Tobavarchkhili lakes trekking is the ultimate trekking route in Georgia. This is challenging 6 days and 5 nights hike covering alpine lakes, snowy passes, forest and river crossing. This experience requires decent physical and mental state, proper trekking gear and the strong will to explore the peak of Earths beauty.
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Tour details
Availability Scheduled group tour: 24-30 August 2026 Private tour is available for any dates from July 15th till September 10th |
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Detailed program
Day 1: Transfer to Tsalenjikha, overnight in a guesthouse
We start at 15:00 from our office in Kutaisi and drive all the way to Tsalenjikha region and stay there for one night.
The accommodation is in an authentic guesthouse with shared rooms. The guesthouse is situated
in a village at the foothills of the Egrisi mountain range.
A traditional Megrelian meal will be served for dinner at the guesthouse.
The guesthouse provides a storage area for any bags not needed during the hiking tour. At
the end of the tour, the group will return to the same guesthouse. On this day we make all
the preparation and packing of the participants personal belongings that will be carried by
horse
Day 2: transport to Kirnakhona and hike to Chkhorotsku camp
After breakfast an off-road vehicle will bring the group to Kirnkhona (2 hours). From here a
hike to the first campsite to a place called Chkhorotsku, meaning 8 springs not to be
confused with city Chkhorotsku.
● distance: 6,1 km
● up: 850 meters
● down: 670 meters
Day 3: Hike to Okare lake
Our journey begins with a crossing of the 2,740-meter-high Okare Pass. Once over the pass,
the landscape changes dramatically, offering our first glimpses of the stunning scenery that
lies ahead—including the lake itself.
● distance: 6,7 km
● up: 917 meters
● down: 302 meters
Day 4: Hike to Big Tobavarchkhili lake
Hike to the Jikiri Hut where local shepherds will treat the group to a traditional lunch featuring
Elarji, a dish made with melted cheese, accompanied by Matsoni yogurt and Sulguni
cheese.
Continue to the largest lake in the area, passing by the Toba Waterfall along the way.
Campsite will be set up on the lake's shores.
● distance: 6,9 km
● up: 585 meters
● down: 590 meters
Day 5: Tobavarchkhili rest day
An exploration of three nearby lakes: Didghalish, Kalashi, and Tsakatskaris Toba.
Day 6: Hike to Okhoje lake
An impressive and scenic glaciated route takes us deep into the heart of the Egrisi region, a
paradise of cascading waters, glaciers, and sharp cliffs, ultimately leading to the even more
stunning Okhoje Lake.
● distance: 3,1 km
● up: 243 meters
● down: 212 meters
Day 7: Hike back to Natipuru
The day begins with crossing the high Okhoje Pass at 2,750 meters, followed by a descent
through diverse natural zones. The journey concludes at Natipuru, where a large truck will
be waiting to transport the group back to the guesthouse where the excess luggage is
stored.
● distance: 8,6 km
● up: 286 meters
● down: 910 meters
At the guesthouse, there will be time to freshen up, take a shower, and change into clean
clothes. A dinner will be served. Afterward, a private bus will transfer the group to Kutaisi (2 hours).
Additional Information
Wild camping
We provided all equipment to spend the trek safe and comfortable in the nature:
● A three person tent occupied by only two participants. Giving ample space and
privacy. In case of an uneven number of people in the group a 2 person tent will be
supplied for a single participant. Our tents are highly suitable to the rugged terrain
and unpredictable weather of the mountains.
● Sleeping bag with a comfort rating of 0°c.
● Closed foam sleeping mats with a R-value of 2,5.
Horses
Camping gear, kitchen supplies, food provisions and 30 litres of personal belongings will be
transported on horseback. Participants only have to carry their own personal belongings plus
a lunch for the day. Please refer to the packing list for essential items required for this hiking
tour.
Safety evacuation
In case a participant cannot continue the trekking tour. An extensive evacuation plan is in
place.
The execution of this plan will cost GEL 2600,- and includes transportation all the way to a
major hospital in Tbilisi if necessary, accommodation and assistance in a hospital. If a
participant's health is not in a critical condition, we will arrange accommodation in a
Guesthouse near the area and costs will be reduced.
