70,000 km2 of virgin forest; 170 kilometres of unbeaten trails, through canyons, gorges and across the park’s highest peak: the 2,642-metre Mount Sametskhvareo - Borjomi Kharagauli National Park evokes the pioneer spirit in you. The more you walk, the more you want to see, the longer you stay, the more magical it becomes. Breathtaking vistas of the Black Sea in the West and stunning panoramas of the Great Caucasus in the North. Wild rhododendrons bloom in the Spring and a bright carpet of Indian summer colour is spread in autumn. Mystical, misty forests at dawn and glimmering fireflies at night. No less of an adventure are the excursions to the park’s surroundings, where medieval cave cities, Tsar’s palaces, ancient fortresses and hot mineral baths are waiting to be explored.
At 2,642m, Mt Samethskhvario is the highest point in the national park, you will enjoy a picturesque view of a variety of plants blossoming in July-August.
Borjomi Kharagauli National Park encompasses 70,000 km2 of virgin forest with many endemic and endangered species such as rhododendron, juniper and the yew. The Nikoloz Romanoff’s trail gives many possibilities to enjoy the virgin forest.
Halfway on the road from Akhaltsukhe to Vardzia is Khertvesi Castle, one of the oldest fortifications in Georgia. A reminder of Georgia’s golden age is the 11th century Surami fortress. Close to the park and far younger is the 19th century Tsar Romanoff Palace in Likani. The Tsar was the first to protect the forests in the Borjomi area.
St. Mary’s Chapel in the village of Quabiskhevi dates back to the 9th century. The monasteries of Sapara and Timotesubani, both from the 13th century, are famous for their fine frescoes. The 14th century monastery in Zarzma is also worth visiting.
The Borjomi Gorge area is renowned for its mineral springs and resort towns. Borjomi town on the eastern edge of the national park is the most popular resort of all. Nunisi on the northern edge of the park attracts tourists with warm mineral springs surrounded by subtropical forest. In the famous health resort of Sairme visitors can purchase bottles of spa water. Abastumani, south of the park, is famous for its incomparable climate and sulphur baths with connections to the Tsars’ period.
The village of Marelisi lies within the national park boundaries and makes a good starting point for hiking and horseback tours. Hikers can experience local cheese being made, butter and wine making and also taste the products.
Vardazia’s medieval cave city was built in 1185 under the reign of Queen Tamar as protection from the Mongols. The city was dug deep into the Erusheli mountain and consists of a church, a throne room and a thirteen story apartment complex.
Watch large flocks of yellow bee-eaters in the spring or look out for the endemic Caucasian black grouse. Borjomi National Park lies on the migratory route of many birds and encounters are frequent!
Hike up Mount Samethskhvario or climb down the steep Megruki gorge. There are nine trails in the national park, ranging from 1.5 hour walks to strenuous treks over several days. Most trails are accessible from April/May until October.
The Zakari Pass is a popular route for mountain bike tours. Mountain bikers have to bring their own bikes and equipment.
Horses can be booked in advance at the national park administration or hired directly in the villages of Atskuri and Marelesi.
The park is located in two different climatic zones: its western and north-western part is effected by oceanic, hyper-humidity and the south-eastern and southern part - by dry, continental influences.
The best time to visit park is from April till the end of October.
• Firm walking boots
• Rucksack (can be rented at BKNP)
• Sleeping bag (can be rented at BKNP)
• Camping mat (can be rented at BKNP)
• Waterproof coat
• Adequate clothing (depending on season), both warm and comfortable – keep in mind that weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains.
• One pair of extra trousers (jeans not recommended), extra shirt and socks
• Torch/flashlight
• Knife
• Lighter
• Mobile phone (with charged phone card)
• Bottle of water (at least 1 litre)
• Spare provisions (tea, chocolate etc)
• Required medical first-aid kit
• Compass
• Cooking gear, gas burner
• Games, entertainment
• Walking sticks
• Trekking sandals
• Binoculars
• Camera
• Sunglasses
• Sunblock
• Cap
To view a map of the park and its trails go to www.nationalpark.ge/trails/map-large.jpg
You can reach the national park from Tbilisi either by public transportation (train or "marschrutka") or by car, which will take you approx. 2.5 hours.
