Georgia - Uphill Hike to Gori Fortress and Uplistsikhe

Then my friends asked: "Of all European countries, why Georgia?". It all started with a sudden obsession of mountain ranges. I have been living in a concrete jungle for more than 2 years now and I suddenly felt the need to breathe.

I could've chosen a different destination like Maldives or Armenia (which are both on Holiday Factory) but being this Instagram addict that I am, I threw away all of my early plans when I saw that one of the hotels listed in the 20 Hotels That Were Made For Instagram was actually in Georgia. It's just unfortunate that the road to my dream destination was closed during my travel period so I had to push back and save it for later. And like I said on my previous post, I will definitely go back to Georgia with or without the imaginary travel buddy whom I have made the plans with.

It was raining when I arrived in Tbilisi. I almost thought that I'd be missing one of the tours I have booked through David, a tour operator based in Georgia who I think serves the cheapest tours outside the city (they are cheaper by 5-25 USD from other travel agencies). At 9am, there were about 15 people waiting at Meidan Square already. We are all aiming to visit the first capital of Georgia, Mtskheta to the oldest city carved in a rock – Uplistsikhe.

I will be showing you the photos I took at Gori Fortress and Uplistsikhe. The rest of Mtskheta (Stalin Museum and two other orthodox churches ) will be on a separate post.

The Road To Gori

Never have I hated the rain all my life and I always embrace it like a blessing. What more when you are in Georgia, the rain makes everything seem so dreamy and almost unreal.

Going Up The Gori Fortress

Beware though, during winter season it is super cold when it is raining. So as a travel tip to Georgia between winter and spring, always carry an extra sheet of clothing (a jacket, coat, thick sweater) to keep you warm and a sturdy umbrella just in case it rains.

Most travellers and tourists going to Georgia know that Gori is the birthplace of Joseph Stalin, but not me. I hardly remember anything from my history class and all I know is that Stalin is Russian. Period. *evil smile*

In Georgian historical memory, Gori has long been associated with its citadel, the Gori Fortress, which was built on a hill overlooking the central part of the modern city. Unfortunately, rain went mad when we were up the fortress and I can't sacrifice James (my camera) to get wet. I was left with a few stormy photos. *sigh* Also, going up the fortress is a small hike and if you're not used to it, you will easily get tired.

But I got me some selfie stick so I guess that's ok. Nuninuninu.

One thing I loved about Georgia is their architecture. Sooo Medieval.

Uplistsikhe Is Beautiful, And I Mean It!

Not far from Gori is Uplistsikhe (also known as "the lord’s fortress”), an ancient rock-hewn town in eastern Georgia. This is where the Flinstones lived. And I'm just kidding.I won't be going into the details of this historical place because the photos I took were meant to tell you everything. 

Basically, the fortress was built on a high rocky left bank of the Mtkvari River (you will see it below) and it contains various structures dating from the Early Iron Age to the Late Middle Ages. Uplistsikhe is notable for the unique combination of various styles of rock-cut cultures from Anatolia and Iran, as well as the co-existence of pagan and Christian architecture (source: Wikipedia and Galina, my favourite tour guide).

Amazing view isn't it? I'd be sharing more on my next post so stay tuned. Had to park the keyboard for now, it's 3:16am as I write the last few words. *yawn*

*  *  *  *

Photos above were taken and processed by me and is intended for this blog alone. If you intend to use this for commercial purposes, please email me at joy.caasi@gmail.com.

I booked my tour (travel to the first capital of Georgia, Mtskheta and to the oldest city carved in a rock – Uplistsikhe) with David through Facebook and email. The price was 49GEL at the time of travel and this includes transfers, a qualified guide, tickets to Uplistsikhe Complex and the tickets to Uplistsikhe Museum.