David Gareja Monastery & Rainbow Hills Day Trip from Tbilisi
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Overview
This shared day trip takes you east of Tbilisi into Georgia's only semi-desert, to the David Gareja monastery complex and the striped Rainbow Hills beside it. With a certified guide and an air-conditioned vehicle, you stop at a salt lake, cross the empty steppe, hike along the colourful ridge and explore the cave monasteries on the Azerbaijan border. Entrance fees are included in this option. The trip suits travellers who like landscapes, history and easy hiking, and it lasts about seven hours.
Highlights
- David Gareja Lavra, a cave monastery founded in the 6th century
- Rainbow Hills with bands of red, yellow, green and brown rock
- Stop at Kapatadze salt lake and a drive through the semi-desert
- Hiking along the ridge with views towards Azerbaijan
- Certified guide and air-conditioned transport
- Entrance fees included in this option
Full Description
David Gareja Monastery Complex
David Gareja is one of the most spiritual places in Georgia. It was founded in the 6th century by St David, one of the Assyrian fathers who came to Georgia, who chose this remote semi-desert so that his followers could live in quiet prayer. Over the centuries a whole complex of monasteries was carved into the rock, with cells, chapels, refectories and frescoes, and the Lavra monastery is the main and best-known part.
On a David Gareja Monastery tour you follow the paths between the monastery buildings, hear how the monks lived and see how the complex sits right on the border between Georgia and Azerbaijan, where you may spot a border guard. David Gareja opening hours are tied to daylight and the season, and the site is active, so dress modestly and behave respectfully.
The Rainbow Hills of Udabno
The Rainbow Hills, near the village of Udabno, are famous for layers of mineral-rich sedimentary rock in red, ochre, green and grey that look as if they were painted in stripes. The colours are strongest in dry, clear light, and a walk along the ridge gives wide views over the semi-desert. This is the part of the day that photographers enjoy most.
Is the Rainbow Hills hike worth it? Yes, if you like open scenery and you are happy to walk on a dry, sunny path. The best time to visit is spring, when the hills are green, or early autumn; in summer the sun is strong, so a hat and sunscreen matter. Your guide leads the walk at an easy pace and shows the best spots.
Kapatadze Lake and the semi-desert road
Before the monastery the trip stops at Kapatadze, a salt lake set in dry hills, where there is a short walk and time for photos. It is a strikingly different scene from the green Georgia most visitors see. After it the road runs through the village of Udabno, whose name means desert.
Many travellers ask how to get to David Gareja from Tbilisi. The drive is about two hours each way over some rough sections, so a day trip with a driver and guide is the practical answer. Because the tour also includes the entry fees, you do not need to arrange anything else on site.
Itinerary
- Meet at Avlabari metro stationMeet your guide near Avlabari station in Tbilisi and board the air-conditioned vehicle.
- Break in TbilisiA short 15-minute stop for snacks and supplies before leaving the city.
- Kapatadze LakeAbout 15 minutes at the salt lake for a walk and photos.
- Rainbow Hills and David GarejaAbout three hours for the ridge walk, the monastery complex and a guided history visit.
- Return to TbilisiDrive back to Avlabari, arriving in the late afternoon, around 5 PM.
What's included
- Certified English-speaking guide
- Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Entrance fees
- Visit to David Gareja Monastery
- Walk to the Rainbow Hills viewpoints
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup
- Tips
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Families with children — a child price for ages 3–11
- History and culture lovers
- Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 4.9/5 by past travellers
Think twice if
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
Not suitable for
- Children under 5 years
- Pregnant women
- Wheelchair users
- Travellers aged over 79
Meeting point
The tour starts near Avlabari metro station in Tbilisi. Hotel pickup is not included in this option. The exact start time for your date is shown in the booking panel and in your confirmation.
Important information
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for dusty, uneven ground, and bring a hat and sunscreen.
- The site lies close to the border, so carry a passport or ID copy with you.
- Food and drinks are not included, so bring water and snacks for the day.
- The minimum age is 5, and pets are not allowed.
- The tour operates in all weather, but summer can be hot and spring or autumn evenings cool, so dress in layers.
- Dress modestly at the monastery, as it is an active religious site.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the David Gareja tour cost?
The price depends on the option you choose and the number of travellers. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option, so you can check it before you reserve.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. The tour starts near Avlabari metro station in Tbilisi and returns there.
How long is the David Gareja and Rainbow Hills tour?
About seven hours in total, including roughly two hours of driving each way and about three hours at the Rainbow Hills and monastery complex.
Are entrance fees included?
Yes, in this option the entrance fees are included, along with the certified guide and air-conditioned transport. Food and drinks are not included.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Children aged 5 and older are welcome. Younger children are not allowed, as the hike and long drive are tiring.
What should I wear and bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, water and snacks, plus a passport or ID copy. Wear modest clothing for the monastery.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Yes, if the booking panel shows the date as available. Book as early as you can, as the group is shared and places are limited.
What is the difference between the options?
This page offers one option, a shared day trip with the guide, transport and entrance fees. Food and drinks are extra.
When is the best time to visit David Gareja?
Spring and early autumn are the most comfortable, with milder heat and better colours in the hills. Summer is hot, so start with plenty of water.
Can I hike the Rainbow Hills in bad weather?
The tour operates in all weather conditions, but rain makes the paths slippery. Your guide will adapt the walk for safety.
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