You can fly in to Tbilisi International Airport or Batumi International Airport.
There are trains from Tbilisi and Batumi to Borjomi, Bakuriani, Kharagauli and Marelisi. For schedules visit www.railway.ge
By car: you can rent a car at the airport www.rentacar.ge or www.geotour.ge
To enter the national park you have to visit the National Park Visitor Centre in Borjomi (23 Meskheti str, Borjomi), or in Kharagauli (19 Solomon Mephe str. Kharagauli) and buy your entrance ticket and pay for the services you will use in advance.
After this you can use 7 entrances in the park, which are situated at: Likani, Qvabiskhevi, Atskuri, AbasTumani, Zanavi, Marelisi and Nunisi.
National park administration centers are located in Borjomi and Kharagauli. Their visitor services, as well as the tour operators located in Tbilisi can supply you with further information about access, lodging and park trails. They will also assist you in organising your next visit to the national park.
The National Park itself offers park trails, basic facilities and further information, and also arranges the local National Park Guides.
Opening hours:
weekdays: 10am-7 pm
weekends: 10 am –4pm
For information contact the National Park Headquarters:
Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park
23 Meskheti Str. Borjomi 1200, Georgia
Ph: (+ 995 367) 22117 , (+ 995) 99 233449
www.borjomi-kharagauli-np.ge
Picnic areas, campsites, fire pits, and parking areas can be found at the various park entrances. Along the trails there are four tourist shelters with basic facilities and furnishings. Sleeping bags are required, and there are no indoor cooking facilities.
There are also ranger shelters and stations located near the trails and entrances which may be used for overnight stays, if necessary
Trails & shelters: Currently, nine official tourist trails are operating in the national park area. Along the trails, there are four tourist shelters with basic facilities and furnishings. Make sure to bring your sleeping bag.
There are no indoor cooking facilities, only fireplaces. There are also ranger shelters and stations located near the trails and entrances which may be used for overnight stays, if necessary. At the park entrances there are picnic areas and campsites for visitors, as well as fireplaces and parking areas. We strongly advise you to employ the services of the experienced national park guides during your visit to the park.
A network of nine park trails allows hiking trips ranging from one day up to one week, at altitudes between 800m and 2,642m. Hikes with local National Park Guides can be arranged at the visitor centre.
The most visited trails are
Trail No1 - Nikoloz Romanoff’s Trail
Trail No 3 - Panorama Trail
Trail No 6 - Following Wildlife Traces
Most of the trails are open to visitors from either April or May until October. They vary in length, duration and complexity and allow visitors to choose according to their personal preference, experience and physical abilities. The best time for plant enthusiasts is June, when a sea of flowers welcomes all hikers. A very special experience is to see the rhododendrons flowering in April-May on the Kharagauli part of the National Park. Breathtaking panoramas inspire landscape photographers in September and October, when the view ranges from the Black Sea to the Great Caucasus and every leaf is a flower.
You can rent tents, sleeping bags, backpacks and camping mats, for details and prices please contact the visitor centre.
Rules
During your visit to the national park, please keep in mind that you’re in a protected area. Please act accordingly and conduct yourself in a responsible manner. Remember that the national park is the only natural habitat for many species. Hunting and collecting any species is strictly prohibited. When hiking please do not stray away from marked routes. Fires may only be lit at designated fire areas and extinguished properly. Do not leave, burn or bury litter. There is no smoking allowed inside the shelters. Finally, enjoy the wonderful sounds of nature – don’t make unnecessary noise.
- Do not stray from the marked and sign-posted trail.
- Pay attention to trail markers
- Do not make loud noises
- Do not leave, burn or bury litter
- Do not leave cigarette ends
- Do not disturb animals
- Do not remove or damage plants
- Only light fires in locations specifically designated for this purpose
- Do not smoke inside the shelters
- Do not leave rubbish in the shelters
- Take special care in fog. Always use proper walking boots, raingear and a hat.
