Bavra to Nunisi: Older Variation via Paravani: hiking in Georgia
TrailTrack route Hiking Georgia Multi-day
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Bavra to Nunisi: Older Variation via Paravani

Distance
299.0 km
Estimated moving time
4 d 4 h
Elevation gain
—
Difficulty
Hard
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Route description

This older variation cannot be followed as a continuous crossing from Armenia into Georgia: its western border section passes outside an official checkpoint. Cross the international border through an authorized point and arrange the journey as separate lawful stages. The Javakheti highland still offers a compelling reason to travel here. Paravani fills a broad, open basin, while shore villages invite an unhurried visit to a region shaped by high mountain lakes. Southern walks near Arpi and the Georgian stages need independent planning. Farther north, the surroundings of Tabatskuri give way to forested directions towards the Borjomi region and Nunisi. This extended older variation includes returns and local detours, which need not all be repeated. Its final part belongs to Zemo Nunisi. Choose permitted stages and suitable accommodation beforehand to give the journey a practical shape.

Route status

Проверяем свежесть данных по треку и учитываем сообщения сообщества

Запретов на посещение и пожаров рядом нет

Проверяем спутниковые данные о пожарах и предупреждения по региону.

Следить за маршрутом
Подробнее о состоянии маршрута No recent trail condition reports
Data source Added from a track

This route was added from a track. Individual sections have not been checked in the field.

Last updated Update date not provided

Before travelling, check trail access, restrictions and the weather forecast.

Current conditions No recent trail condition reports

Conditions may have changed. Share a report after completing the route.

Community experience

Recent completions

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Elevation profile

gentle climb steep

Surface

Improved surface 9% · Dirt 8% · Dirt / grass 7% · Unknown 73%

Surface data covers 80.9 km of 299.0 km; the rest of the track is not yet classified.

Improved surface 9% · 25.8 km
Dirt 8% · 23.4 km
Dirt / grass 7% · 21.0 km
Asphalt 2% · 5.89 km
Compacted dirt 2% · 4.81 km
Unknown 73% · 218.1 km

Before you go

Всё важное о маршруте

Route at a glance

Главное за минуту
Discover Paravani and the villages of the Javakheti highland, then explore the forested Nunisi region. Rework the border section first: the old continuous crossing is impermissible, while separate permitted walks may form the basis of a rewarding longer journey.
Length
299.0 km
Elevation gain
7778 m
Surface
Improved surface 9%
Bavra to Nunisi: Older Variation via Paravani: route photo 9 in Georgia

Route suitability

Кому будет комфортно
Without a car - Hard With children - No With a dog - No data By bike - No data With a stroller - No Mobile signal - No data The full independent concept needs extended walking and transfers between lawful stages. A short lake visit can be arranged separately. Dog access in protected areas, cycling passage throughout and mobile coverage are unconfirmed. This variation is unsuitable for strollers. Walking does not authorize crossing outside a checkpoint.

Nearby

Allow a separate approach to Tabatskuri Lake and its peninsula village: the nearest shore point is away from this line. The current Gandzani–Borjomi TCT section is an independent alternative with its own instructions; its timing does not describe this older extended variation. A resort visit in Nunisi also deserves separate planning after checking the location and conditions of the specific property.

Getting there

Варианты и важные моменты Show on map
Without a car
Current regular transport directly to the precise beginning or from the Zemo Nunisi finish is unconfirmed. Arrange delivery to chosen lawful stages and collection after the forest section beforehand. Cross the international border only through an official checkpoint with documents appropriate to your nationality.
By car
Arrange vehicle delivery separately for Armenian and Georgian walks. Use an official border crossing and agreed drop-off locations; vehicle transport does not remove border-control requirements. Check access to forest finishes and the condition of local roads before departure.
Parking
Verified parking facilities at the precise beginning and finish have not been established. At each chosen location, ask where leaving a vehicle is permitted and check signs and charges. Arrange your return to the car after separate stages beforehand.

Электрички туда и обратно

Расписание на дату и время, до которого нужно выйти на маршрут

What to expect

Places
Lake Paravani — This shallow Javakheti highland lake is Georgia's largest by surface area. The shore section opens onto the broad lake basin near highland villages.

Difficult sections and safety

На что обратить внимание
Elevation gainСуммарный набор высоты — 7778 м.
SurfaceImproved surface 9%, Dirt 8%, Dirt / grass 7%, Unknown 73%.
Риски The principal restriction is the impermissible Armenia–Georgia border crossing west of the official Bavra checkpoint. Do not replace it with an unauthorized detour or treat it as an ordinary mountain passage. Arrange national-park registration for the Arpi area beforehand. Before forest stages, establish whether they enter Borjomi National Park: some sections require registration and wild camping there is prohibited. Thunderstorms, strong wind and rapid weather changes affect the exposed highland. Forest sections require independent navigation and checking of local paths.

How much time to allow

Оцените свой темп
Расчётное время в пути 4 d 4 h
С запасом на остановки + 30–60 мин
The entire old continuous variation cannot be walked as given. Its total extent of about 299 km includes local returns and is not the current standard TCT section. For a revised multiday journey comprising permitted independent stages, allow approximately 18–24 days including transfers and weather contingency. This is an editorial reserve for an extended walking concept, not an established daily programme. Days 1–4: separately agreed walks in the Armenian part. Day 5: official border crossing and transfer. Days 6–11: selected Georgian stages towards Paravani and across the highland. Days 12–18: verified forest approaches towards Nunisi. Days 19–24: shorter walking stages, accommodation and weather contingency. Confirm stages, overnight arrangements and delivery before starting; a shorter visit does not need this full allowance.

Best time to go

Сезонность и рекомендации
Prefer stable, snow-free summer or early autumn weather for selected highland walks. Check approaches after rainfall and cold nights; strong wind can quickly make the open plateau uncomfortable. Do not regard winter lake ice as a walking connection. Season and fine weather do not remove the border restriction.

What to bring

Базовый список для комфортного похода
Broken-in hiking boots and spare dry socks.
Rain, wind and sun protection, plus a warm layer for the exposed highland.
Water, food and safe water treatment for your chosen walking stages.
A map of permitted sections, phone, power bank and first-aid supplies.
Passport, required entry documents, protected-area registrations and agreed accommodation contacts.

FAQ

Questions before the trip

Can I do this route without a car?

Current regular transport directly to the precise beginning or from the Zemo Nunisi finish is unconfirmed. Arrange delivery to chosen lawful stages and collection after the forest section beforehand. Cross the international border only through an official checkpoint with documents appropriate to your nationality

Is this route suitable for children?

Do not treat this as a basic child-friendly route: check difficulty, length, and trail conditions before going.

Can I download GPX and KML?

Yes, GPX and KML are available on the route page. Open the map, download the file, and use it in a navigator before your trip; key route facts: 299.0 km, hard.

Discussion

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