Vashlovani National Park
Remote semi-desert park in Georgia's far southeast, with badlands, mud volcanoes, pistachio woodland and Alazani floodplain forest.
Vashlovani National ParkPhoto: Paata Vardanashvili, CC BY 2.0Vashlovani is one of Georgia's most unexpected landscapes: semi-desert steppe, eroded clay badlands, canyons and open woodland of wild pistachio in the far southeast of Kakheti, on the Azerbaijani border. The protected areas include the strict Vashlovani reserve, created in 1935, and a national park created in 2003. Highlights include the bubbling mud volcanoes of Takhti-Tepa, the limestone Eagle Gorge (Artsivi Kheoba) near Dedoplistskaro, and the jungle-like Alazani floodplain forest, hung with lianas, along the river that forms the border.
Wildlife is the other draw. More than 100 bird species have been recorded, including eastern imperial eagles and black vultures, along with wolves, brown bears, lynx and porcupines, and a Caucasian leopard was caught on a camera trap here in 2004. Distances are long and the park's roads are rough dirt tracks, so you need a 4x4, ideally with a local driver or ranger. Bungalows and campsites inside the park make overnight trips possible.
What to see and do
- The Takhti-Tepa mud volcanoes
- Eagle Gorge walk near Dedoplistskaro
- The Alazani floodplain forest
- Badlands and pistachio woodland by 4x4
- Birdwatching for eagles and vultures
How to visit
Getting there
Dedoplistskaro, the gateway town with the visitor centre, is about 130 km from Tbilisi, roughly 2 hours by car. From there Eagle Gorge is 4 km away, Takhti-Tepa about 37 km (1 hour) and the Alazani floodplain forest about 56 km (1.5 hours), mostly on dirt roads.
When to go
April–May for flowers and birds; September–November for autumn colour. Plan 1–2 days here.
- Register at the visitor centre in Dedoplistskaro and carry a copy of your passport for the border areas.
- Hire a 4x4 with a local driver; tracks are unmarked and turn to mud after rain.
- Summer is very hot; carry plenty of water and avoid the middle of the day.
- If you are short of time, Eagle Gorge and Khornabuji Fortress near Dedoplistskaro make a good short visit.
Vashlovani National Park: FAQ
Do I need a 4x4 for Vashlovani National Park?
Yes for the inner park, the mud volcanoes and the floodplain forest, which are reached by rough dirt tracks. Eagle Gorge near Dedoplistskaro is reachable by ordinary car on a short gravel road.
Where are the mud volcanoes in Georgia?
The best known are at Takhti-Tepa in the Vashlovani protected areas, about 37 km from Dedoplistskaro. The last stretch is on gravel and dirt roads, and you must register at the visitor centre first.
Tours that include Vashlovani National Park
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Nearby places
Straight-line distance from Vashlovani National Park.
