David Gareja is a rock-hewn monastery complex in the Udabno semi-desert of the Sagarejo Municipality in Kakheti, in south-eastern Georgia, on the border with Azerbaijan. It was founded in the 6th century by the Syrian monk David of Gareja, and its Lavra and neighbouring Udabno monasteries have caves, chapels and cells carved into the cliff, some with medieval frescoes. The site is about 70-90 km from Tbilisi, a drive of around 2 hours each way, with the final stretch on an unpaved track. There is no scheduled public transport, so visitors rely on a small-group day tour from Tbilisi at about 120-180 GEL per person, a private driver at about 300-450 GEL per day, or a negotiated taxi at about 250-400 GEL return with a wait. Self-drivers should consider a 4x4 after rain. The Lavra is still an active monastery, and there is no formal entry fee, only a donation box; modest dress is required, and visitors are asked not to use the trail near the border without checking the current border situation, since parts of the complex lie close to the Azerbaijan frontier. A typical day leaves Tbilisi around 09:00, reaches the Lavra by late morning, and visits the cave chapels and the nearby viewpoints before a picnic lunch, as there are almost no restaurants nearby. In the afternoon, many visitors walk the ridge path to the Udabno Monastery and its frescoed caves, a walk of about 1-1.5 hours with steep sections and no shade, then return to Tbilisi by early evening. The best season is April-May and September-October. Summer is very hot and shadeless, and winter can be cold and windy. Bring water, sun protection and food.
| Distance | About 70-90 km by road |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 2 hours each way, last stretch on unpaved track |
| Getting there | No scheduled public transport: organised day tour or private car with driver, about 120-180 GEL (46-69 USD) per person on a tour |
| Cost | Transport about 120-450 GEL (46-172 USD); no formal entry fee at the Lavra (donation box) |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Address | Departure: central Tbilisi hotel or hostel pick-up (no public transport to the complex) |
How to get there
- Tour: small-group day tour from Tbilisi, about 120-180 GEL (46-69 USD) per person
- Private driver: about 300-450 GEL (115-172 USD) per day
- Self-drive: 4x4 recommended after rain; allow for dirt track
- Taxi: negotiated return fare with wait, about 250-400 GEL (95-153 USD)
Location
Departure: central Tbilisi hotel or hostel pick-up (no public transport to the complex)
41.4473, 45.3765 View on map
Highlights
- The Lavra, the founding cave monastery of David Gareja
- Ridge walk to Udabno and its frescoed cave chapels
- Views over the semi-desert and the Azerbaijan border country
- Painted steppe landscape in the spring and autumn light
Tips for visiting
- Book a small-group tour or driver, as there is no public transport; tours cost about 120-180 GEL per person.
- Bring water, food, a hat and sun protection, since there is almost no shade or shop at the site.
- Wear closed shoes and covered shoulders and knees; the Lavra is an active monastery.
- Check the current situation near the border before walking the ridge toward Udabno.
- Avoid travelling on the dirt track after heavy rain unless in a 4x4.
When to visit
April-May and September-October are the most pleasant. Arrive in the morning, as the afternoon is hot and shadeless in summer.
Accessibility
The track, the steps cut into the rock and the ridge paths make the site unsuitable for wheelchair users, and the monastery interiors are narrow. Visitors with limited mobility can see the Lavra courtyard from near the car park.
Frequently asked questions
Can David Gareja be reached by public transport?
No. The complex needs a tour, a private driver, a taxi or a self-drive car, and the last stretch is unpaved.
Is there an entry fee?
There is no formal entry fee at the Lavra, only a donation box. Costs mainly come from transport.
When should visitors go?
April-May and September-October are best. Summer is very hot and shadeless.