Tour Code - NP-Vashlovani
Vashlovani National Park
IUCN Categories: 1) National Park
Vashlovani National Park is distinguished from Georgia’s other protected areas by its semi-desert ecosystem. The views of the landscape with the snowy Caucasus Mountains in the background are unforgettable for visitors. It is the best destination for bird-watcher lovers, since the places is specific with its unique species.
It is great place that can not be compared to anywhere else in Georgia. While visiting Vashlovani, you will feel that you are in another world. It is unique place with scientific and touristic significance.
Vashlovani is a real paradise and the reason you should travel in this magical place to experience a memorable adventure.
- Biodiversity - In Vashlovani National Park, due to various natural impacts, the diverse arid landscape was formed on a small territory. These are: desert, semidesert, steppe, arid sparse forests and deciduous forest zones. Besides above listed zones there are - floodplain forests, cliff xerophytes, foothill paliurus forests and loam plants. Besides 600 species of plants described in the protected area 28 are Caucasian and 5 Georgian endemic.
- Flora - There are about 700 species of plants in Vashlovani, among them there are: diversity of orchids ( 7 species), Georgian iris (Iris iberica), Eichler tulips (Tulipa eichler), Maiko Peony (Paeonia maiko), wild grape (Vitis sylvestris) and other rare plants. There is Alazani unique floodplain forest and two small bays (Juma and Mijna) in Vashlovani National Park. These bays are the only place where next to the floodplain oaks (Quercus pedunculata), asps (Populus nigra, P. canescens), ash-trees (Fraxinus excelsior) and wild pomegranate (Punica granatum) wildly grow walnut trees (Juglans regia). There are important species of fruit tree and vine ancestors: Wild vine (Vitis silvestris G. Gmel.), Quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill.), pomegranate (Punica granatum), drum bread (Tritium ferrigineum), cherry (Cerarus silvestris), wild apple (Malus orientalis and others.
- Endemic plants - From remarkablendemic plants in Vashlovani National Park are: Eichlertulip (Tulipa eichleri Regel), Georgian iris (Iris iberica Hoffm.), Georgian barberry (Berberis iberica) and Georgian wild pear (Pyrus georgica Kuthath). From endemic species of Georgia in the National park can be found: regional bell flower (Campanula kachetica), regional sainfon (Onobrychis kacheticaBoiss. et Buhse), steppe peony (Paeonia tenuifolia L.), Sakhokia wild pear (Pyrus sachokianaKuth.) and others.
- Plants of “Red List” of Georgia - 13 species of woody plants form the “Red List” of Georgia are represented in Vashlovani National Park: Georgian maple (Acer ibericum M. Bieb. Ex Willd.), Euphrates Poplar (Populus euphratica Oliv.), Walnut (Juglans regia L. ), Pedunculate oak (Quercus pedunculiflora C.Koch), Wild pistachio (Pistacia mutica Fisch & Mey ),Sakhikia wild pear (Pyrus sachokiana Kutath.), Demetrii wild pear (Pyrus demetrii),Black juniper (Juniperus foetidissima Willd.), Fruitful juniper (Juniperus policarpos), Gorgian oak (Querceta iberica) and others.
- Hiking - Vashlovani National Park is perfect for hiking. Here is everything needed to create unforgettable memories – marked trails, bungalows, and picnic places.
- Birdwatching - Do you hide an ornithologist in your stomach, and want to spend your free time at a relaxing place with a calm atmosphere? At Vashlovani National Park you will have an opportunity to see non-migratory and migrant birds. Many of the birds are red-listed.
- Fly Fishing - If you love fishing, Vashlovani National Park is waiting for you! Fly fishing is very popular in National Parks. You and your friends can enjoy nature and go fly fishing in Mijnis Kure.