Tours/Tbilisi/4x4 Off-Road Hidden Rainbow Mountains & David Gareji Caves + Hike

4x4 Off-Road Hidden Rainbow Mountains & David Gareji Caves + Hike

4.9(150)Tbilisi9–11 hours
VIATOR4.9(42)TRIPADVISOR4.9(108)
4x4 Off-Road Hidden Rainbow Mountains & David Gareji Caves + Hike
4x4 Off-Road Hidden Rainbow Mountains & David Gareji Caves + Hike
4x4 Off-Road Hidden Rainbow Mountains & David Gareji Caves + Hike
4x4 Off-Road Hidden Rainbow Mountains & David Gareji Caves + Hike
4x4 Off-Road Hidden Rainbow Mountains & David Gareji Caves + Hike
4x4 Off-Road Hidden Rainbow Mountains & David Gareji Caves + Hike
4x4 Off-Road Hidden Rainbow Mountains & David Gareji Caves + Hike
4x4 Off-Road Hidden Rainbow Mountains & David Gareji Caves + Hike
4x4 Off-Road Hidden Rainbow Mountains & David Gareji Caves + Hike
4x4 Off-Road Hidden Rainbow Mountains & David Gareji Caves + Hike
4x4 Off-Road Hidden Rainbow Mountains & David Gareji Caves + Hike
4x4 Off-Road Hidden Rainbow Mountains & David Gareji Caves + Hike
4x4 Off-Road Hidden Rainbow Mountains & David Gareji Caves + Hike
4x4 Off-Road Hidden Rainbow Mountains & David Gareji Caves + Hike
4x4 Off-Road Hidden Rainbow Mountains & David Gareji Caves + Hike
4x4 Off-Road Hidden Rainbow Mountains & David Gareji Caves + Hike
4x4 Off-Road Hidden Rainbow Mountains & David Gareji Caves + Hike
4x4 Off-Road Hidden Rainbow Mountains & David Gareji Caves + Hike
4x4 Off-Road Hidden Rainbow Mountains & David Gareji Caves + Hike
4x4 Off-Road Hidden Rainbow Mountains & David Gareji Caves + Hike

At a glance

Duration
9–11 hours
Price from
$60 / person
Rating
4.9 / 5 · 150 reviews
Languages
RU, EN
Group
Small group, up to 12
Cancellation
Free cancellation
Meeting point
If you booked a group tour, please meet your guide and 4x4 vehicle at the parking area at Europe Square, next to Rike Park, by the tram café (a small café inside an old tram car). Please arrive on time — we’ll be ready to welcome you for the adventure!
Confirmation
Instant

Prices checked on Sep 11, 2026Things to do in Tbilisi

Description

Are you ready for a real adventure? This isn't your typical day trip - this is a trip for those who crave the thrill of discovery and the beauty of the unspoiled. Join us on an exclusive 4x4 expedition through Kakheti, exploring places only accessible by off-road vehicle. Departing from Tbilisi, we dive into the rugged terrain of eastern Georgia, taking you to the surreal, colorful Rainbow Mountains and the tranquil Mravaltskaro reservoir - a hidden paradise away from the crowds. Feel the timeless spirit at the Natlismtsemeli Monastery, where monks live among ancient rock walls, and stand in awe at the legendary David Gareji Monastery, nestled on the semi-desert slopes of Mount Gareji. Halfway we stop for a hearty Georgian lunch at the rustic restaurant in Udabno, a true taste of local hospitality. This is a small group tour with an exclusive itinerary designed for those who want to go beyond the ordinary. Are you with us?

Tour Options

!!Early bird!! Small group 6p
Private tour with a guide
  • Option for those who want to get the most out of travel. Including hotel pick-up and drop-off Pickup included
Small group tour (6 people)
  • Small group tour (up to 6 ppl): Meeting Point at the Europe Square, Tbilisi

Itinerary

15 min

Our 4x4 car will wait for you at the taxi parking at Europe Square. Waiting time 10 mins. For a private tour, we will pick you up from your accommodation in Tbilisi

Pass by

Rustavi is a post-Soviet upcoming city of 100,000 people. With a new town square and a theatre in the process of being renovated, things are happening in this former industrial town. Only 25 minutes from Tbilisi, packed full of Soviet architecture, surrounded by abandoned factories, derelict Soviet-era parks, and dusty hills, it's something different.

