Deutsch
русский
I’ve always loved hiking, but this one really topped the list.
A few days ago, I took on the St. Andrew’s Trail in Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park—a 55 km journey through one of the wildest and most beautiful corners of Georgia. It was intense, peaceful, scenic, and exactly what I needed to disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature.
This trail isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s rated as “hard” for a reason, with over 3,300 meters of elevation gain and nearly 2,900 meters of descent. The terrain shifts constantly—from dense forest to open alpine ridges and high mountain meadows with views that take your breath away. It demands stamina, but rewards you every step of the way.
What sets this hike apart, aside from the jaw-dropping views of the Lesser Caucasus, is the sense of solitude. We didn’t meet a single tourist the entire way. Just a couple of shepherds and endless landscapes stretching in every direction. It felt like having the whole national park to ourselves. No phone signal, no distractions—just the crunch of your boots and the wind in the trees.
The infrastructure along the trail is also a real highlight. All three nights, we stayed in newly built tourist shelters that are clean, warm, and surprisingly comfortable for something so remote. There is no running water, but surprisingly you have the solar powered electricity to charge your device and light the shelter at night. Each one sits in a spectacular location, and honestly, I can’t think of a better way to fall asleep than under the stars at 2,500 meters, in complete silence.
One of the most memorable parts of the trail was the night we spent at Sametskhvario Shelter. At 2,500 meters above sea level, the views were endless. The sky turned a deep, fiery orange as the sun set over the mountains, and later, the stars came out like I’ve never seen them before. We had the entire shelter to ourselves and barely spoke—we were just stunned by where we were.
It’s rare to find a trail this scenic and this quiet. That’s probably because the difficulty level keeps casual hikers away. But if you’re looking for a real adventure, love mountain air, and don’t mind the physical challenge, the St. Andrew’s Trail is a dream. It’s a pure, immersive wilderness experience—no crowds, no noise, just you and the great outdoors.
Hiking this trail made me realize how lucky we are in Georgia to have places like Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. It’s one of the largest protected areas in the country, and you can truly feel that when you’re inside it. There’s a sense of untouched nature here that’s becoming harder to find in the world.
So, would I recommend this trail? Absolutely—but only if you’re ready for it. You’ll need proper hiking boots, layered clothing, enough food, and a decent fitness level. But what you get in return is something rare: total peace, wild beauty, and the kind of silence that stays with you long after you’ve returned home.