Hello, my name is: Lagodekhi
… and I am located in Georgia (the country).
I am a medium-small town in the Kakheti region. I am closely located to the Azerbaijan border, certainly making it a great stop if you’re planning to visit Georgia’s neighboring country. A long time ago, I was an important monastery in Hereti region. Have you ever heard of the Republic of Hereti? I was a medieval monarchy on the Iberian-Albanian frontier, but most of my history disappeared from public records by 1466. My name became Lagodekhi in 1830.
I was a military settlement for the regiment.
However, when the regiment disappeared many of the solders did not want to return to their homelands. So, they decided to stay and make my beautiful reserve home. In 1912, Ludwik Mlokosiewicz a polish botanist, founded the Lagodekhi National Reserve. Apart from it becoming the first protected nature reserve in Georgia, it also became a place where Georgian wildlife could renew and flourish over the past 100 years.
Ninoshevi Waterfall, 40 meters, Lagodekhi National Park – Georgia
Lagodekhi protected areas are divided into two reserves.
The two reserves are: Lagodekhi Strict Nature Reserve and Lagodekhi Managed Nature Reserve. The total area of the protected areas is 24,451 hectares (94.41 sq mi), undoubtedly making this reserve a very special place for wildlife and fauna. There are four rivers that flow through the reserve. They are the Ninoskhevi, Shromiskhevi, Lagodekhistskali and Matsimistskali rivers. Additionally, at the higher elevations there are glacial lakes, including the Black Rock Lake, on the Russian border.
Black Rock Lake, Lagodekhi National Park
Lagodekhi continues to develop as a tourist attraction.
If you are planning a trip through the Kakheti region, without a doubt don’t miss this beautiful reserve. In particular, the ancient trees are a great nature opportunity while traveling in Georgia. There are four hiking trails: Grouse Waterfall, Ninoskhevi Waterfall, Machi Castle, and a three day hike to Black Rock Lake.
What is your itinerary while in Kakheti? Let us know below.