90 min

Lake Mravaltskaro offers a surreal experience unlike any other. Surrounded by striking, colourful rock formations, this unique landscape will make you feel like you've stepped onto another planet. It's a pristine and unspoilt natural spot with hardly any people around, perfect for those who want to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in raw beauty. For nature lovers, Mravaltskaro Lake is one of the best birdwatching spots in Georgia. Depending on the season, you may see herons, eagles, falcons, magpies and even some rare animals such as turtles. The area is rich in flora and fauna, making each visit a different experience. Be prepared for a bit of walking to explore all the scenic photo opportunities this area has to offer. With panoramic views and a sense of untouched wilderness, Lake Mravaltskaro is a true hidden gem and a must for photographers, hikers and anyone seeking a connection with nature. Don't forget your camera - this place is full of picture-perfect moments!

60 min

Nestled in the rugged terrain of Georgia's Kakheti region, the Natlismtsemeli Monastery stands as a testament to the country's rich spiritual heritage. Founded in the 6th century by Father Lucian, a devoted disciple of St David, this active monastery is an integral part of the renowned David Gareja monastic complex. Visitors are invited to explore the numerous cave temples and the central church, which contains ancient frescoes dating from the 12th century. These well-preserved works of art offer a fascinating insight into medieval Georgian art and religious devotion. Today, Natlismtsemeli continues to function as a living monastery, providing a tranquil retreat for those seeking spiritual enrichment amidst its historic and tranquil surroundings.

40 min

Next on our itinerary is the David Gareji Monastery Complex, a sacred and awe-inspiring destination that has held deep spiritual significance for Georgians for centuries. Nestled in the rugged, dramatic landscape of Georgia's southeastern desert, this ancient monastery complex is carved directly into a massive rock formation, creating an unforgettable blend of nature and devotion. As you walk through its cave churches and monastic cells, you'll feel the serene and contemplative atmosphere that has attracted monks and pilgrims for generations. Surrounded by sweeping views of the desert hills, David Gareji offers not only a journey into Georgia's religious history, but also a tranquil escape into one of the country's most scenic and spiritual landscapes. This is truly a place where history, faith and nature come together in perfect harmony.

80 min

During our tour, we'll pause for lunch in the village of Udabno, where you'll have the opportunity to savor authentic Georgian and Svanetian dishes. A highlight is the traditional Kubdari, a hearty meat-filled bread originating from the Svaneti region. For those preferring plant-based options, the local restaurants offer a variety of vegetarian dishes, ensuring a delightful culinary experience for everyone.

15 min

Hidden away in Georgia’s semi-desert region, Kapatadze Lake is located near the David Gareji Monastery complex. This salty lake is rich in natural minerals and is renowned for its vibrant colours and tranquil setting. In summer, the lake often partially dries up, revealing glistening white salt patches that give the scenery an almost otherworldly appearance. The surrounding landscape is breathtaking, with endless hills, warm desert tones and wide open skies, creating perfect photo opportunities. In spring, the nearby almond orchards bloom, painting the dry land with soft pink and white blossom. After lunch on the way back to Tbilisi, travellers can enjoy a quiet moment to appreciate the natural beauty and capture the wild, untouched charm of the Georgian countryside at this stop. Kapatadze Lake is one of those rare places where you can experience the harmony of desert, salt and sky — providing a peaceful finale to your 4x4 adventure.

90 min

Drive back to Tbilisi

Highlights

Hotel pickup and drop-off (only for the private tours)
Bottled water

What's included

Included
Hotel pickup and drop-off (only for the private tours)
Bottled water
Not included
Optional - cash or card (about 30 GEL/per person without beverages)
Gratuities

Pickup Locations & Times

Hotel pick-up is available only for private tour. We will contact you to clarify the time and place from where you will need to pick up.

Traveller Ratings

4.9
150 reviews
5
140
4
7
3
2
2
0
1
1

Important Information

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • For your comfort and safety, we strongly recommend wearing closed-toe, sturdy shoes suitable for potentially muddy and steep terrains.
  • Ambient temperature may be over 30ºC (86F) from May to October
  • The altitude is the same as in Tbilisi 350 m (1150 ft) above sea level
  • Our group tours may occasionally be conducted in both Russian and English simultaneously. While we aim to provide an equal experience for all participants, this may result in a slower pace or longer explanations
  • Remember to bring cash or cards for your lunch, coffee, and any personal expenses. Cash will also be needed for restrooms, tips, and other incidentals.
  • When visiting Orthodox churches, women are required to cover their heads and wear skirts, while men should wear pants.
  • Please note that the price of this tour may vary based on several factors such as the day of the week, the number of participants, the season, and current promotional discounts. The price displayed on the site most often represents the lowest available price, with discounts automatically applied at the expense of the company. We encourage you to check the specific details for your desired date to understand the exact cost for your unique booking.
  • During this off-road tour, you'll explore approximately 4 km (2.5 miles) on foot.
  • We wish to assure all our guests that this tour is absolutely safe and exclusively traverses the territory of Georgia. Please be informed that the Udabno Monastery is not a part of our itinerary, and the route leading to it is completely closed. Rest assured, even without this, our tour remains a unique and beautiful experience, offering a true taste of Georgia's natural wonders. Your safety and enjoyment are our utmost priorities.
  • Optional front seat upgrade for extra comfort – 30 USD (only one per group, subject to availability).
  • Please note that we are not responsible for the quality or taste of the food and drinks provided by third-party partners, such as restaurants and wineries, during the tour.
  • Not recommended for travellers with motion sickness
  • This is not just an opportunity to see breathtaking landscapes, but also a chance to challenge yourself and feel proud of your accomplishments. Come prepared for an authentic adventure!

