Region 4: WESTERN LESSER CAUCASUS
21. Borjomi– Kharagauli national park
Coordinates: 41 o52’ N, 43o20’ E
Altitude: 900– 2,642 m. a.s.l.
 Temperate, humid mountain forest climate. Winters are snowy, summers mild. Annual precipitation ca. 1000 mm (80 mm in January, 100– 120 mm in April, 60 mm in July, 80 mm in October). Over 40 days with heavy rains per year. Around. 80 days with snow cover (at the elevation 900– 1,000 m). Mean temperature: January/– 2, April/6, July/18, October/10. Mean maximum temperature (July)/32 o C.
 This is the largest national park in Georgia, with the best developed tourist infrastructure. The park lays in the eastern part of the Meskheti mountain ridge of the Lesser Caucasus and covers relic humid mountain forest (deciduous, mixed, and coniferous) areas. The area is rich with mysterious forest landscapes, endemic species of animal and plants, and big game. The area should be visited for at least three days, or even up to a week, although short excursions are also possible. The park harbors many endemic plant and animals. This is one of a few areas in Georgia where big game can be relatively easily observed.
 One can find 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, peregrine falcon, common crossbill, wood– pigeon, stock dove, white– throated dipper, wren, black– headed nuthatch, goldcrest, various warblers and other songbirds. In subalpine and alpine areas, one can watch golden eagle. A special attraction is endemic Caspian snowcock, Caucasian black grouse and Caucasian chiffchaff.
 Mammals harbored by the site include: chamois, red deer, roe deer, wild boar, wolf, fox, wildcat, brown bear, wood and rock martens, otter and badger. The area has several endemic species of voles, moles and shrews. At small mountain brooks, one can watch endemic Caucasian salamander, Caucasian mud– diver, and Caucasian toad. Three endemic species of lizards, including Artwin wood lizard, Ajarian and Red– bellied rock lizards can also be found. A special attraction is a beautiful endemic Caucasian adder (difficult to find) and Caucasian subspecies of sand viper. Best time for watching amphibians and reptiles is June. In subalpine meadows, spectacular beetles and butterflies can be watched, such as Alpine capricorn beetle and Apollo butterfly. A peculiar inhabitant of old beech forests is the endemic Buch’ s snail, a large snail with black– colored body. In the forest (mostly mixed forest) there are a number of trees endemic to the Caucasus, such as Nordmann’ s fir, eastern beach, Trautfetter’ s maple, bearded alder etc. The forest understory has many evergreen plants, such as an endemic Pontic rhododendron, cherry laurel, and holly. Other typical understory plants are bladdernut, stone gooseberry, butcher’ s broom etc. There are also many species of ferns and mosses.
 The park has a relatively well– developed tourist infrastructure. Forest rangers can provide help in watching wildlife of the park. Horseback tourism is developed in the area; horses can be rented in the park office.
  April through October.
 The route from Tbilisi to Borjomi (the district center) takes about 2 hours by minibus or bus departing from the Didube bus station in Tbilisi. By car, the trip takes less than 2 hours. The trip may be combined with visits to Bakuriani and Tabatskuri lake, and to Abastumani– Zekari. All areas within the park may be reached on foot or horseback.
 Entering the park requires a permit from the park administration. We recommend contacting the administration in advance, in order to obtain permits and make arrangements. Comfortable hotels are available in Borjomi town and at the park office. Prices range from 15– 20 USD per day/person. Bed and breakfast is also provided by the Borjomi Park administration, which also can organize several routes for tourist visitors. Camping outside the park is possible. Several small cafés are available in Borjomi.
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