Complete Guide to Racha, Georgia: Hiking, Trekking & Tours in Georgian Switzerland
The Racha region, known as the «Georgian Switzerland», is located in northwestern Georgia. This place is famous for its lakes, picturesque alpine landscapes and vineyards. Here is the village of Khvanchkara, everyone probably knows the wine of the same name, grown in this region. Only 3.5 hours drive from Tbilisi and you are already in the middle of the Caucasus mountains. Until now, this area remains relatively little known among tourists. And this makes it an excellent location for exploring authentic Georgian culture.
Racha is ideal for hiking, especially in summer, when the weather is not hot and comfortable for walking. In this guide you will find all the tours to Racha that PVD Club offers, compiled in one place. For each tour there are links to the program, difficulty level, prices and useful information.
Difficulty level: depends on the chosen route, from easy to challenging
Racha is a land of picturesque mountains and green gorges, surrounded by the Caucasus ranges and glaciers. The altitude range is dramatic: from river valleys at 800 meters up to peaks pushing past 3600 meters. Dense forest gives way to alpine pastures, then bare rock and glaciers. The Rioni River cuts through the whole region.
How to get there from Tbilisi
The drive takes about 3.5 to 4 hours via the Kutaisi highway, then turning north toward Ambrolauri. The road is paved all the way to Ambrolauri and further to Shovi. Beyond that, expect gravel forest roads. All PVD Club Racha tours include round-trip transfer from Tbilisi, so you do not need to arrange transport separately.
When to go
The hiking season runs from May through October. June and September offer the best balance of stable weather and comfortable temperatures. July and August are warm and reliable for high-altitude routes including the Udziro Lake trek and glacier hikes.
All Racha tours and programs by PVD Club
Racha Classic 3-Day
3 DAYS
TENTS/HOUSE
3000 m
Racha is a land of picturesque mountains and green gorges, surrounded by the Caucasus ranges and glaciers. It is not for nothing that this place is called Georgian Switzerland. It is in Racha that the village of Khvanchkara is located, the famous birthplace of the wine of the same name.
Difficulty level: above average
PROGRAM
The tour to Racha from Tbilisi will begin with a departure to Friday at 16-00. The path is not close, so we will split our tour into 3 days. The first stop will be near the mountain lake Shaori, where we have already gone more than once. There we will camp, cook dinner and relax.
Saturday
We have breakfast, pack our things and move to the village of Ambrolauri and the village of Likheti. From there we will begin trekking along the Lukhuntskali River, surrounded by mountains 3500 meters high; if the weather is good, we will go towards Mount Chutkara. With a lunch break, we will walk about 15 km with an altitude gain of up to 1000 meters. Let’s move to the village of Sakao and set up camp on the bank of a mountain river.
Sunday
Early rise, packing up our camp. We will have breakfast and set off along the mountain river Sakaura; if the weather is good, we will set off towards Mount Cupra. The total trek is up to 15 km with an ascent of up to 1200 meters.
SCHEDULE OF THE HIKE THROUGH RACHA
DAY 1
16-00 Departure from Tbilisi
Arrival at the starting point, trekking to the lake and setting up camping
DAY 2
Trekking about 15 km
Overnight on the river bank
DAY 3
Return to the village
19-00 Departure to Tbilisi
00-00 Arrival in Tbilisi
INCLUDED
- Transfer from Tbilisi and back
- Guide services
- Food
- Photos from the route
- Camping equipment
- Sleeping bag, mat, tents
IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW
To register for a tour trip around Racha, a mandatory prepayment of 50% of the tour cost is required. Refund of prepayment is carried out upon cancellation of the tour no less than 5 days. If you cancel the tour less than 5 days in advance, prepayment does not return. We provide equipment rental, and you can also read where can I buy equipment in Tbilisi.
Mount Shoda Trek 2 Day
2 DAYS
CAMPING
3610 m
Let’s go on a tour of Racha, and this time we will be trekking along the king-mountain Shoda 3610 m. Perhaps this is the least traveled trek in Racha, this is its charm.
Difficulty level: average
PROGRAM
We plan to leave early on Saturday morning, after 4 hours of travel we will find ourselves in Racha near the starting point: in the village of Gebi. Here we will pack all the necessary equipment and set off on our journey.
