Last Updated: 2/2/2020 | फेब्रुअरी दोस्रो, 2020
Once part of the Soviet Union, Georgia is a destination full of ancient history, spectacular landscapes, and plenty of surprises. It’s home to an award-winning red wine industry and the amazing capital of Tbilisi, which has a spectacular Old town and dynamic nightlife.
And to top it all off, the Caucasus Mountains offer amazing hiking and climbing for anybody wanting to explore the outdoors.
Georgia is worthy of all the praise it gets. It really is jam-packed with activities and attractions and is slowly starting to get on people’s radar. I loved my time there, and my only regret is that I didn’t have much more of it (but I guess that’s just a reason to go back, right?).
It may not be one of the most apparent places to travel, but if you want an eclectic destination that doesn’t have a lot of crowds and is safe, inexpensive, and filled with terrific food and drink, Georgia is it! I can’t recommend it enough.
Here’s a list of what I consider to be some of the best things to see and do in Georgia:
1. check out Tbilisi
Georgia’s capital is home to just over a million people and has started to acquire a credibility as a progressive city that provides an amazing blend of old and new.
Tbilisi is surrounded by hills, one of which is home to the ruins of Narikala Fortress, which dates back to the fourth century. Take the cable television automobile up for amazing views overlooking the city and the Mtkvari River. and the restored historic Old town is full of colorful window frames, beautiful balconies, ornate spiral staircases, and interesting alleyways to explore.
In contrast with this history, there are also lots of modern sights to see in Tbilisi, like the ultramodern bow-shaped peace Bridge and a growing number of trendy bars and restaurants. If you’re wanting to party the night away, be sure to check out Bassiani, one of the most popular nightclubs in town.
2. try a Sulfur Bath
Tbilisi is known for its sulfur baths, natural hot springs with minerals that are said to help with problems such as joint pain, arthritis, eczema, and dry skin. They have been a staple of the city because it was founded and are now a popular pastime for tourists and locals alike. (There are actually over two thousand mineral springs throughout Georgia, so you can have a medspa day outside Tbilisi as well.)
The baths underneath the Narikala Fortress are the easiest place to try this popular Georgian tradition; you can also get a conventional scrub and massage. The baths are easy to spot: they have large brick domes rising out of the ground that cover the healing waters.
Expect to pay at least 50 GEL (Georgian lari) ($17 USD) for a budget bathhouse or 100 GEL ($34 USD) for a nicer one.
3. The Chronicle of Georgia
Just outside Tbilisi, the Chronicle of Georgia is made up of 16 huge pillars and columns with carved images that illustrate the nation’s history, each of which is over 30 meters tall! Some people call this “Georgia’s Stonehenge,” but there’s nothing ancient or mystical about it — the memorial was built in 1985 by a Georgian sculptor (although it was never finished).
It’s easy to reach the Chronicle by taking the metro and then walking a short distance. In addition to seeing this unusual monument (which is free), you’ll also get a stunning view over the city and the Tbilisi Sea.
4. See Mtskheta
Mtskheta was an ancient capital of Georgia and today is known as the religious center of the country. It’s about a half-hour north of Tbilisi and is home to historic churches and stunning buildings from the middle Ages (some of them are UNESCO world Heritage sites as well). The entire city was also declared a holy City by the Georgian Orthodox Church in 2014.
One of the best things to do in Mtskheta is to go up to Jvari Monastery on the hilltop, many well-known for being where Christianity was declared the official religion in 319 CE. The monastery itself was built in the sixth century and has survived nearly unchanged because then. From here you’ll be treated to spectacular views over the town and the two rivers that meet at Mtskheta.
Also, don’t miss a check out to the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (which dates to the 11th century) and the fourth-century Samtavro Monastery.
5. eat Khachapuri
There are all kinds of conventional Georgian foods you can try, but the one that all visitors seem to leave Georgia raving about is khachapuri. It’s essentially a cheesy bread that can come with various toppings and in various shapes, in some cases looking a bit like a pizza and other times much more like a big bread roll.
