Likani: Nature and Hiking

The Likani Valley Trail

If you are considering Likani as a destination, the Likani Valley Trail is a concrete reference point for planning your day. The easy circular route is 7 km long and designed for a day. It starts at the Likani Ranger Station and ends in the settlement of Likani. Along the way, the trail passes the Chitakhevi Ridge and offers panoramic views of the Borjomi Gorge. This brings the distance, duration, difficulty rating, and scenery into focus together before you finalize your tour plans.

A Day Route and a Multi-Day Hike

The Nikoloz Romanov Trail offers a different choice of duration and distance. The route leads from the Likani River Valley through the Lomismta Mountains to the Marelisi Ranger Station: 43 km over three days, on foot and on horseback. It passes through coniferous and mixed forests; it also reaches the Lomi St. George Church and scenic viewpoints overlooking the Caucasus. Unlike the Likani Valley Trail, this is a three-day, 43 km route rather than an easy, one-day 7 km loop.

Bike Tour: Route and Preparation

The bike tour on the Nikoloz Romanov’s Trail is 11 km long, rated difficult, and has 1,200 meters of elevation gain. Registration for this route is required at the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park Visitor Center. After registering, you take a transfer by car into the Likani Valley; access to the trailhead is via an unpaved road. Confirm your registration before traveling and check the access route too: weather and road conditions can change. Recommended equipment includes a first-aid kit, water, and spare parts. The route passes through deciduous and coniferous forest areas; wildlife sightings from a distance are possible but not guaranteed.

Trails and Nature in Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park

Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park covers more than 85,000 hectares of native forests and alpine meadows and is home to diverse flora and fauna. Natural features include Caucasian black grouse, lynxes, and relict stands of yew. The trail network includes twelve routes through old-growth forests. The park also offers hiking, horseback riding, cycling, snowshoeing, and cultural and educational tours. This lets you factor the type of activity or a cultural focus into your plans, alongside trail length and scenery.

Tourist shelters, picnic areas, and campsites are located along the park routes. As these facilities may change, check their condition and the arrangements before departure.

The Footprint Trail ends in the Kvabiskhevi Valley, offers views of Mariamtsminda Church, and passes through areas where rare yew trees listed in the Red List may be seen. Unlike the panoramic views of the Borjomi Gorge from the Likani Valley Trail, the church view and yew trees are specific points of interest here.

Discover more destinations: Tsemi, Tmogvi, Borjomi, Nakalakevi, Akhalkalaki, Didi Mitarbi, Bakuriani, Zanavi

For the overarching travel overview: Samtskhe-Javakheti.