Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park

About this activity

Welcome to Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, one of the largest and most spectacular national parks not just in Georgia, but in all of Europe! Located in the heart of Georgia, covering a vast area of the Lesser Caucasus mountains, this park is a paradise for nature lovers and hikers. Imagine huge, untouched forests stretching over mountains, high meadows filled with colourful flowers in summer, clean rivers flowing through deep valleys, and a chance to see diverse wildlife – this is what awaits you here.

Established officially in 1995 and opened to the public in 2001 (though parts were protected much earlier), Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park was created with international help to protect this unique wilderness. Its main goals are to conserve the rich variety of plants and animals, protect the forests and water sources, and allow people to experience and learn about nature through activities like hiking and horseback riding, all done in a way that doesn’t harm the environment.

The park covers a massive area of over 85,000 hectares (850 square kilometers). The landscape changes dramatically as you go higher, from dense forests of beech, oak, hornbeam, pine, fir, and spruce trees at lower levels, up to beautiful subalpine and alpine meadows above the tree line. The highest point reaches over 2,600 meters! This variety of habitats means the park is home to many different species. You might find signs of Brown Bears, wolves, lynx, Red Deer, Roe Deer, or Wild Boar. Birds like eagles and Caucasian Black Grouse also live here.

What makes Borjomi-Kharagauli especially great for visitors is its well-developed network of hiking trails. There are currently 12 marked trails, ranging from easy one-day walks starting near Borjomi or Kharagauli, to challenging multi-day treks that cross the entire park. Along these longer trails, there’s a system of basic tourist shelters (huts) and designated campsites where hikers can spend the night. This makes it possible to explore deep into the wilderness for several days. You can get detailed maps and information, register your hike, and even rent guides or horses at the park’s visitor centers in Borjomi and Kharagauli.

Visiting Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park requires good planning, especially for longer hikes. The mountain weather can change quickly, and high trails are covered in snow for many months (usually from November to May). But for those prepared, the park offers an unforgettable experience of wild nature, stunning views, and peaceful trails in one of Europe’s largest protected mountain landscapes.

1. Basic Identification

• Official Name: Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park (ბორჯომ-ხარაგაულის ეროვნული პარკი).
• Type of Protected Area: National Park (IUCN Category II). Aims to protect large natural areas while allowing for environmentally sensitive recreation, education, and scientific research.
• Date Established: Officially established in 1995, opened in 2001. Builds upon older protected areas like the Borjomi Reserve (late 19th century).
• Governing Body: Agency of Protected Areas (APA) of Georgia.

2. Location & Accessibility

• Geographic Location: Georgia. Spans across three regions: Samtskhe-Javakheti, Imereti, and Shida Kartli. Covers parts of Borjomi, Kharagauli, Khashuri, Akhaltsikhe, and Baghdati municipalities. Situated in the Lesser Caucasus mountains.
• Map/Coordinates: A large area, roughly centered around 41∘50′ N Latitude, 43∘10′ E Longitude. Detailed trail maps are essential and available from visitor centers or the APA website.
• Nearest Cities/Towns: Main entry points are the spa town of Borjomi (eastern entrance, near Likani) and the town of Kharagauli (western entrance). Other access points/nearby villages include Atskuri, Marelisi, Nunisi, Zanavi, and Abastumani (near the southern edge).
• How to Get There:
  • To Borjomi: Easily reachable from Tbilisi (approx. 160 km, 2-2.5 hours) by car, marshrutka (minibus), or train. Roads are paved.
  • To Kharagauli: Accessible by road; also has a train station on the main Tbilisi-Poti/Batumi line.
  • To Trailheads: Some trail entrances near Borjomi/Kharagauli are easily accessible. Accessing more remote trailheads (e.g., Marelisi, Atskuri) might require a car, potentially 4WD depending on the specific road and conditions.
  • Nearest Airports: Tbilisi (TBS) and Kutaisi (KUT).