Through the Racha jungle we will walk along the Shodura river and come out to a clearing at an altitude of 2000 m, where we will have a snack and continue our journey to 2200 m. Our base camp will be located there. In the evening we will prepare a hot dinner and gain strength for the next day.
On the second day of the hike along Racha we go without backpacks. We will go to the pass at an altitude of 3000 m and walk about 3 km along the ridge. We explore the pass and the surrounding area. We will have a view of the mountains Kupra, Chiora, Karaugom, and the Caucasus Range. Having refreshed ourselves, we will go back down to the base camp, collect our things and continue moving towards the village of Gebi, where the transfer will be waiting for us. Late in the evening we will return to Tbilisi.
SCHEDULE
DAY 1
Departure from Tbilisi
Trek to base camp at 2200 m
Overnight at camp
DAY 2
Ridge walk to 3000 m pass (no backpacks)
Descent and return to Tbilisi
INCLUDED
- Transfer from Tbilisi and back
- Guide services
- Meals (breakfast, dinner, snacks)
- Photos from the route
- Tent, sleeping bag, mat
IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW
To register for a tour, a mandatory prepayment of 100% of the tour cost is required. The prepayment is refunded if you cancel the tour at least 5 days in advance. If you cancel the tour less than 5 days in advance, the prepayment is not refunded and is not transferred to another tour. Payment in lari at the rate of the National Bank of Georgia on the day of payment.
We provide equipment rental, and you can also read where can I buy equipment in Tbilisi.
Chiora and Shoda Weekend 2 Days
2 DAYS
CAMPING
2000+ m
A hike of medium difficulty in the Racha area along King Mount Shoda (3610 m), as well as trekking near Mount Chiora with views of the Caucasus Range.
Difficulty level: average
PROGRAM
A path awaits us through the Racha jungle, we will walk along the Shodura River and come out to a clearing at an altitude of 2000 m, where we will have a snack and continue our journey to 2200 m. In the evening we will set up a base camp.
The next day in the morning we will go to Mount Chiora (2386 m) and continue climbing to 2600 m if the weather is good. From here we will have an incredible 360-degree panoramic view of the Nokaruli glacier, Mount Shota Rustaveli and the main Caucasus ridge. By evening we will be downstairs, collect our things, have something to eat and head home.
INCLUDED
- Transfer from Tbilisi and back
- Tent, sleeping bag, mat
- Guide services
- Food
- Photos from the route
IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW
To register for a tour, a mandatory prepayment of 50% of the tour cost is required. Refund of prepayment is carried out upon cancellation of the tour no less than 5 days. If you cancel the tour less than 5 days in advance, prepayment does not return. We provide equipment rental, and you can also read where can I buy equipment in Tbilisi.
Udziro Lake Trek 3 Days
3 DAYS
TENTS
3000 m
Racha is a land of picturesque mountains and green gorges, surrounded by the Caucasus ranges and glaciers. The goal and destination of this hiking tour to Racha will be the incredible Lake Ujiro high in the mountains. This is a small alpine lake (literally without a bottom) at an altitude of 2800 m, located near the Shovi resort in Racha on the slope of Mount Katitsvera (3300 m).
Difficulty level: above average
PROGRAM
The hiking route along Racha reaches an altitude of 3068 m (moderate difficulty for experienced tourists). This is an ideal two-day summer hike in good weather with camping on a lake offering incomparable panoramic views of the Caucasus mountain range.
SCHEDULE
DAY 1 (optional)
Departure on Friday evening from Tbilisi
Overnight at the campsite
DAY 2
Route to Lake Ujiro
Overnight near the lake
DAY 3
Return to the village
Return to Tbilisi
INCLUDED
- Transfer from Tbilisi and back
- Guide services
- Food
- Photos from the route
- Camping equipment
- Sleeping bag, mat, tents
- Trekking poles
SEPARATELY
- Shoe rental
- Insurance
- Backpack rental from 60l
IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW
To register for a tour, a mandatory prepayment of 100% of the tour cost is required. The prepayment is refunded if you cancel the tour at least 5 days in advance. If you cancel the tour less than 5 days in advance, the prepayment is not refunded and is not transferred to another tour. Payment in lari at the rate of the National Bank of Georgia on the day of payment.
