Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti
A mountain region of north-western Georgia, known for Khvanchkara wine, Nikortsminda Church, Shaori Lake and the mineral springs of Shovi.
5 destinations
Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti brings together three historical areas: Racha, Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. It lies in the valleys of the Rioni, Tskhenistskali and Lajanuri rivers, with mountains of more than 4,000 metres to the north. Ambrolauri is the regional centre.
Nikortsminda Church, built in the early 11th century, is known for its carved ornament and is on the UNESCO Tentative List. Oni, on the Rioni River, was home to one of Georgia's largest Jewish communities, and its synagogue was built in 1895.
Shaori Lake, a reservoir 20 km from Ambrolauri, is the largest in the region. Shovi, about 24 km from Oni, is a mountain resort with 16 mineral springs.
On the map
Places to visit
Oni
Oni is the small main town of upper Racha, on the Rioni river at about 800 m, some 27 km (30 min) north-east of Ambrolauri.
Ambrolauri
Ambrolauri is the small main town of Racha, a quiet mountain region on the upper Rioni river in north-western Georgia, about 250 km (4.5–5…
Nikortsminda Cathedral
Nikortsminda Cathedral of St Nicholas stands on a small hill in the village of Nikortsminda in Racha, about 15–16 km south of Ambrolauri on…
Shaori Lake
Shaori is a mountain reservoir at about 1,100–1,200 m in the forested Nakerala range, beside the road from Tkibuli over the Nakerala pass…
Shovi
Shovi is a former mountain spa resort at about 1,600 m in upper Racha, about 30 km beyond Oni, where the Buba and Chanchakhi rivers meet…
Tours that stop here
Private tours with a stop in this region, with a car and a driver-guide.
Good to know
Best time to visit
The region has long winters and short summers, and the climate is harsher in Upper Racha. Shovi suits a trip between June and October, when many Georgians head for the mountains to escape the heat. Shaori Lake can be visited in any season and is most colourful in autumn.
Getting there
Ambrolauri is 280 km from Tbilisi by road. Small planes also fly to Ambrolauri from Natakhtari airport in Mtskheta-Mtianeti on a limited schedule; check current flights before you plan around them.
Food and wine
Khvanchkara, a red blend of Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes from lower Racha, and Tvishi, a semi-sweet white from Tsolikouri grapes in Lechkhumi, are among the region's place-of-origin wines. Try Rachuli lori, the local ham, with lobiani, a bean pie.
Travel tips
Flights to Ambrolauri can change with the weather, so keep the road as a back-up. Utsera, 11 km from Oni, is a mineral-water resort whose season runs from May to October.
Plan your trip
Tell us the places you want to see and we'll build a private tour around them, with a car and a driver-guide.
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