Megalithic Shaori Fortress (2-days tour)

Programm:

Two-Day Adventure in Southern Georgia

Dashbashi Canyon, Lake Paravani, Foka Monastery & Shaori Megalithic Fortress
Explore Canyons, Ancient Monasteries, Mystical Lakes & Megalithic Wonders

Discover the wild and fascinating landscapes of Southern Georgia on this unforgettable two-day adventure.

This journey takes you far beyond the usual tourist routes - from the spectacular cliffs of Dashbashi Canyon and the peaceful shores of Lake Paravani to the remote Foka Monastery and the mysterious Bronze Age Shaori Megalithic Fortress high in the mountains.

Experience Georgia through dramatic volcanic landscapes, ancient trails, traditional fishing, local hospitality, and breathtaking mountain scenery.

DAY 1
Dashbashi Canyon & Lake Paravani
09:00 - Departure from Tbilisi

Our adventure begins with an early morning departure from Tbilisi.

Settle in, enjoy a coffee and a light snack along the way, and watch the landscape change as we leave the city behind and travel toward the spectacular Tsalka Plateau.

As we climb into the highlands, the scenery becomes increasingly wild and dramatic, preparing us for two days of exploration in one of Georgia’s most remote regions.

09:00-11:00 - Drive to Dashbashi Canyon

Travel through the scenic landscapes of the Tsalka Plateau to Dashbashi Canyon, one of Georgia’s most impressive natural landmarks.

Located near Tsalka in the Kvemo Kartli region, the canyon was carved by the Khrami River and is surrounded by spectacular basalt cliffs, lush vegetation, and cascading waterfalls.

One of the highlights is the impressive 240-meter-long glass suspension bridge, stretching high above the canyon. A café located at the center of the bridge offers spectacular panoramic views over the canyon and the turquoise waters below.

Take your time to explore the area, enjoy the scenery, and capture unforgettable photographs from one of Georgia’s most spectacular viewpoints.

14:00 - Hotel Check-in

Continue toward Lake Paravani and check in at Family Corner Guest House.

Take some time to settle into your accommodation and relax after the journey.

14:00-15:00 - Lunch

Enjoy a delicious lunch at the guest house featuring local flavors and traditional hospitality.

After lunch, take a short break before continuing the afternoon adventure.

15:00-17:00 - Visit Foka Monastery

Travel to the remote village of Foka, situated on the shores of magnificent Lake Paravani.

Visit Foka Monastery, an Orthodox convent with roots dating back to the 8th–9th centuries and revived in 1992.

The monastery is surrounded by peaceful highland landscapes and offers a unique opportunity to experience the spiritual and cultural heritage of this remote part of Georgia.

Foka is also known for its artisanal traditions and handmade products. Enjoy the serene atmosphere, explore the monastery surroundings, and take in the beautiful views over Lake Paravani.

17:00-19:00 - Fishing on Lake Paravani 

Spend the evening beside Lake Paravani, the largest lake in Georgia.

Try your hand at traditional local fishing techniques and look for trout, carp, or whitefish. Local fishermen commonly use simple bait such as worms or dough mixed with dill, particularly near the mouth of a stream.

This is more than just fishing - it is an opportunity to slow down, enjoy the silence of the highlands, and experience the peaceful rhythm of life around one of Georgia’s most beautiful mountain lakes.

If you're lucky, you may witness the lake's famous “mirror calm” - a magical moment when the surface becomes almost perfectly still and crystal clear.

19:00 - Return to the Hotel

Return to the guest house and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Rest and prepare for the next day's mountain adventure to the ancient Shaori Fortress.

DAY 2
Ancient Trails & Shaori Megalithic Fortress
10:00-14:00 - Hike to Shaori Fortress

After breakfast, travel to the remote mountain village of Tambovka, where the second day of our adventure begins.

Leave the roads behind and follow old shepherd trails leading into the highlands. The route passes mountain streams, open pastures, volcanic terrain, and remote landscapes untouched by mass tourism.

As you gradually ascend, spectacular panoramic views begin to appear.

Look back toward Lake Paravani, admire the dramatic peaks of the Abul-Samsari Range, and take in the vast volcanic landscapes stretching across the Javakheti Plateau.

The higher you climb, the more remote and dramatic the scenery becomes.

At an altitude of approximately 2,752 meters, reach the mysterious Shaori Megalithic Fortress.

Shaori Megalithic Fortress

Hidden high in the mountains, Shaori is an ancient Bronze Age cyclopean site constructed from enormous basalt blocks.

Sometimes referred to as “Georgia’s Stonehenge,” the site remains one of the most intriguing and mysterious archaeological landmarks in the region.

