Karagöl-Sahara National Park

Karagöl-Sahara National Park is located in the Şavşat district of Artvin Province in northeastern Turkey and was established in 1994. The park is composed of two non-contiguous sections: the Karagöl sector, featuring an impressive landslide-dammed lake, and the Sahara Plateau. Karagöl Lake was formed when a massive landslide blocked the valley, creating a deep water body now surrounded by dense spruce and fir forests. The Sahara Plateau is renowned for its vast alpine meadows and traditional high-altitude pastoralism, hosting annual cultural festivals. Covering 3,251 hectares, the national park lies within the Lesser Caucasus mountain range and is characterized by its high biodiversity and numerous endemic plant species. The area is particularly famous for its dramatic autumn foliage, as the deciduous trees surrounding the lake turn into brilliant shades of orange and red. Situated at elevations between 1,700 and 1,800 meters, the park provides a cool climate and pristine natural environments that attract hikers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts from around the globe.

Nearby cities

Goderdzi Pass

A scenic mountain pass in Adjara, Georgia, known for winter sports and beautiful alpine summer landscapes.

Khulo

Khulo is a picturesque mountainous town in the Adjara region, famous for its thrilling alpine cable car.

Bakhmaro

Bakhmaro is a unique alpine resort sitting above the clouds in the Guria region, famous for its wooden houses and magical mixture of sea …

Abastumani

A renowned mountain resort in Georgia, Abastumani is famous for its healing thermal waters and unique pine forest air.

Sairme

Sairme is a renowned balneological resort in the forested mountains of Imereti, famous for its mineral springs and wellness retreats.

Akhaltsikhe

Akhaltsikhe is a multicultural city in southern Georgia, shaped by Georgian, Armenian, and Ottoman influences.

Sarıkamış

A unique ski resort in Kars, famous for its crystal snow and scotch pine forests.

Ozurgeti

Ozurgeti is the center of the Guria region, surrounded by picturesque tea plantations and hazelnut groves.

Samtredia

Samtredia is a bustling city in the Imereti plain, known for its importance as a railway hub.

More places

Deriner Dam

The Deriner Dam on the Çoruh River is a masterpiece of engineering and hydroelectric generation.

Kintrishi Strict Nature Reserve

Hidden in the mountains of Adjara, this reserve protects pristine relict forests and deep river valleys.

Machakhela National Park

This near-natural area near the Turkish border preserves unique mountain forests and traditional cultural landscapes.

Makhuntseti Waterfall

The Makhuntseti Waterfall in the Adjara region is a popular excursion destination.

Mtirala National Park

This national park in Adjara owes its name to the rainy microclimate.

Sarıkamış-Allahuekber Mountains National Park

A high-altitude national park in Eastern Anatolia famous for its deep snow cover in winter and its extensive, dense pine forests.

Guria Citrus Orchards

The mild subtropical climate of the Guria region on the Black Sea offers perfect conditions for growing tangerines and oranges, whose sce…