Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park is one of the largest protected natural parks situated in the heart of Georgia, near the city of Borjomi. Renowned for its mineral waters and unique natural beauty, Borjomi serves as a popular resort where visitors can restore their health. Spanning an impressive area of 5,300 square kilometers, the park encompasses territory across three regions: Imereti, Samtskhe-Javakheti, and Shida Kartli.
Following Georgia’s declaration of independence, Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park was established in 1995 with the support of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Although the park was originally founded in 1935, its official opening was delayed until 2001. This Georgian treasure has become unique due to its diverse geographical and ecological zones, stunning landscapes, architectural monuments, and a wide array of flora and fauna. The park’s territory includes not only forests but also water bodies, rivers, and waterfalls. The terrain is mountainous, with elevations ranging from 800 to 2,100 meters above sea level. The climate here is characterized as a temperate and humid subtropical one.
Georgia is rich in national parks, and Borjomi-Kharagauli stands as one of its proudest achievements. The tourist season here lasts all year round.
For all visitors, Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park offers 11 trails that vary in length and difficulty levels. These routes can be completed in one day or span several days, catering to a range of preferences. Tourists can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, biking, and winter trekking.
The Hiking Trail from Borjomi to Marelisi via Mount Lomi: This 43-kilometer route takes three days to complete. On the first day, hikers will trek 15 kilometers to Mount Lomi, with accommodations available at a tourist shelter or in tents. The second day involves an 18-kilometer hike, also with overnight options at a shelter or in tents. The final day consists of descending back to the base. The difficulty level is moderate.
The Apostle Andrew Trail from Atsquri to Marelisi: This 54-kilometer trail lasts four days. Day one covers 16 kilometers to the Amirati station, with overnight accommodations at a tourist shelter or in tents. The second day involves a 9-kilometer hike to Mount Sameckhvari, followed by another night in a shelter or tents. On the third day, hikers will walk 19 kilometers to the Sakhvlari station, again staying overnight in a shelter or tents. The fourth day concludes with a descent to Marelisi station. The difficulty level is high.
The Panoramic Trail: Spanning 34 kilometers, this route takes two days to complete. The first day involves a hike from Atsquri station to Mount Pikala, with overnight accommodations at a tourist shelter or in tents. The second day is a return trek to Atsquri station. The difficulty level is high.
The Virgin Forest Trail: This 13-kilometer route lasts approximately 7 hours and is a one-day excursion in the eastern part of the park. The difficulty level is moderate.
The Zekari Trail: Covering 31 kilometers, this trail takes three days to complete. Day one consists of an 8-kilometer hike to the Didmagala station, with overnight accommodations at a tourist shelter or in tents. Day two features a 23-kilometer hike to the Abastumani point. The difficulty level is high.
The Animal Tracks Trail: This 13-kilometer route lasts about 6 hours and is a short hike from the village of Likani to the village of Kvabiskhevi. The difficulty level is moderate.
The Information Trail: Stretching 3 kilometers, this is the quickest route available, taking just 2 hours to complete. The difficulty level is moderate.
The Mehruqi River Gorge: This 5.5-kilometer route lasts about 6 hours and can extend routes #1 or #2. The difficulty level is moderate.
The Shepherd’s Trail: Spanning 54 kilometers, this trail connects routes #1 and #2. Day one involves a 15-kilometer hike to the Lomista station. Day two covers 20 kilometers to the Amirati station. Day three consists of a 16-kilometer trek to Atsquri station. The difficulty level is high.
The Snowshoeing Trail: This 15.5-kilometer route lasts for 2 days. Day one covers 8 kilometers to the Chitakhevi station, while day two involves a 7.5-kilometer trek to the Likani station. The difficulty level is moderate.
The flora of Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park boasts over 1,200 plant species. Among these are the Imeretian oak, chestnuts, beeches, hornbeams, alder trees, limes, rhododendrons, and cherry laurels. On the lower slopes of the mountains, visitors can spot birches, pines, ashes, and maples. Ascending to the mid-forest zone, one can encounter beech forests and mixed coniferous-deciduous groves, particularly picturesque in late October and early November. The upper forest zone is dominated by dark-coniferous forests primarily composed of fir and spruce. Additionally, the forested area is home to blackberries, grapes, hops, and ivy. In the southern part of the national park, the gorges are characterized by oak and pine forests.
The fauna of Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park includes more than 60 species of mammals, with 8 of these listed in the Red Book of Georgia. Among the wildlife, one can find Caucasian deer, roe deer, bears, and lynxes. Squirrels, pine martens, and badgers are also present. The park is home to 30 species of amphibians and reptiles, including Caucasian salamanders, Adjara lizards, and Caucasian vipers, alongside 215 bird species, such as griffon vultures, Caspian snowcocks, eagles, and golden eagles.
Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park is equipped with a well-developed infrastructure, providing all the essential amenities for tourists. The park features 8 observation platforms, 4 tourist shelters for overnight stays, designated camping areas, picnic spots, and fire pits, along with numerous cafes.
Guests can also take advantage of hotel accommodations, winter skiing, horseback riding, biking, and cultural and educational tours. The park’s facilities ensure that visitors have a comfortable and enriching experience while exploring the natural beauty and diverse ecosystems of this remarkable national park.