Vashlovani National Park

Vashlovani National Park is one of the most unusual places in Georgia, known for its mud volcanoes, canyons, and wildlife. Located in the southeastern part of the country, near the border with Azerbaijan, the park offers travelers a completely different face of Georgia, far from the familiar mountain landscapes and ancient cities.

What is Vashlovani National Park?

The park covers an area of about 250 square kilometers and is famous for its diverse landscape. Here, you can find steppes, semi-deserts, forests, mountains, and canyons. The park is also notable for its mud volcanoes and salt pans, which give the local scenery an otherworldly appearance.

The local landscapes are often compared to the African savannahs, making the park ideal for those dreaming of a "Georgian safari."

Unique flora and fauna

Vashlovani is a true wildlife sanctuary, home to more than 600 plant species and a large number of animals. Here, you can encounter species such as foxes, jackals, wolves, roe deer, and badgers. Turtles found along the park's trails draw special attention, as do birds of prey, including eagles and vultures, which soar proudly in the sky.

Thanks to its diversity, the park is an important site for ornithologists and anyone interested in birdwatching.

Main attractions of the park

  • Takhti-Tepe and Kilukupra mud volcanoes: These volcanoes create a truly mesmerizing sight—mud flows periodically erupt from the ground, forming bizarre shapes and patterns. The volcanoes are active year-round, and visiting them leaves an unforgettable impression.
  • Eagle Gorge: This deep gorge is one of the most beautiful and picturesque spots in the park. It got its name due to frequent sightings of eagles nesting here. A walk through the gorge allows you to enjoy views of strange cliffs and hidden forests.
  • Pantishara and Datviskhevi (Bear Gorge) canyons: Stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area. Here, you can see rare plant species and enjoy the peace and quiet that reign all around.
  • Alazani Valley: Located on the southern border of the park, the valley attracts attention with its colorful hills and abundance of rare vegetation. This place is especially picturesque in autumn when nature is painted in golden and red tones.

How to get there and what to know?

You can reach Vashlovani National Park from Tbilisi; the journey takes about 2.5–3 hours by car. However, it is worth noting that a significant part of the route runs along dirt roads, so it is better to use an off-road vehicle.
Visitors can bring a tent and spend the night in one of the equipped campsites, or stay in small cottages that are also available for rent.

A permit is required to visit the park, which can be obtained at the Vashlovani administrative center located in the town of Dedoplistskaro. Here, you can also hire a guide or book a tour if you do not want to explore the park on your own.
We offer a two-day itinerary. I would also like to mention that we organize a comfortable off-road vehicle and overnight stays in cottages.

Best time to visit?

Vashlovani National Park is open to visitors year-round, but the best time for a trip is spring and autumn. In spring, nature blooms, and in autumn, the local landscapes are painted in warm tones.

In summer, it is quite hot in the park, which may make the journey less comfortable. In winter, despite the cooler weather, the park is also beautiful in its own way, but there may be difficulties accessing certain areas.

Why visit Vashlovani?

Vashlovani is a place where you can feel like a pioneer. It is a unique opportunity to see untouched nature, breathe fresh air, and experience real adventures. Here, you can get to know another side of Georgia—wild and mysterious, where life flows as it did hundreds of years ago. The park is great for family trips, group tours, and even solo travels, allowing everyone to discover something special.

Vashlovani National Park is one of the most unusual places in Georgia that is worth seeing at least once. It is a completely different world, unlike the Georgia you are used to.

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