Armenians, Greeks and Jews as next-door neighbors.
Today Akhaltsikhe retains the function of a transit hub: here merge roads coming from neighboring nations – Armenia and Turkey, Georgia’s backbone expressways – ს-8 (E691, Khashuri-Borjomi-Akhaltsikhe-Vale, last Point-Turkish border) and ს-11 (E691 Akhaltsikhe-Akhalkalaki-Ninotsminda, last point –Turkish border), freeway of internal state importance Akhaltsikhe-Batumi (შ-1) and Khashuri-Vale. Many tourist routes cross the territory of municipality. One of them follows river Uraveli gorge located in the ultimate Southern part of municipality. The gorge is noted for scores of historical monuments and mineral water springs. Here are outlets of therapeutic mineral water used for treatment of many diseases. Sub-thermal (38 degrees) mineral water spring is also available in Akhaltsikhe.
Resort of Tsemi
Location: northern slope of Trialeti range
Distance: 15 km from Borjomi, 170 km away from Tbilisi
Sea level: 1120 m
Landscape: mountainous
Climate: middle mountain, winter cold, snowy, mean temperature in January -4,5 degrees, summer moderately warm, dry, mean temperature in August 18 degrees centigrade
Average annual precipitation: 555 mm
Average comparative annual humidity: 77%
Duration of annual sunny light: 2200 h
Natural treatment factors: climate of middle mountain
Types of treatment factors: passive climate therapy
Diseases for treatment: cardiovascular system pathologies, bronchial asthma, functional and other diseases of nervous system.
Tsemi and Patara Tsemi are resorts of Borjomi group. Both are situated on the left side of river Bakurianistskali. One is 15 km away from Borjomi, another – 21 km. both settlements are health resorts of middle mountains with coniferous forests distributed around them. Therefore, the best therapeutic effect is May when pine-trees and spruce have period of florescence and a lot of plant dust is up in the air making positive impact on respiratory tract diseases.
The first health improvement corner in Tsemi – chidrens recreational sanatorium was opened in 1904. today only one, `Mziuri`, is operated but to holiday makers in Tsemi, as visitors are offered family hotels creating secluded environment and comfort.
Resort of Tsagveri
Location: northern slope of Trialeti range
Distance: 20 km from Borjomi, 170 km away from Tbilisi
Sea level: 1020-1050 m
Landscape: mountainous
Climate: middle mountain, winter cold, snowy, mean temperature in January -3,5 degrees, summer moderately warm, dry, mean temperature in August 18,3 degrees centigrade
Average annual precipitation: 585 mm
Average comparative annual humidity: 77%
Duration of annual sunny light: 2000 h
Natural treatment factors: middle mountain climate, carbohydrate, hydro-carbonate, magnesium-calcium-sodium mineral waters containing iron with general mineralization of 3,5-4,5 g/dm3
Types of treatment factors: passive and active climate therapy, mineral water application (drinking)
Diseases for treatment: diseases of respiratory and cardiovascular systems, chronic gastritis, stomach, colitis and enterocolitis, diabetes mellitus, iron deficit anemia.
Townlet of Tsagveri is situated 20 km from Borjomi in the South-Eastern direction, on the northen slope of Trialeti range, at the confluence of rivers Gujaretistskali (Gujarula) and Bakuriani. Lika highland, moderately humid clean air permeated by coniferouis aroma, and therapeutic waters either villages of the community – Daba, Timotesubani and Mzetamze – Tsagveri has the status of health resort, its natural treatment factors are as follows: transitional climate between lowland and rich with various minerals.
Tsagveri is a resort for children. In 1933 mother-and-children boarding house `khechkhobi started its operation in Daba. Sanatorium is operable even today and hosts vacationers in all four seasons around the year.
Javakheti National Park
Location: Javakheti highland
Distance: 180 km away from Tbilisi
Sea level: 1980 m
Landscape: mountainous
Climate: continental of moderate belt, winter cold, mean temperature in January -5 -10 degrees, summer cool, annual mean temperature 16 degrees centigrade
Average annual precipitation: 700-750 mm
Average comparative annual humidity: 77%
Duration of annual sunny light: 2200 h
Today’s administrative and territorial divide puts Javakheti in the region of Samtskhe-Javakheti which includes territories of Akhalkalaki, Ninotsminda, partly Aspindza and Borjomi municipalities. landscape of Javakheti highland consists of volcanic mountains and hills and slopes. In the cavities between them there are up to 80 big and small lakes. There are Georgias biggest lake Paravani (2073 m above sea level). In winter most of the lakes freeze for a long time lakes and rivers are habitat for many species: trout, chub, Khramula, common carp, Mtkvari barbell and others. It is fishing that is the main business activity of the local population.
In 2011 Javakheti National Park was founded. Its total area is 14, 200 ha. The park includes part of Akhalkalaki and Ninotsminda municipality territories and several Managed Preserved Territories. Nowadays National Park is under refurbishment.
There are numerous underground waters on the Javakheti highland. Village of Dilipi in the Ninotsminda municipality, to the west from Khanchali Lake, is famous for crystal-clear springs and among them there are several mineral water outlets.
Specialty of Samtskhe-Javakheti cuisine is Apokhti – dried and salted meat. It is often used as stuffing for Khinkali. Traditional dish is – Tatarberaki – hashed slices of dough boiled in water, which is served together with stewed onion. Also very popular is Bakmazi – mulberry honey honey an veriety of cakes – Kada. Noteworthy dish of this region is compacted cheese. Bee-farming is well developed in Samtskhe-Javakheti. Alpine hony of this region is highly appreciated. A great variety of wheat favors developing of baking industry.
Kakala, Somini, and other sorts of bread are the proof of this trend. In difference with other parts of Georgia, they eat snails in Meskheti; they start gathering them starting from December. Gozinaki is made differently in the southern Georgia. Instead of honey, here they use Bakmazi, made of mulberry.