Black Rock Lake (Lagodekhi) Trekking Tour – 19-21 Jul

Join us on a spectacular 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: Fri 19 Jul to Sun 21 Jul
Duration: 3 days/2 Night
Driving distance: 350 km
Trip difficulty: Hard
Group size: Min. 6 participants
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, Samaia Garden, Tbilisi
Drop-off: Sun, around 21:00 (Arrival time depends on the group’s hiking speed and traffic)
Price: 540 GEL
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 is non-technical but 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.

Itinerary:

Day 1 
Tbilisi – Register Lagodekehi 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:

1. 1. Transfers,
   2. Sightseeing/ trekking itinerary guided by an English-speaking guide,
   3. Accommodation in shelter (if you prefer),
   4. Pack horses and a horse wrangler to carry equipment,
   5. Entrance fees.

Note:
Please check Terms and Conditions for our cancellation and insurance policy.