Every region of Georgia has its own version, but probably the most well-known is Adjarian khachapuri. It comes in a kind of boat shape and is first filled with cheese and then topped with an egg.
Another popular food you’ll want to try is kudari, which is a large leavened bread pocket stuffed with meat(usually pork or lamb) and vegetables.
6. check out the Vadrzia Cave Monastery
The Vadrzia Cave Monastery is located near Aspindza in the south of Georgia, about four hours from Tbilisi by car. It’s one of the most well-known monasteries in the entire country. built in the 11th century, it’s a system of caves dug into the side of Erusheli Mountain. Originally, the complex included 13 levels and over 6,000 apartments. These were used to help safeguard the locals from the Mongols, who ravaged the entire region in the 12th century.
These days — after earthquake damage and raids from invaders — there are around three hundred surviving apartments and halls that can still be accessed. Additionally, the underground Church of the Dormition is still intact, which is home to murals depicting historical scenes of Georgian royalty.
7. hit the Slopes
Georgia probably isn’t your first thought for a skiing holiday. However, the country is rapidly becoming well known in Europe and Asia as a fun and affordable ski destination, and much more lifts are being added each season. It shares the highest mountain range in the region and has plenty of snow in the winter, making it a terrific place to ski. Plus, it’s a whole lot less expensive than numerous options in Europe.
At the moment there are four main ski resort areas: Gudauri, Mestia, Goderdzi, and Bakuriani. There’s even a ski school with English-speaking instructors in Gudauri, which is only a two-hour drive from Tbilisi. You can get lift passes for as little as 30 GEL ($10 USD).
8. See the Katskhi Pillar
For a particularly distinct sight, head to western Georgia’s Katskhi Pillar. This substantial limestone monolith is a natural tower that stands over 130 feet high. You can reach Katskhi in a couple of hours from Batumi or in about three and a half hours from Tbilisi.
But that’s not all — built on the top of this narrow pillar is a church complex dating back to the seventh century. until 2015, a monk actually lived up on top, but these days the monks sleep in the monastery at the bottom — and only monks are allowed to climb up the steel ladder on the side as part of their daily pilgrimage to pray in the church. The buildings were refurbished recently, and a visitor center is in the works.
9. Go Hiking or Trekking
If you like hiking or trekking, then you’re going to love Georgia. The Caucasus Mountains stretch from the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea — over 1,000km — so there are plenty of possibilities.
The many popular multi-day trek is walking from Mestia to Ushguli (4 days). There are enough villages along the route that you don’t need to camp. Not surprisingly, the scenery along the way is magnificent.
As Georgia is a hiker’s paradise, there are literally dozens of other hiking possibilities, so look around and see what kind of trek fits what you’re after. Some ideas worth considering are Omalo to Shatili (5 days), Chaukhi Pass (1-2 days), and Svaneti to Racha (a challenging 3-4 days).
10. try Georgian Wine
It’s said that Georgia has the oldest winemaking history in the world. Georgians have been making red wine for over 8,000 years, so you can bet they’re pretty good at it by now. They use qvevri (clay pots buried in the ground) to ferment grapes for a distinct taste. The climate in Georgia is ideal for winemaking, too, so it’s no wonder that Georgian red wine is starting to win awards internationally.
There are five main red wine regions in Georgia, but the largest and many went to is Kakheti in the east. Technically you can make it a day trip from Tbilisi, but it is worthy of much more than just a few hours. If you want to explore the vineyards, then pick either Sighnaghi or Telavi as a base.
11. explore the Coast
If you’re searching for some rest and relaxation, Georgia even has a beach resort region along the coast. At Batumi, located on the Black Sea, you’ll find subtropical temperatures ideal for swimming. It can get quite humid in summer too.
You can chill out at a beach resort near Batumi or explore some of the craziness this part of Georgia has to offer (it’s in some cases described as the Las vegas of the Black Sea). The region is home to some distinct architecture and a number of casinos, though it also has the huge Batumi Botanical Gardens, which boasts one of the most diverse ranges of flora you’ll see in a botanical garden anywhere.
