Lagodekhi National Reserve

Lagodekhi National Park is one of Georgia’s most beautiful wilderness destinations, located in the far northeast of Georgia in the Kakheti region near the borders with Russia and Azerbaijan. It covers about 25,000+ hectares of rich natural landscapes from deep forests all the way up to alpine meadows and snow‑capped peaks. 

The park includes two protected zones:

🔹 A Strict Nature Reserve (highly protected — limited access)

🔹 A Managed Reserve where visitors can explore marked hiking trails and activities.

Rich Wildlife

Lagodekhi is home to an impressive range of animals (though sightings aren’t guaranteed!):

• Mammals: East Caucasian tur, chamois, red deer, roe deer, wild boar, brown bear, wolf, Eurasian lynx
• Birds: golden eagle, imperial eagle, steppe eagle, peregrine falcon and other raptors
• Reptiles & Amphibians: various local species
• This makes the park great for wildlife watching, nature photography, and birdwatching — especially early morning or dusk. 

Beautiful Waterfalls & Trails

Some key natural spots include:

• Black Grouse Waterfall — a 6‑meter (20 ft) showcase waterfall deep in the forest
• Ninoskhevi (Great) Waterfall — about 40 m tall, reached via scenic riverside trail
• Black Rock Lake — a remote glacial lake often reached on multi‑day hikes
• Each trail gives a different vibe — from forest walks to rugged alpine adventure. 

🗺️ Before You Go

✔ Visitor Centre: Start at the park’s information centre to get maps, trail status and guidance — this is especially important for longer hikes like Black Rock Lake.

✔ ID Required: If you plan to hike trails like Machi Fortress or Black Rock Lake, bring a copy of your ID for registration.

🎒 Gear & Safety

✔ Good Hiking Shoes: Trails can be slippery, muddy or uneven — sturdy footwear is essential.

✔ Layers & Weather Ready: Weather changes quickly in the mountains — pack rain gear, warm layers and sun protection.

✔ Stay on marked trails — this protects both you and delicate plants.