Panorama Trail
34 km, 2 days, medium-hard
The Panorama Trail is shorter than Nikoloz Romanov Trail or Saint Andrew Trail, but its 34 km can be quite challenging, especially if you plan to do the hike in two days. The trail is a circular trail that starts and ends at the park entrance near the Atskuri ranger station. Before you enter the park, do not forget to register at Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park Visitor Center in Borjomi.
Day 1
Atskuri ranger station - Amarati tourist shelter | 16 km, 6-7 hThe first day on the Panorama Trail is identical to Day 1 on the Saint Andrew Trail. The path leads from the Atskuri ranger station to the Amarati tourist shelter. This is a 6 to 7-hour hike, mostly uphill, leading along the river and then up the range, which provides you with great panoramic views of the Lesser Caucasus. Among the peaks you can see are Mount Didi Ochora (1543 m) and Mount Sinachkhoro (1770 m). The Amarati tourist shelter, your stop for the first night, is situated at the foot of Mount Amarati.
As the Amarati tourist shelter, like all shelters in the park, only provides 12 wooden beds without sheets, it is not only wise to reserve a place at the National Park Visitor Centre in advance, but to bring a sleeping bag as well.
Day 2
Amarati tourist shelter - Atskuri ranger station | 18 km, 6-7 h
Day 2 is even longer, but after having climbed the ridge of Mount Amarati, the trail leads mostly downhill to the Atskuri ranger station and again offers fantastic views of the Lesser Caucasus.
How to get there:
The entrance to the park is near the Atskuri Ranger Station, which is 27 km away from Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park Visitor Centre in Borjomi. You should go there first and register, before entering the park. Then you can take a taxi or minibus to the park entrance (30 min, 30-40 GEL).
Park admission fee:
There is no park admission fee
Prices for overnight stays inside the park:
In a tourist shelter: 20 GEL/night
In a tent on one of the campsites 5 GEL/night
Prices for professional guide service:
You can also do the hike together with a local guide (approx. 70 GEL/day), which can be a very interesting experience. Available in Georgian, Russian and English. Advance reservation required.
Prices for horseback riding:
Most of the marked tourist trails can also be partially done on horseback, as motorized transportation for tourists is not allowed inside the park. An organized horseback riding tour is approx. 50-60 GEL/day/horse. Advance reservation required.
Some more important things to know:
Always be aware that you are hiking through mostly untouched nature. Always be aware that you are hiking through mostly untouched nature. It goes without saying that it is forbidden to throw away rubbish, but the beauty of the Georgian forests also goes hand in hand with potential hazards such as wild animals (bears, snakes, shepherd dogs), the fact that you cannot buy food on the way and the possible lack of mobile phone connection in case of emergency. But don't worry, if you are well prepared and don't try anything crazy, your hike will be a fantastic experience.
Please note that the "tourist shelters" are simple wooden cabins with simple wooden plank beds. You need to bring a mattress and a sleeping bag, which you can rent at Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park Visitor Center. And there is no one at the shelters to welcome you and cook you a warm dinner. Everything you wish to consume has to be in your backpack.
In any case, before starting your hike please go to the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park Visitor Center in Borjomi, Meskheti 23, for registration, detailed info and maps and equipment rental.
Picture credits: Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park Administration
Project “Increased regional added value in the tourism sectors of Georgia by Digital Heritage Tourism Guides” was funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) with funds of Austrian Development Cooperation.
