Vashlovani Protected Areas is located in the extreme eastern part of the Dedoflistskaro district. It includes Vashlovani Nature Reserve, National Park and 3 Natural Monuments – Eagle Gorge, Takhti-Tepa Mud Volcanoes and Kaklisyure Alazani floodplain forest. Its area includes Pantishara-Vashlovani massive, whose height is up to 300-600 meters above sea level. The name Vashlovani is derived from the natural similarity and disposition of pistachio and apple trees that leaves the association of the fruit garden. It total area amounts to 35053,7 ha.

Administrative and visitors center of the national park is located in Dedoplistskaro. Exhibition and presentation hall is designed in administrative building, where visitors have the opportunity to become familiar with the specifics of protected areas, existing tariffs, safety rules and choose the desired travel route.

Vashlovani Protected Areas tourist trail network gives the possibility of hiking for one or several days. Paths are marked and well-arranged. Bungalows, picnic spots and camping sites are arranged along the routes. Sites for setting up a fire are also allocated. National park offers hiking, geological, biking, photo, cultural and educational tours.

Please note that it is necessary to check-in in Visitors center before visiting the national park. Please have an identity card with you.

How to get to protected areas?

Distance:

• From Tbilisi to Dedoplistskaro - 130km (2 hr by car)

Travel by public transport:

• Minibus from Ortachala station leaves every day, every hour (7 Gel, 2 hr)
• Minibus from metro Isani territory leaves everyday (8 Gel, 1 hr and 30 min)

Contact person:

Merab Pirosmanishvili, Director of Vashlovani Protected Areas Administration 
Tel.: 577 10 18 50; E-mail: mpirosmanishvili@apa.gov.ge

Khatuna Kokuashvili, Visitor Service specialist
Tel.: 577 10 18 49; E-mail: khatunakokuashvili@yahoo.com

Lika Kalmakhelidze, Ecotourism Specialist, Head office
Tel.: 577 90 72 72, E-mail: info@apa.gov.ge

There are 7 tourist trails at Vashlovani National Park.

1. Artsivi (Eagle) Canyon

/ 7-8 km 1 day, automobile – integrated with pedestrian, average difficulty /

The trail starts at the entrance of of Artsivi (Eagle) Canyon. At first visitors will receive interesting information on protected areas. From here the trail alongside limestone cliffs and reaches the basis of the rocks where it is possible to see the rare endemic plant species Campanula Kakhetica. Visitors are amazed by the lush green white flower that grows on the limestone cliff without any soil, having chosen such a harsh habitat. Afterwards the trail runs toward the viewpoints on the western slopes of the gorge, from where you can enjoy watching flying griffon vultures against the backdrop of hanging cliffs. It is also possible to come across 9 other species of birds of prey in the gorge. Besides birds of prey, it is possible to find other bird species that are of significant beauty, such as: common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) and black stork.

It is possible to visit the remains of medieval city-fortress of Khornabuji. In order to reach Khornabuji, you must pass through the narrow forest road, which during summer resembles a natural tunnel. At a certain point the “tunnel” suddenly widens and your attention is drawn toward the 5th century fortress almost grown on the steep cliff. You can park your car on the flat area right below the fortress. Here starts the pedestrian route toward the fortress. From the fortress you can get a fine view of Alazani Valley and eastern Caucasus Mountains. Visitors can have food at the picnic area set up below the fortress and then take cars toward St. Elias Mountain. The pedestrian route starts while climbing the mountain which leads toward the St. Elias Church, built of limestone at an altitude of 45 meters above sea level, on a limestone cliff itself. Presumably the church was built in 6th century, however it was supposedly destroyed in the beginning of 20th Century and its restoration was completed in 2008. To the east from the church you can see Lake Kochebi and Shiraki valley, while to the south you can see Taribana Valley and Kotsakhura mountain range.