Rainbow Mountains & David Gareja Tour : Georgia’s Semi-Desert

5.0 (5 reviews) 6 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

5 reviews

5.0

Rainbow Mountains & David Gareja Tour : Georgia’s Semi-Desert — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Rainbow Mountains & David Gareja Tour : Georgia’s Semi-Desert, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

This Private tour offers a completely different side of Georgia — colorful Rainbow Mountains, ancient cave monasteries, semi-desert landscapes, and hidden scenic spots far from the usual tourist routes. Along the journey, travelers can enjoy photo stops at the beautiful salty Kapatadze Lake, explore the historic Davit Gareja Monastery Complex carved into the rock, and experience light hiking with breathtaking panoramic views.

Unlike standard sightseeing tours, this experience combines nature, history, adventure, and authentic local atmosphere in one unforgettable day trip from Tbilisi.

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At a glance

Duration: 6 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: BB Georgia Travel

Ages: Children (0–10 years) · Adults (11–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Transportation service
Included: In-person guide is licensed or certified
Included: Fuel surcharge

Not included

Not included: Food and drinks

Itinerary

Tbilisi

30 min

After pickup from Tbilisi, our first short stop will be just outside the city near a local market area. Here you can take a quick break and, if you wish, buy snacks, water, or coffee for the road.

Please note that lunch is available at a local restaurant in Udabno village. If you wish, you can enjoy a lunch stop there during the tour.
Stop 2

30 min

At Kapatadze Lake - we will make a short stop to admire this unique salty lake located in the semi-desert landscape on the way to Davit Gareja.

Here, you will have time to take photos, enjoy the peaceful open views, and see how the lake changes its appearance depending on the season.

It’s a quick but very scenic stop, perfect for capturing the contrast between the colorful hills, wide landscapes, and the unusual salt lake environment.
Udabno

Passing by

We will also pass through Udabno, a small village located in Georgia’s unique semi-desert region. The name “Udabno” means “Desert” in the Georgian language, which perfectly reflects the surrounding dry and open landscapes. It is a quiet, remote settlement that offers a glimpse into life in one of the most unusual and scenic parts of the country.
David Gareja Monastery

2 hours

At Davit Gareja Monastery Complex, we will first visit David Lavra, the main part of the ancient monastery complex carved into the rock. Here, you will have time to explore the historic surroundings, learn about the monastery’s spiritual importance, and enjoy the unique semi-desert atmosphere.

After visiting the monastery, we will continue with a light uphill hike to David’s holy water viewpoint, where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views overlooking the monastery complex and surrounding landscapes.

Following the hike, you will also have the opportunity to walk toward the colorful Rainbow Mountains located across from the monastery. Here, you can enjoy more light hiking between the vibrant hills and take memorable photos of one of Georgia’s most unique natural landscapes.