Trekking above the Clouds: Black Rock Lakes 3-Day Adventure
A high-altitude trek through one of the Caucasus’ most remote alpine lake basins.
Overview
Black Rock Lakes: The Alpine Expedition (3 Days). Challenge yourself on one of Georgia's most pristine trails. Trek from ancient beech forests to the glacial Black Rock Lakes at 2,900 m. Experience the wild beauty of Lagodekhi National Park—the oldest protected area in the country—where eagles soar and the Alazani Valley unfolds beneath your feet.
Over three days, you will leave the heat of the valley behind, climbing from 500 meters to nearly 3,000 meters above sea level. You will trek the canopy of ancient beech and hornbeam forests for the sweeping freedom of alpine meadows. As you traverse the Kudigori Ridge and approach the glacial Black Rock Lakes, keep your eyes on the horizon—this is the realm of the East Caucasian tur, chamois, and the golden eagle.
Ideal for fit trekkers and nature enthusiasts, this tour combines the thrill of high-altitude hiking with the serenity of sleeping in remote mountain shelters under the stars.
Itinerary
- Day 1Tbilisi – Lagodekhi National Park – Meteo Station Shelter
Driving 180 km (~3 hours) + walking 12 km (~7 hours). Elevation 500 m → 1,950 m. We start our journey early in the morning from Tbilisi and, after 3 hours of driving, arrive at the Lagodekhi National Park Administration Office to register and begin our trek. This is the longest ascent of the trip, climbing through unique hornbeam stands, rare in the Caucasus. In about 1.5 hours we reach the beginning of the ridge in untouched beech stands—beech forest to the north and mixed broad-leaved forest to the southeast. In 4 hours we enter the subalpine zone of high hills and shallow maple stands and soon arrive at the Meteo Station Shelter.
- Day 2Meteo Station Shelter – Black Rock Lakes – Demidov’s Tourist Shelter
Walking 16 km (~8 hours). Elevation 1,950 m → 2,950 m (max) → 2,850 m. We cross a narrow mountain pass into alpine meadows. With luck you may spot deer, wild goats, chamois, grouse, Caucasian snowcocks, and eagles. After several hours we come across little alpine lakes and wetlands embroidered by the magic of nature from the glacial age, and soon Black Rock Lake itself spreads in front of us. In the evening we reach Demidov Shelter at 2,850 m above sea level—an extraordinary view of Lagodekhi, the Alazani Valleys, and the Caucasus Range.
- Day 3Demidov’s Tourist Shelter – Lagodekhi – Tbilisi
Walking 15 km (~6 hours) + driving (~2.5 hours). Elevation 2,850 m → 500 m. On the way back we cross Kudigori Ridge, distinguished by its untouched forest and beautiful panoramic views. Beautiful peonies, red beech, and blackberry bushes line the path. After a 5-hour descent we return to the Lagodekhi National Park Administration Office, where our driver will be waiting to take us back to Tbilisi.
What’s included
- Private transportation
- English-speaking guide
- Overnight at the tourist shelters
- Breakfast, lunch boxes, and dinner for 3 days (camping food)
Not included
- Insurance
- Personal Expences
- Trekking gear: trekking poles, backpacks, and sleeping bags
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