Guidebook for Racha
Sightseeing
Oni is one of the most charming small towns in Georgia, perfect for those looking for non-touristic places, only 40-minute drive from Ambrolauri. It has beautiful views of Shoda-kedela range, the paved road towards Shovi and Utsera resorts which are amazing destinations taken separately. Oni has more than century-old Jewish Synagogue, built in 1895 has a nice story how it survived communist destroying all religious buildings in Racha – local Jewish women with newborn babies locked up themselves in it & Georgians also surrounded with newborn babies as a shield.
Definitely Visit "The Gallery", a family run Hotel. The owners are amazing people, artists and craftsmen who did everything with their own hands and the experience you get is one of a kind.
Oni
Oni is one of the most charming small towns in Georgia, perfect for those looking for non-touristic places, only 40-minute drive from Ambrolauri. It has beautiful views of Shoda-kedela range, the paved road towards Shovi and Utsera resorts which are amazing destinations taken separately. Oni has more than century-old Jewish Synagogue, built in 1895 has a nice story how it survived communist destroying all religious buildings in Racha – local Jewish women with newborn babies locked up themselves in it & Georgians also surrounded with newborn babies as a shield.
Definitely Visit "The Gallery", a family run Hotel. The owners are amazing people, artists and craftsmen who did everything with their own hands and the experience you get is one of a kind.
UPDATE:
A massive landslide struck the resort on August 3rd, 2023, resulting in dozens of casualties and virtually annihilating the region. As of today, Aug 6, search and rescue operations are ongoing. Please refrain from visiting the affected area.
Shovi is famous for its unique 16 types of mineral waters. Suited at 1650 meters from Sea level and belongs to semi-alpine resorts. On the north, the resort is surrounded by high mountains of the Caucasus with an average height of 4000 meters. On the south, west, and east it is bordered by Shoda-Kedela mountain range of the Greater Caucasus mountains with a heigh of 3,000-3600m. Shovi is one of my personal favorites and i highly recommend visiting it.
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Shovi
UPDATE:
A massive landslide struck the resort on August 3rd, 2023, resulting in dozens of casualties and virtually annihilating the region. As of today, Aug 6, search and rescue operations are ongoing. Please refrain from visiting the affected area.
Shovi is famous for its unique 16 types of mineral waters. Suited at 1650 meters from Sea level and belongs to semi-alpine resorts. On the north, the resort is surrounded by high mountains of the Caucasus with an average height of 4000 meters. On the south, west, and east it is bordered by Shoda-Kedela mountain range of the Greater Caucasus mountains with a heigh of 3,000-3600m. Shovi is one of my personal favorites and i highly recommend visiting it.
Sairme Pillars - only 30 minutes drive towards Lechkhumi. Visiting this natural monument, rocky massif- Sairme Pillars is highly advised as it is very close, with well-developed infrastructure.
საირმის სვეტები
Sairme Pillars - only 30 minutes drive towards Lechkhumi. Visiting this natural monument, rocky massif- Sairme Pillars is highly advised as it is very close, with well-developed infrastructure.
Shareula is a multifunctional complex, you can go there to enjoy nature, have a nice meal, read, chill, possibly book a nice tour with them (horseriding, rafting, jeep tours etc).
Tourist Complex "Shareula"
Shareula is a multifunctional complex, you can go there to enjoy nature, have a nice meal, read, chill, possibly book a nice tour with them (horseriding, rafting, jeep tours etc).
The roads have been fixed the whole way and it is very easy to get there. The road and the views are breathtaking. There is a small village and a historic monastery on the very top.
Mravaldzali
The roads have been fixed the whole way and it is very easy to get there. The road and the views are breathtaking. There is a small village and a historic monastery on the very top.
Ghebi, along with Gona, is the remotest village of mountainous Racha, bordering Russia. Gona village is locked in winter by snow, and only a few locals can be found during the summer months. Village Ghebi, encountered before reaching Gona (7-8km), is a base for some incredible hikes in the Region. You will require a proper 4x4 car for this trip.
Ghebi
Ghebi, along with Gona, is the remotest village of mountainous Racha, bordering Russia. Gona village is locked in winter by snow, and only a few locals can be found during the summer months. Village Ghebi, encountered before reaching Gona (7-8km), is a base for some incredible hikes in the Region. You will require a proper 4x4 car for this trip.
This is just a tiny village. It's authentic, beautiful, with lovely habitats, and not many people visit it. If you are interested in finding this kind of real, breathtaking small villages and tapping into the life of its settlers, definitely go here, cause the way there is absolutely stunning too. From there you can go to Tsakhi village, which is another gem.
Gogolati გოგოლათი
This is just a tiny village. It's authentic, beautiful, with lovely habitats, and not many people visit it. If you are interested in finding this kind of real, breathtaking small villages and tapping into the life of its settlers, definitely go here, cause the way there is absolutely stunning too. From there you can go to Tsakhi village, which is another gem.
Another village I visited recently and found extremely beautiful. It is mostly abandoned, very raw, authentic.
