Tobavarchkhili lakes, which translate to “silver lakes” from Megrelian (one of the regions of Georgia), are located in the south of Egrisi mountain range, the mountainous Samegrelo region, and are one of the most beautiful destinations in Georgia.
Fascinating Lakes are hidden in the massive of Rocky Mountains, at an altitude of 2500-2650 m. During the tour, which spans 45 km in length, guests will see the unique broad-leaved forests, alpine and sub-alpine meadows, breathtaking waterfalls lakes and caves, will get to know the nomadic shepherds’ lifestyle and meet rare wildlife, which leaves unforgettable impressions on visitors.
Travel and discover this wonderland with us!
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Gochkadili (Martvili) canyon
- Small & Big Tobavarchkhili lake
- Toba waterfall
- Rock climbing (optional)
- Meeting local horse-breeders
- Dinner with local shepherds (ecologically clean dairy and extremely delicious Megrelian dishes – elarji, gebzhalia, ghomi with sulguni cheese, goat barbecue)
- Sea resort Anaklia (prominent for electronic music festivals)
- Kutaisi and its UNESCO world heritage sites
- Prometheus cave
TOUR DETAILS:
- Category: outdoor activities
- Available: late spring-early fall
- Age: 16-65
- Duration: 10 days
- Route length: 45 km
- Group size: optional
ITINERARY:
DAY 1: PICK UP FROM TBILISI AIRPORT – ACCOMMODATION AT THE HOTEL
DAY 2: GOCHKADILI (MARTVILI) CANYON – GUNJI WATERFALL
After the breakfast, group of tourists will meet the guide and his/her assistant. Following the examination of hiking equipment, the group will depart for the village Mukhuri (by minivan or minibus). On the way, tourists will stop by one of the most visited places in Georgia – Gochkadili (Martvili) canyon.
After the dinner, you will drive from village Mukhuri to the camping area by truck (due to poor road conditions, it takes 3-4 hours to cover 34km section of the road). On the road you will visit Shurubumu cave, Gunji waterfall and stunning gorge of Kobistskali River.
In the evening we will meet local horse-breeders, set up a tent, set fire, have dinner and relax.
Tour details:
By minivan – 90 km (2 hours)
By truck – 32 km (3 hours)
Hiking – 1 km (20 min)
Altitude difference – 150 m-1900 m
Overnight – tent
DAY 3: SMALL TOBAVARCHKHILI LAKE
Breakfast (07:00-08:00)
After the breakfast the group, without luggage, will take the path to small Tobavarchkhili Lake. On the way guests will see the most beautiful panoramic views – mixed forests, alpine and sub-alpine meadows and amazing snow-capped passes. On the way, the group will stop to have a snack.
The camp will be set up near the small Tobavarchkhili Lake, where travelers can swim, explore and enjoy the spectacular views of the lake surroundings.
In the evening you will have a dinner and a well-deserved rest.
Tour details:
Hiking – 9 km (4-6 hours)
Altitude difference – 1900 m-2750 m-2545 m
Overnight – tent
DAY 4: BIG TOBAVARCHKHILI LAKE
Breakfast (09:00-10:00)
After the breakfast the group, without luggage, will take the path to big Tobavarchkhili Lake. On the way travelers will see picturesque rocky massif and pass, which connects small and big Tobavarchkhili Lakes.
The camp will be set up close to big Tobavarchkhili Lake, where we will have a lunch, explore surroundings of the lake and watch the charming sunset.
In the evening travelers will have a dinner and needed relaxation.
Tour details:
Hiking – 4 km (2-3 hours)
Altitude difference – 2545 m-2900 m-2650 m
Overnight – tent
DAY 5: EXPLORING TOBAVARCHKHILI ENVIRONS
Breakfast (09:00-10:00)
This day will be dedicated to the full exploration of Tobavarchkhili environs. We will visit and enjoy astonishing views of Didghele, Kaliashi and Tsakatskali lakes. From this place, travelers can see widely renowned Svaneti Mountains, as well Europe’s highest peak – Elbrus. Rock climbing enthusiasts can climb Mount Chitagvala – 3225 m (B-2 level of difficulty).
