LAGODEKHI PROTECTED AREAS

Lagodekhi Reserve is the oldest nature reserve in the Caucasus region. It is situated in Eastern Georgia, in Kakheti; established in 1912 on the southern side of the Greater Caucasus ridge in eastern Georgia. The area covers a wide range of elevations and landscapes, from primary deciduous mountain forest dominated by Chestnut and Oriental Beach, to spectacular alpine lakes and tundra. The Lagodekhi Preserve was established in 2003, holding a 1970 hectare area. This is an isolated plot of the west–Caucasian type humid mountain landscape in the eastern Caucasus.

It is a unique natural monument for its distinguished flora and fauna. The reserve is noted for its beech broadleaf woods, alpine zone inviolable meadows, ice-age lakes, abundance of endemic and ancient relict varieties zones. In addition, there is a beautiful waterfall of Lagodekhi Forest.

TOURIST ROUTE “SHROMISKHEVI WATERFALL”

ROUTE ON FOOT

Duration: 1 day

Total route on foot: 14 km

Route Direction:Tbilisi – Dedoplistskaro – Lagodekhi (Central Entrance)-

Departure early in the morning from Tbilisi.

The route to Lagodekhi lays through Kakheti region.

Arrival to Lagodekhi.

The route starts from the Administration Centre of Lagodekhi Strict Nature Reserve. Visitors will be informed about the Lagodekhi Protected Areas in the Visitors’ Centre. Then the route goes along the left bank of the gorge of the Shoma River and enters the gorge as a foot-path and finishes at the “Shromiskhevi waterfall” (7m height). During this route the visitors will have the possibility to see the wild and untouched nature: hornbeam virgin forests, the centuries old trees of different species and mineral springs.  Visitors can also take a rest at the waterfall, take a bath and have a picnic.

Departure back to Tbilisi.

Farewell supper at one of the Tbilisi restaurants

TOURIST ROUTE “GURGENIANI WATERFALL”

ROUTE ON FOOT

Duration: 1 day

Total route on foot: 14 km

Route Direction:Tbilisi – Dedoplistskaro – Lagodekhi (Central Entrance)

Departure early in the morning from Tbilisi.

The route to Lagodekhi lays through Kakheti region.

Arrival to Lagodekhi. Administrative building and Visitors’ Center.

The route starts at the Administration of Lagodekhi Protected Areas by driving from the village of Zemo Gurgenianito the beginning of the gorge of Ninoskhevi, further it stretches along the gorge as a narrow foot-path as far as the waterfall. The route ends at the “Gurgeniani Waterfall” (40m height), which is bigger than “Shromiskhevi Waterfall”.  Visitors can see the centuries old lime tree, springs coming out of rocks and several natural compositions along the rivers. Visitors can also take a rest at the waterfall, take a bath and have a picnic.

Departure back to Tbilisi.

Farewell supper at one of the Tbilisi restaurants

TOURIST ROUTE “MACHIS CASTLE AND BLACK CLIFF LAKE"

HORSE RIDING or ROUTE ON FOOT

Duration: 3 days

DAY 1

Route Direction:Tbilisi – Dedoplistskaro – Lagodekhi - Matsimi

Departure early in the morning from Tbilisi.

The route to Lagodekhi lays through Kakheti region.

Arrival to Lagodekhi. Administrative building and Visitors’ Center.

The route starts from Administrative building and Visitors’ Center. Visitors will be informed in advance about the routes of the park, its general information and other useful things. Visitors have to pass registration here. Then visitors will depart to the village Matsimisubani, the route stretches in parallel along the Matsimchai River as far as the“Machi Castle”, where the ruins of historical-cultural monument of 5th-6th centuries are remained.

Picnic on the open air.

Then the route leads to up the Meteo Centre, from which at the distance of 8 km, the first overnight/camping will be (overnight in the tents). Supper on the open air.

 DAY 2

Route Direction:Black Cliff Lake

Breakfast on the open air.

Visit to the Black Cliff Lake. In the Lagodekhi alpine zone, one can meet several very nice lakes of glacial origin; the largest of them is the Black Cliff Lake, the depth of which reaches 14 m. It is located on the Russian-Georgian border.

Picnic on the open air.

Overnight/camping in the tents near the Black Cliff Lake.

Supper on the open air.

 DAY 3

Route Direction: Back way route.

Breakfast on the open air.

The route back. (the same route).

Picnic on the open air.

Departure to Tbilisi.

Farewell supper at one of the Tbilisi restaurants.