Black Rock Lake Trek – Lagodekhi National Park – from July to October
This is a private overnight trek to Black Rock Lake (Lagodekhi Protected Area) in the far-east corner of the Kakheti Region. The trail is ideal for advanced hikers.
Date: Anytime From July to October
Duration: 3 days/2 Night
Driving distance: 350 km
Trip difficulty: Hard. We don’t accept novice hikers on this trail.
Group size: Any size
Accommodation: Tents or a basic mountain shelter
If you don’t own a tent, we can assist you with the rental!
Pick-up: Fri, 07:00, at your hotel location.
Price: 695 Gel per person in case of 5 participants.
Please email us exact number of participants for exact price calculations.
Equipment needed: Sleeping bag, Pad, Hiking boots, poles, Day pack. Our rental: https://wtgeorgia.com/rental/
Trail parameters:
Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 42 km – Loop
Min. elevation: 550 m a.s.l.
Max. elevation: 2900 m a.s.l.
Total elevation gain: 2800 m
Total elevation loss: 2800 m
Water sources: Limited! Water will be available at the beginning of the hike, at the shelter, and once on the way to the lake.
River crossings: 1
Trail description: The trail requires hikers to walk up almost 1500 m on Day 1 and around 2000 m down on Day 3. Lower sections occur in a forest and upper ones in the alpine zone. it is for advanced hikers.
Itinerary:
Day 1
Tbilisi – Register Lagodekhi Protected Area (Passports required)
We will depart from Tbilisi early in the morning and drive to Lagodekhi. Our trek starts at the Lagodekhi Protected Area Information Center, where we will register and load our camping equipment on pack horses. Please have your passports. The horses will carry our luggage to a local mountain shelter, where we will stay overnight. The first 3 km will take us on relatively flat terrain and through the forest. Later, we will cross a river and start climbing (8.5 km) toward the shelter – our final destination for today. Most of the ascent will take place in the forest. But around 7th km, we will reach the first clearing offering a magnificent view of the valley below. Overnight in tents or a shelter.
Hiking details: 12 km, ↑1504 m
Day 2
Black Rock Lake
Today will hike to Black Rock Lake. On the way, we will find several water sources. The few final kilometers before Black Rock Lake will take us past small glacier-formed lakes and wetlands. The trail is challenging, but Black Rock Lake’s epic scenery will make you forget about all the effort. We will enjoy a lovely, scenic picnic before heading back to the shelter to camp overnight. Overnight in tents or a shelter.
Hiking details: 14 km, ↑1000 m, ↓1000 m
Day 3
Lagodekhi Protected Area – Tbilisi
After an early breakfast, we pack our equipment on pack horses and start hiking down. The trail is challenging as it includes long descent. Return to Tbilisi in the evening. The end of the tour.
Hiking details: 12 km, ↓1504 m
Inclusions:
- Transfers,
- English speaking hiking guide
- Entrance, camping, shelter fees.
- Pack horses and horse wrangler to carry luggage
Exclusions:
- Personal travel insurance,
- Meals,
- Gratitudes.
Note:
Please check Terms and Conditions for our cancellation and insurance policy
HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE TOUR
WEATHER
Georgian weather changes often and fast. For this reason, it’s essential to follow the weather forecast closely. Here is the weather forecast. Please check it the night before the tour to be well prepared.
WHAT TO WEAR
Please wear clothes appropriate to the weather. Hiking boots and walking poles are a must.
Bring one set of warm clothes and one light summer outfit.
Good raincoats, rain covers for backpacks, and another pair of shoes or sandals to wear in the evenings are a must.
You must bring a large, 50–70-liter backpack and fit all your belongings inside.
The large backpack will be carried by horses. Make sure to bring also a small day pack for essentials.
FOOD & DRINKS
Please prepare your own food for 2.5 days.
We will cook all our meals on Days 1 and 2. On Day 3, we will make breakfast on our own. After finishing the hike, we may stop at a local restaurant for another meal.
Always make sure you have enough drinking water. 1.5–2 liters should be enough for the day.
Water sources are limited on the trail to a couple of springs.
EQUIPMENT & OTHER ESSENTIAL ITEMS
If you are prone to motion sickness, please have medicine with you.
As for the equipment, you will need hiking poles, a good tent, a sleeping bag, a sleeping pad, a headlight (torch), a raincoat, forks/knives/spoons/cups, a small pot, sunscreen, and everything that protects you from the sun.
We also recommend carrying a personal first aid kit, hygiene items, and water bottles.
If you lack any of those items, we can help you with renting it.
GUIDE
We will send you guide’s contact details a few days before the tour. Please make sure to check your inbox and spam.
