David Gareja Desert and Monastery Complex

David Gareja Desert and Monastery Complex

This half desert was chosen by father David in 6th century when he came here with his disciples from Syria. Georgian tradition names Assyrian Monks as founders of ascetic life in Georgia. After their arrival, monastic life was spread through whole Gareja desert and their number at some time reached 22. Even now, some monasteries are still functional. Major monastery is St. David's Lavra. Two other monasteries (Horn of Dodo and The John the Baptist were founded by Lucian and Dodo, disciples of St. David). St David's Lavra is the major site where most travelers go, but you mustn't leave Gareja without hiking up to the mountain ridge, where around 50 caves are situated on the border between Azerbaijan and Georgia.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: David Gareja Monastery, Mount Gareja, Udabno Georgia

We will visit Udabno desert and David Gareja monastery complex, established in 6th century by father David.

Then there is about 2km distance up to the top of the ridge. We can do some hiking up to the top of the hill if you wish, so another country_Azerbaijan can be seen at the same time. In some places you even cross the border, just several steps, no other way to reach our monasteries carved in caves. As atheist communists divided religious site between two countries.

We will follow trail across dozens of caves. Some of those caves have nice murals from middle ages. Despite the devastation of the time they still amaze thousands of travelers.

Duration: 3 hours