Three days in Georgian Switzerland

In the north of Georgia is the region of Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo-Svaneti with the administrative center in the city of Ambrolauri. The region occupies the historical lands of Lower Svaneti, Racha and Lechkhumi. The high mountain region in its ethnic composition is multinational and consists of two Rachin districts, Svan and Lechkhum. The culture of Kvemo-Svan and Zemo-Svan differ significantly. Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo-Svaneti nature gave beautiful places. Here is the famous resort of Shovi.

There are many monasteries and temples in the region. The most famous of them are the religious buildings of Nikortsminda, Baraconi, the synagogue in Oni, as well as the almost abandoned monastery in Tsageri-Gweso. Among the fortresses are Muri, Dadiani, Kvatsihe, Sosilei, Isunderi, located in the Tsager district.

Day 1st

• Kutaisi is one of the historical capitals of Georgia, its history dates back ~ 3,500 years, it is 2000 years older than the history of Tbilisi. From 806 BC Kutaisi was the capital of the Imereti and Abkhazian kingdoms. In 1122 the capital was moved to Tbilisi.
• Sabor Bagrat (in 1003) is named after the founder - the first king of the united Georgia Bagrat III, it is impressive, it was here that David IV the Builder was crowned. In 1994, the Bagrat temple was included in the UNESCO list.
• Motsameta (translated from Georgian - martyrs) - the monastery of Saints David and Constantine was built at the beginning of the XI century by King Bagrat III. With the advent of Soviet power in 1923, the monastery was closed. In the same year, by order of Ordzhonikidze, the relics of the saints were extracted and tied to the tail of the horse, they were dragged along the road to Kutaisi, and then dumped into the Rioni River. The locals managed to collect the remains of the relics and now the Ark is located in the main temple.
• Gelati Monastery, founded by King David IV the Builder in 1106 and became his tomb. The cathedral church was built before 1125 and for another five years was decorated with mosaics, which are revered as the best in the whole of Transcaucasia. It has been a World Heritage Site since 1994.
• Photo stop near the Shaor Reservoir.
• Lake Shaori is an artificial reservoir formed by the Shaor HPP on the river of the same name. It is located in the mountains at an altitude of more than 1100 m above sea level. This is the largest water body in the Georgian region of Nizhny Racha: 7 km long and 2.7 km wide. The lake is surrounded by hills covered with dense coniferous and mixed forests - the Nakerap mountain range. There are several small sandy beaches. It is worth considering that the Shaori climate is typical for the middle mountains, it is characterized by large temperature changes and general coolness in comparison with the regions located below. If you climb one of the mountain peaks around the reservoir, you can see that in shape it resembles a huge monster with a forked tail.

Night in Ambrolauri in the local winery with tasting of local wine

Day 2.

• In the picturesque valley of the Rioni River, in the heart of Lower Rachi, there is a real pearl of the Golden Age - the Orthodox temple of Nikortsminda. The Orthodox Church of Nikortsminda was built in the early 11th century (1010-104) during the reign of King Bagrat III. Op dedicated it to St. Nicholas, who is considered the patron saint of Georgia. The temple was a men's monastery. This amazing structure is unlike all other religious shrines of Georgia. It excites, amazes, it seems that the church was built over several centuries. Architecture still generates a lot of controversy among scholarly minds. Why this shape, so many apses? How can a building look so different on the inside? Nikortsminda is a real mystery.
• Baraconi - The Church of Our Lady Baraconi, a monument of old Georgian dome architecture, is located in Racha, Ambrolaur municipality, the village of Cesi. It was built by master Avtandil Shulavreli by order of Rachin prince Rostom in 1753.
• Among the Georgian wines of Khvanchkar special wine, a unique drink that has no analogues in the world. We will visit the village of the same name, which gave the name of wine. Hvanchkar is a natural and semi-sweet red wine, its uniqueness lies in the combination of natural conditions of mountain Rachi, the specifics of the vegetative process and manufacturing technology, which creates a unique bouquet. The present Khvanchkar is made from the rarest varieties of Mujuretuli and Alexandrouli grapes, cultivated only in the microzone of the village of Khvanchkar and yielding 10,000 bottles a year. A visit to the winery will give a unique chance to taste the authentic Hvanchkar. Khvanchkar is the wine of life lovers and optimists, the pearl of Georgian and world winemaking.
• Once this small settlement was the capital of all Rachi. The time of its occurrence is unknown, the first mention of it refers to the XV century. Now it is the main city of Upper Rachi, it is the center of the Jewish community of Georgia. The main attractions of the city: The Oni functioning synagogue, built in 1895, and the local history museum with an exposition containing many unique exhibits telling about the history of the region.

Night in the guest house, dinner in the family circle of the hosts

Day 3.

• Utser resort is located in the valley of the Rnoni River, 130 km from Kutaisi, at an altitude of up to 1,120 m above sea level.
• Shovi is a balneo-climatic resort, which is located 25 km from the district center Oni. Shovi is located in the valley of the Changchahi River, on the slopes of the Main Caucasian Range, at an altitude of 1600 meters. The climate in Shovi is very similar to the alpine – there is a mild summer and quite cold winter. Coniferous forests spread their healing aroma in the air. Near Shovi, the Buba and Changhachi rivers flow, in whose valleys mineral springs beat. In the mineral springs of Shovi there is healing water of several types. Mineral waters of Shovi treat diseases of the respiratory organs, nervous system and digestive tract.
• Mamison is a mountain (height 4360 meters), on which a ski resort is built.
• Ujiro is a lake that is popularly called “bottomless”. Hiking difficulty "high" season only summer.

Night in Shovi in the guest house with all comforts

Day 4.

• Moving to Kutaisi
• Shaori Reservoir, picnic, photo session
• lake Haristwali
• kutaisi

The price includes:

• Transportation
• Guide services
• Cool drinks

Not included in the price:

• Residence
• Tasting
• Nutrition
• Hotels.

What to bring with you:

• Clothing for hikes (in case of climbing to the lake)
• Comfortable shoes