12. check out Gergeti Trinity Church
Built in the 14th century, this church tucked away near mount Kazbek is perched practically 2,200 meters above sea level and draws crowds from all over the country. It’s one of the most picturesque spots in all of Georgia, providing spectacular views of the mountain range (which you’ve probably seen on Instagram).
While you can check out on a day trip from Tbilisi, a better idea is to head to Stepantsminda and stay there overnight. That way, you can see the church in the morning (which provides terrific light for photos) while beating the traveler crowds जुन अन्तत: राजधानीबाट आउँछ।
1 .. Gareja को 8
अजरबैजानको सिमाना नजिक अवस्थित, यो जर्जियाली ओर्थहडोक्स जटिल छ जुन छैठौं शताब्दीमा फर्कियो। यहाँ तपाईं सयौं सानो कोठा, साना चेप, चर्च, र मठौला सबैभन्दा क्वार्टरहरू चट्टानको अनुहार बाहिर कुँदिएका हुनुहुन्छ।
मठंगा र फारसीहरुबाट मठमा बग्यो तर सोभियत दिशानिर्देश अन्तर्गत बन्द भयो तर सैन्य प्रशिक्षणको लागि प्रयोग गरियो (जसले भवनहरूलाई धेरै क्षति पुर्यायो)।
आज, तपाईं Tbilisi बाट यात्रा मा एक दिन यात्रा मा जटिल जाँच गर्न सक्नुहुन्छ। यात्रा बस र बस टिकट लागत 2 25 जेल ($ 9 अमेरिकी डलर) लागत।
1 .. गोर जाँच गर्नुहोस्
गोरि यूसुफ स्टिलिन, क्रूर सोभियत नेताको गृहनगर हो। Tbilisi बाट minutes 0 मिनेट अवस्थित, शहर लोकप्रिय स्टिलिन संग्रहालय को घर छ, जसमा धेरै कलाकृतिहरू छन् जहाँ उहाँ जन्मनुभयो) र उनको जीवनको बारेमा जानकारी सहित।
यहाँ तपाईले एउटा विश्वयुद्धको विश्वयुद्धमलाई पनि, रातो सेनाका उपलब्धिहरू, साथै गोरी किल्लामा केन्द्रित पनि पाउनुहुनेछ जुन 1 the औं शताब्दीमा पुगेको छ र यस क्षेत्रको चिनाडल दृश्य प्रदान गर्दछ।
यद्यपि यो Tbilisi बाट एक दिन यात्रा को लागी पर्याप्त नजिक छ, तपाईं एक दिन वा दुई दिन को लागी एक दिन वा दुई दिन मा रहन सक्नुहुन्छ यदि तपाईं भीडबाट टाढा जान चाहनुहुन्छ भने।
1 .. Svahnti मा बाहिर निस्कनुहोस्
यो सम्पूर्ण देशमा सब भन्दा कडा क्षेत्र मध्ये एक हो। जर्जियाको उत्तरवर्ती कुनामा टाढा लैजानुहोस्, तपाईं असंख्य साना गाउँहरू र आश्चर्यजनक यात्रा यहाँ पाउनुहुनेछ। 12 औं शताब्दीमा फर्केका मितिहरू फिर्ता गर्ने क्षेत्रमा यस क्षेत्रमा धेरै युनेस्को सम्पदा साइटहरू छन्। तपाईं काकेशस पहाडहरू द्वारा पूर्ण रूपमा डुबाइने हुनुहुनेछ, जसले दुवैलाई एक सुरम्य ब्याकड्रोप र शानदार दृश्यहरू प्रदान गर्दछ।
