This Racha tour takes you into one of Georgia's most beautiful mountain regions, a land of forested valleys, fast rivers and quiet villages that most visitors never reach. You will stop at Shaori Lake, a mountain reservoir ringed by pine forest and hills, and then visit Nikortsminda Cathedral, an 11th-century church whose carved stone facades are among the finest in the country. It is a private trip, so the pace and the detail are entirely up to you.
Racha suits travellers who have seen the main sights and want somewhere slower and less crowded, as well as anyone with an interest in medieval architecture, mountain scenery or Georgian wine. Rachans are proud of their region, their food and their wine, and a local guide helps you see why. It is also a natural trip from Kutaisi, and it can be extended with an overnight stay for those who want to linger in the villages and valleys.
Highlights of the route
Shaori Lake
Shaori Lake is a reservoir created in the Soviet era for hydroelectric power, set high on the mountain road into Racha. Over the decades it has become a part of the landscape: calm water, pine forest and open hillsides, with the ridges of the Racha range beyond. It is a lovely place to stop, stretch your legs and enjoy the cool mountain air after the climb from the lowlands, and locals come here to fish and picnic in the warmer months. Your guide will explain how the reservoir came to be built and what life is like in this part of Georgia. Bring a jacket, as it is often cooler and breezier up here than you expect.
Nikortsminda Cathedral
Nikortsminda Cathedral was built in the early 11th century, during the reign of King Bagrat III, the first king of a united Georgia. Dedicated to St Nicholas, it is famous for the richly carved stone decoration on its facades, which includes scenes of Christ in glory, the Transfiguration and mounted warrior saints. Inside, the walls are covered with later frescoes. The church sits in a village with wide views across the Racha valleys, which adds to the sense of arrival. Your guide will help you read the carvings, which repay close attention, and explain their place in Georgian art. It is an active church, so dress modestly and keep a scarf to hand.
Make it your own
This route is a starting point, and Racha rewards anyone who stays a little longer. Wine lovers can add a tasting of Khvanchkara, Racha's famous semi-sweet red, at a local cellar, and food lovers should try Rachan ham and lobiani, the region's bean-filled bread. Ask us about adding the 18th-century Barakoni church, the small town of Oni further up the valley, or a night in a village guesthouse so you can explore without watching the clock.
Racha is most easily reached from Kutaisi, so it combines well with our Prometheus Cave and Martvili Canyon tour or other tours from Kutaisi. Coming from Tbilisi, a private driver in Georgia can link Racha with Imereti and the west over several days. With older travellers or children, we will plan regular stops and keep the walking light. Guides speak English, Russian and Georgian, and we can arrange accommodation and meals or leave them to you.
Good to know
- Late spring to autumn is the best time to visit; see our month-by-month guide for more detail.
- Mountain roads are winding. If anyone is prone to car sickness, mention it and we will plan extra stops.
- Nikortsminda is an active church: cover shoulders and knees, and women should bring a headscarf.
- Bring layers and some cash in lari. Racha is cooler than the lowlands, and village shops and cellars rarely take cards.
Message us on WhatsApp with your dates, group size and where you are starting from, and we will plan your trip to Racha and send you a quote.
