at a reduced pilot rate in 2025

From €1030

Samegrelo ‘alpine Silver lakes’ trail

Date August 24 - Sept 3 ‘25

Duur 11 days | 7 hiking

Totale distance 71 KM

Groupsize Min. 4 & Max 12 pers.

Weather 20-30°C / 10-15°C

Price From €1030 p.p. depending on size of the group

Tobavarchkhili lakes wandelen hiken bergen Georgië

Guides 1-2 Georgian guides from Svaneti and 1 Wild Trails team member who speaks Dutch.

Cultural Experiences
Traditional supra (feast), Georgian music & dancing, and much more!

Backpack transfer Horses will accompany us to carry both food supplies and some backpacks, making the hike more manageable

Accommodation & Comfort
Primarily under the stars in your own tent and in comfortable hotels.

Difficulty level

Condition

Altitude

Terrain


Discover the Silver Alpine Lakes and Rugged Mountain Peaks of Tobavarchkhili, Georgia

The Tobavarchkhili Lakes Trail, stretching from Mukhuri to Skuri, is a hidden gem in the western Caucasus and one of the most spectacular hikes in Georgia. This challenging route, located in the Samegrelo region, takes you through a remote and untouched wilderness filled with breathtaking landscapes. Spanning approximately 45 kilometers over multiple days, this trail is the perfect choice for experienced hikers seeking adventure.

The journey begins with an extraordinary twist: to reach the trailhead, we ascend in a rugged 6x6 truck. Sitting in the back, you’ll feel the thrill build as we slowly climb higher into the mountains. Along the trail, horses led by a local guide will accompany us, carrying food and gear. This practical addition adds an authentic touch to the adventure.

The name Tobavarchkhili translates to "Silver Lake" in Georgian, and it’s easy to see why this trail is so special. You’ll trek through a landscape of rolling alpine meadows, deep valleys, and crystal-clear mountain lakes. The highlight of this hike is the Tobavarchkhili Lakes themselves, situated at over 2,650 meters above sea level. These serene, mirror-like waters, surrounded by rugged peaks, offer a tranquility that feels almost surreal. Above the treeline, you’ll experience nature in its purest form.

On the way, you’ll encounter waterfalls, flower-filled meadows, and rivers sparkling in the sunlight. The hike is physically demanding, with steep ascents and descents, but every step is rewarded with panoramic views of the western Caucasus. Crossing the Ghvalashara Pass at 2,915 meters is a standout moment—a chance to catch your breath and marvel at the immense beauty of the landscape.

This remote and rarely visited region also offers a unique glimpse into the traditional lives of the local Mingrelian people. While much of the trail takes you through wilderness, in the lower sections you’ll encounter hospitable locals who welcome you with a smile and share insights into their traditions.

The hike concludes in the village of Skuri, where a comfortable transfer will take you to Tskaltubo. Here, you can explore the abandoned Soviet-era hotels and sanatoriums, offering a fascinating look into a bygone era. After this unique experience, you’ll unwind in a modern hotel, with the option to indulge in a spa treatment—a perfect end to this unforgettable journey.

Ready? Set. Samegrelo !

  • Day 1: Discover Tbilisi and Georgian Culture

    Your adventure begins in the heart of Georgia, the beautiful city of Tbilisi. Explore the city at your own pace and let yourself be enchanted by the charm of the old town and its modern flair. We’re happy to share our insider tips for the best spots. In the evening, we’ll meet at a cozy restaurant with live music, where you’ll enjoy your first taste of Georgian cuisine and warm hospitality.

  • Samegrelo hike wandelen Georgie bergen

    Day 2: Travel Day to Mukhuri (Samegrelo)

    Today, we leave Tbilisi and journey through the picturesque landscapes to the village of Mukhuri. Here, we’ll stay in a welcoming guesthouse and enjoy traditional dishes—a perfect preparation for the adventure ahead.

  • Day 3: Into the Mountains with a Soviet Truck

    Our adventure takes a deeper turn as we ride an iconic 6x6 Soviet truck along rugged mountain roads. This vintage truck is the only vehicle capable of tackling these challenging paths—an unforgettable experience. The last 9 kilometers are covered on foot, through dense forests and babbling streams. We set up camp in pristine nature and meet the horses and their handlers, who will accompany us in the days ahead. This day covers about 24 kilometers with nearly 2000 meters of ascent!

  • Okhoje meer hiken wandelen Georgie

    Day 4: Natipuru to Okhoje Lake

    The day begins with a challenging climb to the serene Okhoje Lake. Along the way, we’re rewarded with panoramic views of alpine meadows and majestic mountain peaks. At the lake, we set up camp by its crystal-clear waters, an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the tranquility.


