Abastumani–Zekari

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Temperate, reasonably humid mountain forest climate. Winters are snowy, summers mild. Annual precipitation ca. 1000 mm (60 mm in January, 80 mm in April, 60 mm in July, 60 mm in October). Over 30 days with heavy rains per year. Around 80 days with snow cover. Mean temperature: January/– 6, April/4, July/18, October/10. Mean maximum temperature (July)/34 o C.

This area is a well– known vacation place in southern Georgia, in the surroundings of the village Abastumani, on the southern slopes of Meskheti mountain range. It consists of mostly coniferous and mixed forest replaced by subalpine meadows at the elevation of 1,900 m. (Zekari mountain pass). It is a cool area in an Alpine–like setting. A visit to the site takes at least two (better three) days.

A special attraction here is Caspian snowcock, Caucasian black grouse and Caucasian chiffchaff. One can also see forest–adapted bird species like boreal, long–eared, scops, tawny, and eagle owls, greater spotted, lesser spotted, middle spotted, white– backed, green, and black woodpeckers, goshawk, peregrine falcon, common crossbill, wood– pigeon, stock dove, white– throated dipper, wren, goldcrest, black– headed nuthatch, various warblers and other songbirds. In subalpine and alpine areas, one can watch golden eagle.

Mammals harbored by the site are chamois, roe deer, wild boar, wolf, fox, lynx, wildcat, brown bear, wood and rock martens and badger. Along small mountain brooks, one can observe endemic Caucasian salamander, Caucasian mud– diver, and Caucasian toad. There are three endemic species of lizards, included Artwin wood lizard, Ajarian, Georgian, and Red– bellied rock lizard. Other reptiles are smooth and ring snakes, slow worm, and sand lizard. In subalpine meadows in June, spectacular Apollo butterflies can be watched. Along with European and European– like species (such as Oriental spruce and Nordmann’ s fir), there are some Caucasian endemics, including high– mountain maple, mountain ash, etc.

Abastumani is a famous vacation resort/spa. There are well–known springs with naturally hot sulfur water that are used for balneological treatments. The mountain air is also considered healthy for people suffering from respiratory ailments. In the vicinity of the village, there is a large observatory of Georgian Academy of Sciences.



April through October.





A minibus departs every day from Didube bus station in Tbilisi. Subalpine meadows can be reached by foot or with a four– wheel vehicle.

There are a number of cheap hotels in the area, with the prices around 5– 10 lari per person/day. Camping outside the village area is possible as well. Several small cafés are available in the village.





www.birding-georgia.com/abastumani.php