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Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park
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Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park is one of the largest protected areas in Europe, located in the central part of Georgia within the Lesser Caucasus Mountains. Established in 1995, it spans approximately 850 square kilometers (328 square miles), covering more than one percent of the nation's total land area. The park is distinguished by its extraordinary biodiversity, featuring landscapes that range from dense coniferous and deciduous forests to lush alpine meadows. It provides a sanctuary for rare animal species, including the Caucasian red deer, brown bear, and lynx. The region is world-renowned for its mineral water springs, particularly Borjomi water, which is celebrated for its healing properties and has been exported internationally since the 19th century. The park has a well-developed network of hiking trails that lead through pristine wilderness and past ancient historical ruins. It plays a central role in Georgia's eco-tourism sector and is managed with international support from organizations like the WWF and the German government. The blend of alpine scenery, rich fauna, and the cultural heritage of surrounding villages makes it a premier destination for nature lovers in the Caucasus.
- Location: Georgia
- Top sights: Big Stone · View on Lomismta · Burned down Lomismta shelter
- Nearby: Borjomi (15 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -2 | 0 | 4 | 8 | 14 | 19 | 22 | 22 | 17 | 12 | 5 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 46 | 36 | 54 | 57 | 69 | 64 | 45 | 43 | 49 | 57 | 52 | 46 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The main access points to the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park are usually located in the towns of Borjomi and Kharagauli, easily reached by train or minibuses. Before commencing any hike, it is strictly mandatory to register at one of the official visitor centers to obtain your permit.
Best season
The primary hiking season typically extends from late May to October when the mountain trails are mostly snow-free and the daytime temperatures are pleasantly mild. The colorful autumn and late spring offer particularly spectacular views of the pristine and expansive mixed forests.
Terrain & paths
The extensive trail network provides a wide variety of routes, ranging from easy walks lasting a few hours to demanding multi-day mountain treks across steep ridges. Many paths lead deep through dense coniferous forests, requiring a very good level of fitness and decent orientation skills.
What to bring
Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots and weather-proof gear are absolutely essential, as mountain weather in the Lesser Caucasus can change rapidly and unpredictably. For multi-day treks, you typically must bring all of your own camping equipment, along with sufficient food and water supplies.
Parking
At the official national park entrances in Borjomi and Kharagauli, free or inexpensive parking spots are usually available for visitors' vehicles. It is generally highly recommended to leave cars safely near the visitor centers or at organized guesthouses within the towns during your hike.
Safety
It is crucial to strictly stay on the marked trails and check the current weather conditions and possible trail closures at the visitor center before departing. Bears and wolves are native to these vast forests, so food must always be packed in odor-proof containers and night hiking should be avoided.
Time needed
For the shorter hiking trails and nature paths near Borjomi, half a day to a full day is often entirely sufficient to experience the dense forests. Ambitious hikers usually plan anywhere from two to five full days for the major alpine crossings of the park, including overnight stays in simple tourist shelters.
Geography
Facts
- The park covers over 85,000 hectares and was officially established in 1995.
- It was the first national park in the Caucasus to meet international standards.
- About 75% of the park's territory is covered by pristine, untouched forests.
- The area is a habitat for the rare Caucasian red deer and the brown bear.
- There are 11 marked hiking trails totaling more than 400 kilometers in length.
- The world-famous Borjomi mineral water springs are located at the park's edge.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park (9)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How large is the national park?
It covers over 85,000 hectares and is one of the largest parks in Europe.
Do I need to register?
Yes, visitors must register for free at the visitor center in Borjomi.
Are there places to stay?
There are shelters along the trails and designated camping areas.
Can you go hiking there?
Yes, there are 12 marked trails ranging from easy walks to multi-day hikes.
Are there guided horse tours?
Yes, horseback riding is a popular way to explore the park; horses can be rented.
Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park: where is it located?
Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park is located in Georgia.
Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include Big Stone, View on Lomismta, Burned down Lomismta shelter.
Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park is one of the largest protected areas in Europe, located in the central part of Georgia within the Lesser Caucasus Mountains.
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