Ninoskhevi Waterfall Trail, Lagodekhi National Park
Lagodekhi's most popular day walk: a forest path up the Ninoskhevi gorge, crossing the stream several times, to a 40 m waterfall in a mossy rock amphitheatre. About 8.5 km return and 360 m of climbing, 4 to 6 hours.
Lagodekhi National ParkPhoto: Paata vardanashvili, CC BY-SA 4.0This short gorge walk shows the lush side of Lagodekhi, Georgia's first protected area. The path follows the Ninoskhevi stream upstream through dense, humid forest of hornbeam, beech and chestnut, with ferns, ivy and relict plants that survive here from much warmer epochs. It ends where the stream drops about 40 m over a cliff into a cool, spray-filled bowl.
The walk is not steep overall, but it is rougher than a park stroll: roots, wet rocks, and a series of stream crossings on stones and logs. After heavy rain these crossings can become impossible, and rangers may close the trail. In dry weather it is a satisfying half day, easily combined with an afternoon in Kvareli or Sighnaghi.
Highlights
- A 40 m waterfall in a green rock bowl
- Humid, almost subtropical forest with relict plants
- Hopping across the stream on stones and logs
- Cool air in the gorge on hot summer days
- Easy to pair with Kakheti wineries the same day
Trail facts
Last checked Oct 2026 by the Maspindzeli team. Mountain conditions change: ask us before you go.
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Stage by stage
| Day | From → to | Distance | Up | Down | Hours | Highest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gurgeniani information point → Lower Ninoskhevi gorge | 2.5 km | +140 m | −10 m | 1 h | 650 m |
| 1 | Lower Ninoskhevi gorge → Ninoskhevi waterfall | 1.75 km | +210 m | −0 m | 1-1.5 h | 850 m |
| 1 | Ninoskhevi waterfall → Gurgeniani information point | 4.25 km | +10 m | −350 m | 1.5-2 h | 850 m |
01Trailhead to the lower gorgeGurgeniani information point → Lower Ninoskhevi gorge · 2.5 km · 1 h
After registering, follow the path into the forest along the Ninoskhevi. It is broad and easy at first, rising gently with the stream below on your right.
01Stream crossings to the waterfallLower Ninoskhevi gorge → Ninoskhevi waterfall · 1.75 km · 1-1.5 h
The gorge narrows and the path starts crossing from bank to bank on stepping stones and fallen trunks. Rocks are coated in moss and slick even when dry. The final section scrambles over boulders into the amphitheatre below the falls; stay back from the base, where stones fall from the cliff.
01Back to the trailheadNinoskhevi waterfall → Gurgeniani information point · 4.25 km · 1.5-2 h
Return the same way. The crossings feel harder going downstream, so take your time and use poles or a hand on the rock.
Practical information
Getting there
Lagodekhi lies about 160 km east of Tbilisi, a 2.5 to 3 hour drive via Gurjaani or Sighnaghi. Minibuses from the Samgori area of Tbilisi cost about 15 GEL ($6 or so) in 2026. The trailhead is in the Gurgeniani section, a short taxi ride from Lagodekhi town; expect about 15 to 25 GEL (about $6 to $9) each way, or ask the visitor centre to call a driver. As a day trip from Tbilisi a private car with driver costs about 300 to 400 GEL (about $110 to $150) for the round trip including waiting time.
Getting back
Walk back the same way to the trailhead and take the waiting taxi to town. The last minibuses from Lagodekhi to Tbilisi leave in the late afternoon, so aim to finish by 15:00 or stay overnight.
Water
The Ninoskhevi stream is beside you most of the way, but treat it before drinking. Simpler to carry 1.5 litres from town.
Phone signal
Usually fine near the start, fading in the narrow gorge toward the waterfall.
Nearest help
Rangers at the information point and the visitor centre in Lagodekhi town; Lagodekhi hospital is a short drive away. Dial 112.
Permits
Register at the protected areas visitor centre or the information point before setting off; rangers check. Bring your passport or ID. At our last check there was no charge for day trails in Lagodekhi.
Gear and safety
What to bring
- Shoes with a grippy sole you do not mind getting wet, or sandals for the crossings
- Trekking poles help with balance on the stones
- Light rain jacket; showers are frequent in Lagodekhi
- 1.5 litres of water and a picnic
- Insect repellent and long trousers against ticks and mosquitoes
- Passport or ID for registration
Stay safe
- Check the weather: after heavy rain the stream rises quickly and the crossings become dangerous. If the water is brown and fast, turn back.
- Wet rocks are the main cause of injuries here. Step on dry, flat stones and keep three points of contact on the scramble.
- Do not stand directly under the waterfall or the cliffs around it; stones come down with the water.
- Ticks live in the forest undergrowth from spring to autumn. Check after the walk.
- In an emergency dial 112 or go back to the information point; rangers know the trail.
- Black Grouse falls: starts at the visitor centre, roughly 9.5 km and 3-5 hours, a gentler forest walk to a small 6 m fall. Better after rain, with fewer stream crossings.
- Machi fortress trail: a forest climb to the ruins of a medieval castle above Lagodekhi, a good choice when waterfalls are in spate.
- Longer: the three-day Black Rock Lake trek from the same visitor centre to the alpine zone.
- Bad weather swap: in heavy rain skip the gorge and visit the Kvareli wine tunnel, Gremi or Sighnaghi instead.
Emergency number in Georgia: 112. Tell your guesthouse your plan before you set off.
Places on and near the route
Ninoskhevi Waterfall Trail, Lagodekhi National Park: FAQ
How long is the Lagodekhi waterfall hike?
The official figure is 8.5 km, which most people walk in 4 to 6 hours return including a rest at the falls.
Is the Ninoskhevi waterfall walk suitable for children?
For active children of about 8 and up, in dry weather. The stream crossings need a steady hand from an adult.
Is there an entrance fee?
There was none for the day trails at our last check, but registration is required.
Can I visit Lagodekhi as a day trip from Tbilisi?
Yes, by private car or an early minibus. Leave Tbilisi by 8:00 to walk in the cool of the morning.
Last checked Oct 2026 by the Maspindzeli team. Mountain conditions change: ask us before you go.