[2025 Gogasheni Attraction] Travel Guide for Vardzia (Updated Jul)

#summervacay Okay, Vardzia is seriously next level. It’s an ancient monastery literally carved into the side of a cliff, and it goes deep. I’m talking hidden rooms, long tunnels, stairs everywhere, and even a functioning church inside the rock! Like, who even thought to build this into a mountain back in the 1100s?! Exploring it feels like a real-life adventure. One second you’re squeezing through narrow cave hallways, and the next you’re standing on an open balcony staring out over a peaceful green valley. Super surreal. The church has these beautiful old frescoes too, really impressive stuff considering how old they are. It’s kind of a workout with all the steps and uneven paths, but it’s totally worth it. Wear comfy shoes, trust me. And bring water if it's hot. It’s quiet, peaceful, and a little mysterious... like you’re discovering a secret world. Vardzia doesn’t get as much hype as it should, but it’s 100% one of the coolest places I’ve ever explored.

Georgia, this country in the South Caucasus region, is truly a hidden treasure! With its majestic mountains, ancient churches, and hospitable people, it's guaranteed to leave you enchanted. 🏞️ Must-Visit Attractions: 1. Kazbegi: Towering snow-capped mountains and vast grasslands make you feel like you're in a painting. 2. Tbilisi: The sulfur baths in the old town and modern architecture in the new district blend the past and present. 3. Mtskheta: Georgia's religious heart, home to ancient churches with rich history. 4. Batumi: A Black Sea resort with Ferris wheels, beaches, and unique architecture. 5. Kutaisi: Georgia's second-largest city, featuring ancient cave cities and modern museums. 6. Svaneti: A UNESCO World Heritage site with medieval defensive towers and stunning mountain views. 7. Uplistsikhe: A mysterious and spectacular rock-carved ancient city. 8. Vardzia: A cave monastery hidden in the valley, steeped in history. 🍲 Food Recommendations: • Khachapuri: Georgia's national dish, a cheesy bread with epic cheese pulls! • Khinkali: Juicy dumplings with thin wrappers and flavorful fillings. • Mtsvadi: Succulent and juicy grilled meat skewers. • Georgian Wine: World-renowned for its rich and smooth taste. 🚗 Transportation: Public transport in Georgia is fairly convenient, with trains and buses connecting major cities. Self-driving is popular, but be mindful of road conditions and driving rules. 🏨 Accommodation: From Tbilisi to Batumi, there are hotels and guesthouses for every budget. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons. 💡 Tips: • Georgian is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. • The local currency is the Lari; it's handy to exchange cash beforehand. • Try the local mineral water—Georgia is famous for it. • When visiting churches, dress modestly to respect local religious customs.

#summerbudgettrip #georgia #vardzia Vardzia is one of the highlights of Georgia. Unique ancient town carved in a mountain! The place absolutely deserves to be visited, and while entrance fee is just 15 lari (5.5 USD) the main expense is the transport to/from Vardzia. The nearest town is Akhaltsikhe and it is easily accessible by bus, “marshrutka” (small shared minivan) or train. But then it is an over an hour drive from Akhaltsikhe to Vardzia. The easiest way is to come by your own car, the rental start from about 35 USD per day. The second most popular option is to go by taxi, but they ask for about 80-100 lari to take you there, wait for two hours, and bring you back. It could be haggled down to 60 if you good at bargaining but still it may be expensive for solo budget travelers. So I’m gonna tell you about the third option to get to Vardzia from Alkhatsikhe - by public transportation. You must catch a 10.30 am marshrutka at the bus terminal. It takes about an hour and a half to get to Vardzia (marshrutka will stop right at the parking lot by the ticket office). And then there is a marshrutka back to Alkatsikhe at 3 PM. Marshrutka costs 8 lari one way, and you can either buy your ticket at the ticket office at the bus terminal or pay directly to the driver. So, you will have about three hours to explore the ancient city of Vardzia. Honestly on average two hours is more than enough, so you are totally good on time!

