Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park is not just a natural area, but a symbol of a new era of nature conservation in Georgia.

• 📍 Location: southern part of central Georgia, covers 6 municipalities - Borjomi, Kharagauli, Akhaltsikhe, Adigeni, Khashuri and Baghdati
• 🗓️ Status: founded in 1995, the first national park created in independent Georgia
• 🌍 Area: 104,099 hectares (more than 1.5% of the country's territory)
• 🏞️ Landscape: virgin forests, alpine meadows, mountain rivers, deep gorges and ridges of the Lesser Caucasus
• 🌡️ Climate: moderately humid, warm summers and snowy winters, significant altitude difference (from 800 to 2642 m)
• 🔒 Protection categories: strict reserve, national park, natural monuments, managed areas
• 🚶‍♀️ Tourist zone: 12 marked trails, shelters, campsites, picnic areas, fire pits
• 🦉 Features: developed ecotourism, trekking, horse riding, cycling routes, snowmobile tours
• 📱 Communication and access: mobile network is unstable, route registration at the visitor center is required
• 🗺️ Navigation coordinates: 41.8221° N, 43.3793° E

Immerse yourself in the world of untouched nature, where centuries-old trees, flowering meadows and rare animals form a unique ecosystem.

Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park is one of the largest natural areas in Georgia and a true reserve of relict flora. Its territory is home to virgin forests, subalpine and alpine meadows, among which there are unique coniferous and broad-leaved species. Particularly valuable are the spruce-fir areas preserved since the Tertiary period, as well as chestnut and beech groves - the hallmark of Caucasian nature.

This is not just a walk in the forest, but a real journey through untouched nature, ancient landscapes and picturesque corners. Here, each route is its own story, revealing unique canyons, mountain meadows, rocky cliffs and historical trails.

There are 12 tourist routes in the park - from easy one-day walks to multi-day hikes with overnight stays in shelters. Along the way, there are observation platforms with stunning views, sections of pristine Colchis forests, blooming subalpine meadows and quiet corners for a picnic. Immersion in nature here is truly complete - without the noise of cities and with mobile communications only in certain places.

🌲 Goderdzi Petrified Forest

This is one of the most unusual natural wonders within the national park – an ancient petrified forest, estimated to be millions of years old. At an altitude of about 1,600 meters above sea level, in the vicinity of Goderdzi, there are remains of trees that were turned into stone by volcanic processes. These stone trunks, lying among the green slopes, are a true testimony to the ancient geological history of the region. A visit to this place is like a journey through time: you can see what the forest was like long before the arrival of man.

The park is a true paradise for lovers of active outdoor recreation. Here, everyone will find something to do: from leisurely walks to multi-day expeditions deep into the mountains. 12 marked routes cover different levels of difficulty, running through dense forests, alpine meadows and picturesque gorges. In addition to hiking, horseback riding tours, cycling, camping, winter snowshoeing and even cultural and educational excursions are available. All this is surrounded by amazing nature and far from the hustle and bustle.

The park is located in the heart of Georgia and covers six municipalities. There are several ways to get here, depending on which side you plan to enter from. The most convenient places to start are Borjomi, Kharagauli or Atskuri, where the main entrances and tourist centers are located. In each of them you can register, rent equipment and get a route map.

When planning a trip to Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, it is worth allocating time for the surrounding area – there is also much to see here. Natural and cultural attractions are located nearby: from mineral springs and ancient temples to canyons and picturesque gorges. These places can easily be combined with a visit to the park itself – especially if you are traveling by car or planning a stopover for several days.

On the territory of the park itself, you can stay in tourist shelters and campsites if you prefer to relax in nature. And in the nearest settlements - Borjomi, Kharagauli, Likani - it is easy to find hotels, guesthouses and apartments for every taste and budget. It all depends on whether you want privacy in the mountains or comfort in civilization.

After a walk through the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, it is especially pleasant to have a snack in cozy cafes or try traditional dishes in local restaurants. In Borjomi and its surroundings, there are both popular tourist establishments and family cafes with home cooking. Here you can order khinkali, lobio, mchadi, sulguni and, of course, mineral water straight from the spring.

Having visited Borjomi-Kharagauli, it is difficult to leave empty-handed. Here you can find not only classic souvenirs, but also unique items related to the nature and culture of this region. Some of them can be purchased directly at the Visitor Center, some in the city of Borjomi and its surroundings.

Whether it is honey from mountain meadows, aromatic herbal infusions, handicrafts or books about the nature of Georgia - each souvenir will remind you of your trip to one of the most picturesque corners of the country.

• 🍯Mountain honey is natural, aromatic, collected from alpine and subalpine meadows, often with the addition of rhododendron or chestnut.
• 🌿 Herbal teas - teas from local medicinal plants: thyme, St. John's wort, mint, fireweed.
• 🌿 Borjomi tea blends - traditional blends that can be brewed as tea or used as a base for decoctions.
• 🎨 Handicrafts - wooden carved souvenirs, ceramics, felt and natural fabric products.
• 📚 Books and brochures about the park - publications about the flora and fauna of Borjomi-Kharagauli, trekking maps and guidebooks.
• 🍷 Local wine and chacha - especially wine from the Imereti region, which borders the park.
• 🧴 Natural cosmetics — creams, balms and soaps with essential oils and herbs grown in the surrounding area.
• 🖼 Miniatures with natural landscapes — drawings, postcards and magnets with views of mountains, forests and trails.
• 🌲 Aroma sachets and pillows — with coniferous and herbal fillers, preserve the scent of the forest.
• 🧶 Warm woolen products — socks, mittens and scarves, hand-knitted by local craftsmen.

Before heading to one of Georgia's most picturesque places, make sure you have everything you need. Even a short hike or tour requires preparation - from clothing to documents. Here's a short list to help you remember the essentials.

We haven't just collected all the official information for you - we've studied the route ourselves, visited the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park and are ready to share our personal observations. These tips will help you prepare and get the most out of your trip 🌲🥾

🧭 Check the forecast not only for Borjomi, but also for the passes

The weather in the city itself can be sunny, and in the mountains - fog and rain. This is especially important for routes with a difference in altitude.

🥪 Pack a snack in an airtight container

Wild animals can appear in the mountains, especially if it smells like food. It is better to keep everything closed and not leave crumbs.

📱 Download an offline map in advance

The Internet in the depths of the park is unstable. A map with a route, trails and landmarks will come in handy even for a short walk.

💬 Talk to a ranger at the start

They often know where the rhododendron is blooming now, whether they noticed animal tracks or whether there are floods on the route - no website will tell you this.

Before a trip, tourists always have clarifying questions - from logistics to safety and seasons. We have collected the most common of them and answered briefly, but to the point. Perhaps you will find your question here!