Lagodekhi Protected Areas

Lagodekhi was protected in 1912, which makes it the oldest reserve in Georgia, and it covers the southern slope of the main Caucasus range in the far east of the country, running from beech and hornbeam forest at around six hundred metres to alpine meadow and rock above three thousand. The gradient gives it a long species list including bear, lynx, chamois and East Caucasian tur. Day walks lead to the Ninoskhevi waterfall and the Machi fortress ruins, and the main objective for longer trips is Black Rock Lake, a two or three day trek to a glacial lake on the ridge at around two thousand eight hundred metres, with a hut on the way.

What you actually see

• The oldest reserve in the country - protected since 1912.
• Black Rock Lake - the glacial lake trek up to the ridge.
• Ninoskhevi waterfall - the standard day walk from the entrance.
• Forest to alpine meadow - the full gradient of the southern slope.

When to go

June to October; snow closes the high routes for the rest of the year. A day for the waterfall, two to three for Black Rock Lake. Register at the visitor centre before longer walks.

Honest expectations

The Black Rock Lake trek is long and involves substantial ascent; people underestimate it. Weather on the ridge changes fast and the lake is often in cloud. Ticks are a real problem in the forest in early summer. The reserve borders another country and the boundary must be respected.

Nearby

Lagodekhi town is below; Telavi lies west across Kakheti.