Frequently asked questions

How long does this tour take?

4x4 Off-Road Hidden Rainbow Mountains & David Gareji Caves + Hike lasts about 9–11 hours. The itinerary has 8 stops.

How much does this tour cost?

Prices start at $60 per person for this Tbilisi experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 3 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.

Can I cancel this tour for free?

Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, pickup is offered. Hotel pick-up is available only for private tour. We will contact you to clarify the time and place from where you will need to pick up. Pickup points include MEET_AT_DEPARTURE_POINT, CONTACT_SUPPLIER_LATER, LOC-6eKJ+or5y8o99Qw0C8xWyMhujxC/xVguv0CJTsiZNeM=.

What languages is this tour offered in?

The experience is available in RU, EN.

Is this a private or a group tour?

It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 12 participants.

Will my booking be confirmed immediately?

Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.

Is this tour worth it?

Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 150 verified reviews; it is run by Friendly.ge: Transfers & Tours in Georgia. Most-mentioned highlights: Hotel pickup and drop-off (only for the private tours); Bottled water.

Reviews(150)

A
avarD4702JI
August 17, 2026
Unique day in the Georgian desert

Absolutely wonderful tour! I would highly recommend booking your tour of the rainbow mountains and David Gareja Monestary with Friendly.ge. Although it is a bit more expensive, I really think it worth the extra money for a number of reasons. This company originally started tours to the rainbow mountains, so they really know the ins and outs of the area and seem to have a good relationship with the locals. They take you to a different section of the rainbow mountains that none of the other tours go to, so it was completely empty. We did a one hour walk around the mountains rather than just stopping to take photos. Of course our guide was also incredibly knowledgeable. The route they take you on also makes the drive much more interesting than a lot of the other tours because there is no circling back and you do some real off roading. Book with this company if you want a great experience!

Operator response

Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a thoughtful and detailed review of your trip with us. We are delighted that you had such a memorable day in the semi-desert. Showing our guests the quiet, untouched corners of the Rainbow Mountains and taking the time for a proper walk in nature is something our team cares deeply about. Knowing that you appreciated our custom off-road route, our relationship with the local area, and our guide's insights means the world to all of us at Friendly.ge. Thank you once again for your wonderful support, and we hope to welcome you back to Georgia for another adventure!

F
fbombardieri
August 9, 2026
Desert excursion

The desert excursion was unique and the landscape is truly incredible. Being able to do it aboard a 4x4 adds authenticity to the experience. The monasteries are a very important part of Georgian culture and Alex was very good at explaining their history to us. Highly recommended!

Operator response

Mille grazie for this wonderful review! We are so glad to hear that you enjoyed the unique landscapes of the Hidden Rainbow Mountains and the authentic off-road 4x4 experience. The David Gareji caves and monasteries hold a very deep cultural and historical importance for us, and Alex was delighted to share their rich history with you. Thank you for being such an amazing guest to host! We hope you have wonderful memories of your trip to Georgia, and we would love to welcome you back again someday!

M
Martin_P
August 7, 2026
Spectacular scenery and fascinating monasteries

Really interesting tour with fascinating monasteries and beautiful landscapes. Alex was a superb guide and George an excellent driver.

Operator response

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your kind review, Martin! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the fascinating monasteries and the beautiful landscapes of the Rainbow Mountains and David Gareji. Alex and George will be thrilled to read your lovely words. They always work hard to make sure our guests have a safe, memorable, and wonderful journey. It was a true pleasure hosting you, and we hope to welcome you back to Georgia for more exciting adventures in the future!

H
H1958HPjoycec
August 1, 2026
Great mix of a hike and history!

We had an excellent day with Nini. She is a fabulous ambassador for her country. She is also very knowledgeable about the historic sites we visited. We thoroughly enjoyed our tour to the Rainbow mountains and the 2 cave monasteries.

Operator response

Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Joyce! We are delighted that you enjoyed the blend of hiking and history on our Rainbow Mountains and David Gareji Caves tour. Nini is indeed a fantastic ambassador for Georgia, and she will be thrilled to hear your lovely words about her historic knowledge and guidance. Thank you for exploring with us, and we wish you many more amazing travels ahead!

