Udziro lake. Racha

GXW- Georgian Extreme Ways 

Overview

Udziro Lake, nestled near Shovi and Glola in Racha, Georgia, lies to the west of Katitsvera peak at an elevation of 2800 meters above sea level. This hike offers a circular route encompassing Shovi, Udziro Lake, and Glola. The trek from Shovi to the lake spans 12 kilometers, while the descent to Glola is 8 kilometers, making the total circular path approximately 20 kilometers.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Departure and Arrival in Shovi

• 19:00: Depart from Tbilisi.
• 12:00 AM: Arrive at the village of Shovi after a 5-hour drive.
  Set up camp and rest for the night. If you wish, we will stay in a family hotel

Day 2: Shovi to Udziro Lake

• 6:00 AM: Wake up, have breakfast, and prepare for the hike.
• 10:00 AM: Begin the hike from Shovi, starting with a forest path leading to the alpine zone.
• 13:00: After 2-3 hours of walking (depending on pace), enter the alpine zone, where panoramic views of the Caucasus unfold

Note: Fill water supplies at the start, as no water sources are available initially. Later, the trail follows a river valley where water can be replenished.

• 14:00: Commence the steep climb to Katitsvera saddle.
• 16:00: Reach Katitsvera saddle and enjoy stunning views of Udziro Lake and the surrounding mountains.
• 17:00:  Begin the descent to Udziro Lake. Despite the short distance, the descent is challenging due to rocky terrain and residual snow, taking approximately an hour.
• 18:00: Arrive at Udziro Lake and set up camp for the night.

Day 3: Udziro Lake to Glola and Return to Tbilisi

• 6:00 AM: Wake up, have breakfast, and pack up camp.
• 7:00 AM: Start the return hike via the circular route towards Glola.
  Begin with a brief ascent from the lake, then follow the downhill path through the alpine zone and into the forest.
• 10:00 AM: After 3-4 hours of hiking, arrive at the village of Glola.
• 10:30: Depart from Glola to Tbilisi.
• 15:30: Arrive back in Tbilisi.