4 / 5 - One review
How to get there
3hrs by car or train from Tbilisi
When to go
From May to October for hiking
Minimum stay
1 to 2 days
Kharagauli (Georgia)
©
Nicolas Landru
Practical information on Kharagauli
Reviews of Kharagauli
Kharagauli is on the doorstep of the Bordjomi-Kharagauli National Park in the Lesser Caucasus. A small railway town in the narrow Imeretie Valley, it's a great departure point for hikes.
My suggestion:
Take a detour to Oubissa to see the most beautiful monastery in the region. They make delicious honey!
My review
Kharagauli is the main town in one of two valleys that link eastern and western Georgia. It's situated in the lush gorge through which the Chkherimela River and railway line run. The town was founded as a railway link in 1870, which is how I came across it.
The town of Kharagauli doesn't have anything particular in itself, but its natural environment is beautiful. You can climb up to the ruins of King Vakhtang's Fortress and get a great view across this woody valley. You can also explore the cavernes where the gorge narrows, as well as the rocky crags known as the 'Giants' Rocks'.
But, most of all, Kharagauli is known for one of the country's most beautiful national parks, the Bordjomi-Kharagauli National Park. Covered by part of the Meskhetie range in the Lesser Caucasus, it blends mountain pastures with forests, gorges and lakes - everything a dream mountain landscape should have. Hop on to the station platform and head straight off on a hike up Mount Sametskhvario.
©
Nicolas Landru
