Region 4: WESTERN LESSER CAUCASUS
20. Bakuriani plateau
Coordinates: 41o 43’ N, 43 o 30’ E
Altitude: 1500 to over 2000 m. a.s.l.
 Temperate, reasonably humid mountain forest climate. Winters are snowy, summers usually mild. Annual precipitation 800– 1000 mm (40– 60 mm in January, 100– 120 mm in April, 80– 100 mm in July, 60– 80 mm in October). Over 50 days with heavy rains per year. Around 90 days with snow cover. Mean temperature: January/– 6, April/4, July /14, October /6. Mean maximum temperature (July)/37 o C.
 This is a famous recreational zone in central Georgia, especially well known as a skiing site. A treeless meadow with a surface of several square kilometers, it is surrounded by a mostly coniferous (spruce) forest, in the upper part of the mountain forest belt. The site is located in the westernmost part of Trialeti mountain range of the Lesser Caucasus mountain system. The area harbors plant and animal species superficially similar to those from European mountains (e.g. Alps), but with a number of species endemic to the Caucasus and not found elsewhere in the world. A visit to the site takes at least two (better three) days.
 One can watch a common set of forest bird species, among them boreal, long– eared, scops, tawny, and eagle owls, greater spotted, lesser– spotted, middle spotted, white– backed, green, and black woodpeckers, goshawk, common crossbill, wood– pigeon, stock dove, white– throated dipper, wren, black– headed nuthatch, various warblers and other songbirds. In subalpine and alpine areas, one can watch golden eagle. A special attraction is a stable population of an endemic Caucasian black grouse and Caucasian chiffchaff.
 Mammals harbored by the site include: roe deer, wild boar, wolf, fox, wildcat, brown bear, wood and rock martens, and badger. Bear prints can easily be seen near the Bakuriani village. Ponds near Bakuriani are important sites of three species of newts, among them beautiful banded newt. There are two other amphibian species endemic for the western Caucasus, Caucasian mud– diver and Caucasian toad. Best time for watching amphibians is June (in May, mud– divers are not yet active). There are three endemic species of lizards, included Artwin wood lizard, Ajarian rock lizard, and Armenian unisexual lizard. Along with European and European– like species of trees (such as oriental spruce, Nordmann’ s fir, and oriental beach), there are a number of Caucasian endemics, including butcher’ s broom, high mountain maple, Cappadocian maple, and mountain ash.
 In winter, the area is a popular skiing area. In summer, a botanical garden with a unique collection of alpine plants is available. About 10 km from the site, there are interesting pit swamps of Kakhisi plateau. The site is a perfect area for both winter and summer vacation.
  Year– round.
 The way from Tbilisi to Borjomi (the district center) takes about 2 hours by minibus or bus, from Didube bus station. Minibuses from Borjomi to Bakuriani take about 30 minutes. Minibuses leave Didube station for Bakuriani directly 2– 3 times per day. By car, the drive is about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
 There are a number of comfortable hotels in the area, providing bed and breakfast from 15– 25 USD per person/day). Camping outside the village area is also possible. A number of small cafés and restaurants are available. If you stay in the area for a few days, all the important sights can be easily reached by foot. Alternatively, a car is necessary (a car with a driver can be rented either in Bakuriani or Tbilisi).
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