In short
- Wear grippy hiking shoes for steep, uneven rocky paths.
- Bring a light jacket because temperatures drop inside the caves.
- Cover shoulders, knees, and hair to enter the Church of the Dormition.
In this article
Packing for a full-day tour to Vardzia, Rabati, and Borjomi means preparing for diverse conditions. You will hike across uneven rocks, enter historical churches, and potentially swim in thermal springs. Proper footwear and layered clothing make the 12 to 14-hour trip much more comfortable.
Is there a dress code for Vardzia?
Yes, modest dress is strictly required to enter the Church of the Dormition on site.
Men and women must cover their shoulders and knees before entering the church. Women are also required to cover their hair. Bring a large scarf in your bag to easily wrap around yourself before viewing the 12th-century frescoes inside.
What shoes should I wear to Vardzia?
You need comfortable, grippy hiking shoes.
The Vardzia route includes steep drop-offs and uneven rocky surfaces. You will climb stairs across multiple cave levels to see the 300 surviving rooms. Do not wear sandals, heels, or smooth-soled shoes.
How should I dress for the weather at Vardzia?
Wear layers and bring sun protection.
The exterior walkways get intense sun, so pack sunscreen and a hat. However, temperatures drop significantly inside the darker cave tunnels and later in the evening. A light jacket or long-sleeved layer is highly recommended to stay comfortable.
What else should I pack for the Vardzia tour?
Pack a small flashlight, cash, and motion sickness medication.
- Flashlight: Some tunnels are very low and dark. A phone torch works, but a small flashlight helps.
- Small bills: Bring 2 GEL for the optional uphill shuttle at Vardzia.
- Motion sickness pills: The drive from Tbilisi involves long, winding mountain roads.
What should I wear for Borjomi and Rabati?
Standard comfortable clothing works for Rabati, but bring swimwear for Borjomi.
If your tour includes the open-air sulphur pools located 3 kilometers deep into Borjomi Central Park, pack swimwear and a quick-dry towel. Also, bring a refillable water bottle to collect free warm mineral water at the park's pavilion.
Questions travellers ask
Do I need a headcover for Vardzia?
Yes. Women must cover their hair to enter the Church of the Dormition, which houses a famous lifetime portrait of Queen Tamar. Bring your own scarf.
Can I wear shorts to Vardzia?
You can wear shorts on the outdoor cave paths. However, you will not be allowed inside the Church of the Dormition unless your knees are fully covered.
Is the walking difficult at Vardzia?
The walk requires climbing steep stairs and walking on uneven rocky surfaces. You must stay on marked trails and railed paths. You can pay an optional 2 GEL shuttle fee to skip the initial uphill walk.
