Skip to main content
Geotour

David Gareja

Kakheti · Religion

Getting there
About 100 km (2 h) south-east of Tbilisi by road via Sagarejo and Udabno
Best time
March–May
Recommended stay
2–4 hours

About David Gareja

David Gareja is a monastery complex cut into the sandstone cliffs of a semi-desert ridge on the Georgia–Azerbaijan border, about 100 km (2 h) south-east of Tbilisi by road. The Lavra, the working monastery founded in the 6th century by St David Garejeli, has cave cells and churches around a courtyard. Above it, a steep ridge path leads to the Udabno caves, painted with frescoes from the 10th to 13th centuries, when the border situation allows. The striped hills, steppe and wide views feel unlike anywhere else in Georgia.

Tours Including David Gareja

See the tour

Must-See Attractions

  • Lavra Monastery

    The 6th-century monastery with cave cells, rock-cut churches and the tomb of St David; it is the part always open to visitors.

  • Udabno caves

    Along the ridge above the Lavra, caves with frescoes of the 10th–13th centuries, including scenes from the life of St David; open only when border access allows.

  • Ridge viewpoint

    From the top of the ridge you look south over the Azerbaijani steppe; the path is steep and exposed.

  • Semi-desert landscape

    Striped red, ochre and green hills, steppe and, in spring, wild flowers.

Nearby

  • Udabno village

    A small village on the road in, about 15 minutes away, with a well-known café for lunch.

  • Sighnaghi

    The walled town above the Alazani valley, about 2 hours north-east via Sagarejo.

  • Tbilisi

    About 100 km (2 h) north-west by road.

Location41.4464° N, 45.3850° EView on map

Good to know

Getting there

About 100 km (2 h) south-east of Tbilisi by road via Sagarejo and Udabno; the last stretch is narrow and rough in places.

Best time

March–May; September–November

Best time

Spring brings green hills and wild flowers and autumn is mild and clear, while July and August are very hot on the exposed ridge and winter can be cold and windy.

Recommended stay

2–4 hours

Heads-up

The Udabno caves sit on an undelimited section of the Azerbaijan border and have been closed periodically; treat them as 'if open', and we check on the day.

Walking

The Udabno loop is about 3 km with a steep climb of about 150–200 m on rocky, exposed paths; wear closed shoes with good grip.

Season

July and August are very hot, with little shade; start early and carry at least 2 litres of water each. Vipers are active from May to September, so stay on the paths.

What to wear

Shoulders and knees covered at the Lavra; women cover their hair.

Fees

Entry is free.

Cash

No ATM or shop at the site.

History & culture

Culture

The Lavra is home to a small community of monks, and many Georgians come on pilgrimage, especially for the saint's feast day in late spring, whose date follows Easter.

History

St David, one of the Thirteen Assyrian Fathers, settled here in the 6th century and founded the Lavra; his disciples founded further monasteries along the ridge. The complex flourished from the 10th to the 13th century, when monks cut and painted the churches and refectory of Udabno. It was repeatedly raided, and in 1615 the troops of Shah Abbas I killed many of the monks. Monastic life revived in later centuries, but in Soviet times the area was used as a military training ground, which damaged some caves. The Lavra is an active monastery again; the Udabno ridge lies on an undelimited section of the border with Azerbaijan.