# Tsalka Municipality - URL: https://explore-georgia.ge/en/municipalities/tsalka-municipality - Type: municipality - Region: Kvemo Kartli - Official website: https://tsalka.gov.ge ## History Tsalka Municipality lies in the north-west of the **Kvemo Kartli** region, on the high **Tsalka Plateau** in the historic land of **Trialeti**, with the town of **Tsalka** as its administrative centre, about 60 km south-west of Tbilisi. The municipality covers about **1,050 km²**. The plateau, at roughly 1,500–1,700 m, is part of the volcanic uplands of southern Georgia, with the large **Tsalka Reservoir** at its centre. The **Khrami River**, known as the Ktsia in its upper course, rises in the Trialeti Range and feeds the reservoir. Tsalka borders Dmanisi to the south and Tetritskaro to the east. The plateau is one of the key archaeological landscapes of the Caucasus. The **Trialeti culture**, which flourished from the late 3rd to the early 2nd millennium BC, left monumental burial mounds (kurgans) along the Khrami; some have ceremonial processional paths over 100 m long. Excavations in **1936–1940** and later revealed rich gold and silver objects — the famous **Trialeti treasures**, now kept in the Georgian National Museum. The Dashbashi area also preserves the **Church of St George** (10th–11th centuries). Tsalka has a distinctive modern history. After the Russo-Turkish war of 1828–1829, **Pontic Greeks** from the Gümüşhane and Erzurum regions — many of them Turkish-speaking Urums — settled on the plateau, and until about 1990 they formed the majority of the population. After many emigrated, Georgian families displaced by landslides in other regions were resettled here in 1997–2006. In the Soviet period the Khrami River was dammed for hydropower: the first Khrami hydroelectric station began operating in **1947**. Today Tsalka is best known for the spectacular **Dashbashi Canyon**, where the Khrami has carved a deep gorge with waterfalls. A **240 m glass bridge** across the canyon opened in **2022** as part of a large tourism project, drawing visitors from across Georgia. The open plateau and the shores of the reservoir are also popular for fishing and summer trips. For travellers, Tsalka makes a great day or weekend trip from Tbilisi: walk the Dashbashi Canyon trails and cross the glass bridge, see the waterfall and old church, and explore the Greek villages and wide landscapes of the Tsalka Plateau. Combine it with Manglisi or Dmanisi for a longer route through southern Georgia. ## FAQ **1) Where is Tsalka Municipality located?** In the north-west of Kvemo Kartli, on the Tsalka Plateau in the historic land of Trialeti. **2) What is the administrative centre?** The town of Tsalka, about 60 km south-west of Tbilisi. **3) How high is the Tsalka Plateau?** About 1,500–1,700 m above sea level. **4) What is the Tsalka Reservoir?** A large reservoir at the centre of the plateau, fed by the Khrami (Ktsia) River. **5) What is the Trialeti culture?** A Bronze Age culture of the late 3rd–early 2nd millennium BC, known for rich kurgans with gold objects. **6) Where are the Trialeti treasures kept?** In the Georgian National Museum in Tbilisi. **7) When did Greeks settle in Tsalka?** After the Russo-Turkish war of 1828–1829. **8) What is the Dashbashi glass bridge?** A 240 m glass bridge across the Dashbashi Canyon, opened in 2022. **9) What else is in Dashbashi?** The canyon’s waterfall and the Church of St George (10th–11th centuries). **10) Where can I find official municipal information?** On the municipality’s official website, tsalka.gov.ge. ## Sources - [Tsalka Municipality — official website](https://tsalka.gov.ge) - [Tsalka Municipality (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsalka_Municipality) - [Tsalka (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsalka) - [Tsalka Plateau (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsalka_Plateau) - [Trialeti culture (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trialeti_culture) - [Trialeti kurgans — Georgia Travel](https://georgia.travel/trialeti-kurgans) - [Greeks in Georgia (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greeks_in_Georgia) - [Dashbashi Canyon glass bridge — Commersant](https://cbw.ge/tourism/240-meter-long-glass-bridge-over-dashbashi-canyon-opens-on-june-14) ## Settlements - [Aiazma](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/tsalka-municipality/aiazma): Discover Aiazma, a village in Tsalka Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Akenda](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/tsalka-municipality/akenda): Discover Akenda, a abandoned village in Tsalka Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Akhalsheni](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/tsalka-municipality/akhalsheni): Discover Akhalsheni, a village in Tsalka Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Ar Sarvani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/tsalka-municipality/ar-sarvani): Discover Ar Sarvani, a village in Tsalka Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Artsivani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/tsalka-municipality/artsivani): Discover Artsivani, a village in Tsalka Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Ashkala](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/tsalka-municipality/ashkala): Discover Ashkala, a village in Tsalka Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Avranlo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/tsalka-municipality/avranlo): Discover Avranlo, a village in Tsalka Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Bareti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/tsalka-municipality/bareti): Discover Bareti, a village in Tsalka Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Bediani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/tsalka-municipality/bediani): Discover Bediani, a town in Tsalka Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Berta](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/tsalka-municipality/berta): Discover Berta, a village in Tsalka Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Beshtasheni](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/tsalka-municipality/beshtasheni): Discover Beshtasheni, a village in Tsalka Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Burnasheti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/tsalka-municipality/burnasheti): Discover Burnasheti, a village in Tsalka Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Chivt Kilisa](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/tsalka-municipality/chivt-kilisa): Discover