The first geotrail in Georgia and the Caucasus.
This trail provides the opportunity to journey into the geological history of the Uraveli River Gorge, where you can encounter a multitude of captivating geological phenomena that have evolved over millions of years due to underwater volcanic eruptions, interactions with the Earth’s crust, and various external influences. As you journey through the Uraveli valley, in addition to a diverse array of minerals and various rock formations, you may also stumble upon the fossilized imprints of numerous ancient creatures that once roamed this area thousands of years ago.During the Middle Eocene epoch, within the mountainous expanse of Erusheti, volcanic activities, including lava flows, occurred, followed by the erosive forces of the Uraveli River, which subsequently crafted distinctive landscapes throughout the entire valley.While embarking on a Geotrail expedition, you will encounter abundant evidence of dynamic volcanic processes. These include the presence of basaltic pāhoehoe lava flows, vertical, inclined, and radial volcanic rock formations interwoven with the surrounding geological strata, and an array of other geologically significant featuresAs you traverse the valley, it becomes evident how deeply ingrained the geological characteristics are within the local culture. These geological imprints manifest in various aspects of the community, including religious practices, architectural designs, oral traditions, and even the culinary experiences, showcasing the profound influence of geology on the region’s cultural heritage.Spanning a length of five kilometers, it is imperative to take notice of the interpretive boards situated within the valley. These boards, featuring QR codes, offer an opportunity to delve deeper into the specifics of the geological formations encountered along the route, enhancing your understanding of the landscape’s geological intricacies.Nonetheless, it’s essential not to overlook the tourist service providers nestled within the valley. Partake in their offerings and plan your exploration accordingly. If you decide to extend your journey to the surrounding villages, you’ll inevitably venture into Erusheti N/P.
The Georgian Ecotourism Association, with the financial support of the Czech Embassy, implemented a project that involved the creation of the first geotrail in the Caucasus in the Uraveli river valley. Within the framework of the project, together with experts in the field, the Uraveli valley was studied from the point of view of utilizing the tourist potential of the geological resource. The geological route was developed in international Geotrail standards.
The project was implemented with the financial support of the Czech Embassy, within the framework of the cooperation program for the development of local small-scale projects and with the co-financing of the Georgian Ecotourism Association.
