Baia is a Tbilisi-born travel journalist with bylines for Lonely Planet, National Geographic Traveller, Skyscanner as well as her own website, Red Fedora Diary, providing local insights and tips for Tiblisi, Georgia and beyond. You can follow her travels on Instagram and Facebook.
Black Rock Lake trek

Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: Two to three days
Start/end point: Lagodekhi/Lagodekhi
Accommodation: Huts/cabins
This is a well-maintained and waymarked circular trek in Lagodekhi National Park. Agriculture and hunting are forbidden in the national park, making it ideal for observing the country's flora and fauna in their most natural and wild state. There’s a rare chance to spot wildlife, but it might happen.
It's an unpopular trail with a few tourists. I loved the tranquillity of the trail and the info boards of local plants and animals residing here.
The only drawback is that there are few water spots, so you need to carry plenty.
Need to know
Before the hike, you must register at the Visitor Center inside the national park and pay camping/cabin fees. Ask for updated information about the trails and springs (some run dry in summer).
A tent is not necessary, but you'll need all the other trekking equipment including gas (for the second cabin in the alpine zone), plenty of water, and food. Bring a passport or ID for the border checkpoint.
The path is difficult and involves quite a vertical gain, but nothing too challenging.
How to get to Lagodekhi
From Tbilisi, marshrutkas to Lagodekhi depart from Isani Bus Station hourly. The first one departs at 7:40 am. The journey is about three hours. Marshrutkas from Telavi and Rustavi are also available.
How to leave Lagodekhi
Marshrutkas to Tbilisi depart from Lagodekhi Bus Station at 45-minute intervals. The first van departs at 6:45 am and the last at 5:30 pm. Several marshrutkas depart to Rustavi and Telavi each day.
At a glance
Destinations
Lagodekhi National Park
Activity
Adventure, Backpacking, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Culture, Responsible Travel, Slow TravelPhysical Level
Moderate
Season
May - September
Duration
3 days

Baia Dzagnidze
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Black Rock Lake trek
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