मेस्टियामा रहनुहोस्, 2,000 भन्दा कम मानिसहरूको सानो गाउँ, खुट्टा अन्वेषण गर्न वा अटोमोबाइलमा बाहिर जानुहोस्। तपाईं पनि देशको केहि भन्दा राम्रो चीज भेट्टाउनुहुनेछ, परम्परागत विधिहरू द्वारा बनाईएको परम्परागत विधिहरू एसएएन्सीहरू (एक जातीय उपसमूह) द्वारा जीवितै राखिन्छन्। यस क्षेत्र जर्जियाको सबैभन्दा दुर्गम क्षेत्र हो – पर्यटकहरू आइपुग्नु अघि यसलाई हेर्नुहोस्।
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यो सूचीले जर्जियाले प्रस्ताव गरेको र गर्न आश्चर्यजनक चीजहरूको चिन्ता गर्दछ जब यो सूचीले सतहको चिन्ता गर्दछ। त्यहाँ दर्जनौं धेरै ऐतिहासिक साइटहरू, मठ, गुफा र टोस्टहरू छन् र पूरै हेर्नका लागि धेरै धेरै दर्शक परिदृश्यहरू अन्वेषण गर्न। (र देश एकदम सुरक्षित छ।)
Tbilisi र यसको वरपर वा यसको धेरै जसो ग्रामीण जर्जियालाई पनि खुशी पार्न केही दिनहरू छन् कि होस्, तपाईं निराश हुन सक्नुहुन्न!
तपाईंको यात्रा जर्जियामा ट्याप गर्नुहोस्: लगवादी सुझावहरू र युक्तिहरू
तपाईंको उडान किताब
कम-लागत उडान फेला पार्न स्लोबीकनर वा मोटोन्टो प्रयोग गर्नुहोस्। तिनीहरू मेरा दुई मनपर्ने खोज ईन्जिनहरू हुन् किनभने उनीहरूले विश्वभरि साइटहरू र एयरलाइन्सहरू खोजेका छन् ताकि तपाईंलाई सँधै थाहा छैन कुनै ढु stone ्गा हराएको छैन। स्किलीका साथ सुरू गर्नुहोस् जुन पहिले उनीहरूसँग सबैभन्दा महत्त्वपूर्ण पहुँच छ!
तपाईंको आवास बुक गर्नुहोस्
तपाईं आफ्नो होस्टल होस्टेलवर्ल्डको साथ बुकेट गर्न सक्नुहुनेछ किनकि उनीहरूसँग सब भन्दा महत्वपूर्ण सूची र उत्तम सौदाहरू छन्। यदि तपाईं एक होस्टेल बाहेक कतै रहन चाहनुहुन्छ भने, बुप्रदायिक र कम-लागत होटेलहरूको लागि सबैभन्दा सस्तो दरहरू निरन्तर फिर्ता लिनुहुन्छ। मेरो मनपर्ने ठाउँहरू रहनु पर्छ:
Fabrika (Tblisi)
रिभ होस्टेल (कुुटिसी)
Boutique hotel and Medusa Hostel (Batumi)
यात्रा बीमा बिर्सनुहोस्
Travel insurance will safeguard you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s extensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it numerous times in the past. मेरा मनपर्ने कम्पनीहरू जसले उत्तम सेवा र मान प्रस्ताव गर्छन्:
सुरक्षा विंग (सबैका लागि 700 भन्दा कमको लागि)
मेरो यात्रा बीमा (ती of0 भन्दा बढीको लागि)
मेडजेट (थप रेटेट्रिशन कभरेजका लागि)
पैसा बचत गर्न सबै भन्दा राम्रो कम्पनीहरूको खोजी गर्दै हुनुहुन्छ?
तपाईं यात्रा गर्न को लागी सबै भन्दा राम्रो कम्पनीहरु को लागी मेरो स्रोत पृष्ठ जाँच गर्नुहोस्। म ती सबै चीजहरू सूचीबद्ध गर्दछु जब म सडकमा छु। तिनीहरूले तपाईंलाई पैसा बचत गर्नेछन् जब तपाईं पनि यात्रा गर्नुहुन्छ।
Want much more information on Georgia?
Be sure to check out our robust destination guide on Georgia for even much more planning