Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park

Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park by its status is the first protected area in the Caucasus. It was set up in the end of XX century and by occupied area (more than 600 sq. km) is one of the largest protected territories in Europe. It is located in the central part of Georgia, to the west from Tbilisi within the distance of 140 km.

National park is situated on the brink of several physical geographic and historical geographic pro­vinces that determine not only its natural but also ethnographic importance. Within its confines and in nearest vicinity are represented oak groves of Kolkheti forest of middle-range mountain, oak-hornbeam gro­ves, beech groves, hornbeam-beech groves, beech-dark coniferous and upland forest landscapes. Thanks to this it is the most important geo-ecological knot in the Caucasus and a substantial link in shaping up of a network of preserved territories in the region.

On the territory of the Borjomi-Kharagauli national park distribution of vegetation is based on the extension of warm and moist climate. In the northern and western parts of it volume of precipitation is 1000 mm, and in the eastern and southern - twice as less. Such share of precipitation is the cause of contrasting natural conditions and ultimately swift change of diverse sceneries.

Change of landscapes along with distribution of precipitation is noteworthy also with change of height and exposition. Relative height of the territory of national park attains 1500 meters. Here leafy forests are morphed into mixed, then beech and later high-mountain forests. Sub-Alpine and Alpine vegetation is widely spread here and it is possible to see it by moving to a small distance.

On the territory of the national park we come across such species of vegetation as follows: chestnut, Kolkheti oak, yew, pine and fir. From wildlife species are important Caucasian noble red deer (Cervus elaphus), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), mountain eagle (Aquila chrysaetus fulva), eagle (Gyps fulvus fulvus), griffon-vulture (Aegypius monachus) and Caucasian black cock.

National park is well arranged for various types of tourism. There are Borjomi mineral water springs, mountain skiing resort of Bakuriani, Bronze and Antique era monuments, IX-X century several famous churches and fortifications near it.

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