# Lagodekhi Municipality - URL: https://explore-georgia.ge/en/municipalities/lagodekhi-municipality - Type: municipality - Region: Kakheti - Official website: https://lagodekhi.gov.ge ## History Lagodekhi Municipality is the easternmost municipality of **Kakheti**, at the foot of the **Greater Caucasus**, with the town of **Lagodekhi** as its administrative centre, at about 450 m above sea level. The municipality covers about 890 km², from the Alazani plain to the forested slopes and alpine zone of the main Caucasus ridge. The **Alazani** is the main river, fed by mountain streams such as the Kabali, Matsimistskali and Lagodekhistskali. The climate is moderately humid, with high rainfall in the mountains. Lagodekhi borders Kvareli to the west, Gurjaani and Sighnaghi to the south, Dagestan (Russia) to the north and **Azerbaijan** to the east; the Lagodekhi border crossing is one of the main routes between Georgia and Azerbaijan. The name Lagodekhi appears in the medieval Georgian chronicle of Juansher, in the story of King Vakhtang Gorgasali. According to historical accounts, a fortress was built here in the 8th century, and in the 11th century the area had an important monastery of the historic province of **Hereti**. The region suffered heavily from Shah Abbas’s invasions in the 1610s. In **1830** a Russian military settlement was established here, which became a civilian settlement in **1857**. Until 1917 the area belonged to the Sighnaghi district. The municipality preserves medieval churches such as **St Theodore in Leliani** (11th–12th centuries) and churches in Poni, Areshperani and Khoshatiani; the **Leliani treasure** was found here in the 1920s. High above the town, within the reserve, stand the ruins of **Machi fortress**, dating to the 11th century. Lagodekhi is best known for the **Lagodekhi Protected Areas**, founded in **1912** on the initiative of the naturalist **Ludwik Młokosiewicz** — the first nature reserve on the territory of present-day Georgia. Covering over 24,000 ha, about 70% of it forest, the reserve stretches from humid lowland woods to alpine meadows and glacial lakes, including **Black Rock Lake** on the border with Russia. Popular trails lead to the **Ninoskhevi** and **Grouse** waterfalls and to Machi fortress. For travellers, Lagodekhi is the perfect destination for hiking in Kakheti: short forest trails to waterfalls can be done in a day, while the multi-day route to Black Rock Lake offers one of the most spectacular mountain hikes in eastern Georgia. Guesthouses in town and its location on the road to Azerbaijan make Lagodekhi an easy stop on any Kakheti itinerary. ## FAQ **1) Where is Lagodekhi Municipality located?** In the far east of Kakheti, at the foot of the Greater Caucasus, bordering Azerbaijan. **2) What is the administrative centre?** The town of Lagodekhi, at about 450 m above sea level. **3) When was the Lagodekhi reserve founded?** In 1912 — it is the oldest nature reserve on the territory of present-day Georgia. **4) Who initiated the Lagodekhi reserve?** The naturalist Ludwik Młokosiewicz. **5) What is Black Rock Lake?** A glacial lake on the border with Russia, reached by a multi-day trail through the reserve. **6) Which waterfalls can be visited?** The Ninoskhevi and Grouse waterfalls. **7) What is Machi fortress?** The ruins of an 11th-century fortress inside the protected areas. **8) Is there a border crossing to Azerbaijan?** Yes, the Lagodekhi border crossing is one of the main routes between Georgia and Azerbaijan. **9) Which medieval churches are there?** St Theodore in Leliani (11th–12th centuries) and churches in Poni, Areshperani and Khoshatiani. **10) Where can I find official municipal information?** On the municipality’s official website. ## Sources - [Lagodekhi Municipality — official website](https://lagodekhi.gov.ge) - [Lagodekhi Municipality (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lagodekhi_Municipality) - [Lagodekhi (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lagodekhi) - [Lagodekhi Protected Areas (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lagodekhi_Protected_Areas) - [Kakheti (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kakheti) ## Settlements - [Apeni](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/apeni): Discover Apeni, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Areshperani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/areshperani): Discover Areshperani, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Baghdadi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/baghdadi): Discover Baghdadi, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Baisubani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/baisubani): Discover Baisubani, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Balta](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/balta): Discover Balta, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Beburiani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/beburiani): Discover Beburiani, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Bolokiani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/bolokiani): Discover Bolokiani, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Chabukiani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/chabukiani): Discover Chabukiani, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Chaduniani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/chaduniani): Discover Chaduniani, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Chiauri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/chiauri): Discover Chiauri, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Davitiani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/davitiani): Discover Davitiani, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Dona](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/dona): Discover Dona, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Ganatleba](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/ganatleba): Discover Ganatleba, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Ganjala](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/ganjala): Discover Ganjala, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Gelati](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/gelati): Discover Gelati, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Giorgeti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/giorgeti): Discover Giorgeti, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Gujareti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/gujareti): Discover Gujareti, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Gvimriani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/gvimriani): Discover Gvimriani, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Heretiskari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/heretiskari): Discover Heretiskari, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kabali](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/kabali): Discover Kabali, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kalkva](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/kalkva): Discover