The mountain range was built up by volcanic activity during the Paleogene period.

Young, andesite lava flows are common in the western part of the Range.

The highest point is Mount Shaviklde (meaning "black cliff" in Georgian) at an elevation of 2,850 meters above sea level (9,348 ft.).

The slopes of the Range are mainly covered by deciduous forests made up of oak, beech, and hornbeam.

The western parts of Trialeti are covered by coniferous and mixed forests made up of fir, spruce, pine, beech, and oak.