Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park

The park is covered with Caucasian pine, fir, oriental beech, and oak – some areas are virgin forest, untouched by logging. Above 2,000 m: subalpine and alpine meadows carpeted with wildflowers from June through August. Wildlife includes roe deer, brown bears, lynx, wolves, and golden eagles – though sightings of large animals are rare.

The easiest route is the Information Trail (3 km, 1.5 hours): it starts from the administration building, passes St. Nino Church, and loops back. From the high point – a panorama of Borjomi and the gorge. The most popular day hike is the Footprint Trail (#6, 17 km, 6 hours): from the Likani valley over a ridge to Kvabiskhevi village. For experienced hikers: the St. Andrew Trail (#2, 54 km, 4–5 days) through alpine meadows to the park's highest point – Mount Sametskhvario (2,642 m).

Tourist shelters dot the multi-day routes – wooden huts with bunks, no electricity. Designated campsites with fire pits are available. Cycling and horse-riding trails are marked separately. In winter, two snowshoe trails run through snow-covered coniferous forest.

Area – 107,000 ha, 1.5% of Georgia's territory, one of the largest national parks in the Caucasus

Trails – 12 marked routes from 3 to 54 km, day hikes and multi-day treks

Highest point – Mount Sametskhvario, 2,642 m

Flora – Caucasian pine, fir, beech, red-listed relict yew forests

Fauna – brown bear, lynx, wolf, roe deer, golden eagle

Winter – 2 snowshoe trails (6 and 15.5 km), snowshoe rental 15 GEL/day (~$6)

The Borjomi Nature Reserve was established in 1935 to protect the unique coniferous forests of the Lesser Caucasus. The national park was created in 1995 – the first in independent Georgia – with support from the German government and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). The trail network and infrastructure (shelters, markers, campsites) were developed in the 2000s.

Today the park administration manages four types of protected areas: Borjomi Nature Reserve, Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, Nedzvi Managed Reserve, and the Goderdzi Fossil Forest Natural Monument. The park is part of Georgia's protected areas system managed by the Agency of Protected Areas. In 2023, several shelters were damaged by fires – check trail conditions at the visitor center before setting out.

From Tbilisi (160 km, 2–2.5 hours):

– Shared minibus (marshrutka) from Didube – 10 GEL (~$4), every 30–60 min

– Train – 8–15 GEL (~$3–6), 4 hours

– Car rental – via S1 highway

From Kharagauli (180 km from Tbilisi, 3 hours):

– Marshrutka from Didube – 10 GEL (~$4), twice daily

To the Borjomi visitor center:

From the bus station – 20 min walk or taxi 3–5 GEL (~$1–2). Located at 23 Meskheti Street.

To trailheads:

Some trails start from the visitor center. The Nikoloz Romanov Trail (#1) begins in the Likani valley (taxi 5–10 GEL / ~$2–4). Atskuri-based trails require separate access.

Season: June–October is best for hiking. Alpine meadows bloom in June–July. Autumn brings vibrant foliage.

Winter: December–March for snowshoe trails. Main hiking trails are closed due to snow.

Duration: Day hikes – 4–8 hours. Multi-day treks – 2–5 days. Information Trail – 1.5 hours.

Avoid: April–May – high river levels, bridges may be impassable. Starting a trail after 2:00 PM is not recommended – daylight is limited.