8:00 AM: Departure from the hotel in Tbilisi.
Travel to the southern region of Georgia, passing through Tskneti and continuing to Tsalka, which is the largest settlement and administrative center of the Kvemo Kartli region. Shortly after leaving Tbilisi, stop briefly at the viewpoint known as “Sidedris Ena” (translated as “Tongue of Mother-in-Law”), a location featured in the Hollywood film "5 Days of War," which depicts the Russo-Georgian war in 2008 and stars actors such as Rupert Friend, Andy Garcia, and Val Kilmer.
Next, visit the village of Tambovka, situated along the shores of Paravani Lake, Georgia's largest alpine lake. This village was established by Russian Doukhobors, a Christian religious community, and some of them still reside there despite the harsh climate. The architecture in their settlements is distinctive; although many houses are in ruins, several traditional Doukhobor homes with green roofs and ornate facades remain.
After exploring the village, head west toward the mountains where the hike begins. The trail is unmarked, so it is advised to stay close to your guide, as the path is faint and traverses rocky, unstable terrain. The upper section of the trail reveals a remarkable discovery—an ancient “street” made of carefully arranged flat stones, believed to have been built thousands of years ago. This final segment, which is the most enjoyable to walk on, leads to the main highlight of the trip: the Shaori megalithic fort perched atop the mountain.
The purpose of this structure remains uncertain; some scholars suggest it was used for astronomical observations, while others believe it served as an ancient pagan temple. Regardless of its origin, visitors can certainly sense its enigmatic atmosphere.
After reaching the summit, gradually descend back to the vehicle and return to Tbilisi, rejuvenated by the positive energy and serene ambiance of the site visited.