In the afternoon, we will return to the camp, where we will have lunch and have free time to relax and have fun before dinner.
Tour details:
Hiking – 5 km (3-5 hours)
Altitude difference – 2650 m-2800 m-2500 m-2650 m
Overnight – tent
DAY 6: TOBA WATERFALL – LUNCH WITH SHEPHERDS – TASTING MEGRELIAN DISHES
Breakfast (09:00-10:00)
After the breakfast, via striking path we will descend to the local nomadic shepherds’ dwellings. On the way, we will explore fascinating waterfall of Toba.
In the afternoon, local shepherds will host us with ecologically clean diary and extremely delicious Megrelian dishes – elarji, gebzhalia, ghomi with sulguni cheese, goat barbecue.
The camp will be set up near shepherds’ dwellings, where we will set fire and have dinner.
Tour details:
Hiking – 5 km (2-4 hours)
Altitude difference – 2650 m-2130 m
Overnight – tent
DAY 7: EXPLORING SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT
Breakfast (09:00-10:00)
After the breakfast, group of travelers will go along stunning gorge of Magana River, which is rich in endemic species of plants and mixed forests.
We will spend the afternoon in the camp, near the confluence of Magana and Jalara rivers. Here we set up tents, set fire, have a dinner and relax.
Tour details:
Hiking – 9 km (4-5 hours)
Altitude difference – 2130 m-1000 m
Overnight – tent
DAY 8: LOWLAND OF COLCHIS – ANAKLIA
Breakfast (07:00-08:00)
After the breakfast, travelers will head to summer pastures, called ”Kirnakhona”. From here travelers can witness incredibly beautiful lowland of ancient and legendary Colchis. Here, we will have a lunch and later we will descend to the village Skuri by truck, where we meet the minivan and drive to the coastal city, prominent for electronic music festivals – Anaklia.
Travelers will have dinner in Anaklia and later will go to the beach.
Overnight will be in Anaklia.
Tour details:
Hiking – 11 km (4-6 hours)
By truck – 18 km (an hour)
By minivan – 65 km (1 h 30 min)
Overnight – hotel
Altitude difference – 1000 m-1250 m-1750 m
DAY 9: KUTAISI – PROMETHEUS CAVE – FAREWELL DINNER
Breakfast (09:00-10:00)
The group will depart to Kutaisi by minivan or minibus. Guests will visit UNESCO world heritage cultural sites: Gelati monastery and Bagrati cathedral. After the lunch, travelers will see marvelous Prometheus cave, which is about 30 minutes driving from Kutaisi.
In the evening guests will have a farewell dinner.
Overnight will be in Kutaisi.
Tour details:
By minivan – 190 km (3 hours)
Overnight – hotel
DAY 10: RETURN TO TBILISI – FREE TIME – TRANSFER TO THE TBILISI AIRPORT
You will return to Tbilisi, have free time to go shopping and hang around in this beautiful city. In the evening you will have transfer to the airport.
Tour details:
By minivan – 230 km (3 hours)
TOUR PARTICIPANTS SHOULD BRING:
- Personal medicines
- Water proof shoes
- Sandals or trainers
- Warm jacket and raincoat
- Warm hat
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Personal hygiene items
- Backpack
TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:
- Pick up and transfer to the airport
- Transportation by comfortable vehicle
- Baggage carrying by horse during the whole tour
- Certified guide & assistant service
- 6 overnights in tents (all necessary equipment are provided), 3 overnights in the hotel
- Meals included for the duration of the tour
- 1 dinner with shepherds
- Farewell dinner at the restaurant
TOUR PRICE:
| Number of people | Group of 10 | Group of 9 | Group of 8 | Group of 7 | Group of 6 | Group of 5 | Group of 4 | Group of 3 | Group of 2 | 1 Person |
| Price per person | 777€ | 822€ | 843€ | 792€ | 816€ | 897€ | 951€ | 1143€ | 1344€ | 2316€ |