Baji
Another village I visited recently and found extremely beautiful. It is mostly abandoned, very raw, authentic.
Lailashi village in Lechkhumi, historically one of the largest Jewish villages in western Georgia. If you have time and a 4x4 car, definitely go there.
Lailashi
Lailashi village in Lechkhumi, historically one of the largest Jewish villages in western Georgia. If you have time and a 4x4 car, definitely go there.
The ride to the green Kulbaki lake (in Lechkhumi) is definitely not a comfortable one, but it's worth it. It is a little piece of heaven in the middle of nowhere. Has a trout farm and cottage to sleep in, so the advice is to go and stay there overnight. 4x4 car advised.
Kulbaki
The ride to the green Kulbaki lake (in Lechkhumi) is definitely not a comfortable one, but it's worth it. It is a little piece of heaven in the middle of nowhere. Has a trout farm and cottage to sleep in, so the advice is to go and stay there overnight. 4x4 car advised.
I would suggest going up to Tskhradjvari on the way back to Tbilisi. The roads have been fixed and it's an easy ride. The views and the landscapes are stunning!
Tskhradjvari view
ცხრაჯვარიI would suggest going up to Tskhradjvari on the way back to Tbilisi. The roads have been fixed and it's an easy ride. The views and the landscapes are stunning!
Nature/Hikes
Lake udziro is a small alpine lake (literally without the bottom) at the altitude of 2800m, situated near Shovi resort, Racha on the slope of Mt.Katitsvera (3300). The route crosses a 3068m pass (moderate difficulty for experienced hikers). It makes the perfect 2-day summer hike in nice weather with camping at the lake from which there are incomparable panoramic views of the Caucasus mountain range. A guide is advisable.
Udziro Lake
Kutaisi-Alpana-Mamisoni PassLake udziro is a small alpine lake (literally without the bottom) at the altitude of 2800m, situated near Shovi resort, Racha on the slope of Mt.Katitsvera (3300). The route crosses a 3068m pass (moderate difficulty for experienced hikers). It makes the perfect 2-day summer hike in nice weather with camping at the lake from which there are incomparable panoramic views of the Caucasus mountain range. A guide is advisable.
Classic hike climbing from Shovi resort onto the small ridge which provides nice views of Buba glacier. It is a moderate hike, 7-8 hours. Can be done In a day, but also an option to stay overnight with tents and take it slow. A Guide is advisable.
Buba Glacier
Classic hike climbing from Shovi resort onto the small ridge which provides nice views of Buba glacier. It is a moderate hike, 7-8 hours. Can be done In a day, but also an option to stay overnight with tents and take it slow. A Guide is advisable.
Cholaga Spring
Beautiful nature and forest
Hangout
one of the most popular riverbanks for socializing, swimming, chilling, drinking, and enjoying the hot summer days.
Bungalow Changes
one of the most popular riverbanks for socializing, swimming, chilling, drinking, and enjoying the hot summer days.
Food scene
Located in the village Sadmeli in Khvanchkara micro-district, it's a family cellar that offers excellent food, wine, and stunning views. Great choice if you're looking to get a taste of great local wine and food. You might need to get in touch with them prior to your visit to make sure they can serve you.
Sadmeli Winery
Located in the village Sadmeli in Khvanchkara micro-district, it's a family cellar that offers excellent food, wine, and stunning views. Great choice if you're looking to get a taste of great local wine and food. You might need to get in touch with them prior to your visit to make sure they can serve you.
Located in the lovely village of Khvanchkara, this is a great choice if you're looking to get a taste of great local wine and food. You might need to get in touch with them prior to your visit to make sure they can serve you.
Chateau Dio
Located in the lovely village of Khvanchkara, this is a great choice if you're looking to get a taste of great local wine and food. You might need to get in touch with them prior to your visit to make sure they can serve you.
One of my favorite spots for truly amazing wines and local delicious food. The house is historic, truly amazing interior and details. You might need to get in touch with them prior to your visit to make sure they can serve you.
Margvelidze winery
One of my favorite spots for truly amazing wines and local delicious food. The house is historic, truly amazing interior and details. You might need to get in touch with them prior to your visit to make sure they can serve you.
A great new addition to the food scene in Racha. It's only 15 min drive from Ambrolauri. The atmosphere is very cozy, the interior very stylish, and very decent food.
Tchrebalo Wine Cellar/ ჭრებალოს მარანი
A great new addition to the food scene in Racha. It's only 15 min drive from Ambrolauri. The atmosphere is very cozy, the interior very stylish, and very decent food.
One of the best places to try Lobioni, the must-have when visiting the Racha region. They also have a takeaway option.
Iline
One of the best places to try Lobioni, the must-have when visiting the Racha region. They also have a takeaway option.
WineSpace
Perfect location. Beautiful views. Good food and wine.
Gallery
Great People. Great space. great food! Located in Oni.
Tavern Krikhula
close to the cottage, walkable distance.
Gharistskali
Close to the cottage, within walkable distance.