Tba – Mountain Scenery and Resort History

Tba lies on the right bank of the Borjomi River, about 1,100 metres above sea level and around nine kilometres from Borjomi. Mountain ridges and wooded slopes, typical of the Lesser Caucasus, surround the village. Tba has cool summers and cold, snowy winters.

Character and history

A traditional agricultural way of life is part of the village’s character. Tba is one of the resorts in the Borjomi area that was once popular. During the Soviet era, the village was known for its distinctive air and balneological properties. Historically, Tba also remained a summer destination for domestic visitors seeking longer stays.

Seasons and getting there

Tba is reached via regional roads leading away from the Borjomi Valley. Navigation can be more challenging during the shoulder seasons when it rains or snows. Check road conditions before setting out. If you are looking for a hotel in Tba, factor both the time of year and the journey into your plans; the cool summers and cold, snowy winters are also worth bearing in mind.

Nature in Samtskhe-Javakheti

Samtskhe-Javakheti is an administrative region made up of the historical provinces of Samtskhe and Javakheti. Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park extends across three regions, including Samtskhe-Javakheti. The park offers one-day and multi-day tours, as well as twelve marked, comfortable hiking trails. Around 75 percent of the park is covered by intact forests. Visitors to the national park must register. When planning, the main difference between the options is their duration: you can choose between one day and several days.

The national park is home to relict, endemic, rare and endangered plant and animal species. Wildlife in the park includes red deer, chamois, roe deer, brown bears, wolves and lynxes.

The Javakheti Protected Areas are known for their lakes, unique marshes, and subalpine and alpine meadows. From the birdwatching towers there, you can observe 140 species of breeding and migratory birds. These natural areas offer a different landscape and wildlife-watching focus from the extensive forests of Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park.

The region’s cultural history

The broader travel destination of Samtskhe-Javakheti also includes Vardzia and Poka St. Nino Monastery. Vardzia has the status of an immovable cultural monument of national significance; a total of 242 caves in present-day Vardzia are partially or fully preserved. Poka St. Nino Monastery on Lake Paravani dates back to the 11th century. Abastumani Astrophysical Observatory has been in operation since 1932. Meskhetian houses in Samtskhe-Javakheti had underground darani tunnels that served as shelters in wartime.

More activities in the broader travel destination of Samtskhe-Javakheti

Seasonal ice fishing is possible on Lake Paravani; whitefish is a particularly popular target. The kayaking section of the Paravani River is 16 kilometres long, has an elevation drop of 435 metres and is rated class 4 to 5. Experienced kayakers and a local guide are recommended for this challenging route.

Discover more destinations: Tsaghveri, Tsemi, Abuli, Akhaltsikhe, Bakurianis Andeziti, Aspindza, Tmogvi, Didi Mitarbi.

View the broader travel guide: Samtskhe-Javakheti.