In case an emergency occurs the cost will need to be paid immediately to ensure that the
emergency response team can do whatever is necessary to bring the participant to safety.
Afterwards a cost overview of the evacuation will be made available and can be used for the
participant's personal insurance claim.
Weather & Temperature
Daytime temperatures typically range from 8 to 22 degrees Celsius, while nighttime
temperatures drop to between 0 and 12 degrees. August is the warmest month in the Egrisi
range, often bringing afternoon summer rainstorms.
With a complete packing list, participants will be fully equipped for any conditions they may
encounter during the tour.
Physical Conditions
Each day, the group will cover an average of 7 km in rugged mountain terrain, which is
roughly equivalent to 20 km on flat land. This tour is challenging, and training a few months
in advance is highly recommended. To prepare physically, walking 10 km daily in hilly terrain
or 15 km on flat land is an effective way to get ready for the tour.
Food Supplies for camping
Food supplies during the trekking tour are transported on horseback. The food supplies and
kitchen equipment are only available on the campsites. You will need the following:
- 5 days of breakfast
- 6 days of lunch
- 5 days of diner
- 6 days of snacks
Each participant can bring a maximum of 4 kilos of food, all excess weight will need to be
carried by participants themselves. It's advised not to bring canned foods or food stored in
glass jars to minimize the weights. Avoid fragile foods — they’re carried on horseback and
can easily get crushed or damaged along the way.
Pricing
Scheduled group tour (24-30 August 2026) - 4000 GEL per person
Private group prices:
Included
● Private transport between Kutaisi and Samegelo region (day 1 and 7)
● Guesthouse in Samegrelo with dinner and breakfast (day 1)
● Dinner and use of amenities of the guesthouse (day 7)
● Luggage storage in the guesthouse
● Off road transport to and from the trailhead (day 2 and 7)
● Megrelian dinner prepared by shepherds (day 4)
● Two hiking guides. 24/7 supervision on the trail and on the campsite
● Tents (shared per two participants), sleeping bags and isolation sleeping mat
● Horse support:
○ camping gear, kitchen equipment supplied by INTO THE CAUCASUS
○ food supplies: 4kg per person
○ personal luggage: (30 liter per person)
● Safety Plan: Satellite text communication, first aid kit (only bandage and antiseptics),
first responders on call, horse support and emergency contingency plans
Not included:
● Accommodation in Kutaisi
● Food camping supplies
● Personal hiking and camping equipment: see packing list & recommendations
● Alcoholic drinks
● Gratuities and Tips
● Personal travel insurance
Packing list
The items on the packing list are essential to complete the hiking tour in safety and comfort.
Each participant is responsible to have these items collected, organised and packed.
● Hiking gear
○ Backpack minimal 45 liter with rain shell
○ Drybag or plastic bags to keep essential contents in the backpack dry
○ 2 liters of water in 2 bottles
○ Trekking poles (at least one trekking pole is required)
○ Head lamp with spare batteries
● Hiking shoes
○ Hiking shoes are the most important garment. The Ideal shoes for the type of
terrain we cross have a mid to high support around the ankle. A sturdy sole
and full nose protection against bumps and sharp stones. New shoes should
be broken in before going on this hike. Older shoes that haven't been recently
used need to be tested before taking them with this tour. Glue between the
sole and the shoes can dry out and fail during walking.
● Clothing
○ outdoor long pants
○ quick dry t-shirts: synthetic or merino wool
○ insulating layer: sweater, vest or hoodie made of fleece or wool
○ hardshell/rain jacket: also used for wind protection
○ hiking socks: high quality materials, matched with the hiking shoes
○ sun hat
○ sun glasses: category 3 is recommended
○ thin gloves, scarf (optional)
○ Rain trousers, poncho (optional)
○ Warm insulated jacket: puffy down or synthetic filled jacket with hood,
waterproof packed
○ Warm hat and gloves for nights and cold mornings
○ Thermal underwear for nights and cold mornings
○ slippers (optional)
● Personal items
○ Toothbrush, toothpaste
○ Sun screen SPF 50, lip balm, etc
○ Toilet paper, waterproof packed
○ Micro towel
○ Emergency whistle
○ Insect repellents, medicines: antihistamine, mosquito headnet
○ Personal first aid kit
○ passport and other documents waterproof packed
Day 1: Transfer to Tsalenjikha, overnight in a guesthouse
We start at 15:00 from our office in Kutaisi and drive all the way to Tsalenjikha region and stay there for one night.
