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Eagle gorge-Khornabuji-Elia Mountain

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Trail stats

Distance
2.78 mi
Elevation gain
531 ft
Technical difficulty
Moderate
Elevation loss
230 ft
Max elevation
2,860 ft
TrailRank 
31
Min elevation
2,358 ft
Trail type
One Way
Coordinates
135
Uploaded
March 17, 2016
Recorded
March 2016
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near Qaraghaji (Georgia)

Viewed 1683 times, downloaded 43 times

Trail photos

Photo ofEagle gorge-Khornabuji-Elia Mountain Photo ofEagle gorge-Khornabuji-Elia Mountain Photo ofEagle gorge-Khornabuji-Elia Mountain

Itinerary description

The trail starts at the entrance of of Artsivi (Eagle) Canyon. At first visitors will receive interesting information on protected areas. From here the trail alongside limestone cliffs and reaches the basis of the rocks where it is possible to see the rare endemic plant species Campanula Kakhetica. Visitors are amazed by the lush green white flower that grows on the limestone cliff without any soil, having chosen such a harsh habitat. Afterwards the trail runs toward the viewpoints on the western slopes of the gorge, from where you can enjoy watching flying griffon vultures against the backdrop of hanging cliffs. It is also possible to come across 9 other species of birds of prey in the gorge. Besides birds of prey, it is possible to find other bird species that are of significant beauty, such as: common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) and black stork.

It is possible to visit the remains of medieval city-fortress of Khornabuji. In order to reach Khornabuji, you must pass through the narrow forest road, which during summer resembles a natural tunnel. At a certain point the “tunnel” suddenly widens and your attention is drawn toward the 5th century fortress almost grown on the steep cliff. You can park your car on the flat area right below the fortress. Here starts the pedestrian route toward the fortress. From the fortress you can get a fine view of Alazani Valley and eastern Caucasus Mountains. Visitors can have food at the picnic area set up below the fortress and then take cars toward St. Elias Mountain. The pedestrian route starts while climbing the mountain which leads toward the St. Elias Church, built of limestone at an altitude of 45 meters above sea level, on a limestone cliff itself. Presumably the church was built in 6th century, however it was supposedly destroyed in the beginning of 20th Century and its restoration was completed in 2008. To the east from the church you can see Lake Kochebi and Shiraki valley, while to the south you can see Taribana Valley and Kotsakhura mountain range.
for more info:
http://apa.gov.ge/en/eco-tourism/Trails/vashlovanis-daculi-teritoriebis-turistuli-bilikebi-satesto/1-arwivis-xeoba

Waypoints

PictographWaypoint Altitude 2,454 ft

Eagle Canyon

Reservation

PictographWaypoint Altitude 2,349 ft

Khornabuji Fortress

Khornabuji Fortress

PictographWaypoint Altitude 0 ft

Ranger Station

Unknown Point Feature

PictographWaypoint Altitude 3,018 ft

St. Elia Tesbiteli Monastery

St. Elia Church

PictographWaypoint Altitude 0 ft

Vashlovani Administration and Visitor Centre

Unknown Point Feature

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