    9 km - 1105 meters ascent - 448 meters descent

  • Svaneti hike Usghili wandelen berg

    Day 5: Okhoje Lake to Tobavarchkhili Lake

    We continue our trek to the mystical Tobavarchkhili Lake, also known as the Silver Lake. The route takes us over the impressive Tobavarchkhili Pass at 2930 meters, offering breathtaking views of rugged peaks and shimmering lakes. We set up camp beside this magical lake, a place of unparalleled beauty and serenity.


    5 km - 415 meters ascent - 302 meters descent

  • Svaneti towers wandelen hike

    Day 6: Exploring the Surrounding Lakes

    Today is all about discovery. We explore nearby lakes, including Didghele, Kaliashi, and Tsakatskali, each with its own unique charm and surrounded by unspoiled nature. From here, we admire the imposing peaks of the Svaneti Mountains, including Elbrus, Europe’s highest peak. We return to our camp at Tobavarchkhili Lake for a relaxing evening.


    8 km - 650 meters ascent - 650 meters descent

  • Day 7: Tobavarchkhili Lake to Jikiri Hut

    We begin our descent, passing the impressive Toba Waterfall before arriving at a local herders’ hut. These nomads are known for making the best cheese in Georgia and will let us sample their creations. We’ll enjoy delicious Megrelian dishes like elarji, gebzhalia, and ghomi. From here, we can decide whether to continue hiking or take a relaxing day and set up camp at this location. This flexible day is planned to accommodate potential delays due to weather or other factors.

  • Day 8: Jikiri Hut to Jalara Valley

    Our descent continues through the beautiful gorge of the Magana River, a region renowned for its unique flora and fauna. We end the day in the Jalara Valley, where we set up camp in an idyllic setting.


    9 km - 46 meters ascent - 1385 meters descent

  • Day 9: Hike to Kirnakhona and Festive Farewell

    Our final hike takes us to the charming village of Kirnakhona. From here, we embark on an adventurous ride in the Soviet truck to Skuri, where we celebrate with a traditional Georgian supra. This feast, filled with local delicacies, music, and toasts of wine and chacha, is the perfect conclusion to our hike.


    11 km - 939 meters ascent - 671 meters descent

  • Day 10: Relaxation in Tskaltubo

    We travel to Tskaltubo, a town known for its abandoned spa resorts. Explore the mysterious hotels and sanatoriums, and enjoy the modern facilities at our hotel. Optionally, you can relax in the spa—a well-deserved reward after days of adventure.

  • Day 11: Return to Tbilisi

    After a leisurely morning, we return to Tbilisi. Depending on your travel plans, there may be time to further explore the city before departure. We bid farewell after an unforgettable journey filled with adventure, nature, and culture.

Practical questions

  • With Wild Trails, you experience Georgia in a way you won't find anywhere else. Our routes are personally compiled and tested, in collaboration with family and guides from Georgia. Each trail is filled with authentic adventures that go beyond the beaten path. As part of all trails, you enjoy a traditional Supra (feast) with delicious Georgian wine, a chacha evening by the campfire, and unique local experiences such as a wine tasting or baking bread in a traditional oven. You travel in small groups, enjoy local hospitality, and discover a culture that we carefully share with you. Everything is safe and well-arranged, so you can enjoy an unforgettable experience worry-free.

  • This year is unique because it is our very first year! As a participant, you step into an exclusive adventure: you discover new, specially compiled trails that have never been offered before. Since it is a pilot, not everything may go perfectly—but that is also part of a real adventure. Together we discover what works, and your feedback helps us make Wild Trails even better. We will also be creating a lot of promotional material this year. In return, you travel at cost price this year, which makes it extra special and attractive.

  • August 24 to September 3, 2025

    Your adventure begins on the first day. In Tbilisi, we’ll enjoy a traditional Georgian dinner together—a perfect introduction to the rich flavors of the local cuisine and a great opportunity to get to know the group. You’ll spend the night in a comfortable hotel, which is included in the trip price.

    We have carefully selected these dates to align perfectly with direct Transavia flights from the Netherlands. Flights are not included.

    Traveling with a large group and need different dates? That’s possible! Send us a message for a customized quote

  • The price per person ranges from €1030 to €1545, depending on the number of participants.

    For example:

    • 4 participants: €1545 per person

    • 6 participants: €1205 per person

    • 8 participants: €1255 per person

    • 12 participants: €1030 per person

    To confirm your spot, we require a deposit of €500 per person, payable immediately upon booking. The remaining balance will be due later, depending on the group size.

    Group Discounts: Discounts are available for larger groups. Contact us for a customized quote.

    Important Info: The trail will proceed with a minimum of 4 registrations.

