Lake · Glola, Oni Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti
Udziro Lake (Racha)
უძირო ტბა
A volcanic lake at about 2,800 metres on a small plateau between the Katitsvera and Dolomisi peaks above Glola in upper Racha, fed by snow and ice from Katitsvera.
Where it is
42.6607, 43.6189
Why go
Udziro sits high enough that it is frozen from November to the end of May, and GNTA says its water reaches only about ten degrees in summer. The approach starts at the Shovi resort in Glola and climbs roughly nine kilometres through forest and flowering meadows to the plateau; GNTA frames it as a two-day hike and recommends July or August. The lake is the goal of the trip rather than a stop on a longer route, so it suits walkers already spending time at Shovi.
Getting there
Frozen from November to the end of May; reached only on a hike of about 9 km from Shovi resort
Near Udziro Lake (Racha)
Synagogue
Oni Synagogue
A square, domed synagogue faced in white limestone, built in 1895 in the centre of the Racha town of Oni, with a Hebrew inscription beneath Stars of David at its entrance and the Ten Commandments carved in Hebrew on the eastern wall.
16 km · straight-line distance; driving distance and time differ
Fortress
Modinakhe Fortress
The ruins of a Tsereteli family stronghold on a limestone ridge about 700 metres above sea level over the town of Sachkhere, badly damaged by the 1991 earthquake.
39 km · straight-line distance; driving distance and time differ
Church
Nikortsminda Cathedral
Carved reliefs of the Transfiguration, the Last Judgement, saints and real and fantastic beasts cover the façades of this St Nicholas cathedral in the Racha village of Nikortsminda, built for King Bagrat III in 1010–1014.
49 km · straight-line distance; driving distance and time differ
Glacier
Shkhara Glacier
The glacier at the foot of Mount Shkhara, Georgia's highest peak, at the head of the upper Enguri valley above Ushguli, reached on foot up the valley from the village.
55 km · straight-line distance; driving distance and time differ