We provide equipment rental, and you can also read where can I buy equipment in Tbilisi.
Buba and Chiora Glacier Trek 3 Days
3 DAYS
GUEST HOUSE / TENTS
LIGHT
Hiking in Racha for three days: we are going to conquer glaciers and mountain peaks. We are traveling with accommodation in a campsite or guest houses. We walk lightly without heavy backpacks.
Difficulty level: average
PROGRAM
Our tour will start on Friday afternoon. Let’s gather a group and go out to explore Racha. On the route we will have the temple of 9 crosses with an incredible viewing platform over the valley, the huge Shaori lake with views of mountains above 3000m. By the evening of the same day, we will sit down at the campfire near Lake Shaori and prepare an excellent dinner.
On Saturday we will arrive in the village of Shovi, where we will take snacks and water and set off to conquer Buba Glacier. The path to it runs through rivers and dense forest. The ascent is expected to be about 800 m per day, the length is 7 km in one direction. We will walk lightly, without heavy backpacks. We will pass through fields and hills, cross a river somewhere, and also look at Mount Dolomisi along the route. At the final point of 2500 m, the breathtaking Buba glacier with its sharp white peaks will open in front of us. After having a snack, we will head down to the village.
On Sunday morning we will go by SUV to an altitude of 1900 m, from where we will begin our journey to Chiory mountains (2386 m) and will continue to climb to 2600 m if the weather is good. From here we will have an incredible 360-degree panoramic view of the Nokaruli glacier, Mount Shota Rustaveli and the main Caucasus ridge. By evening we will be downstairs, collect our things, have something to eat and head home.
INCLUDED
- Transfer from Tbilisi and back
- Guide services
- Food
- Photos from the route
- Tent, sleeping bag, mat
- Trekking poles
- Climbing by SUV
- Dropping things off
IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW
To register for a tour, a mandatory prepayment of 50% of the tour cost is required. Refund of prepayment is carried out upon cancellation of the tour no less than 5 days. If you cancel the tour less than 5 days in advance, prepayment does not return. We provide equipment rental, and you can also read where can I buy equipment in Tbilisi.
Cooling Freedom 4-Day Racha Expedition
DAYS
CAMPING
UP TO 15 KM PER DAY
We invite you to plunge into the world of Racha with a visit to its main glaciers. This trek is a 4-day free-style adventure, where all tour participants are autonomous and we move according to the group’s preparation.
Difficulty level: average
PROGRAM
1 day
We will start our tour to Racha from Tbilisi and after 4 hours we will find ourselves at the foot of the serpentine road to Mount Chiora. Here we will begin our journey. We’ll throw our things at an altitude of 1900m and start hiking towards the Tsikhvarga glacier, here we’ll set up camp and stop for the night.
2 day
Early in the morning we will continue our journey towards the Notsarula glacier, we have to cover about 8 km a day, we will find ourselves at the foot of the glacier, leaving our things we go to the radial exit to the glacier, in the evening we will return to the campsite.
3 DAY
We will go towards the Boko glacier, with a panoramic view of Mount Karaugom, overcome the pass and find ourselves at the foot of the Buba glacier. Here we will set up our camp and rest for the next day.
4 DAY
We will assemble our camp and begin our descent to the village of Shovi. On the way we will be greeted by a river and huge fields with incredibly beautiful birch trees. Towards the end of the day we will board a transfer and set off towards the capital.
FEATURES OF THE ROUTE
Difficulty: medium +
The route of the hike along Racha involves walking on unmarked trails; it is possible to use equipment. We walk no more than 15 km per day with an increase of up to 1200 m.
INCLUDED
- Transfer from Tbilisi and back
- Guide services
- Food
- Group alp. equipment
- Tent, sleeping bag, mat
- Trekking poles
- Trekking shoes (optional)
- Backpack (optional)
- Group First Aid Kit
IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW
To register for a tour, a mandatory prepayment of 50% of the tour cost is required. The prepayment is refunded if you cancel the tour at least 5 days in advance. If you cancel the tour less than 5 days in advance, the prepayment will not be refunded. We provide equipment rental, and you can also read where can I buy equipment in Tbilisi.
