Javakheti
Dormant Volcanic Calderas
The Javakheti Plateau is a vast, volcanic expanse defined by extreme elevations and a profound sense of emptiness. Soft, sanitized comforts do not exist here; this is a rugged, hardscrabble environment that demands respect. Leaving the comfortable tourist bubble exposes a land born of fire, where dormant calderas and sprawling alpine lakes dominate the desolate horizon.
Doukhobors & Cold Waters
The massive lakes of Javakheti are central to life on the plateau, swarming with migratory birds in the summer and freezing inches thick in the harsh winters. Out here, we meet the resilient ethnic Armenians and pacifist Russian Doukhobors who make their living raising potatoes and fishing in these cold waters. This offers a rare opportunity to connect with isolated communities that survive on the very edge of the known world.
Bronze Age Megaliths
For those who want to push their limits, the volcanic peaks provide an otherworldly hiking experience over basalt and pumice. The climb reaches heights over 3,300 meters, stepping over stones to find the monumental Bronze Age megaliths of Abuli and Shaori. These impossible, mortarless structures sit at extreme elevations, offering a visceral connection to a powerful and completely forgotten civilization.
Freezing Trackless Slopes
I know the hidden secrets of this plateau because I have spent the time exploring its freezing winds and trackless slopes. My job is to handle the harsh logistics so you can safely experience the majestic isolation and ancient mysteries of Javakheti. Tell me what kind of raw adventure you are seeking, and we will hit the dirt.