  • The Tobavarchkhili Silver Lakes Trail is a challenging and rewarding route, perfect for experienced hikers with strong fitness levels. With a fitness requirement of 4.5 out of 5 mountains, this trek demands perseverance and an adventurous mindset. The terrain scores 4 out of 5 mountains, ranging from winding forest trails and muddy tracks to rocky climbs that test your technical skills. The elevation changes, rated 4 out of 5 mountains, present an intense physical challenge but reward you with breathtaking views of the rugged peaks of the Egrisi Mountains and the enchanting Tobavarchkhili Lakes.

  • At Wild Trails, we work exclusively with local Georgian guides who know the region inside and out. Our guides are not just leaders; they are born and raised in the areas where we organize our trails. They have walked the paths countless times, speak the language (dialect) fluently, and are in close contact with the local communities. This not only provides an authentic experience but also a deeper connection with the culture and traditions of Georgia.

    Additionally, our guides are professionally trained and certified. They have first aid certificates, are members of the Georgian Association of Mountain Guides, and have extensive experience in leading groups in the mountains. Thanks to their knowledge and experience, they know exactly what to do in unexpected situations, allowing you to fully focus on enjoying the hike.

    With Wild Trails, you choose safety, authenticity, and a unique travel experience guided by the best local experts.

  • You'll travel in a small group of up to 12 people. This makes it easy to get to know new people, yet still have space for yourself if needed. The atmosphere is relaxed, and everyone shares the same love for adventure and nature. Whether you like sharing experiences with others or prefer time alone, there's always a place for your style of traveling.

    Solo travelers: Feel free to sign up. We provide a friendly group atmosphere!

    Important info: The trail definitely proceeds with a minimum of 4 registrations.

  • During this trail, you'll stay in accommodations perfectly suited to the adventurous nature of the journey. Before and after the hike, you’ll sleep in hotels, while during the trek, you’ll be fully immersed in nature with overnight stays in tents.

    In the hotels in Tbilisi and Tskaltubo, you’ll enjoy comfortable rooms with modern amenities. In Tskaltubo, you’ll stay in a hotel with optional access to a spa, allowing you to relax after the physical demands of the hike. This provides a pleasant balance between adventure and comfort.

    During the hike, you’ll sleep exclusively in tents, surrounded by untouched nature. The campsites are carefully chosen for their breathtaking views, tranquility, and proximity to the trail. Meals are prepared by the campfire—simple but nourishing dishes, often made by the guide or in collaboration with the group. These evenings under the starry sky are the ultimate opportunity to enjoy the silence and grandeur of nature.

    If you prefer a private room in the hotels, this can be arranged for an additional fee, subject to availability. Contact us to discuss the options

  • From the start to the end of the trip, we take care of all necessary transportation. Whether you're being transported from Tbilisi to the start of the hike or between different locations—we manage it all. This means you can fully focus on enjoying the beautiful scenery and the adventure, without worrying about logistics.

  • For our hiking trails, good hiking shoes, comfortable clothing for varying weather conditions, and a sturdy daypack are essential. We will send you a comprehensive packing list after registration, so you know exactly what to bring. No camping gear? No worries, you can rent it from us.

  • Georgia is a safe country and the people are very friendly. With Wild Trails, you can rely on a safe and well-organized adventure. Our guides are not only experienced but also professionally trained: they have first aid certificates, are certified mountain guides, and are members of the Georgian Association of Mountain Guides. They know the routes inside and out and know exactly what to do in unexpected situations. We only use well-maintained vehicles and reliable equipment. Should the weather or other circumstances demand it, we will adjust the program—safety always comes first. This way, you can enjoy your adventure worry-free

  • Included

    • Guidance by a Local Guide: Experienced mountain guide certified by the Georgian Mountain Guide Association, including first aid certification.

    • Cultural Activities: Celebrate with a traditional Georgian supra featuring toasts, wine, chacha, and stories told by the Tamada. Includes museum visits or traditional Georgian dancing and music.

    • Sightseeing: Explore the historic Soviet-era spa resort of Tskaltubo at the end of the trip.

    • All Transfers Within Georgia: Reliable transportation with an experienced driver, including transfers from Tbilisi to the hike’s starting point and back to Tbilisi after the hike.

    • Accommodations: Stays in carefully selected guesthouses and under the stars during wild camping adventures.

    • Meals: Breakfast and dinner in guesthouses, prepared by local hosts with authentic Georgian dishes.

    • Necessary Permits: Pre-arranged permits for the route, including border permissions where required.

    Excluded

    • Optional Activities: Costs for activities or excursions outside the program, such as a spa visit in Tskaltubo after the hike.

    • Personal Expenses: Snacks, souvenirs, and alcoholic beverages not included in the program.

    • Travel Costs to and from Georgia: Including international flights and airport transfers.

    • Travel Insurance: Mandatory—ensure you are well-covered for mountain activities.

    • Private Room Supplement: Additional costs for a private room in guesthouses (available upon request and subject to availability).

    • Camping Equipment Rental: If applicable, such as tents, sleeping mats, and other gear.

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