Tsalka: Georgia’s Highland Mosaic of Cultures & Volcanic Lakes

Tsalka is a windswept highland town in Kvemo Kartli, known for its otherworldly volcanic lakes, Soviet-era relics, and multicultural heritage (Georgian, Greek, Armenian, and Russian). At 1,500m altitude, it’s a gateway to the Javakheti Plateau—Georgia’s "little Siberia."

Key Facts

Population: ~2,000 (once 10x larger before Soviet collapse).

Altitude: 1,500m (cold even in summer).

Famous For: Dashbashi Canyon, abandoned Greek villages, and stargazing.

Vibe: Half ghost town, half frontier outpost.

Top Attractions

1. Dashbashi Canyon (15km from Tsalka)

Tbilisi’s "Grand Canyon" – A 100m-deep gorge with a waterfall and turquoise pools.

Glass Skywalk – Not for the faint-hearted!

2. Tsalka’s Volcanic Lakes

Bughdasheni Lake – Perfect for picnics and birdwatching.

Khanchali Lake – A migratory bird sanctuary (flamingos in summer!).

3. Abandoned Greek Villages

Kolkhida & Trialeti – Ruins of 19th-century Pontic Greek settlements.

Greek Cemetery – Ornate crosses and fading inscriptions.

4. Soviet Relics

Tsalka Reservoir – Gigantic Stalin-era hydro project.

Monument to Fallen Soldiers – Eerie Soviet memorial.

5. Nearby Adventures

Javakheti National Park – Wetlands and wild horses.

Kldekari Fortress – Medieval ruins on a sheer cliff.

Cultural Mix

Georgian: Orthodox churches, supra feasts.

Greek: Abandoned homes, old bakeries.

Armenian: Vibrant markets, kebab stalls.

Food & Drink

Must-Try:

Khashlama – Boiled lamb with herbs (Armenian style).

Greek-style Bread – Rare holdover from Pontic traditions.

Local Honey – From highland bees.

Only Café: Café Tsalka – Basic but warm.

How to Get There?

From Tbilisi:

2.5 hours by car/marshrutka (via Manglisi).

Marshrutka from Didube Station (~15 GEL).

From Akhaltsikhe: ~1.5 hours.

Best Time to Visit

July-August: Wildflowers, mild weather.

September: Golden steppes, bird migrations.

Avoid winter – Roads freeze, and it’s -20°C!

Insider Tips

Pack warm clothes – Even summer nights are chilly.

Hire a local guide to find hidden Greek ruins.

Fill your gas tank – Few stations in Javakheti.

Tsalka is Georgia’s forgotten highland—where abandoned villages, alien canyons, and lonely lakes tell stories of exile and resilience. Not for luxury seekers, but perfect for adventurers.