There are no services available for the disabled yet.
It is possible to book a shelter via the visitor service of the national park. To check the possibilities http://www.nationalpark.ge/index.php?ur=facilities
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PAN Parks partner chosen as the most successful hotel in Georgia
08 October 2009
Local PAN Parks partner, Hotel Borjomis Kheoba in Georgia has won the most successful hotel award given out by the Department of Tourism and Resorts of Georgia.
Hotel Borjomis Kheoba, whose name is "Borjomi Gorge" in English, is located in Borjomi town offering its guests stunning views and great opportunities to visit wilderness in Borjomi-...more |
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Building bridges between Georgia and Estonia
01 September 2009
"Volunteers" from Estonia visited Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, Georgia also aiming to learn from Borjomi’s PAN Parks experience.Photo: Borjomi-Kharagauli NP ArchiveRepresentatives of the Environmental Board Pärnu-Viljandi region, Estonia visited PAN Park Borjomi-Kharagauli following up an initiative launched at Europe’s Wilderness Days...more |
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When Comfort Meets Wilderness - Hotel Kapa joins the PAN Parks Network
07 February 2009
The Georgian Hotel Kapa joined the PAN Parks network! The family run hotel is located in the popular Georgian resort town Abastumani on the height of 1300 m and close to the Southern entrance of Borjomi Kharagauli national park.
With eleven rooms, billiard and massage facilities, tennis court, playground and the PAN Park in walking distance...more |
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Recovering from the Wounds of War
01 December 2008
During the Caucausian conflict last August, forest fires broke out in the Borjomi Gorge, a popular recreational area in Central Georgia, where also Borjormi National Park is located. PAN Parks talked to LevanTabunuidze, the park's chief administrator, about the cause of the fires, the damage and the park's refforestation plans.
PP: What was the...more |
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Letter to Russian Minister of Natural Resources
18 August 2008
PAN Parks Foundation regrets to hear about the conflict in Georgia. Our organisation is very much concerned about the situation, because one of our member parks, Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, is located in Georgia.
We hope that our colleagues and business partners in Georgia will not be hurt during the conflict.
PAN Parks Foundation is also...more |
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New local partners in Borjomi- Kharagauli
29 April 2008
The first three local partners have been awarded PAN Parks certification in Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. The ceremony took place in Borjomi, at the headquarters of the National Park, on the 18th of March 2008. All the new partners have achieved high standards in quality, and have successfully met the strict criteria outlined in the Park's...more |
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UK's Travel Channel features PAN Parks and Borjomi-Kharagauli in month long special
05 December 2007
Borjomi-Kharagauli makes its TV debut as a PAN Park on the Travel 2007 show on the European wide Travel Channel.The feature was filmed earlier this year as part of a press trip organized jointly by the PAN Parks Foundation, Department of Tourism and Resorts of Georgia and the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park directorate.Visit the Travel Channel...more |
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Grand Opening of Region's First Tourism Information Centre
18 July 2007
July 6th, 2007 marked the opening of Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park's (BKNP) Tourism Information Centre. The centre is the first of its kind in the region, and the opening ceremony was covered by top regional TV stations. Along with BKNP, the local municipality and tourism department helped to prepare the ceremony. The...more |
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Season Opening at PAN Park's Borjomi Kharagauli National Park, Georgia
18 July 2007
To help mark the opening of the season, on June 5th, 2007, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources organized a trip to the park for school children from different regions of Georgia. For many it was their first time, but hopefully not last, visit to the park. Minister David Tkeshelashvili attended the trip and...more |
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Borjormi Kharagauli promotes itself as PAN Park
07 May 2007
Following certification earlier this year, Borjormi Kharagauli National Park has become an enthusiastic member of the PAN Parks family. It has been raising the profile of PAN Parks in both in Georgia and at travel fairs abroad. For the third year running the national park participated in the Caucasus International 10th Travel Fair in Tbilisi in...more |
