Three days by 4x4 through Racha and Lechkhumi: Khvanchkara vineyards, Nikortsminda Cathedral, the Udziro lake hike and the road toward Lower Svaneti.
| Day 1 | Pickup in Kutaisi, drive to Ambrolauri with a stop at Nikortsminda Cathedral for its carved facades, then a Khvanchkara wine tasting at a family cellar; overnight in a guesthouse near Ambrolauri. |
| Day 2 | Drive past Shaori lake and on to Oni, then into the upper Rioni valley to the villages of Glola and Ghebi; in the afternoon, hike to Udziro lake (moderate, 3-4 hours round trip, weather dependent) before returning to Oni for the night. |
| Day 3 | From Oni, drive south through Lechkhumi toward Lentekhi along the Tskhenistsqali River, with stops in villages below the Zagari Pass route to Mestia; drop-off in Kutaisi in the late afternoon (return to Mestia or Tbilisi possible on request, checked at booking). |
Can this trip continue to Mestia instead of ending in Kutaisi?
Yes, in season the route can continue over the Zagari Pass to Lentekhi and on to Mestia; this depends on road conditions and is confirmed at booking.
Is the Udziro lake hike suitable for children or older travellers?
The hike is moderate with some steep sections; it is manageable for fit adults and older teenagers but not recommended for young children or those with limited mobility.
What is Khvanchkara wine and why is it specific to this region?
Khvanchkara is a semi-sweet red wine made only from grapes grown in a small protected zone around Ambrolauri; it cannot legally be produced elsewhere in Georgia.
Do we need to bring cash?
Yes, for lunches, any extra drinks and tips; guesthouses and small cellars in Racha rarely accept cards.