![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.journeys6senses.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/image-1024x604.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nRacha is surrounded by Imereti to the south (from Kutaisi 75 km), from the northwest \u2014 Svaneti<\/a><\/strong>, from the northeast \u2014 the Greater Caucasus Range and the border with Russia, while the unrecognized Republic of South Ossetia lies adjacent to it in the east. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The main town of Racha is Ambrolauri, where you should plan to stay in one of the guesthouses or hotels. From Tbilisi to Ambrolauri is 275 km and involves three passes. Without stops, the journey takes 6 hours. But it is better to set aside the entire daylight period, as there are many interesting places along the way. From Batumi to Ambrolauri is 240 km and takes about the same amount of time as from Tbilisi<\/p>\n\n\n\n The season in Racha lasts from late spring through October.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are roads in Racha, and some of them\u2014even paved ones\u2014lead into the high mountains. The roads in the Ambrolauri valley and at the Nakerala Pass are excellent. But you still need to drive on them carefully. <\/p>\n\n\n\n First of all, the hairpin bends are quite steep. To reach remote areas, you will need an off-road vehicle. Or you can leave your car on the paved road and continue on foot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We went to Racha to see its extraordinarily beautiful mountain scenery. For some reason, Racha is called \u201cGeorgian Switzerland.\u201d To be honest, I do not like such comparisons, and I found nothing in common between Switzerland and Racha. First of all, Racha is not picture-perfect; on the contrary, it is so authentic and completely unpolished, unlike the ideal Swiss villages. Secondly, although wine is made in Switzerland, it is a long way from Racha\u2019s Khvanchkara. Thirdly, there are no trains here, and in general, everything is different here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To reach Racha, we crossed three passes, the last of which lies on the border between Imereti and Racha. This pass is Nakerala<\/strong>, along the road from the mining town of Tkibuli into the mountains, a steep series of switchbacks leads uphill. Having climbed it, we stop at a viewpoint offering a panorama of the Imereti valleys. Wow doesn\u2019t even begin to describe it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n From the Nakerala Pass, you can get to Mount Tskhradzhvari <\/strong>\u2014 in translation \u201cMountain of Nine Crosses.\u201d Once, a cable car led here from the city of Tkibuli. The road to the observation deck has now been renovated. In one hour climb to the summit Tskhradzhvari<\/strong>, on which all nine crosses have been erected to see the panorama of the valleys of Imereti. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a special place for Georgians \u2014 according to legend, the crosses atop the mountain were erected by the father of nine sons who went to war with the Turkish conquerors. The father sincerely prayed to God to return his sons to him and his prayers helped the brothers return home safely. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Further along the route is Shaori Reservoir<\/strong>. The weather at the reservoir is not always wonderful\u2014we managed to see it both on a sunny, clear day and in an eerie fog. A cloud simply descended and covered everything around us. It was fortunate that both times\u2014there and back\u2014we traveled along the same road, so we were able to see how the snowy peaks were reflected in the waters of Shaori Reservoir. In summer, people relax here on a small beach, and you can also pitch a tent here. In the #iloveracha recreation area, swings bearing this popular hashtag have been installed on the shore and in the water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The next stop on the journey is hidden from everyone in the gorge Tkhmori Waterfall<\/strong> (Shareula). It can be reached by driving along the Chrebalo-Nikortsminda road in the direction of the village of Zeda Shavra. From the village, a narrow dirt road leads down into a deep gorge; you can either drive along it in an off-road vehicle or walk several kilometers, following the signs. There is another beautiful spot near the waterfall \u2014 a river flows out of a cave, supplying a small power plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We then drove west along the Rioni River on the main road through the Ambrolauri Valley to see another waterfall \u2014 Gvirishi<\/strong>. Unlike Tkhmori, it is not hidden in a gorge but, on the contrary, is located high in the mountains. A dirt road traditionally leads to it: a stone wall on one side and a precipice plunging into a deep canyon on the other. The adrenaline and scenery make a thrilling combination. A glass observation deck has been built above the waterfall, offering a breathtaking view of the waterfall and the gorge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And along the way, you can see another beautiful place \u2014 The Columns, or Pillars, of Sairme<\/strong>. These are oddly shaped rocks located between the settlements of Alpana and Chrebalo, near the village of Sairme, in the Tsageri Municipality. A 3-kilometre hiking trail leads to these rocks. If you wish, you can take a one-day hiking route around the Sairme Columns and see the waterfall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Ambrolauri <\/strong>itself, there are no particular attractions. Here, you should drink wine in the homes of winemakers. Relax in the evenings after active hikes in the mountains and trips to natural attractions. In