3-day Kakheti hiking tour: David Gareja, Vashlovani, Lagodekhi

Three days of hiking across three national parks, ending at a waterfall you can swim in

A 3-day hiking tour from Tbilisi through Georgia's Kakheti region with two overnight stays in the hilltop town of Sighnaghi. Day one takes you to David Gareja monastery complex on the Azerbaijani border, with views of the Georgian Rainbow Mountains. Day two explores Vashlovani National Park, known for Caucasus leopards and antelope. Day three ends at Lagodekhi National Park's 20-meter waterfall, reachable by a two-hour hike, where swimming is possible depending on weather.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Hike David Gareja and visit winery

• Drive to David Gareja monastery
• Hike to Udabno monastery
• Take photos at Rainbow Mountains
• Visit Lavra monastery by 4WD
• Enjoy wine tasting and lunch
• Travel to Sighnaghi for overnight

Day 2: Explore Vashlovani National Park

• Travel to Vashlovani National Park
• Hike and observe wildlife
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Return to Sighnaghi for overnight

Day 3: Hike Lagodekhi and return

• Travel to Lagodekhi National Park
• Hike two hours to waterfall
• Swim at waterfall (weather permitting)
• Lunch after hike
• Return to Tbilisi

The experience

You leave Tbilisi heading 90 kilometers east to David Gareja, where the hike to Udabno monastery takes just under an hour and is rated fairly easy. The path climbs through the Georgian Rainbow Mountains with sweeping views across the border into Azerbaijan, and the monastery itself is a maze of carved cells built into the hillside. After the hike, the tour stops at a local winery for Georgian wine and food before moving on to Sighnaghi, a small hilltop town where you'll stay two nights in a family-owned guesthouse.

Day two stays based in Sighnaghi while exploring Vashlovani National Park, which sits on volcanic landscape and is home to rare Caucasus leopards and antelope. The park offers hikes suited to different fitness levels, so the guide can adjust the route to match your pace and experience. Day three is the final push: a two-hour hike through Lagodekhi National Park leads to a 20-meter waterfall where you can swim if weather permits. After lunch, you return directly to Tbilisi from the park, arriving in the evening.

The tour includes a live English or Russian-speaking guide throughout, and hotel pickup in Tbilisi is part of the booking. Two nights' accommodation in Sighnaghi and meals are arranged. The itinerary is built for hikers of all fitness levels, though the cumulative walking and mountain terrain mean you should be comfortable on your feet for several hours each day.

What’s included

• Live English or Russian-speaking guide.
• hotel pickup from Tbilisi.
• two nights' accommodation in a family-owned guesthouse in Sighnaghi.
• meals throughout the tour including wine tasting at a local winery.

Options for this experience

4 options

Private Gareja day excursionGuide in English or Russian · 09:00, 09:30 and 10:00Only transportation and guiding are included. Pickup is included.

Gareja day excursion including lunchGuide in English or Russian · 09:00, 09:30 and 10:00Lunch is included on this day trip, along with a short hike in the Rainbow Mountains area. Pickup is included.

Two-day tour to Vashlovani and GarejaGuide in English or Russian · 09:00, 09:30 and 10:00A guesthouse in Sighnaghi is included for one night only. Lunch is included on the first day; on the second day, lunch must be bought at a bakery or supermarket, since the park is remote. Pickup is included.

Three days and two nights, with lunch served three timesGuide in English or Russian · 09:00, 09:30 and 10:00Two nights are spent at a guesthouse in Sighnaghi, which can be upgraded to a hotel if there is demand. The tour is run by TRAVELIST GEORGIA, and pickup is included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 09:30 and 10:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (1 to 14 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by Travelist Georgia

Is this one for you?Book this if you have three days and want to base yourself in Sighnaghi while hiking three separate parks (David Gareja, Vashlovani, and a third) rather than moving accommodations each night.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Russian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (1 to 14 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is David Gareja monastery and why is the hike there worth doing?

David Gareja is a monastery complex carved into a hillside 90 kilometers from Tbilisi on the Azerbaijani border, famous for its maze-like cells and sweeping views of the Georgian Rainbow Mountains. The hike to Udabno monastery takes just under an hour and is rated fairly easy, with multiple photo stops along the way. The views and the cultural significance of the site make it a highlight of the first day.

What wildlife might I see in Vashlovani National Park?

Vashlovani National Park is known for rare Caucasus leopards and antelope, though wildlife sightings depend on timing and conditions. The park's volcanic landscape and various hiking routes at different difficulty levels make it worth a full day of exploration regardless of what animals you encounter.

Can I actually swim at the Lagodekhi waterfall?

The 20-meter waterfall at Lagodekhi National Park does allow swimming, but only if weather conditions permit. The two-hour hike to reach it is the final day's main activity, and you'll have time to rest and eat lunch before the return drive to Tbilisi.

How much hiking is involved each day, and how fit do I need to be?

Day one includes a one-hour hike rated fairly easy; day two offers various routes through Vashlovani suited to different fitness levels; day three is a two-hour hike to the waterfall. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, though you should be comfortable walking uphill and on uneven terrain for several hours across the three days.

Where do I stay, and what meals are included?

You stay two nights in a family-owned guesthouse in Sighnaghi, a small town perched on a hilltop. Meals are arranged as part of the tour, including lunch at a local winery on day one and meals on the other days. The exact menu depends on the operator's current offerings.