Our most recommended things to do in Udabno

Tbilisi: David Gareji & Real Rainbow Mountains 4WD Adventure

1. Tbilisi: David Gareji & Real Rainbow Mountains 4WD Adventure

Experience the unmatched beauty of Georgia's landscapes from the comfort of an SUV, navigating a unique route that regular bus tours can't offer. Our small-group tour guarantees personalized attention and ample space, making your trip to the David Gareji and St John Monasteries and Rainbow Mountains an intimate, unforgettable adventure. Departing from Tbilisi, start your journey with a low-difficulty 1-hour walk among the colorful hills around the Mravaltskaro lake. This is one of the best places in Georgia for bird watching, and specialists from all over the world come here during the season. If you don't want to hike, you can just enjoy the beauty of the area and snap some great photos.  Next, head to the monastery of St. John the Baptist, a cave monastery founded in the 6th century in the desert. Get acquainted with the lives of the monks who live here and visit the church and tower which are built in the cave. You can even see the border with Azerbaijan from the tower.  Finally, head to the first monastery in the desert, David Gareja Lavra. On the way back to Tbilisi, stop for lunch at an Oasis Club restaurant at Udabno, nestled amidst the panoramic vistas. Unlike larger tours, we value your comfort and culinary experience, ensuring that every meal is more than just sustenance, but a moment to relish the local cuisine. The tour culminates with a delightful tasting of local Georgian wines, introducing you to the rich flavors and traditions of Georgian viticulture. Our 4WD tour ensures a smooth and exciting journey, far from the crowded buses and bunch of tourists. So why settle for a regular tour when you can experience real adventure and see the hidden treasures of Kakheti in exclusivity? Book now and embark on the adventure of a lifetime..

Tbilisi: David Gareja and Colorful hills of Semi-desert

2. Tbilisi: David Gareja and Colorful hills of Semi-desert

Enjoy a safe drive through the beautiful and uninhabited areas of South East Georgia, where we will turn one hour after the start of the tour. The road goes through farmlands and you can stop and take pictures against the backdrop of the lake and fields. You will pass through the only inhabited small place called Udabno, which means desert in Georgian. It is a settlement of Svan eco-migrants. After 20-minute drive from there you will reach to one of the most important religious historical sites. Visit the rock-cut monastery complex from the sixth century. The founder of the monastic life is the monk David, after whom this place was named. Have a short trekking through the uphill to get near the cave of saint water. Living caves of monks can be seen in the courtyard of the monastery. After this exciting place, it is possible to walk along the footpaths on the colorful hills. It is especially beautiful in sunny weather when the colors are more pronounced. The most impressive is the walk between the hills on the lower paths. Upon returning to Tbilisi, you can enjoy dinner and wine tasting.

From Tbilisi: Kakheti and Kazbegi 2-Day 4X4 Jeep Tour pack

3. From Tbilisi: Kakheti and Kazbegi 2-Day 4X4 Jeep Tour pack

Join us for an epic two-day adventure exploring Georgia's natural landscapes. Our expertly crafted itinerary includes two thrilling off-road tours to Kazbegi and Truso Valley, along with an unforgettable excursion to the mystical David Gareji Monastery and awe-inspiring Rainbow Mountains. Starting from Tbilisi on the first day, embark on the "Sacred Secrets: David Gareji Monastery and Rainbow Mountains Discovery" tour. Explore the spiritual David Gareji Monastery complex, nestled in the vibrant Rainbow Mountains of Georgia's picturesque Kakheti region. Immerse yourself in the region's rich history, culture, and astonishing natural beauty. On the second day, join the "Unveiling Hidden Gems: Kazbegi and Truso Valley Off-Road Adventure" tour, starting from Tbilisi. Traverse the historic Georgian Military Road and marvel at breathtaking sites like the Ananuri Castle, Jinvali Water Reservoir, and Gudauri ski resort. Discover the almost-forgotten Truso Valley, and be captivated by the enchanting village of Stepantsminda, home to the revered Holy Trinity Church. You'll truly experience the thrill of off-roading in a small group of no more than eight adventurers. At the end of the first day, we will drop you off in Tbilisi. After the second day, we can drop you off in Stepantsminda (Kazbegi), allowing you to spend a few extra days in the Georgian mountains if desired. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to explore the hidden gems of Georgia's natural landscapes. Book your tour today and experience the adventure of a lifetime!

David Gareji Semi-Desert monastery

4. David Gareji Semi-Desert monastery

Start your tour by arriving at the meeting place at Liberty Square in central Tbilisi where you will meet your guide and board a comfortable minivan. Set off on a 2.5-hour drive towards David Gareji monastery located 70km away in the Kakheti region of the south-eastern part of the country.  On the way, stop in the village of Udabno and see the few inhabitants who live there having resettled from the mountainous region of Svaneti. Then, continue on to David Gareji. When you arrive, first explore the old caves and the monastery which is still active even today. Soak up the peaceful atmosphere of this isolated place away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Learn about how this building is known as the 'Lavra', which means the principal monastery amongst the religious complex. Then, hike up to the first dwelling of Saint David, the founder of the monastery. See the main church where he is buried and admire the exceptional views. Finally, return to the minibus and begin your return transfer back to Tbilisi where the tour concludes.

Family Day trip to David Gareja & Rainbow mountains

5. Family Day trip to David Gareja & Rainbow mountains

This 6h day tour is designed for families without complicated roads or risky trails. The David Gareja manostery complex is from the sixth century and located 100 km from Tbilisi, so you will be picked up from your hotel at 9am in order to make the most of it. We will be crossing the semi-desert with amazing landscape where we will make several stops for pictures. Along the way, your guide will tell you about Georgia and will be on hand to answer your questions. Getting closer to David Gareja Monastery you will start to see rainbow mountains. This land is inhabited by monks and few shepherds only. Once there, you'll be guided around this magnificent troglodyte monastery. A short stroll outside the monastery will take you to the sacred water source, offering a unique panorama of the entire desert. Then, we'll head to the viewpoint to take amazing photos of the Rainbow Mountains, before descending to get closer to these clay structures characteristic of this arid zone. Returning to Tbilisi, we will have a break at Udabno the only village in the area to taste a home-made khachapuri (cheese pie) with local cheese.

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What people are saying about Udabno

Overall rating

5.0 / 5

based on 4 reviews

This was a great tour with our guide Koba! I would highly recommend it! I personally enjoyed the 'off-roading' and seeing the Rainbow Mountains. Koba was funny, friendly and even took us to a 'secret' viewpoint and an ancient cave monastery that's not frequented by many tourists. He let us take our time exploring the sites and taking photos. I found the van to be fine (6 travellers in total), but for taller people it might be a little less comfortable :) But overall great tour and day.

It was a wonderful day, I was lucky enough to join the group trip that only has two people, so it feels like a private tour. The weather was beautiful that makes a fun day. Though the lunch was not included in the fee, I really like the restaurant arranged on the way, it’s one of the best I’ve visited in Georgia.

We had an amazing trip! Our guide and driver were both wonderful and friendly! Would highly recommend this for anyone coming to Georgia!

Excellent tour off-road with visit of an isolated monastery in the mountains. Very authentique experience !

excellent adventure tour combined with Georgian culture and nature