【National Day】: May 26, 1918 【Capital】: Tbilisi 【Major Cities】: Batumi, Kutaisi, Poti, Rustavi, etc. 【Continent】: Geographically located in Asia (South Caucasus region), politically considered part of Europe 【Population】: 3.9 million 【Language】: Georgian 【Area】: 69,700 square kilometers 【Religion】: Eastern Orthodox Christianity 【Government】: Parliamentary republic 【GDP per capita】: $5,024 【Currency】: Lari (GEL) 【Exchange Rate】: 1 CNY = 0.3646 GEL 【Visa】: E-visa available; visa-free entry with valid US/Canada visas, etc. 【Airlines】: China Southern Airlines, etc. 【Attractions】: Tbilisi Old Town, Kazbegi in the Caucasus Mountains, Batumi by the Black Sea, Vardzia Cave City, Kakheti wine region, etc. 【Cuisine】: Churchkhela (caramelized walnut strings), Khinkali (Georgian dumplings), Badrijani Nigvzit (eggplant with walnut paste), Mtsvadi (grilled meat skewers), etc. Shared from "Brother Xi's Geography Class"

Recommended reading: This is a multi-country tour guide to Georgia and other countries, specially designed for seniors. On this journey of discovery, a fully equipped off-road vehicle will take you to the top of snow-capped mountains, where you can witness the beauty of the Holy Trinity Church standing on the mountaintop. You can also embark on a city walk to savor the local culture and enjoy a bird's-eye view of the ancient capital and the spectacular scenery of the confluence of two rivers. Don't forget to savor the rich Georgian wine and enjoy the original aftertaste of Borjomi mineral water. Spend a wonderful time in the town of love! -- Hi, travel enthusiasts 🙋‍♀️, welcome to the magnificent Caucasus region. Georgia 🇬🇪 is located in southern Russia and is praised as the balcony of Europe. Its unique historical background has shaped its charming regional customs 😍. The many countries connected to it, such as the rich Armenia 🇦🇲, and the popular Türkiye 🇹🇷, together form a dazzling travel necklace 🌏. Come on this multi-country tour and experience this ever-changing and diverse land! -- Itinerary: 🌍🌍🌍 DAY 1: Various locations -> Tbilisi 💖Every step is beautiful, our Georgian journey starts now. Head to charming Tbilisi and enjoy 4-diamond hotel treatment~ DAY 2: Bodbe Monastery -> Sighnaghi City Walls -> Sighnaghi Museum 🍁The tranquility of the monastery, the calmness of the ancient walls, and the richness of the museum, this day we will slowly set off in the baptism of history. DAY 3: Jinvali Water Reservoir -> Ananuri Fortress -> Aragvi River -> Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument -> Gergeti Trinity Church 💦The scenery of the reservoir, the flow of the river, and the reflection of the Holy Trinity Church, this day we are in a picturesque landscape. DAY 4: Jvari Monastery -> Svetitskhoveli Cathedral -> Stalin Museum -> Uplistsikhe Cave Town 🏛️After the mystery of the monastery and the solemnity of the cathedral, there is the shock of the Stalin Museum and the wonder of the cave town. DAY 5: Martvili Canyon -> Prometheus Cave 🏞️The tranquility and grandeur of nature, this day we spend in the magnificent canyon and mysterious cave. DAY 6: Lake Sevan -> Sevanavank Monastery -> Mother Armenia -> Yerevan Cascade 🍂The breeze by the lake, the peace of the monastery, the majesty of Mother Armenia, and the beauty of the Yerevan Cascade, this day we search for stories in the collision of ancient and modern. DAY 7: Borjomi Central Park -> Rabati Castle -> Vardzia 🌹The romance of the park, the magnificence of the castle, and a stroll through Vardzia to harmonize this day. DAY 8: Tbilisi -> Various locations ✈️Our journey is over, full of emotion and fun. Take your memories with you and head home. Goodbye, lovely Tbilisi. -- 📱Travel preparations: Essential checklist for a multi-country tour of Georgia and other countries 🌐Firstly, because you are on a multi-country tour of Georgia and other countries, mobile communication is essential. So, credit cards, international roaming phone cards, or local prepaid cards should be carried with you. Staying connected is very important. 🔌Secondly, don't forget to bring a universal plug adapter and phone charger. Sockets in Georgia and other countries may be different from those in your country, so this is very important. 📜Next, you need to bring all necessary documents, such as your passport, ID card, and visa. A visa is required for multi-country tours of Georgia and other countries, so this cannot be ignored. 🧥Next is the choice of clothing. Considering the weather in March, it is recommended to prepare some spring clothes and light jackets. Because the weather in Georgia can suddenly turn cold, a windbreaker is also essential. 👟Finally, don't forget to bring a pair of comfortable shoes. You may be walking a lot during your trip, so choosing the right shoes will make your trip more enjoyable. -- I hope my guide can be helpful to you. If you like it, don't forget to save and like it. See you on your next trip~❤