The exact purpose of the fortress is still debated. Researchers have suggested that the complex may have had defensive, religious, ceremonial, or astronomical functions.

Explore the ancient stone structures, walk among the massive basalt blocks, and experience the extraordinary atmosphere of a place that has stood here for thousands of years.

Surrounded by mountains and vast open landscapes, Shaori offers a rare combination of ancient history and untouched nature.

14:30-15:30 - Picnic Lunch at the Summit

After exploring the fortress, enjoy a well-deserved picnic lunch surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery.

Relax on the sun-warmed volcanic rocks and enjoy freshly prepared food, sweets, tea, and coffee.

Take some time to simply enjoy the silence, fresh mountain air, and breathtaking views across the highlands.

This is the perfect moment to pause and appreciate how far you've traveled - both geographically and back in time.

16:45-18:00 - Descent to the Trailhead

Begin the descent back toward the village, following the mountain trail through open pastures and rugged highland landscapes.

Along the way, you may see grazing sheep, colorful mountain wildflowers, and birds of prey such as eagles or falcons soaring above the valleys.

The descent offers a different perspective of the landscape, with wide panoramic views opening up as you gradually lose altitude.

18:00-18:30 - Rest & Refresh

Arrive at the foot of the trail and take a short break before the journey back to Tbilisi.

Refresh yourself with natural mountain spring water, enjoy a coffee, and change into comfortable clothes after the hike.

19:00-19:30 - Departure for Tbilisi

After a short rest, begin the drive back to Tbilisi.

Relax and enjoy the changing scenery as we leave the remote highlands behind.

22:00-23:00 - Arrival in Tbilisi

Arrive back in Tbilisi after two unforgettable days exploring the wild and sacred landscapes of Southern Georgia.

Take home memories of dramatic canyons, peaceful monasteries, mountain lakes, ancient megaliths, volcanic landscapes, and authentic Georgian hospitality.

 

What to Bring

For a comfortable and safe experience, we recommend bringing:

• Trekking or hiking shoes with good grip
• Windbreaker and warm fleece - mountain weather can be cool and windy even in summer
• Comfortable outdoor clothing
• Hat or Panama hat
• Buff or neck gaiter
• Sunscreen
• Gloves (optional)
• 1.5–2 liters of drinking water
• Small backpack for personal belongings
• Sunglasses
• Personal medication, if required

 

Tour Highlights

• Dashbashi Canyon

• 240-meter glass suspension bridge

• Tsalka Plateau

• Lake Paravani

• Foka Monastery

• Traditional fishing experience

• Remote mountain landscapes

• Hiking through ancient shepherd trails

• Shaori Megalithic Fortress

• Bronze Age cyclopean architecture

• Panoramic views of the Abul-Samsari Range

• High-altitude picnic

• Authentic rural Georgia

• Two days of nature, history, culture, and adventure

 

Important Information

This is an adventure tour to a remote highland region of Georgia. The second day includes several hours of hiking at high altitude and requires a reasonable level of physical fitness.

Mountain weather can change quickly, even during summer. Temperatures at an altitude of around 2,752 meters can be significantly lower than in Tbilisi, and strong winds or sudden weather changes are possible.

The itinerary may be adjusted depending on weather conditions, road accessibility, trail conditions, and other circumstances affecting the safety of the group.

The fishing experience is subject to weather and natural conditions, and catching fish cannot be guaranteed.

Tour Details

Duration: 2 days / 1 night
Departure: Tbilisi
Return: Tbilisi
Region: Southern Georgia / Javakheti
Main Activities: Sightseeing, hiking, monastery visit, fishing, archaeology, nature exploration
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Maximum Altitude: Approximately 2,752 m
Accommodation: Family Corner Guest House
Best Season: Late spring, summer and early autumn, depending on weather and trail conditions

Experience the Wild Side of Georgia

Leave the busy streets of Tbilisi behind and venture into a side of Georgia few travelers ever see.

Walk across a spectacular canyon, discover a centuries-old monastery, fish beside a remote volcanic lake, hike ancient mountain trails, and stand among enormous stones at a mysterious Bronze Age fortress.

Two days. One unforgettable journey. Southern Georgia awaits.

Price includes:

• Transportation throughout the 2-day tour (Tbilisi - Dashbashi - Lake Paravani - Shaori - Tbilisi)

•  1 night hotel accommodation in a double room (near Lake Paravani or Dashbashi area)

•  Professional guide support for all locations, hikes, and cultural visits

•  Lunch on a burner at the mountain top (Day 2) - includes hot food, sweets, and tea

•  Trekking poles provided for the Shaori Fortress hike

•  Fishing experience on Lake Paravani - includes basic equipment and local bait

•  1 lunch at the hotel (Day 1)

•  All site entries and local permits (if required)