The accommodation is in an authentic guesthouse with shared rooms. The guesthouse is situated
in a village at the foothills of the Egrisi mountain range.
A traditional Megrelian meal will be served for dinner at the guesthouse.
The guesthouse provides a storage area for any bags not needed during the hiking tour. At
the end of the tour, the group will return to the same guesthouse. On this day we make all
the preparation and packing of the participants personal belongings that will be carried by
horse
Day 2: transport to Kirnakhona and hike to Chkhorotsku camp
After breakfast an off-road vehicle will bring the group to Kirnkhona (2 hours). From here a
hike to the first campsite to a place called Chkhorotsku, meaning 8 springs not to be
confused with city Chkhorotsku.
● distance: 6,1 km
● up: 850 meters
● down: 670 meters
Day 3: Hike to Okare lake
Our journey begins with a crossing of the 2,740-meter-high Okare Pass. Once over the pass,
the landscape changes dramatically, offering our first glimpses of the stunning scenery that
lies ahead—including the lake itself.
● distance: 6,7 km
● up: 917 meters
● down: 302 meters
Day 4: Hike to Big Tobavarchkhili lake
Hike to the Jikiri Hut where local shepherds will treat the group to a traditional lunch featuring
Elarji, a dish made with melted cheese, accompanied by Matsoni yogurt and Sulguni
cheese.
Continue to the largest lake in the area, passing by the Toba Waterfall along the way.
Campsite will be set up on the lake's shores.
● distance: 6,9 km
● up: 585 meters
● down: 590 meters
Day 5: Tobavarchkhili rest day
An exploration of three nearby lakes: Didghalish, Kalashi, and Tsakatskaris Toba.
Day 6: Hike to Okhoje lake
An impressive and scenic glaciated route takes us deep into the heart of the Egrisi region, a
paradise of cascading waters, glaciers, and sharp cliffs, ultimately leading to the even more
stunning Okhoje Lake.
● distance: 3,1 km
● up: 243 meters
● down: 212 meters
Day 7: Hike back to Natipuru
The day begins with crossing the high Okhoje Pass at 2,750 meters, followed by a descent
through diverse natural zones. The journey concludes at Natipuru, where a large truck will
be waiting to transport the group back to the guesthouse where the excess luggage is
stored.
● distance: 8,6 km
● up: 286 meters
● down: 910 meters
At the guesthouse, there will be time to freshen up, take a shower, and change into clean
clothes. A dinner will be served. Afterward, a private bus will transfer the group to Kutaisi (2 hours).
Additional Information
Wild camping
We provided all equipment to spend the trek safe and comfortable in the nature:
● A three person tent occupied by only two participants. Giving ample space and
privacy. In case of an uneven number of people in the group a 2 person tent will be
supplied for a single participant. Our tents are highly suitable to the rugged terrain
and unpredictable weather of the mountains.
● Sleeping bag with a comfort rating of 0°c.
● Closed foam sleeping mats with a R-value of 2,5.
Horses
Camping gear, kitchen supplies, food provisions and 30 litres of personal belongings will be
transported on horseback. Participants only have to carry their own personal belongings plus
a lunch for the day. Please refer to the packing list for essential items required for this hiking
tour.
Safety evacuation
In case a participant cannot continue the trekking tour. An extensive evacuation plan is in
place.
The execution of this plan will cost GEL 2600,- and includes transportation all the way to a
major hospital in Tbilisi if necessary, accommodation and assistance in a hospital. If a
participant's health is not in a critical condition, we will arrange accommodation in a
Guesthouse near the area and costs will be reduced.
In case an emergency occurs the cost will need to be paid immediately to ensure that the
emergency response team can do whatever is necessary to bring the participant to safety.
Afterwards a cost overview of the evacuation will be made available and can be used for the
participant's personal insurance claim.
Weather & Temperature
Daytime temperatures typically range from 8 to 22 degrees Celsius, while nighttime
temperatures drop to between 0 and 12 degrees. August is the warmest month in the Egrisi
range, often bringing afternoon summer rainstorms.