Week Tour in Racha 7 Days
7 DAYS
CAMPING
UP TO 10 KM PER DAY
Weekly tour to Racha — we have collected for you the juiciest sights of Racha. The Racha region in Georgia is unique and diverse in natural landscapes. For lovers of mountain tourism in Georgia, a hike in the Racha region is a real must-have!
Difficulty level: average
PROGRAM
DAY 1
The tour to Racha begins from leaving Tbilisi with our transfer. We arrive at Lake Shaori. Upon arrival at Shaori, the most interesting thing begins: a trek of about 15-17 km awaits us. The route goes around the lake with stunning views of forests and mountains. Overnight at the campsite.
DAY 2-3
Transfer to the Shoda track, where we will spend 2 days. Through the Racha jungle we will walk along the Shodura river and come out to a clearing at an altitude of 2000 m, where we will have a snack and continue our journey to 2200 m. On the third day we go without backpacks. We will go to the pass at an altitude of 3000 m and walk about 3 km along the ridge. We will have a view of the mountains Kupra, Chiora, Karaugom, and the Caucasus Range.
DAY 3-4
Georgia’s Racha region is full of incredible mountain lakes, and we’ll definitely take you to one of them — Lake Udziro. This is a small alpine lake (literally bottomless) at an altitude of 2800 m, located near the Shovi resort in Racha on the slope of Mount Katitsvera (3300 m). The route reaches an altitude of 3068 m (moderate difficulty for experienced hikers). Overnight at a campsite near the lake.
DAY 5-6
We will devote the next days of our hike in Racha to the Buba and Chiora trek. On the route we will have the temple of 9 crosses with an incredible viewing platform over the valley, the huge Shaori lake with views of mountains above 3000m. By the evening of the same day, we will sit down at the campfire near Lake Shaori and prepare an excellent dinner. The next day we will go to conquer Buba Glacier. The ascent is expected to be about 800 m per day, the length is 7 km in one direction. At the final point of 2500 m, the breathtaking Buba glacier with its sharp white peaks will open in front of us.
DAY 7
Rest and transfer to Tbilisi.
INCLUDED
- Transfer from Tbilisi and back
- Guide services
- Food
- Trekking shoes and poles
- Tent, sleeping bag, mat
- Backpack 60 l
- Photos from the route
IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW
To book a tour, a mandatory prepayment of 50% of the tour cost is required. The remaining 50% is due at least 7 days before the start of the tour. Refunds of prepayment/payment are made if you cancel the tour at least 15 days in advance. If you cancel the tour less than 15 days in advance, the prepayment/payment is not refunded or transferred. Payment in lari at the rate of the National Bank of Georgia on the day of payment.
We provide equipment rental, and you can also read where can I buy equipment in Tbilisi.
What to bring
Racha trails are rougher than marked European routes. You will cross unmarked sections, river fords, and steep grassy slopes. Essential kit: trekking boots with good ankle support, waterproof jacket, warm layer for evenings (temperatures drop to single digits even in summer at altitude), headlamp, water bottle (2 liters minimum), and a sleeping bag rated to zero degrees Celsius. If you do not have gear, PVD Club rents tents, sleeping bags, mats, trekking poles, backpacks, and shoes.
Other things to see in Racha
- Khvanchkara wine village. The famous semi-sweet red is grown only here.
- Oni synagogue. A beautiful 19th-century synagogue in eclectic style. One of the largest synagogues in Georgia.
- Nikortsminda Cathedral. An 11th-century domed church with intricate stone carvings. It is on UNESCO’s tentative list.
- Lake Shaori. A large reservoir that is the main camping and picnic spot in the region.
- Narzan springs. Natural carbonated mineral water springs scattered throughout Racha.
Frequently asked questions
Is Racha suitable for beginner hikers? Yes for the Chiora and Shoda weekend route. No for the glacier routes and Udziro Lake.
Is English spoken on the tours? The guides speak English. Group communication is in English.
Can I join a Racha tour solo? Yes. All PVD Club tours are open to individual travelers. The group price is per seat, not per group.
What is the best month for Racha? June for wildflowers and clear skies, September for stable autumn weather and fewer people.
Does Racha have leeches? Yes, after rain in the lower forest sections, especially on the Shoda approach. Wear leggings or gaiters. They are harmless but annoying.