3. Size & Physical Description

• Area: 85,083 hectares (850.83 km²). One of the largest national parks in Europe.
• Topography: Mountainous terrain of the Lesser Caucasus range, featuring high ridges, steep slopes, deep river valleys, extensive forests, and high-altitude meadows. Altitude ranges from about 800 meters to 2,642 meters (Mount Sametskhvario).
• Geology & Key Features: Characterized by the folded mountain structures of the Lesser Caucasus. The primary features are the expansive mountain and forest landscapes, rather than specific unique geological points like volcanoes or major caves.
• Hydrology: A dense network of rivers and streams originates in the park, feeding larger rivers like the Mtkvari (Kura) and the Rioni. Numerous springs exist. Small alpine lakes may be found at the highest elevations. The famous Borjomi mineral water sources are located near, but generally outside, the park’s core wilderness zone.
• Climate: Highly variable depending on altitude. Lower valleys are milder. High mountains experience long, cold, snowy winters (often October/November through April/May/June) and cool, potentially wet summers. Mountain weather can change very quickly. The main hiking season is June through October.

4. Purpose & Significance

• Reason for Designation: To protect the large, diverse, and relatively undisturbed forest and mountain ecosystems of this part of the Lesser Caucasus; to conserve its rich biodiversity, including large mammals; to provide opportunities for sustainable nature tourism, recreation, and education; and to protect important water sources.
• Key Values: Represents a vast wilderness area. High biodiversity value with many Caucasus endemic species. Important corridor and habitat for large mammals. Excellent potential for hiking, ecotourism, and environmental education. Protects significant forest and water resources.
• International Recognition:
  • First National Park in the Caucasus established according to modern international standards, with support from WWF and the German government (KfW).
  • Designated Emerald Network Site.
  • Formerly certified by PAN Parks Foundation for its wilderness protection and sustainable tourism management.

5. Biodiversity (Flora & Fauna)

• Ecosystems/Habitats: Diverse vertical zones: broadleaf deciduous forests (Oak, Hornbeam, Beech), mixed forests, coniferous forests (Pine, Spruce, Fir), subalpine forests (birch, maple, high-mountain oak), subalpine tall-herb meadows, and alpine meadows and carpets above the tree line.
• Key Plant Species: Oriental Spruce, Caucasian Fir, Scots Pine, Oriental Beech, various Oak species, Hornbeam, Maple, Birch. Rich forest understory. Subalpine and alpine zones feature Rhododendrons, Gentians, Bellflowers, Orchids, and many other colourful wildflowers. Numerous plants are endemic to the Caucasus.
• Key Animal Species:
  • Mammals: Brown Bear, Wolf, Eurasian Lynx, Red Deer (Cervus elaphus maral), Roe Deer, Wild Boar. Chamois may be present (population status varies). Also Badger, Pine Marten, Red Fox.
  • Birds: High-altitude specialists like Caucasian Black Grouse and Caucasian Snowcock. Raptors like Golden Eagle and Griffon Vulture. Forest birds include various woodpeckers, owls, flycatchers, and tits.
• Endangered/Rare Species: Brown Bear, Lynx, and Red Deer are listed in the Red Data Book of Georgia. Several bird species (e.g., Golden Eagle) have protected status. The Caucasian Salamander might be found in suitable habitats.

