Saint Andrew Trail
55 km, 3-4 days, hard
At 55 km and 3 to 4 days of hiking, the Saint Andrew Trail is the longest and also one of the hardest trails in the park. We recommend it only for experienced and well-trained hikers. It is also one of the most popular trails in Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, because it leads towards the top of Mount Sametskhvario, which, at over 2600 meters, is the highest peak in the park.
Day 1
Atskuri Ranger Station - Amarati tourist shelter | 16 km, 6-7 h
The starting point for the Saint Andrew Trail is the Atskuri ranger station. Atskuri ranger station is 27 km away from the National Park Visitor Center in Borjomi, where you need to go and register first. Then you can take a taxi to the Atskuri ranger station, which is an approx. 30-minute drive.
The first day leads you on a 6-hour hike (16 km) from the Atskuri ranger station to the Amarati tourist shelter. The trail goes along the river and then onto 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.
Day 2
Amarati tourist shelter - Sametskhvario tourist shelter | 10 km, 5-6 h
After leaving the Amarati tourist shelter on the morning of Day 2, you will start climbing Mount Amarati along the ridge in the direction of Mount Sametskhvario (2642 m), which is the highest peak in the park. On your way there are again fascinating panoramic views featuring e.g. Mount Pikala 2422 m) and Mount Megruki (2475 m). Although you only have to hike 10 km on Day 2, the path leads almost constantly uphill. But there should still be enough time for taking pictures and enjoying the scenery. The stop for the second night is the Sametskhvario tourist shelter at the foot of Mount Sametskhvario.
Please note that the Sametskhvario tourist shelter has been in rather bad condition for some time, and a new shelter is being planned. So if you choose this route, you should bring a tent just in case. And be aware that there is no drinking water near the Sametskhvario tourist shelter, so you should bring drinking water for 2 days.
Day 3
Sametskhvario tourist shelter - Sakhvlari tourist shelter | 19 km, 7-8 h
On Day 3 you will have to make up a little bit for the rather slow pace on Day 1 and Day 2, as you will have to cover a stretch of 19 km. From the Sametskhvario tourist shelter the path leads along the eastern side of Mount Sametskhvario towards Mount Rkinis Jvari (2439 m), which you will pass just under its peak. Then you will begin your descent towards the Sakhvlari tourist shelter, the stop for the third night.
At the Sakhvlari tourist shelter the Saint Andrew Trail connects with the Nikoloz Romanov Trail, another very popular trail in Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park and the shelter may well be crowded during the summer months. Always try to reserve a bed in advance, when you register at the Visitor Center before entering the park.
Day 4
Sakhvlari tourist shelter - Marelisi ranger station | 10 km, 4-5 h
Your last day of hiking is a rather easy day. You have to cover 10 km leading downhill from the Sakhvlari tourist shelter through the Sheviskala River Valley towards the Marelisi ranger station at 540 meters above sea level.
How to get there:
The entrance to the park is near the Atskuri ranger station, which is 27km away from Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park Visitor Center 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.
The Saint Andrew Trail has 4 water stations, 4 campsites, 3 tourist shelters and 3 designated viewpoints. The starting point is usually at the Atskuri ranger station. You can also start from the Likani ranger station, on the Nikoloz Romanov Trail and then join the Saint Andrew Trail.
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.
