The Likani Valley Trail provides a clear framework for planning a hike in Likani: the 7 km circular route is rated easy and takes one 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. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

Choose hikes by time and difficulty

If you are looking for a one-day hike, this circular trail differs considerably from Nikoloz Romanov’s Trail: the longer route is 43 km long and takes three days. It can be travelled on foot or horseback, from the Likani River Valley through the Lomismta Mountains to the Marelisi Ranger Station. The route passes through coniferous and mixed forests and also reaches Lomi St. Giorgi Church and scenic viewpoints overlooking the Caucasus. Its length, duration and destination give this tour a different time commitment from the circular trail.

For cycling, a route on Nikoloz Romanov’s Trail is described as 11 km long, difficult, and involving 1,200 metres of elevation gain. You must register at the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park Visitor Centre before setting out. A car transfer to the Likani Valley is then required; a gravel road leads to the starting point. Check the registration process before your trip, and bear in mind that weather and road conditions may affect access. A first-aid kit, water and spare parts are recommended for the cycling route. Wildlife can sometimes be observed from a distance in the deciduous and coniferous forest areas, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Nature and tour options in the national park

Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park covers more than 85,000 hectares of native forest and alpine meadows. Its network of trails consists of twelve routes through ancient woodland. Activities include hiking, horseback riding, cycling, snowshoeing, and cultural and educational tours. Tourist shelters, picnic areas and campsites are located along the routes. Check trail conditions and the current status of facilities before your trip; route and facility information cannot be assumed to apply to every individual trail.

The Footprint Trail also offers specific landscape and cultural points of interest: it provides views of Mariamtsminda Church and passes areas where rare yew species listed in the Red List can be seen. The trail ends in the Kvabiskhevi Valley. Another way to choose is to compare the route profiles: the one-day Likani Valley Trail, Nikoloz Romanov’s three-day route and the cycling tour rated difficult differ in both time commitment and mode of travel.

Libani: Sanatorium and history

Libani lies in the Borjomi Gorge on a densely forested plateau. The Libani Sanatorium is located at an altitude of 1,368 metres above sea level. The sanatorium was designed by architect Mikhail Kalashnikov. Georgian scientist Nikoloz Gegechkori contributed to its construction and later became director of the facility. As a significant early centre in the fight against tuberculosis, the sanatorium is also part of medical history. The former building was granted cultural heritage monument status in 2017.

The circular trail in Likani can be planned as a one-day hike. If you are looking for hotels in Likani, first consider whether your stay will mainly involve a day of hiking or whether you would like to include a multi-day route with its own schedule. The stated start and end points, along with the estimated durations, can help you distinguish between these plans.

Discover more destinations: Akhalkalaki, Tsemi, Tmogvi, Bakuriani, Tba, Borjomi, Zarzma, Nakalakevi

For the regional travel overview: Samtskhe-Javakheti.