Explore the three Caucasus countries and enjoy the beauty of nature on a 13-day tour of mountains and rivers! Follow this amazing itinerary and experience a unique journey! -------- The three Caucasus countries 🌍, located north of Iran and nestled between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, are known as God's forgotten back garden 🌷. Here, you'll find ancient historical sites 🏛️ and magnificent natural scenery 🏞️. -------- 📅Itinerary: Day 1: Depart from Urumqi and fly to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, to begin your journey through the three Caucasus countries. Days 2-4: Visit Lake Sevan and experience the scenery of Armenia; travel to Vardzia and Akhaltsikhe, circle the Lesser Caucasus Mountains, and explore ancient ruins. Days 5-7: Continue your journey to Batumi on the Black Sea coast, then cross the northern plateau to Mestia; explore the Greater Caucasus Mountains, visit Ushguli, and take a boat trip through the Martvili Canyon to admire the beautiful scenery of Kutaisi. Days 8-9: Travel to Gori, trace the birthplace of Stalin, visit the Kazbegi Holy Land, experience the magnificent mountains and rivers, and return to Tbilisi. Day 10: Depart from Tbilisi and explore the local wines and cuisine of the Kakheti region. Days 11-12: Stroll through the city of Tbilisi and experience the charm of its thousand-year history; then travel to Baku, uncover the mystery of the Land of Fire, and finally return to Urumqi. Day 13: End your journey and depart from Urumqi for home.🌟 -------- Recommended attractions: Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📍Address: MRX8+3H8, Tbilisi, Georgia ⏰Opening hours: 7am–9pm 🕰️Duration: 1–2 hrs The pure gold dome sparkles in the sun. Standing in front of the cathedral, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery. Ananuri Fortress ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📍Address: 5P73+G5H, Ananuri, Georgia ⏰Opening hours: 9am–8pm 🕰️Duration: 2–3 hrs This is a Georgian landmark. The fortress stands quietly by the lake, telling the vicissitudes of history. Gergeti Trinity Church ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📍Address: MJ6C+V4J, Kazbegi, Oni, Georgia ⏰Opening hours: Friday 9am–10pm; Monday–Thursday, Saturday–Sunday 9am–5pm 🕰️Duration: 2–3 hrs The church is nestled in the mountains, looking magnificent. From the top of the church, you can enjoy the scenery of the entire town. Narikala Fortress ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📍Address: Tbilisi, Georgia ⏰Opening hours: 8am–8pm 🕰️Duration: 1–2 hrs This fortress has witnessed the historical changes of Tbilisi and is a strong line of defense for the city. -------- Travel tips: - Souvenir prices 🛍️: Handmade necklaces, dark chocolate, and various wines are all specialties of the three Caucasus countries. They are reasonably priced and suitable as souvenirs. - March weather 🌦️: In March in the Caucasus, the city is warm and comfortable during the day, but it can be a bit chilly in the mountains and at night, so remember to bring a warm jacket! - Visa information 📇: Don't forget to apply for visas for the three Caucasus countries before departure, and prepare the relevant materials to ensure smooth entry. - Travel notes 🧳: Respect local customs, avoid displaying valuables in public, and remember to taste the local cuisine and experience the exotic atmosphere! -------- Don't forget to leave your footprints and stories on your journey to explore the three Caucasus countries. See you next time!

