Samegrelo & Tobavarchkhili
Samegrelo, a western region of Georgia bordering Svaneti, is often ignored by hikers due to its flat terrain. But the ace up its sleeve is the stunning Tobavarchkhili Lakes, situated beneath the dramatic Egrisi mountains. These glacier lakes offer some of the most breathtaking views in Georgia, with uneven peaks and deep gorges surrounding the pristine waters.
Hidden gems in Samegrelo & Tobavarchkhili
Samegrelo & Tobavarchkhili
Tobavarchkhili lakes
Difficulty: StrenuousDuration: four to five daysStart/end point: Mukhuri to KhaishiAccommodation: Camping Tobavarchkhili, meaning "Silver Lake" in Megrelian (a language spoken in Samegrelo), refers to the complex of lakes in the Samegrelo region, western Georgia. You pass rocky gorges, waterfalls, alpine meadows, and shepherd huts with the chance to glimpse Mt. Elbrus on a clear day. Starting from Mukhuri village, a jeep transfer to Natipuru at 2,000 metres can save you a long (20km), unscenic first day on a rough dirt road. Expect to pay 250-300 GEL for the transfer. However, landslides and unpredictable weather often block the road, so keep a buffer day in your schedule. Need to know This 45-km trek is one of the most challenging in Georgia. Depending on your route, pace, and weather, it takes four to five days. It includes high passes, steep elevation changes, river crossings, snow and ice-covered slopes even in summer, and some hard-to-follow paths. There is also no mobile coverage. Therefore, I recommend you hike with an experienced guide who has taken this trail several times before. Alternatively, you can hire a horse to carry the luggage to ease the hike. Rain and fog are frequent at Egrisi Mountains, so be prepared and have another buffer day to fully enjoy the lakes. For the best conditions, aim for late July to mid-September. The area lacks shelters, so you will need a tent, proper hiking gear, and enough food for the trip. The trek also has an alternative, shorter route from Skuri. It's even more challenging, and the logistics can be complicated. How to get to Mukhuri First, get to Zugdidi, the capital of Samegrelo. From the bus station by the bridge (not the one at the train station), the marshrutka (a minibus) departs for Mukhuri at 9 am, taking two hours. Hiring a taxi will get you there in an hour. Ask the driver to drop you off at Lugela Spring to reduce the less scenic walk by 7km. How to leave Khaishi Marshturkas that head to Mestia or Zugdidi daily pass by Khaishi but are usually full. Failing that, you might need a taxi or hitchhike.
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