fact, that is what we did in Racha, staying with a native Rachian. He let us into his wine cellar, where we found joy in tasting white and red wine and, of course, chacha \u2014 how could we do without it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the town is small, Ambrolauri has its own airport. And there are plenty of interesting places and outdoor activities around it. For example, on the outskirts of Ambrolauri is the waterfall Sikvaruli <\/strong>or, as it is also called, the Waterfall of Love. Water flows in thin silver streams from the top of a rock covered in green moss. In one place, a small heart-shaped cave has formed in the rock\u2014it is thanks to this that the waterfall got its name. Access to the waterfall is excellent\u2014you can drive there in an ordinary passenger car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can visit the village of Zemo Krikchi and the Archangel Church<\/strong>. The unusual church is located near an ancient cemetery. It was the first time I had seen bas-reliefs of wild animals in a church. At first I thought they were cats, but it turned out they were bears, which are found in large numbers in Racha. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Next to the church stands a huge ancient tree, with an enormous hollow inside it extending across the entire width of the trunk. The two of us fit inside comfortably, and a third person could have climbed in too. And what\u2019s more, a second tree grows inside the hollow\u2014a tree within a tree!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hike the route through the river canyon Krikhuli<\/strong>. This is where the river begins, and at the end of the route an extraordinarily beautiful waterfall awaits you. In summer, it is even pleasant to walk knee-deep in the cool water, admiring the bizarre patterns of the rocks overhanging the canyon and covered in green moss. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can stay in Ambrolauri in one of the guesthouses; there are even stylish glamping sites here. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Find hotels and glamping sites in in Ambrolauri<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, it is here that the rare and rather expensive wine is produced Khvanchkara<\/strong>, which made famous Georgian winemakers throughout Europe. At the beginning of the last century, Princes Liban and Dmitry Kipiani sent Khvanchkara to a European wine competition held in Belgium. And they won the grand prize. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Until the 1930s, this wine was simply called\u2014 Kipiani<\/strong>, but then, on Stalin\u2019s orders, it was renamed Khvanchkara after the area where the grapes are grown. There are few vineyards in Racha; on the mountain slopes of the Ambrolauri Valley, two indigenous grape varieties are cultivated\u2014Alexandrouli and Mujuretuli\u2014which are used to make naturally semi-sweet Khvanchkara. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They say that it is even forbidden to take grapes out of Racha\u2014the police stop suspicious vehicles belonging to outsiders during the autumn harvest and check their trunks for grapes being taken out of Racha. Khvanchkara made in other regions from other grape varieties is considered a counterfeit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The wine is exceptionally delicious\u2014it has a dark ruby color and a velvety raspberry flavor. And although I prefer dry wines, I really enjoyed the naturally semi-sweet Khvanchkara. Despite its high sugar content, it has only 12\u201313% alcohol, is easy to drink, has a slightly tart taste, and does not cause the intoxication associated with sweet and semi-sweet wines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The mountains are what makes a trip to Racha worthwhile. To the northeast, it is surrounded by the Greater Caucasus Range,<\/strong> to the west by the Lechkhumi<\/strong>. In clear weather, the snow-capped peaks are visible from practically everywhere. And in summer, you can get as close to them as possible. By mid-June, you can already travel to elevations of over 1,500 meters, to high-mountain lakes. Or walk along one of the hiking trails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In May, we managed to drive up to Lake Cholevi<\/strong>, which is located near the village Mravaldzali<\/strong>, at an altitude of 1,840 meters above sea level. It is located not far from the village itself, which is accessible by a paved road. From there, you can continue on foot or by off-road vehicle. The lake is marshy and unsuitable for swimming; its shores are covered with algae, but the surroundings are very beautiful. Mount Khikhati rises above the lake, and beech forests stretch all around. You can pitch a tent near the lake and take radial routes around the area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n From the village Gebi <\/strong>the route follows the highway and leads to the village of Hona, where you can spend the night. At the exit from the village, there is a border police checkpoint where identity documents are checked. The confluence of the Chveskhura and Dombarula rivers is located 3.5 km from the border police checkpoint. There used to be shepherds\u2019 huts here, where tourists pitched their tents. The next morning, you need to walk another 7 km to reach the glacier<\/strong>. The lakes Udziro <\/strong>are located high in the mountains, not far from the villages of Glola and Shovi, on the western slope of Mount Katitsvera. The lake is situated at an altitude of 2,800 m, offering a breathtaking view of the Caucasus Range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also get here by off-road vehicle once the snow has melted. Or hike from the village of Shovi. The ascent is quite challenging and steep. But the lakes are worth spending a couple of days on, trekking into the mountains for 7\u20138 hours a day. You can also pitch a tent here and spend a couple of nights. During the day, go on radial hikes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Insurance \u2013 you can find an affordable option on the portal HotlineFinance<\/a><\/strong> Gudauri Ski Resort in Georgia<\/a><\/strong> Discover what to see in Racha, Georgia. Unforgettable sights for a three-to-four-day trip to the region, and the wines you simply must taste here.