Javakheti National Park
National Park Highland national park in Samtskhe–Javakheti, wetlands
Highland park in Samtskhe-Javakheti characterized by volcanic plateaus, lakes and wetlands. Birdwatchers, hikers and off‑grid travelers come for lake scenery and migratory waterfowl.
Javakheti National Park is a protected area on the Javakheti plateau in Samtskhe-Javakheti, southern Georgia, established to conserve highland wetlands, lakes and steppe habitats. The park protects a mosaic of alpine meadows, volcanic lakes and marshes important for biodiversity.
The park offers open highland scenery with volcanic lakes, peat bogs and seasonally wet meadows; it is noted for waterbird concentrations during migration and for opportunities to walk low-impact trails and observe wildlife at birdwatching points. Recreational activities are generally low-intensity and oriented to nature observation.
Designated by Georgian conservation authorities as a national park to conserve the plateau’s wetlands and associated species, the area has since been managed to balance conservation with low-impact local tourism and traditional land uses. Conservation work has focused on wetland protection and monitoring of bird populations.
Located in the southern highlands of Georgia near the borders with Armenia and Turkey, the park sits on the Javakheti volcanic plateau within Samtskhe-Javakheti region and is accessed from regional towns on the plateau.
- Birdlife: High-altitude wetlands and volcanic lakes provide important stopover habitat for migratory waterbirds and breeding sites for regional species.
- Elevation and terrain: Located on the Javakheti plateau at roughly 1,500-2,000 metres above sea level, featuring alpine and montane steppe landscapes.
How to Get to Javakheti National Park #
Access from the regional hub of Akhalkalaki; road travel across the plateau requires a reliable vehicle. Contact the Georgian Agency of Protected Areas for maps, permits and guidance on the best routes and local guides.
Tips for Visiting Javakheti National Park #
- Hire a local guide for highland routes and to access cultural sites like small chapels and herding settlements.
- Bring layers - weather in Javakheti can be unpredictable with strong winds and rapid temperature swings.
- If birdwatching, bring a spotting scope: the plateau hosts many Georgian specialist species and migrants that require distance viewing.
Best Time to Visit Javakheti National Park #
Best in summer for access and mild weather; spring and autumn are excellent for birdwatching and quieter visits.
Weather & Climate near Javakheti National Park #
Javakheti National Park's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -13°C to 19°C. Moderate rainfall (785 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -6°C and lows of -13°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -13°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -11°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 0°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (111 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly overcast skies.