Lagodekhi Protected Areas are located in the most northeastern part of Georgia, in the Lagodekhi District. This includes the Lagodekhi Strict Nature Reserve and Lagodekhi Managed Nature Reserve along the southern slopes of the main range of the Great Caucasus. The height of the Protected Areas varies within 400-3500 m above the sea level.

Lagodekhi is a very rich district. It is characterized with temperate humid subtropical climate. The reserve is abounded in water. The Ninoskhevi, Shromiskhevi, Lagodekhistskali and Matsimistskali are the main rivers originating in the high mountains and creating many water cascades and waterfalls, which then flow quietly in the lower zone of the forest.

In the Lagodekhi alpine zone, one can meet several very nice lakes of glacial origin; the largest of them is the Black Cliff Lake, the depth of which reaches 14 m. It is located on the Russian-Georgian border.

Treasure of Lagodekhi Protected Areas is its nature. There is an alternation of vertical zoning and habitats in this vast territory. The level of endemic species is amazing. 121 species of Lagodekhi flora are endemic to Caucasus and 9 – endemic to Georgia. Among the lasts, 7 species are endemic to Kakheti or they are local endemic species of Protected Areas. Lagodekhi is famous for its very well preserved beech and hornbeam virgin forests.

There are many pre-Christian ruins of houses and crypts in Lagodekhi District. The most important discoveries of Bronze age were made on the territory of the village of Ulianovka. Monuments of early Christian and mid centuries were found in Lagodekhi and its surroundings. Some of them, like the Machi (Tamari's) castle are located in the territory of the Strict Nature Reserve. The 11th century St. Tevdore’s Church, ruins of the 8th century Lakuasta’s castle, Churches of Poni, Areshperani and Khoshta and ruins of early Christian and mid centuries buildings and bridges are located near the Protected Areas.

Tours in Lagodekhi Protected Areas:

Hiking Tourist Trail “Lagodekhi Waterfall”:

Tour duration – 1 day;

Route length – 7 km;

 The route starts at the Administration Centre of Lagodekhi Strict Nature Reserve, stretches along the left bank of the gorge of the Shoma River and enters the gorge as a foot-path and finishes at the waterfall. The route gives opportunity to visitors to see the untouched deciduous forests, the centuries old trees of different species and mineral sulfur springs. Visitors can also take a rest at the designated picnic sites.

Hiking Tourist Trail “Gurgeniani Waterfall”:

Tour duration – 1 day;

Route length – 8 km;

 The route starts at the Administration of Lagodekhi Protected Areas by driving from the village of Zemo Gurgeniani to the beginning of the gorge of Ninoskhevi, further it stretches along the gorge as a narrow foot-path as far as the waterfall. Visitors can see the centuries old lime tree, springs coming out of rocks and several natural compositions along the rivers. Visitors can take a rest at the designated picnic sites.

Hiking Tourist Trail “Machi Castle”:

Tour duration – 1 day;

Route length – 4 km;

The route starts at the Administration of Lagodekhi Protected Areas, namely, at the village of Matsimisubani and stretches in parallel along the Matsimchai River as far as the “Machi Castle”, where the ruins of historical-cultural monument of 5th-6th centuries are remained. Along this route visitors may come across the wild animals, such as: Red deer, Roe deer, Wild boar, et al.    

 Driving – Horse-Riding Tourist Trail “Black Cliff Lake”:

Tour duration – 3 days;

Route length – 50  km;

The route starts at the Administration of Lagodekhi Protected Areas, drive to the village of Matsimi, further stretches through the horse-riding path to the alpine zone to the direction of the hill of Mito and stretches in parallel along the state border to the direction of the Black Cliff Lake.

             The first stop (camping) – around the so called spring;

            The second stop – around the Black Cliff Lake;

            The third stop – around the Mount Ninigora.

On the way one can meet the overlooks, rocks, where turs, chamois, Red deers, Roe deers and other animals or birds of prey inhabit. Visitors can move on horseback, spend a night in the tents and hire the relevant equipment.