Tucked away in the southern part of Georgia, within the realms of the Samtskhe-Javakheti region, sits the grandeur of the Trialeti Range. Part of the Lesser Caucasus Mountains, the range extends from the western outskirts of Tbilisi in the east, meandering its way to the southwest of Borjomi along the River Mtkvari. Spanning 144 kilometers (89.48 miles) in length and swelling up to 30 kilometers (18.64 miles) in width, the range is a sweeping canvas of geologic wonder.
The crowning jewel of the Trialeti Range is Mount Shaviklde, standing tall at an altitude of 2,850 meters (9,348 feet) above sea level. Its Georgian moniker, meaning "black cliff", paints a vivid picture of its imposing presence.
The story of the Trialeti Range's formation traces its roots back to the Paleogene period when volcanic activity was rife. Vestiges of this era persist in the range, particularly in the western region where young andesite lava flows are common.
Life thrives on the slopes of the Trialeti Range, with deciduous forests of oak, beech, and hornbeam trees dominating the landscape. Further west, the terrain transforms into a blend of coniferous and mixed forests, home to fir, spruce, pine, beech, & oak.
