Lagodekhi National Reserve is the oldest nature reserve in the Caucasus region. It is situated in north-eastern Georgia, in Kakheti region. The reserve was established in 1912 on the southern side of the Greater Caucasus ridge in eastern Georgia. The protected areas comprise 19,749 hectares (strict nature reserve) and 4,702 hectares (managed nature reserve).

The Protected Area’s altitude ranges from 400 to 3500 m above sea level. Lagodekhi is notable for its temperate humid subtropical climate. The place is rich with water. The major rivers that flow through the reserve are the Ninoskhevi, Shromiskhevi, Lagodekhistskali and Matsimistskali that form many waterfalls. It is impossible not to mention the largest glacial lake called Black Cliff Lake the depth of which reaches 14 meters.

Lagodekhi preserves a variety of rare local flora and fauna. The area is famous for its ancient forests, stunning waterfalls and alpine valleys.70 percent of the land is covered with forest (broadleaf woodland dominated by Oriental beech.) There one will find different sorts of trees including European hornbeam and various species of maple.

The reserve is inhabited by chamois, red deer, Eurasian lynx, grey wolf and brown bear. As for the birds, you may come across bearded vulture, eastern imperial eagle, golden eagle and steppe eagle.

In addition Lagodekhi reserves include archaeological traces of Bronze Age settlement and burials.
Go through the photos

Rocho Waterfall

Red deer

Black Cliff Lake

Gurgeniani Waterfall

Hornbeam-beech forest


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