A long, high‑altitude day from Tbilisi to the soda lakes of Javakheti exposes vast wetlands and rich birdlife. This private full‑day tour visits Kartsakhi, Khanchali and Bughdasheni—ideal for serious birdwatchers and travelers ready for a 15‑hour field day.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You pull off the highway onto a high volcanic plateau and the wind speaks first—sharp and cold, pushing across wide salt flats and reed-lined shores. Kartsakhi's soda edge gleams like metal; Bughdasheni’s shallow water spreads thin and quiet; Khanchali's wetlands pulse with the movement of distant flocks. Over the course of a long day you trade city streets for an austere landscape where lakes dare the sky to touch them.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
15 hours
Fitness Level
You should be comfortable with a long day of driving and several short walks on uneven, wet ground at high altitude.
Wildlife
History
The Javakheti Plateau formed from volcanic activity; the lakes and wetlands have long supported seasonal herding cultures and more recently have been protected as part of Georgia’s expanding conservation network.
Conservation
Several lakes in Javakheti are part of a Ramsar site and protected reserves—visit with guides who follow paths and avoid fragile reedbeds to minimize disturbance.
Reserve your spot on the Tour to Javakheti National Park from Tbilisi (Kartsakhi, Khanchali, Bughdasheni) today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Prepare for altitude and long driving
This is a full‑day trip (approx. 15 hours) at 1,800–2,040 m—stay hydrated, rest before departure, and expect long periods in the vehicle between stops.
Binoculars and telephoto
Bring good optics and a field guide—the best viewing is from shorelines and hides, not from the moving vehicle.
Dress for wind and sun
Layer a windproof shell over sun protection; temperatures swing quickly on the plateau.
Respect breeding zones
Stay on designated paths and follow your guide to avoid disturbing nesting birds in reed beds and wetlands.
Binoculars (8–10x)
Essential for identifying distant waterfowl and waders on the lakes.
Windproof jacket
Protects against strong plateau winds and sudden weather changes.
Sturdy waterproof shoes
Useful for muddy shoreline walks and wet reed margins—spring can be especially soggy.
spring
Sun protection (hat, SPF)
High altitude sun is intense; bring sunscreen and eye protection.
summer