Kalkva, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kartubani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/kartubani): Discover Kartubani, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kavshiri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/kavshiri): Discover Kavshiri, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kevkhiani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/kevkhiani): Discover Kevkhiani, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Khiza](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/khiza): Discover Khiza, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Khizabavra](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/khizabavra): Discover Khizabavra, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Khoshatiani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/khoshatiani): Discover Khoshatiani, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kvemo Bolkvi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/kvemo-bolkvi): Discover Kvemo Bolkvi, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kvemo Gurgeniani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/kvemo-gurgeniani): Discover Kvemo Gurgeniani, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kvemo Khechili](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/kvemo-khechili): Discover Kvemo Khechili, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kvemo Mskhalgori](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/kvemo-mskhalgori): Discover Kvemo Mskhalgori, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kvemo Nashovari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/kvemo-nashovari): Discover Kvemo Nashovari, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kvemo Pona](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/kvemo-pona): Discover Kvemo Pona, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Lapniani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/lapniani): Discover Lapniani, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Leliani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/leliani): Discover Leliani, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Matsimi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/matsimi): Discover Matsimi, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Meore Leliani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/meore-leliani): Discover Meore Leliani, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Mirskiseuli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/mirskiseuli): Discover Mirskiseuli, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Mshvidobiani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/mshvidobiani): Discover Mshvidobiani, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Naendrovali](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/naendrovali): Discover Naendrovali, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Namesrali](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/namesrali): Discover Namesrali, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Natsiskvilari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/natsiskvilari): Discover Natsiskvilari, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Ninigori](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/ninigori): Discover Ninigori, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Onanauri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/onanauri): Discover Onanauri, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Patara Gori](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/patara-gori): Discover Patara Gori, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Pichkhisbogiri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/pichkhisbogiri): Discover Pichkhisbogiri, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Podaani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/podaani): Discover Podaani, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Qarajala](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/qarajala): Discover Qarajala, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Rachisubani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/rachisubani): Discover Rachisubani, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Sakobo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/sakobo): Discover Sakobo, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Sheerteba](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/sheerteba): Discover Sheerteba, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Shroma](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/shroma): Discover Shroma, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Svideba](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/svideba): Discover Svideba, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tamariani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/tamariani): Discover Tamariani, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tela](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/tela): Discover Tela, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tsiplistsqaro](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/tsiplistsqaro): Discover Tsiplistsqaro, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tsitelgori](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/tsitelgori): Discover Tsitelgori, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tsodniskari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/tsodniskari): Discover Tsodniskari, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Uzuntala](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/uzuntala): Discover Uzuntala, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Vardisubani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/vardisubani): Discover Vardisubani, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Verkhvismindori](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/verkhvismindori): Discover Verkhvismindori, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zemo Bolkvi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/zemo-bolkvi): Discover Zemo Bolkvi, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zemo Gurgeniani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/zemo-gurgeniani): Discover Zemo Gurgeniani, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zemo Khechili](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/zemo-khechili): Discover Zemo Khechili, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zemo Mskhalgori](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/zemo-mskhalgori): Discover Zemo Mskhalgori, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zemo Nashovari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/zemo-nashovari): Discover Zemo Nashovari, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zemo Pona](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/lagodekhi-municipality/zemo-pona): Discover Zemo Pona, a village in Lagodekhi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. ## This page in other languages - [Georgian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ka/municipalitetebi/lagodekhi-municipality) - [Russian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ru/municipalitety/lagodekhi-municipality)