2. Village Tmogvi - Vanis Kvabebi (Caves).

In medieval Georgia, the city of Tmogvi was the center of Javakheti. Nowadays, Tmogvi is a beautiful village. In the village, the typical Meskhetian houses are still maintained today along with domestic and agricultural tools. The terraced gardens, irrigation channels and fields covered with beautiful wildflowers present colourful vista. Tmogvi also has the rock-hewn cave monastery, Vanis Kvabebi, with its impressive tunnelling system, residences, church and various remains of other buildings.

Points of interest:
Village Tmogvi.
Tsunda Church.
Vanis Kvabebi/ Caves.

A Day Trip
The tour begins at the lake Tsunda near the village Tmogvi with several stops along the way to visit Vanis Kvabebi (Vani Caves). Tsunda Church, dedicated to St John the Baptist, dates back to the 12th-13th centuries. In this vicinity, there are natural hot water springs and beautiful terraced gardens. There is a cave complex older than Vanis Kvabebi, called Monks' Fields with its numerous burial grounds and tumulus. (Clearly visible on a nearby mountaintop is the religious monument, Saint Nino's Cross.) From this mountaintop the fortress Tmogvi and the Mtkvari valley are clearly visible. After The tour ends at the Vanis Kvabebi (Vani Caves), where there is a little white church built up on the rocks. Vani Caves can be explored. Here fresh spring water is available and the pine-scented air is very rejuvenating after this journey. 

Hiking tour of moderate difficulty.
Length of the route: 8.5 km.
Duration of the tour: 6 hours.
Minimum height: 1200 meters above sea level.
Maximum height: 1650 meters above sea level.
Transportation: on foot or by horse.
Picnic lunch is recommended.