Natural Carpet of Georgia
A small ancient settlements are scattered throughout this wild landscape with medieval watchtowers and fascinating views of snow-capped mountains, alpine meadows, roaring rivers and waterfalls. Still inhabited dwellings are recognized by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Exploration of this remote part of the world and its preserved traditions will leave you with unforgettable pleasant memories!
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Full Board
All accommodation
All domestic transfers
Botanist & Assistant
National Park Entrance Fees & Local Guides
First Aid
Covid-19 Safety Kit
Details:
Regions: Khevi – Javakheti – Kakheti
Duration: 7 nights
Food: Full Board
Accommodation: Hotels
Best Season: From June to September
Group Size: Limited
Travel: 4WD/Minivan
Main Activities: Georgian Flora
Overview
The trip covers Alpine zones of Khevi, and Javakheti regions. With altitude variations from 1800 m. to 3500 m. The florist will find endemic species like:
Alchemilla Caucasica
Cerastum Kazbeg
Gladiolus Tenuis
Gladiolus Caucasius
Rododentrum Caucasicum
Lilium Georgicum
The sub-alpine flora near Bakuriani resort and Tabatskuri Lake are very diverse. The area displays a large spectrum of species even those which are listed in Red Books.
Semi-deserted area of Gareja couldn’t be left unnoticeable. The spectrum of colors fluctuates from red to yellow with fragments of desert vegetation. Here the dominant species are Artemisia Lerchiana, Stizolophus Coronopifolius and ephemeral plants Eremopyrum Orientale and Lepidium Vesicarium.
Colorize your imagination with Caucasian flora!
Locations
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival 1
Arrive in Tbilisi. Transfer to hotel for overnight.
Day 2 – Transfer to Stepantsminda (*Former Kazbeg)
Breakfast in hotel. Drive to Mtskheta cultural center from 3rd century BC recognized UNESCO world heritage site. Enjoy the meadows on the way to the north along the Georgian military highway. Passing by 16th-17th centuries Ananuri architectural complex the road leads to Jvari Pass 2379 m. overlooking gorgeous valleys of Caucasus range. Overnight in Stepantsminda at hotel.
Day 3 – Alpine Flora
Breakfast in hotel. Explore vegetation of Stepantsminda, with typical alpine flora: bush of Alpine Roses, Rhododendron Caucasicum, Rhododendron Luteum, Orchid Species, Sea Buckthorn and etc. Hike up to Gergeti Trinity church 2180 m. observe endemic flowers like Arabis Kazbegi and Campanula Trogera. Continue trip to Dariali gorge to see breathtaking waterfalls of Gveleti. The surroundings are colorized by flowers like: Campanula Petrophila, Linaria Meyeri, Draba Bryoides, Silene Pygmaea, Polemonium Caucasicum, Lilium Gerogicum and many more… Return back to Stepantsminda for overnight at hotel.
Day 4 – Alpine Botanical Garden
Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Bakuriani mountain resort. Half day hike in botanical garden located at 1700 m. covering 1200 species from various districts of the Caucasus like: Toothed Bluebell, Milky Bluebell, Caucasian Scabious, Primrose, Oriental Poppy, Javakhetian and Ketskhoveli Black Salsify, and so…The garden collects 66 exotic plants & 75 Caucasian varieties of trees like: High-Mountain Maple, Oriental Oak,Nordmann Fir, Elm-Tree, Lime-Tree, Ungern's rhodendron and etc.
Collections include 77 rare and 55 endangered plant species.
Overnight in Bakuriani at hotel.
Day 5 – Sub-Alpine Vegetation
Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Tabatskuri Lake via Tskhratskaro pass 2154 m. Explore different sub-alpine vegetation. Return back to Bakuriani for dinner and overnight.
Day 6 – Borjomi – Kharagauli National park
Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Borjomi – Kharagauli National park covering 76000 h of native forest and sub-alpine and alpine meadows, home to rare species of flora and fauna. Take time to observe sub-alpine flora. Return back to Tbilisi for dinner and overnight.
Day 7 – Semi-Desert Area
Breakfast in hotel. Day trip to David Gareja semi-desert area that turns green and blooms with flowers in early summer. Truly authentic place for its wild nature and rock hewn monasteries. Return back to Tbilisi. Farewell dinner in floristic place. Overnight at hotel.