Racha
Racha is often overlooked due to its limited tourist services and infrastructure. But I love the region’s pristine peaks, dense coniferous forests, serene lakes – and absence of tourists!
For hikers, Racha may not have the same appeal of Tusheti, Khevsureti, or Svaneti. Although there are some good routes here, such as the challenging trek to Svaneti or the stunning Udziro Lake, the options are quite limited. Racha is probably better suited for seasoned adventurers seeking a raw, untouched landscape.
Hidden gems in Racha
Racha
Imereti to Racha trek
ExperienceDifficulty: ModerateDuration: Two to three daysStart/end point: Drbo to OniAccommodation: Camping This almost unknown trail connects two regions—Imereti and Racha—through dense forests, peaceful valleys, and towering alpine cliffs. It offers picturesque views, wildflower meadows, and isolation from populated areas. The highlight of this hike is the panoramic views of Caucasus Mountain while walking on the ridge leading to the King Tamar cliffs, as well as extensive views over the Imerti plains. The path goes through old shepherd trails, found and improved by the Transcaucasian Trail team, creating a longer Imereti to Racha route. However, the trek is still unmarked and not well maintained. Therefore, you need to navigate with GPS trackers. Need to know The path is mostly straightforward and not technical, with some steep stretches, river crossings, and leftover snow on higher slopes. However, prepare to spend an almost full day walking. The trail rejoins a dirt road several times for a short while and has substantial climbs uphill. Many springs on the trail are seasonal, so it's essential to fill up with water at every opportunity. Also, be prepared to carry plenty between the undried springs. Be strategic where you camp, as there are limited flat areas to set up the tent. May to July and September to October are preferred times to hike. You will need a tent, proper camping equipment, and food for the entire hike. How to get to Drbo First, get to Sachkhere, a 20-minute drive from Drbo, with a marshrutka from Tbilisi's Didube Bus Station. The first van leaves at 9 am. There are vans from Kutaisi, too. From Sachkhere, hire a taxi, hitchhike, or walk 10km to the trailhead. How to leave Oni Several marshrutkas go to Kutaisi daily, but one goes directly to Tbilisi. I recommend asking around or your host for the exact timings.
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Udziro Lake trek
ExperienceDifficulty: ModerateDuration: Two to three daysStart/end point: Shovi to GlolaAccommodation: Camping This little-known but gorgeous hike to the small alpine lake of Udziro at an elevation of 2,800m is an excellent alternative to busy hikes and popular destinations in Georgia. Clear skies, pleasant weather, and unusually shaped mountains make for a breathtaking panorama of the Caucasus range. The drawback is the logistics of getting to/from the start and end points with public transport. A short trek takes two or three days, starting in the village of Shovi and finishing in Glola. Despite the small distance, it’s a challenging trail with a lot of ascent and descent. I suggest doing it in three days to enjoy the surroundings without being rushed. Need to know Starting from Shovi is a popular choice and often advertised as such, but it has steep uphills over rocky terrain in some parts. However, you are treated with panoramic views of the Caucasus as you descend to the lake. Nevertheless, I prefer to hike the other way, as the ascent is not too steep. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, but a few patches of overgrown plants make it slightly hard to navigate, so you should have an offline map app on your phone. The hike is doable only from late June, when the snow on Geske Pass melts, until late September. You can stay in Shovi or Glola before/after the hike but need full camping gear on the trek. How to get to Shovi First, get to Oni from the Didube Bus Station in Tbilisi. The marshrutka leaves at 8 am. From Oni, you can get a taxi or hitchhike. Alternatively, you can take a marshrutka to Amboraluri, the central city of Racha, and find transportation to Shovi. How to leave Glola Glola is the village next door to Shovi, so you'd need to ask around for transportation or try hitchhiking.
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Imereti to Racha trek
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Udziro Lake trek
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