Shepherd Trail
53 km, 3 days, hard
The Shepherd trail is a three-day hike that leads from the Likani ranger station via the Lomismta tourist shelter and Amarati tourist shelter to the Atskuri ranger station. The entrance near the Likani ranger station is only 5 km away from Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park Visitor Centre, where you should register before entering the park.
At 53 km and an average hiking time of 6 hours per day, the Shepherd Trail is one of the longest and hardest trails in the park and quite challenging. We suggest it only for experienced hikers.
Day 1
Likani ranger station – Lomismta tourist shelter | 15 km, 5-6 hr
From the Likani ranger station the path first leads along the river valley for a couple of kilometers before turning on to the mountain slope uphill. The following climb through the woods takes about 3 hours, then the scenery opens up and offers fantastic panoramic views. The second half of Day 1 on the way to the Lomismta tourist shelter, which is located 1.800 meters above sea level, is relatively easy.
Day 2
Lomismta tourist shelter - Amarati tourist shelter | 20 km, 7-8 hr
Day 2 is the longest and hardest day of the hike on the Shepherd Trail. Be prepared for 9 hours of walking. You should leave the Lomismta shelter quite early in order to make it to the Amarati tourist shelter before nightfall. And – very important to know – there is no water on this section of the trail.
Leaving the Lomismta tourist shelter, the path leads again uphill to the top of Mount Lomismta, the so-called “Lion Mountain” at almost 2.200 meters above sea level. Even during summer, the weather can be quite harsh up here, so be sure to bring sensible shoes and warm clothes at any time of year.
But the climb is absolutely worth the effort. Not only is there a little stone chapel dedicated to Saint George on top of Mount Lomismta, in good weather you can see the 5.600-meters-high Mount Elbrus, the highest peak of Russia and the Great Caucasus Range. And the top of Mount Lomismta is also right at the border between the two Georgian provinces of Samtskhe-Javakheti and Imereti.
The day ends at the Amarati tourist shelter, the crossing point of several hiking routes in Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park.
Day 3
Amarati tourist shelter – Atskuri ranger station | 16 km, 5-6 hr
Day 3 is relatively easy. The path leads from the Amarati tourist shelter down to the Atskuri ranger station. A fairly easy and relaxing hike of not more than 6 hours.
How to get there:
The entrance to the park is near the Likani ranger station, which is 5 km away from Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park Visitor Centre in Borjomi. You should go there first and register, before entering the park. Then can you walk or take a taxi or minibus to the park entrance (10 min, 10-15 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.