With a complete packing list, participants will be fully equipped for any conditions they may
encounter during the tour.
Physical Conditions
Each day, the group will cover an average of 7 km in rugged mountain terrain, which is
roughly equivalent to 20 km on flat land. This tour is challenging, and training a few months
in advance is highly recommended. To prepare physically, walking 10 km daily in hilly terrain
or 15 km on flat land is an effective way to get ready for the tour.
Food Supplies for camping
Food supplies during the trekking tour are transported on horseback. The food supplies and
kitchen equipment are only available on the campsites. You will need the following:
- 5 days of breakfast
- 6 days of lunch
- 5 days of diner
- 6 days of snacks
Each participant can bring a maximum of 4 kilos of food, all excess weight will need to be
carried by participants themselves. It's advised not to bring canned foods or food stored in
glass jars to minimize the weights. Avoid fragile foods — they’re carried on horseback and
can easily get crushed or damaged along the way.
Pricing
Scheduled group tour (24-30 August 2026) - 4000 GEL per person
Private group prices:
- 6-7 persons - 3500 GEL per person
- 8-9 persons - 3000 GEL per person
- 10-11 persons - 2600 GEL per person
- 12-16 persons 2400 GEL - per person
- E-mail - [email protected]
- Group tour department WhatsApp number +995 551 130 703
- Private tour department WhatsApp number +995 511 103 556
Included
● Private transport between Kutaisi and Samegelo region (day 1 and 7)
● Guesthouse in Samegrelo with dinner and breakfast (day 1)
● Dinner and use of amenities of the guesthouse (day 7)
● Luggage storage in the guesthouse
● Off road transport to and from the trailhead (day 2 and 7)
● Megrelian dinner prepared by shepherds (day 4)
● Two hiking guides. 24/7 supervision on the trail and on the campsite
● Tents (shared per two participants), sleeping bags and isolation sleeping mat
● Horse support:
○ camping gear, kitchen equipment supplied by INTO THE CAUCASUS
○ food supplies: 4kg per person
○ personal luggage: (30 liter per person)
● Safety Plan: Satellite text communication, first aid kit (only bandage and antiseptics),
first responders on call, horse support and emergency contingency plans
Not included:
● Accommodation in Kutaisi
● Food camping supplies
● Personal hiking and camping equipment: see packing list & recommendations
● Alcoholic drinks
● Gratuities and Tips
● Personal travel insurance
Packing list
The items on the packing list are essential to complete the hiking tour in safety and comfort.
Each participant is responsible to have these items collected, organised and packed.
● Hiking gear
○ Backpack minimal 45 liter with rain shell
○ Drybag or plastic bags to keep essential contents in the backpack dry
○ 2 liters of water in 2 bottles
○ Trekking poles (at least one trekking pole is required)
○ Head lamp with spare batteries
● Hiking shoes
○ Hiking shoes are the most important garment. The Ideal shoes for the type of
terrain we cross have a mid to high support around the ankle. A sturdy sole
and full nose protection against bumps and sharp stones. New shoes should
be broken in before going on this hike. Older shoes that haven't been recently
used need to be tested before taking them with this tour. Glue between the
sole and the shoes can dry out and fail during walking.
● Clothing
○ outdoor long pants
○ quick dry t-shirts: synthetic or merino wool
○ insulating layer: sweater, vest or hoodie made of fleece or wool
○ hardshell/rain jacket: also used for wind protection
○ hiking socks: high quality materials, matched with the hiking shoes
○ sun hat
○ sun glasses: category 3 is recommended
○ thin gloves, scarf (optional)
○ Rain trousers, poncho (optional)
○ Warm insulated jacket: puffy down or synthetic filled jacket with hood,
waterproof packed
○ Warm hat and gloves for nights and cold mornings
○ Thermal underwear for nights and cold mornings
○ slippers (optional)
● Personal items
○ Toothbrush, toothpaste
○ Sun screen SPF 50, lip balm, etc
○ Toilet paper, waterproof packed
○ Micro towel
○ Emergency whistle
○ Insect repellents, medicines: antihistamine, mosquito headnet
○ Personal first aid kit
○ passport and other documents waterproof packed
