Lagodekhi

Lagodekhi is a town, located at the foot of the Greater Caucasus mountains between the rivers Lagodekhiskhevi and Shromiskhevi, in the historical region of Hereti (now part of Kakheti). Lagodekhi has a number of nearby waterfalls and includes the Lagodekhi Nature Reserve, established in 1912 and first noted by Polish botanist Ludwik Młokosiewicz for having a variety of tree species. Three kilometers east of the town is the border crossing with Azerbaijan's Balakan Province. Lagodekhi is in the Kakheti district of Georgia.

Lagodekhi National Reserve

Lagodekhi Protected Areas, also known as Lagodekhi National Park, is a pair of protected areas in the Kakheti district of Georgia: Lagodekhi Strict Nature Reserve and Lagodekhi Managed Nature Reserve (divided in 2003).[1][2] The combined area of the two is 24,451 hectares (94.41 sq mi). The reserves are located in north-eastern Georgia on the southern slopes of the Caucasus and border on Azerbaijan and Dagestan. Lagodekhi preserves a variety of rare local flora and fauna and was originally protected in 1912, under the Russian Empire, the first nature preserve in Georgia. Their ecoregion is that of the Caucasus mixed forests.

Ninoskhevi Waterfall

The route starts from the Gurgeniani Information Center and follows the Ninoskhevi River on a narrow path. The sound of the river, the little waterfalls, huge stones, and cool breeze wandering through the valley make the trip both highly entertaining and adventurous. Take a few steps and magic scenery will spread in front of you – a 40 m long Ninoskhevi waterfall which is one of the most beautiful in Georgia. Its noise attracts the surroundings and sets a new dimension for viewers. On the way we come across rare relict plants such as Lagodekhiangentiana, Lagodekhian snowdrop, Julia purusula, bladdernut, wing nut, chestnut, Georgian oak and etc.

Lagodekhi National Reserve

Nature Interpretation Path This is Tony Tur.Usually, Tony lives in the high mountains of Lagodekhi. But he loves to make a trip down to the Nature Interpretation Path to show kids and curious adults how much fun it is to experience nature. Along twelve interactive stations, you can see nature with different eyes, hear it with new ears and palpate it with hands and feet. Therewill also bestations to frolic and relax. The path is 600 meters long and starts beside the Visitors’ Center. Tony is looking forward to your visit!

We head to the village of Matsimi from Lagodekhi Protected Areas administration center by vehicle (From Lagodekhi to the village of Matsimi – 7 km, 5 min). The route starts from the administration center in the village Matsimi and heads to the BneliKheobaRiver (dark gorge). The path crosses Oriental Hornbeam and karpet-like moss that resemble a fur coat put on bare stones. We appear in a tale turned into reality, from where we go through mixed beech stand and cross the BneliKheobaRiver followed by a path going up to mountain slopes which lead us to the fortress built by our ancestors centuries ago. The remarkable fortress of Kakheti from the medieval age is surrounded by walls, yet inside proudly stands a noble family church, with underground pathways and the ruins of building reenacting the pictures of the already forgotten ancient past.

Bodbe Monastery of St. Nino

The Monastery of St. Nino at Bodbe is a Georgian Orthodox monastic complex and the seat of the Bishops of Bodbe located 2 km from the town of Sighnaghi, Kakheti, Georgia. Originally built in the 9th century, it has been significantly remodeled, especially in the 17th century. The monastery now functions as a nunnery and is one of the major pilgrimage sites in Georgia, due to its association with St. Nino, the 4th-century female evangelist of Georgians, whose relics are shrined there.

Signagi

Signagi or Sighnaghi is a town in Georgia's easternmost region of Kakheti and the administrative center of the Signagi Municipality. Although it is one of Georgia's smallest towns, Signagi serves as a popular tourist destination due to its location at the heart of Georgia's wine-growing regions, as well as its picturesque landscapes, pastel houses and narrow, cobblestone streets. Located on a steep hill, Signagi overlooks the vast Alazani Valley, with the Caucasus Mountains visible at a distance.