Section: Tbilisi → Lagodekhi. Visitor Center → Meteo Shelter Distance / ascent / descent: ~11 km / ↑1550 m / ↓150 m Time on trail: ~7 h
We meet at 06:30 and hop on the transfer to Lagodekhi. It's about a 3-hour drive. 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 to ~1550 m through subalpine meadows to the Meteo Shelter (~2000 m). You can stay overnight in the hut (30 ₾) or in a tent nearby (5 ₾)
Day 2
The way to the lake
Section: Meteo Shelter → Black Rock Lake → Demidovo Hut Distance / ascent / descent: ~14 km / ↑1300 m / ↓600 m Time on trail: ~8 h
We head up the ridge. We'll be getting permits in the border zone, so you must bring your passport. 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
Section: Demidovo Hut → Lagodekhi Visitor Center → Tbilisi Distance / ascent / descent: ~14 km / ↓2400 m Time on trail: ~8 hrs (long descent on steep switchbacks)
What to bring
Underwear
Base 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 deposit is required 50%
The remaining balance must be paid 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 card TBC
Pay in RUB to a Raif card at the Zolotaya Korona rate
Transfer, park registration and permits, overnight stay, group gear, meals
You need to be in good physical shape.
We can rent it to you! Here is 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 pack, it's better to sit this one out.
We strongly recommend getting medical insurance that covers emergency transportation.
HEADS UP!!! If you don't have it, you'll be responsible for all transportation and medical costs yourself.