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":64157,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[142],"tags":[576,144],"class_list":["post-64156","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-routes","tag-georgia","tag-routes"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nWhen should you travel to Racha?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Roads in Racha<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Secondly, the animals. Throughout Georgia, cows and pigs lie on paved roads, while dogs roam around\u2014all of them need to be carefully driven around. Cows generally prefer not to walk but to lie on the roads. We even saw cows on the high-speed motorway near Kutaisi. Instead of a guardrail dividing the road in half, grass grows between two concrete barriers. That is where the cows were sprawled out. You immediately start picturing how they got there\u2014over the barrier and across the two roads along which cars and trucks speed. In general, I would rather not hit a cow at a speed of 110 km per hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat to do in Racha \u2014 main attractions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Nakerala Pass and the Mountain of 9 Crosses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.journeys6senses.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/\u0413\u043e\u0440\u0430-9-\u043a\u0440\u0435\u0441\u0442\u043e\u0432-1024x472.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.journeys6senses.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/photo5294297235800044476-1024x472.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.journeys6senses.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/photo5294297235800044483-1024x472.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nGvirishi and Tkhmori Waterfalls (Shareula)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.journeys6senses.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/199998619_995720981203213_348684116508469204_n-1024x766.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.journeys6senses.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/\u0412\u043e\u0434\u043e\u043f\u0430\u0434-\u043d\u0430-\u043f\u0443\u0442\u0438-\u043a-\u0420\u043a\u043e\u043d\u0438--1024x682.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.journeys6senses.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/DSCF9844-1024x682.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAmbrolauri \u2014 the capital of Racha<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.journeys6senses.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/199320906_762456304442530_4969289291183249841_n-1024x766.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWaterfall Sikvaruli<\/h3>\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.journeys6senses.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/200495298_537649134046900_2672138217677880824_n-768x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nArchangel Church<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.journeys6senses.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/200117371_685526168916948_4936270699390848305_n-1024x767.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCanyon Krikhuli<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.journeys6senses.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/\u0412\u043e\u0434\u043e\u043f\u0430\u0434-\u0432-\u0420\u0430\u0447\u0435-1024x682.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nRacha \u2014 the birthplace of Khvanchkara<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.journeys6senses.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/199895424_340363470827250_5085432438466086276_n-1-1024x716.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMountains and high-mountain lakes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.journeys6senses.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/131363653_4198561356833389_3793013932602830741_n-1024x766.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nLake Mravaldzali <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.journeys6senses.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/photo5292045435986359423-1024x472.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nGebi Village \u2014 Hona Village \u2014 Kirtisho Glacier Route<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The round trip takes 4 days in total.<\/p>\n\n\n\nUdziro Lakes \u2014 Lake of Love<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Useful links for preparing for your trip:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Booking hotels, guesthouses, and apartments \u2013 Booking.com<\/a><\/strong>
Car rental in Georgia \u2013 DiscoverCars<\/a><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat else to read:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Independent trip through Turkey by car<\/a><\/strong>
Ethnogastronomic route through Bessarabia<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStay up to date with my travels, follow me on Facebook<\/a><\/strong>
Vivid photos and travel impressions on Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"