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Vashlovani National Park West

Kakheti  >  Georgia

The western part of Vashlovani National Park consists of steppes, limestone cliffs and riverbeds.

Added* by Nick Sessink
Most recent update 10 avgust 2025

Description

The western part of Vashlovani National Park consists of a semi-desert region dominated by steppes, small deciduous forests, dwarf shrubs, and limestone cliffs. Annual rainfall is low. The northern part of the region consists of flat, dry terrain that gives way to hills and a riverbed surrounded by canyons and juniper vegetation. On the border with Azerbaijan, a steppe extends to the southernmost point of Georgia.

The canyons, riverbed and vegetation provide a habitat for breeding birds such as: skalni brglez, sredozemski kupčar, turška kotorna, beloglavi jastreb, skalni strnad, skalni vrabec en mejačica. The riverbed ends in flat terrain that changes into sparsely vegetated steppes. Here you can find the species: rjavoglavi srakoper, črnočeli srakoper, bledi kupčar kratkoprsti škrjanček, frankolin,laški škrjanec, kačar, močvirski lunj , kraljevi orel and rjavi jastreb. Further south in the area kaspijska penica can be found.

During winter, the species spectrum is less abundant, but large numbers of mala droplja can be present.

Details

Access

Vashlovani National Park is located in the Kakheti region of southeastern Georgia, near the border with Azerbaijan. The western part of Vashlovani National Park is accessible by high-clearance four-wheel drive vehicle. Be aware of muddy roads and high river water levels during heavy rainstorms.

The steppes are accessible by driving along a riverbed. From Kasristskali, take the dirt road southwest. This dirt road leads to the riverbed between the canyons (Pantishara Valley). The riverbed opens onto flat terrain, where you turn left to enter the steppe. From the steppe, you can continue driving southeast.

Terrain and Habitat

Scattered trees and bushes , Steppe , Canyon/cliff , River

Conditions

Hilly , Rocky , Dry , Open landscape , Sandy , High water possible , Flat

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

Summer , Spring

Best time to visit

Spring

Route

Unpaved road

Difficulty walking trail

Accessible by

Car

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Extra info

A border permit is required to enter the area. This permit can be obtained at the National Park Administration Office in Dedoplistsqaro. You may be checked by border police at various border checkpoints. You must carry your passport and border permit when exploring the area.

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

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