Travel Tips

Some centuries ago these territories belonged to the Georgian kingdom. Nowadays it is a Turkish territory (and I personally have no intentions to get it back )... Tao Klarjeti still retains some very importants Georgian historical monuments that present themselves as marvelous places for travel

There are several places to visit. In my personal opinion the number one place to go is Khandzta. Even though it is not as big as some other Georgian churches, to me it is always associated with Grigol Khandzteli... Besides the nature is just amazing.

Though getting there requires a hike of about 45-50 minutes up to a quite steep slope. And there are not really signs that indicate how to get to Khandzta. So one better contacts anyone in Shavsheti (preferably someone with Georgian origins as they are better aware of location) and sets out for this trip

Ishkhani, another church from secondary school material on the life of Grigol Khandzteli is another cite that is a must to visit.

It is also located on a very steep slope, though it is feasible to go there by a car.

Oshki seemed to me the biggest church that I visited among all the Georgian churches. And access to this cite is quite simple.

We visited this church after having a stop in Yusufeli where we had a chanse to meet really the kindest people I have seen so far...

One has to go in the direction of Teka Kale and then turn to the right. It is necessary to drive about 4 or 5 kilometers and one has to be carefull to look to his left as there is a turning that might might be missed.

We went to Parkhali from Yusufeli

Another church that is also difficult to locate unless one looks carefully on his way from Yusufeli to aRtvin. Watch

This is the sanctuary on the cliff that we found on our way to Dortkilise or Otkhta Eklesia (as it is in Georgian). There is no way one can climb to it unless he is an Alpinist.

Next year I plan to bring with me my alpinist friends who will help me to go to this place...