Darlings, how do you have fun in the Caucasus Three Kingdoms? This 12-day travel guide will take you to Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia! Super practical guide, take a quick look! / The three Caucasus countries are hidden to the north of Iran, between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. This place has a profound historical heritage and unique regional style. It has 🏔️ snow-capped mountains, 🏰 ancient castles and 🏛️ ancient churches. It is known as the back garden forgotten by God. / 🛣️Route suggestions DAY1-DAY2: Depart from and arrive in Urumqi, and transfer to Baku, Azerbaijan. Visit the Flame Towers, the Seaside Boulevard and other places to experience the historical and cultural charm of Baku. DAY3-DAY4: Depart from Baku, visit the ancient sites of Shamakhi and Sheki, and then go to Tbilisi, tasting wine, visiting monasteries and the town of Love on the way. DAY5-DAY6: Explore Stonehenge and the Cathedral in Tbilisi, then head to Gudauri, Gori, Kutaisi, and visit the Stalin Museum, Uplis Rock City, etc. DAY7-DAY8: Head to Batumi to admire the cathedral, statues and seaside views, then head to Akhaltsikhe to explore the Vardzia ruins and mineral water park. DAY9: From Akhaltsikhe to Yerevan, visit cathedrals, museums and archaeological sites to experience the history of Armenia. DAY10: Depart from Yerevan, travel around Lake Sevan, visit several monasteries and temples, and appreciate the natural and religious scenery of Armenia. DAY11: Return to Tbilisi, visit the cathedral, underground printing house, take the old town cable car and overlook the panoramic view of the city. DAY12: Depart from Urumqi and return home, ending this unforgettable journey to the three Caucasus countries. 🛫 / Travel tips: 🛫 Airport transportation: Check the transportation options between the three countries in advance. Buses or trains are more economical. 💶 Currency exchange rate: Armenian Dram is about 54:1 RMB, Georgian Lari is about 1:2.7, remember to convert in advance! 🍽️ Food check-in: Caucasian pizza, chickpea dumplings, and Azerbaijan's Lavanji, don't miss it! 📌 Visa information: The three Caucasus countries need to apply for visas in advance, prepare relevant materials, and travel easily~ / Every step of the journey to the three Caucasus countries is a beautiful sight. Don’t forget to use your camera to capture these rare and beautiful moments! 🌟

|City Walks. Hello! Here's a carefully curated 13-day travel guide to the Caucasus! It contains all the travel tips you need to know, so check it out! -------- 🎉🌍Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in Tbilisi and start your charming journey. Day 2-Day 3: Visit Khareba Winery🥂, Sighnaghi City Wall, and Bodbe Monastery. Experience the Cathedral of the Living Pillar, Jvari Monastery, and the Georgian Military Road. Admire the Aragvi River Reservoir and Ananuri Fortress. Enjoy the Kazbek Mountains⛰️ and Stepantsminda from a jeep. Visit the Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument🪦 and more. Day 4-Day 5: Visit Stalin's House and Stalin Museum to experience history. Stroll through Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastery. Enjoy the waves of the Black Sea🌊, a heartwarming afternoon tea at Ali and Nino💯, and the local customs. Day 6-Day 7: Visit the Mineral Water Park, Rabati Castle, and Vardzia to enjoy the beauty of history. Enjoy the natural scenery and cultural atmosphere of Sevanavank and Yerevan. Day 8-Day 9: Visit Garni Temple, experience farm life, taste the wine of Ararat Winery🍷, and immerse yourself in the history of the Armenian Genocide Museum. Stroll along the pedestrian street🌲, rest at the Cascade, and enjoy a cultural and artistic performance of ballet👣. Day 10-Day 13: Visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral📸, Old Town, Bridge of Peace, and Mother of Georgia💗 to learn about history. Admire the beauty of the Chronicle of Georgia🪦. Stroll between the Maiden Tower and Palace of the Shirvanshahs in Baku. Visit Highland Park, look west to the Flame Towers🔥, and admire the Heydar Aliyev Center and Ateshgah. Return to Urumqi and end your wonderful journey to the Caucasus. -------- Some tips: 1. Food🍴: Don't miss the local delicacies of the three countries: Georgian cheese bread, Armenian barbecue, and Azerbaijani plov. They have unique flavors and are worth a try. 2. Visa information📝: Chinese citizens need a visa to visit the Caucasus, so remember to prepare before departure. 3. Airport transportation🚕: You can take public transportation or a taxi from the airport to the city. If you have a lot of luggage, a taxi is more convenient. 4. January weather☃️: January is winter, and the temperature in the Caucasus is about -6°C to 6°C. Remember to bring warm clothes and rain and snow protection. -------- That's it. The beautiful journey to the Caucasus is really unforgettable! 😊 I hope my sharing is helpful to you~😉

