Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Tbilisi

   • Meet up with your local guide at the airport and transfer to a homestay in Tbilisi.   

   Overnight stay in Tbilisi.

2. Day 2: Tbilisi City Tour

   • Spend the day exploring the major highlights of the city of Tbilisi.

   Overnight stay in Tbilisi.

3. Day 3: Lagodekhi National Park

   • Explore the Lagodekhi National Park and admire the wildlife.

   Overnight in a homestay in Lagodekhi.

4. Day 4: Lagodekhi Protected Area to Tourist Shelter in Meteo

   • Start early to climb for a good 12 Km, which will take you around 8 hours. Hike on a vertical slope for 1500 meters on this day of climbing. Follow this interesting trail distinguished by the astounding views of the Alazani valley and the Caucasus mountains.
   • Keep walking, and in about 10-15 min you will come across unique hornbeam stands (400-600 m above sea level), which are rather rare in the Caucasus.
   • Cross the river in Lagodekhi valley. Enter young virgin hornbeam stands, which grew as a result of a wind-break in 1933. 
   • Explore the local Kakhetianendemi plant – LeotnicesmirnoviiTrautv., which flourishes during early spring and is included in the Red List. 
   • Keep climbing up the Kochalo hill, where you can observe beach forest in the north and mixed broad-leaved forest in the south-east. Appear in a sub-alpine zone with high hills and shallow maple stands. You will see the tourist shelter Meteo, picnic and camping sites specially arranged along the area.

   Move From the Tourist Shelter to the lake and stay overnight in a tourist shelter called "Demidov's House".

5. Day 5: Black Rock Lake & Kochalo Hill Climb

   • Climb vertically for a good 1000 m and cover a distance of 15 km, which will take you around 7 hours.
   • Continue your trip to Kochalo hill.
   • Go up to the upper alpine, where you can observe rare ungulate animals such as deer, chamois and the wild goat, as well as birds such as grouse, Caucasian snowcocks, bearded and various eagles. 
   • Pass the so-called Demidovi ruins, which are famous for the fiefdom of goats. 
   • Come across the famous Black Rock Lake and wetlands embroidered by the magic of nature from the glacial age. 
   • Find yourself in Demidov Shelter after passing 3 kilometres. The shelter is located 2650 meters above sea level on alpine meadows. Enjoy a breathtaking view of Lagodekhi, Alazani Valleys and the Caucasus Range. 

   There is a chance to see tur, deer, bear and fox in the place. Foggy views are impressive in the valley as well.

6. Day 6: Demidov Shelter to Lagodekhi

   • Descend 15 Km, which will take you around 6 hours
   • Travel from the shelter back to the Visitor's Center, an approximately 2500 metres downhill trip.
   • Cross the Kudigori Ridge, which is distinguished by its untouched forest and beautiful panoramic views. On the way, there are beautiful peonies, red beech and blackberry bushes. 
   • Reach back to Lagodekhi Protected Areas’ Administration. 

   Overnight stay in Lagodekhi.

7. Day 7: Departure

   • Depart for Tbilisi and further to your home.