S
susan_b
July 16, 2026
Rainbow mountains like streaky bacon

Always choose the 4x4 you see so much more. Excellent guide Alex and George the driver. Do the hike you see so much more. The monestry was so peaceful.

Operator response

Thank you so much for the wonderful review, Susan! We love your description of the Rainbow Mountains looking like streaky bacon—that is spot on and put a big smile on our faces! It is fantastic to hear that you enjoyed the 4x4 off-road route and the peaceful atmosphere up at the monastery. Alex and George will be absolutely thrilled to hear your kind words about their guiding and driving. We always highly recommend the hike to see the best views, and we are so glad you took the time to experience it fully. Thank you for choosing to explore Georgia with us, and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure in the future!

D
David B
July 15, 2026
Wonderful nature and interesting churches – the perfect trip

The sites were very well chosen, the driver was impeccable and the guide as well. He gave interesting infos and knew a lot about the sites.

Operator response

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review, David! We are absolutely thrilled to hear that you had the "perfect trip" exploring the David Gareji Caves & Hidden Rainbow Mountains! It is such a spectacular region where wild, colorful desert landscapes meet deep historical wonders, and we are so glad the sites were a perfect match for you. Your praise for our team is the best reward we could ask for. We pride ourselves on having impeccable drivers and guides who are not only highly knowledgeable but genuinely passionate about sharing Georgia's history. I will happily pass your kind words along to them—it will make their day! Thank you again for choosing us for your adventure. We wish you wonderful future travels and hope to welcome you back to Georgia for another journey soon!

1
12sonik
July 3, 2026
Great off-road tour through beautiful countryside

The scenery was magnificent, with great views of the Hidden Rainbow Mountains. Because the ground was slippery (it had rained the day before), we couldn’t hike as much as we’d planned, but it was still very nice. The visit to the two monasteries was very interesting. The off-road drive was a nice change of pace and a lot of fun. Our tour guide shared a lot of interesting facts during the tour and answered all our questions in great detail.

Operator response

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your review. I am delighted that you enjoyed the magnificent views of the Rainbow Mountains and had a lot of fun during the off-road sections of the day. Even though the rain from the previous day made the trails a bit too slippery for the full hike, it is wonderful to know that the monastery visits and the detailed stories from your guide made the trip memorable. Since you enjoyed the off-road experience, you might also like our 4x4 day tour to Kazbegi and the Truso Valley, which is another great rugged route through the mountains. Thank you again for choosing to explore with us, and we wish you beautiful travels ahead!

K
kevalt2026
June 27, 2026
Amazing Trip

The trip is amazing. The tour guide Kobo was great.

Operator response

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your review! We are absolutely delighted to hear that you had an amazing trip exploring the Rainbow Mountains and David Gareji. Koba is a wonderful guide, and he will be incredibly happy to hear your kind words. We always love showing our guests these unique desert landscapes, and having a great guide makes the journey even better. We hope you have a lovely rest of your summer!

R
RachaelChloeBell
June 19, 2026
Perfect Day Out from Tbilisi

We had an amazing day out with friendly.ge visiting the Rainbow Mountains & David Gareji. From setting off our guide was brilliant at giving us lots of details on Tbilisi, the areas we were travelling through and the plans for the day. The drive was thoughtful so we had stops for the toilet, coffees, snacks - and you never felt that you were driving for long times without a break. There was a great balance to the day and we had a great time,

Operator response

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience, Rachael. We are delighted to hear that you had an amazing day exploring the Rainbow Mountains and David Gareji with us. Keeping a comfortable pace with well-timed stops for coffee and breaks is very important to our team, so we are glad you felt relaxed throughout the journey. It is wonderful that you enjoyed the insights and details shared about Tbilisi and the surrounding areas during the drive. We would love to welcome you back for another adventure in the future.

S
simonwD5207DT
June 18, 2026
4x4 is the way to go!

Excellent tour with informative guide Alex who was a very professional host for the day. Safe and professional driver and clean, well maintained vehicle. Rainbow mountains and St John Monastery were great to explore without having loads of people around, made possible by this tour. Liked the tour so much we booked another with them when we got back. Just so good to be in small group and 4x4 rather than in a big bus tour group.

Operator response

Thank you for your excellent review, Simon. We are so pleased that you enjoyed the distinct benefits of a small-group 4x4 tour and were able to explore the Rainbow Mountains and St. John Monastery peacefully without the crowds. Alex and our driver will be very glad to hear your compliments regarding their professionalism and the maintenance of the vehicle. The best compliment we can possibly receive is a repeat booking, and we are truly excited to host you on your next journey with us.

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