Chivt Kilisa, a village in Tsalka Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Choliani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/tsalka-municipality/choliani): Discover Choliani, a village in Tsalka Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Chrdilisubani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/tsalka-municipality/chrdilisubani): Discover Chrdilisubani, a village in Tsalka Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Darakovi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/tsalka-municipality/darakovi): Discover Darakovi, a village in Tsalka Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Dashbashi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/tsalka-municipality/dashbashi): Discover Dashbashi, a village in Tsalka Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Gantiadi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/tsalka-municipality/gantiadi): Discover Gantiadi, a village in Tsalka Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Godaklari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/tsalka-municipality/godaklari): Discover Godaklari, a village in Tsalka Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Gumbati](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/tsalka-municipality/gumbati): Discover Gumbati, a village in Tsalka Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Imera](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/tsalka-municipality/imera): Discover Imera, a village in Tsalka Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kaburi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/tsalka-municipality/kaburi): Discover Kaburi, a village in Tsalka Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kavta](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/tsalka-municipality/kavta): Discover Kavta, a village in Tsalka Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Khachkovi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/tsalka-municipality/khachkovi): Discover Khachkovi, a village in Tsalka Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Khando](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/tsalka-municipality/khando): Discover Khando, a village in Tsalka Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Khareba](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/tsalka-municipality/khareba): Discover Khareba, a village in Tsalka Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Khramhesi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/tsalka-municipality/khramhesi): Discover Khramhesi, a town in Tsalka Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kizil Kilisa](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/tsalka-municipality/kizil-kilisa): Discover Kizil Kilisa, a village in Tsalka Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kokhta](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/tsalka-municipality/kokhta): Discover Kokhta, a village in Tsalka Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kushi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/tsalka-municipality/kushi): Discover Kushi, a village in Tsalka Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Livadi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/tsalka-municipality/livadi): Discover Livadi, a village in Tsalka Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Minsazkendi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/tsalka-municipality/minsazkendi): Discover Minsazkendi, a abandoned village in Tsalka Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Nardevani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/tsalka-municipality/nardevani): Discover Nardevani, a village in Tsalka Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Ozni](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/tsalka-municipality/ozni): Discover Ozni, a village in Tsalka Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Rekha](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/tsalka-municipality/rekha): Discover Rekha, a village in Tsalka Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Sabechisi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/tsalka-municipality/sabechisi): Discover Sabechisi, a village in Tsalka Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Samadlo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/tsalka-municipality/samadlo): Discover Samadlo, a village in Tsalka Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Sameba](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/tsalka-municipality/sameba): Discover Sameba, a village in Tsalka Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Santa](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/tsalka-municipality/santa): Discover Santa, a village in Tsalka Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Saqdrioni](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/tsalka-municipality/saqdrioni): Discover Saqdrioni, a village in Tsalka Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tamala Kharaba](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/tsalka-municipality/tamala-kharaba): Discover Tamala Kharaba, a village in Tsalka Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tarsoni](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/tsalka-municipality/tarsoni): Discover Tarsoni, a abandoned village in Tsalka Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tbeti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/tsalka-municipality/tbeti): Discover Tbeti, a village in Tsalka Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tejisi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/tsalka-municipality/tejisi): Discover Tejisi, a village in Tsalka Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Trialeti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/tsalka-municipality/trialeti): Discover Trialeti, a town in Tsalka Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tsintsqaro](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/tsalka-municipality/tsintsqaro): Discover Tsintsqaro, a village in Tsalka Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zemo Ashkala](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/tsalka-municipality/zemo-ashkala): Discover Zemo Ashkala, a abandoned village in Tsalka Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. ## This page in other languages - [Georgian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ka/municipalitetebi/tsalka-municipality) - [Russian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ru/municipalitety/tsalka-municipality)