I came to Akhaltsikhe just for Vardzia. ❤ Recommended reason: Vardzia is located 60 km southeast of Akhaltsikhe, on the left bank of the upper Kura River, on the eastern slope of a small mountain, and is a group of man-made caves. 👍 Most recommended: In the 12th century, King George III of Georgia built a castle here, and soon the greatest Queen Tamar of Georgia built a large monastery. Since then, it has become a religious center. After several wars, in 1551, the Georgian army was defeated by the Persians, and the Persian army looted and destroyed the place, leading to its decline. However, the cave churches, rooms, tunnels, and other relics are still there, and a number of exquisite murals have been preserved. 🌟 Highlights: Especially the images of George III and Queen Tamar. However, because of tomorrow's parliamentary election, today is a day off, and the scenic area is not open, so I can only look at the ruins from the foot of the mountain. The caves on the whole mountain show the grandeur of the ruins.

Just returned from an amazing visit to the Vardzia Stone City in Georgia, and it was absolutely fascinating! 🏞️ The entrance fee was about 15 GEL (around $5 USD), which is quite affordable for the incredible experience. Carved into the cliffs of the Erusheti Mountain, this ancient cave monastery complex is a marvel of medieval engineering. Exploring the winding tunnels and hidden rooms was like stepping back in time. The main highlight was the Church of the Dormition with its beautiful frescoes. The panoramic views of the Mtkvari River valley from the cave openings were breathtaking. 🌄 Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as there’s quite a bit of climbing and uneven ground. Nearby, the town of Aspindza offers a glimpse of local life and some nice spots to grab a bite. You can also visit the Khertvisi Fortress, which is just a short drive away and adds to the historical adventure. If you have time, the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park is perfect for hiking and enjoying Georgia’s natural beauty. Vardzia is a must-see for history enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike! #Vardzia #Georgia #AncientHistory #TravelAdventure 🏞️🇬🇪

Vardzia is both enchanting and shocking. The original Vardzia was almost completely hidden within the rocks, a cave city connected by internal passages. A strong earthquake in the 13th century caused the mountain to fracture, and the external rock layer fell off, so the Vardzia we see now appears to be carved along the mountain. ✏ The tour of Vardzia is a one-way route, and my own favorite part is walking out of the tunnel behind the monastery to reach a higher level of the mountain, where the sudden expanse of the view brings a strong visual impact. The monastery is the most important part to visit, inside there are murals depicting Queen Tamar, who is also featured on the Georgian fifty lari banknote. 💰 The entrance fee is 15 lari, and the shuttle minibus is 2 lari (a short serpentine mountain road, it's fine to walk if you're not in a hurry) 🚗 Transportation, there are minibuses to and from Vardzia from Akhaltsikhe. I took the one that left at 12 o'clock and arrived at the scenic area at 1:30 pm, with the last bus back at 3 pm. The one-way fare is 8 lari.

Vardzia is a cave monastery site in southern Georgia, excavated from the slopes of the Erusheti Mountain. The main period of construction was the second half of the twelfth century. The caves stretch along the cliff for some five hundred meters and in up to nineteen tiers. The monastery was an important cultural center, a place of significant literary and artistic work. There’s five monks still live in this monastery. We managed to encountered one of the monk during our visit there. #cave #georgia #monastery