Among picturesque mountains in western Georgia Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti province, the mountain resort town of Lebarde is an attraction for hikers who prefer locations off the beaten tourist track. Photo by Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge.
Located 1,600 metres above sea level in the province’s Martvili Municipality, the spot is one of the natural destinations untouched by development work that could soon be coming to the former Soviet retreat. Photo by Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge.
The town first emerged as a health resort after mineral water was discovered by local shepherds in the area in the 1940s. Photo by Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge.
Benefiting those suffering from a variety of illnesses, the springs saw Lebarde transformed into a developed holiday retreat during the Soviet era. Photo by Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge.
Neglected buildings left over from decades of the USSR period can still be seen throughout the town. Photo by Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge.
The setting, near the headwaters of River Tekhuri, features mildly cold temperatures in winter and mildly cool weather in summer. Photo by Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge.
Nearby Lake Great Tobavarchkhili is confusingly named similarly to another lake in the Tsalenjikha Municipality of the province. Photo by Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge.
The lake near Lebarde freezes over during wintertime, presenting visitors with a remarkable view in the midst of surrounding hills. Photo by Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge.
The summer season runs in the locality between June-September, with 164 days of snow in winter and average height of snow cover reaching 191cm. Photo by Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge.
A minor number of enthusiast visitors reach Lebarde — despite lack of properly maintained access roads — to stay at the place during the summer season. Photo by Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge.
Despite its health- and natural attractions, access to the town is complicated due to an absence of development and maintenance at the former resort. Photo by Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge.