Georgia
Black Rock Lake
small group | 150₾
duration
3 days
moderate
difficulty
distance
~40 km
2850 / 3150 m
ascent/descent
Itinerary
Day 1
Transfer and hike to the overnight spot
Route: Tbilisi → Lagodekhi. Visitor Center → Meteo Shelter
Distance / gain / loss: ~11 km / ↑1550 m / ↓150 m
Time: ~7 h
We meet at 06:30 and hop on the transfer to Lagodekhi. The drive takes about 3 hours. Once we arrive, we'll register with the rangers.
The trail starts through the forest. After about 3 km, we cross the river via a new iron bridge. Then it's a climb of ~1550 m through subalpine meadows to the Meteo Shelter (~2000 m). You can sleep in the shelter (30 ₾) or in a tent nearby (5 ₾)
Route: Tbilisi → Lagodekhi. Visitor Center → Meteo Shelter
Distance / gain / loss: ~11 km / ↑1550 m / ↓150 m
Time: ~7 h
We meet at 06:30 and hop on the transfer to Lagodekhi. The drive takes about 3 hours. Once we arrive, we'll register with the rangers.
The trail starts through the forest. After about 3 km, we cross the river via a new iron bridge. Then it's a climb of ~1550 m through subalpine meadows to the Meteo Shelter (~2000 m). You can sleep in the shelter (30 ₾) or in a tent nearby (5 ₾)
Day 2
The way to the lake
Route: Meteo Shelter → Black Rock Lake → Demidovo Hut
Distance / gain / loss: ~14 km / ↑1300 m / ↓600 m
Time: ~8 h
We head up the ridge. We'll get our permits in the border zone, so bringing your passport is a must.
To Black Rock Lake (~2800 m): 11 km / ↑1200 / ↓ 350
To Demidovo Hut (~2650 m): 3 km / ↑100 / ↓ 250
Route: Meteo Shelter → Black Rock Lake → Demidovo Hut
Distance / gain / loss: ~14 km / ↑1300 m / ↓600 m
Time: ~8 h
We head up the ridge. We'll get our permits in the border zone, so bringing your passport is a must.
To Black Rock Lake (~2800 m): 11 km / ↑1200 / ↓ 350
To Demidovo Hut (~2650 m): 3 km / ↑100 / ↓ 250
Day 3
Descent and Return to Tbilisi
Route: Demidovo Hut → Lagodekhi. Visitor Center → Tbilisi
Distance / Gain / Loss: ~14 km / ↓2400 m
Time: ~8 h (long descent on steep switchbacks)
Route: Demidovo Hut → Lagodekhi. Visitor Center → Tbilisi
Distance / Gain / Loss: ~14 km / ↓2400 m
Time: ~8 h (long descent on steep switchbacks)
What to bring
- Underwear
- Thermal layers
- T-shirt
- Hiking pants
- Warm pants for the evening
- Socks or hiking socks
- Warm fleece jacket
- Windproof and waterproof jacket (hardshell)
- Sleepwear
- Neck gaiter / Buff
- Gloves
- Warm beanie
- Headwear (sun hat, bandana, cap)
- Rain poncho with hood
- Hiking boots
- Camp shoes / Crocs
- 35-40L backpack with rain cover
- Sleeping pad
- Sunglasses
- Raincoat
- Sit pad
- LED headlamp
- Trekking poles
- Warm sleeping bag (comfort rating 0°C)
- Passport
- Cash
- Power bank
- All necessary chargers
- Thermos (1L)
- Bowl, mug, and spoon
- Reusable water bottle
- Toilet paper, wipes
- Personal first aid kit
- Sunscreen and SPF lip balm
- Personal hygiene items
Price and payment
To book your spot, a 50% deposit is required
The remaining balance is due no later than 10 days before the start
If we cancel or reschedule, your deposit is fully refunded. More details on cancellations, transfers, and refunds here
Pay in USD or EUR to a Georgian TBC card
Pay in RUB to a Raif card at the Zolotaya Korona exchange rate
Trip FAQ
Transfer, park registration and permits, overnight stay, group gear, meals
You need to be in good physical shape.
We've got rentals!
Here's what we have: backpacks, tents, trekking poles, raincoats, sleeping pads, sit pads, and sleeping bags
Here's what we have: backpacks, tents, trekking poles, raincoats, sleeping pads, sit pads, and sleeping bags
You'll need to carry a backpack weighing roughly 10-15 kg.
Meals are included (2-3 times a day). Everyone pitches in to cook together with the guides. For vegetarians, we set aside portions before adding meat, but we don't use separate cooking pots (feel free to bring your own if needed).
Only at the very beginning and the end of the route. Stock up on power banks.
If you have knee or back pain from carrying a backpack, it's better to sit this one out.
We strongly recommend getting medical insurance that covers emergency transport.
HEADS UP!!! If you don't have it, you'll have to cover all transport and medical costs yourself.
HEADS UP!!! If you don't have it, you'll have to cover all transport and medical costs yourself.
Ready for an adventure?