6. Visitor Information

• Visitor Center(s): Yes, two main centers:
  • Borjomi Visitor Center (located in Likani, just outside Borjomi town).
  • Kharagauli Visitor Center (in the town of Kharagauli).
  • Smaller ranger stations/visitor shelters exist at Atskuri and Marelisi entrances.
  • Services: Provide maps, detailed trail information, registration for hikes/shelters, booking of shelters/campsites, guide and horse rental services, basic exhibits, souvenirs. Contact details on APA website.
• Opening Hours & Seasons: Visitor centers generally operate during standard business hours (check APA website). Park trails are technically always open, BUT high-altitude trails (most multi-day routes) are inaccessible due to snow usually from late October/November until late May/June. The best hiking season is June to mid-October. Lower elevation trails can be hiked for a longer period.
• Entrance Fees & Permits: Yes, entrance fees apply per person per day. There are separate fees for using tourist shelters or designated campsites, renting horses, or hiring guides. Registration and payment are usually required at a visitor center before starting multi-day hikes or using shelters/campsites. Check APA website for current fees.
• Trails & Routes: An extensive network of 12 marked trails caters to different fitness levels and timeframes:
  • Short/Day Hikes: e.g., Footprint Trail (near Likani), Information Trail (near Kharagauli), Panorama Trail (1-day loop near Likani).
  • Multi-day Treks: e.g., St. Andrew’s Trail (4-days, challenging, crosses the park), Nikoloz Romanov Trail (2-days), trails connecting different entrances like Marelisi-Likani or Atskuri-Likani.
  • Trails vary in difficulty from easy to difficult. Horseback riding is possible on several routes.
• Activities: Hiking/trekking is the primary activity. Camping (only at designated spots), horseback riding, snowshoeing (winter, limited lower trails), birdwatching, nature photography, educational tours.
• Accommodation:
  • Inside the park: Network of basic tourist shelters (wooden huts with bunk beds, table, wood stove) and designated campsites (marked flat areas, often near water source/shelter). Booking in advance via visitor center is essential.
  • Nearby: Wide variety of hotels, guesthouses, and homestays in Borjomi town, Kharagauli town, and villages near other park entrances.
• Facilities: Visitor centers, marked trails, tourist shelters, designated campsites, picnic spots near some entrances, information boards. Toilets available at visitor centers and shelters (usually pit toilets). Reliable water sources (springs, streams) are found along most trails, but water should ideally be treated (filtered/boiled) before drinking.
• Safety Advice:
  • Preparation is key: This is a large mountain wilderness. Check weather forecasts; conditions can change rapidly.
  • Gear: Bring appropriate layered clothing (including warm layers and rain gear even in summer), sturdy hiking boots, navigation tools (map, compass, GPS recommended), first-aid kit, sunscreen, headlamp.
  • Food & Water: Carry enough food for your trip. While water sources exist, carry purification means.
  • Registration: Always register your route and plans at a visitor center, especially for multi-day hikes.
  • Wildlife: Be aware of bears and other wildlife. Make noise while hiking (talk, sing, carry a bell) to avoid surprising bears. Store food securely at night. Do not feed animals.
  • Fitness & Experience: Choose trails appropriate for your fitness level. High altitude trails require acclimatization. Consider hiring a registered guide if you are inexperienced or attempting difficult routes.
  • Emergencies: Carry a charged phone (but expect limited signal in remote areas). Know the emergency number (112 in Georgia). Inform someone of your itinerary.

7. Rules & Regulations

• Code of Conduct: Strictly follow Leave No Trace principles: pack out everything you pack in, stay on marked trails, camp only at designated sites, use shelters respectfully, minimize impact.
• Prohibitions: Hunting is strictly forbidden. Fishing regulations should be checked (likely prohibited). Making fires is usually only permitted in designated fire pits at official campsites/shelters (check for seasonal fire bans). Do not cut trees or collect plants/rocks. Feeding wildlife is prohibited. Drones generally require special permission. Keep pets under control (check specific rules for trails/shelters).
• Zoning: The park has zones with different management objectives, but visitors primarily interact with the marked trail network and designated overnight spots within recreational or wilderness zones.

8. Conservation & Management

• Management Authority: Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park Administration, operating under the Agency of Protected Areas (APA). Rangers patrol the park, maintain infrastructure, monitor wildlife, and assist visitors.
• Conservation Efforts: Include biodiversity monitoring (especially large mammals), anti-poaching patrols, forest fire prevention and response, maintaining trails and shelters, managing visitor impacts, promoting environmental education, and supporting scientific research.
• Threats/Challenges: Forest fires remain a significant threat (large fires occurred in 2008 and 2017 near Borjomi). Poaching and illegal logging, especially near park borders. Managing increasing tourism pressure sustainably. Impacts of climate change on ecosystems. Potential pressures from infrastructure projects near the park.

9. History & Culture

• Brief History: The area has a long history of human use, including royal hunting grounds. Formal protection began with the Borjomi Reserve in the 1880s, linked to the Russian imperial family’s interest in Borjomi mineral water. The modern National Park was conceived after Georgia’s independence and established in 1995 with significant international support (WWF, Germany), officially opening in 2001.
• Cultural Significance: While the park’s core is natural wilderness, the surrounding region is rich in history. Visitors can find medieval fortresses (e.g., Atskuri, Golden Fortress), churches, and monasteries near the park’s boundaries. Borjomi town itself is a historic spa resort with unique architecture. Local villages maintain traditional lifestyles.

10. Unique Features/Interesting Facts

• It’s one of the largest national parks in Europe, protecting a vast tract of Lesser Caucasus wilderness.
• Features an extensive and well-maintained network of marked hiking trails with overnight shelters, making multi-day wilderness trekking accessible.
• It was the first national park in the Caucasus region created according to modern international standards.
• The world-famous Borjomi mineral water originates from springs near the park area.
• Offers a chance to experience diverse ecosystems from forests to alpine meadows within a single protected area.