Borjomi is a small town located in the center of Georgia famous for its mineral waters, interesting architectural monuments, and the Romanov palace. This climatic resort is 160 km from Tbilisi, the capital, and on the eastern edge of the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. Borjomi’s main asset though is the evergreen nature and lush forests which make for amazing hiking trails and great camping destinations.
Borjomi is a very popular town which is why it’s so easy to get there. The cheapest way of transportation from the capital is by train which leaves every day at 18:20 and arrives at 22:37. The fastest form of transportation is by car or a taxi and it takes only 2 hours to get to Borjomi from Tbilisi but it’s quite expensive. You can also take a marshrutka which saves you both money and time. It costs only 12 GEL and takes 2.5 hours to get to Borjomi which makes this the optimal form of transport.
Given Borjomi’s rich nature, the possibilities for hiking routes are vast but in this article, we’ll go over some of the best day hikes for people who don't have that much time to spend on this activity or who simply aren’t into dayslong of traveling by foot and camping. But for those who are we also have an article all about multi-day hikes in Borjomi so you can choose which one suits your liking the best.
The Footprint Trail
This is a 13 km trail of average difficulty with a few steep climbs and one sharp downhill turn at the end of the hike. This hike takes place in the national park which is why you have to get a free permit from the administration before you go on your adventure.
The best time to hike here is from the end of May to mid-October with optimal weather for hiking. It’s recommended you start your hike early in the morning as it can take about 7-8 hours of walking.
To get to the beginning of this hiking trail you’ll have to get to the Likani Guard Station, which is a 10-minute drive from Borjomi. You can take a bus or a taxi to this spot, with the latter costing around 10 GEL.
This hiking trail offers panoramic views of the lush forests and mountains of Borjomi. The terrain is not the most comfortable but the views will make it worth it. Just make sure you wear boots that are suitable for hiking and will withstand mud and dirt roads.
The beginning of the hike is very easy as you just walk on flat ground. Then the road slowly starts to incline and this part of the hike can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour depending on how fast you go. But after climbing up the serpentine trail you’ll start to see the Valleys and the mountainous landscapes pan out in front of you. And the hike ends with a 2 km downhill slope towards the Khvabiskhevi Valley after which you’ll eventually reach the banks of the Zuraeti river. On your way, you’ll stumble upon the Mariamtsminda Church and soon you’ll see the Khvabiskhevi guard station and that’s the finishing spot.
Borjomula River Walk
This is the shortest hike on this list and also the easiest one. It takes less than 3 hours to complete and it is all about enjoying the banks of the river Borjamula. The trail is more than 10 km long but the path is relatively easy which is why it can be covered so quickly. One of the best things about this trail is the outdoor sulfur baths where you can swim any time of the year, even with snow around you which is an amazing experience. Keep in mind though that the water isn’t hot so maybe summer is a better time for this activity.
Hike the Peter’s Castle
Peter’s Castle is a historical sight near Borjomi towering above the river Mtkvari. It was built in the 14th century and belonged to a feudal family. It has been renovated many times but today it’s in a state of disrepair. There are two big basins on the territory which are presumed to have been water reservoirs. This site is a good look into the rich history of Georgia and you can hike there by one of the two available trails.
The first road starts at Likani Park and follows the bridge crossing river Mtkvari. The path is rocky and narrow and not the easiest to cover so be prepared to watch your steps.
The second road starts from Likani as well but from the railway line and passes through a big forest and again, onto that rocky path.
Given that it offers a feel of Georgia’s nature and also takes hikers to a centuries-old historical sight it’s a perfect trail for any visitor who wants to experience Georgia with all it has to offer.
Kakhisi Lake
This hiking trail is for those interested in lakes who have a little bit more time on their hands. It starts at the Chobiskhevi village and is 9 km long and the elevation level is about 1000 meters. The trail offers views of Dabadzveli village, the Borjomi gorge, and the scenic mountains and valleys all around. The road is a bit difficult to cover though as it is mainly a dirt road. You can take horses on this trail too which can make this experience even more fun.
Once you get to the lake you can admire the surreal atmosphere and the spruce forest, swim in the cold lake, or set up a fire with firewood that’s everywhere around the lake if it’s cold. To get back you just have to follow the same road towards Chobiskhevi.
Likani Valley
Home to famous mineral waters Likani village is the start of many hiking trails including the Likani Valley one. This is a 9 km hike that's beginner-friendly and offers amazing panoramic views of the Likani Valley and the village. The path isn’t too muddy or steep meaning it’s easy to complete. It can also be completed on horseback given that this path is perfect for horseriding.
On this track, you’ll follow path N.12 which starts with climbing 500 meters uphill to the Chitakhevi ridge. Once you reach this point you’ll be able to see the Borjomi Gorge. The trail is a loop that goes back to the village of Likani and it will take you about 4 hours to complete it.
