Without a doubt Black Rock Lake (Shavi Kldeebis Tba) trail in Lagodekhi Nature Reserve can be included among the top ten trails offered to visitors in Georgia. At the same time, this is a demanding three-day hike that passes through some of Georgia’s most dramatic landscapes. There is no vehicular access and hikers need to carry all necessary food and equipment; spring water is available along the route.
The trail starts at the Nature Reserve’s administrative building, from where the first day’s hike begins: this is a 12-km long 1,500-meter vertical climb (to 2000 meter above sea level) ending at the Meteo Shelter. The Meteo Shelter can accommodate up to 16 people for sleeping and there is a fee payable at the administrative building in Lagodekhi.
From the Meteo Shelter, the second-day 12-km hike follows the track across alpine meadows and finishes at the Georgia-Russia border, next to Black Rock Lake, which is shared between the two countries. Don’t forget to stop and register at the border post, a few kms before the lake – this is compulsory.
Black Rock Lake lies at 2900 meters and is a stunning place considered by many who reach it as one of the most beautiful places, because of the effort needed to get there. From the lake the trail passes a circular loop and ends back at the administrative building in Lagodekhi.
Registration for this trip at Lagodekhi Nature Reserve’s visitor center is mandatory.
