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.
