Racha is a mountain region between Svaneti and central Georgia, largely unknown outside the country and visited by very few foreign hikers. That is largely the point. The terrain includes forests of pine and beech at lower elevations, open alpine meadows and rocky ridgelines higher up, and glacial lakes tucked into the folds of the Caucasus range. Trail infrastructure is limited compared to Svaneti — expect fewer waymarks and less guesthouse density — but the walking itself is serious and the landscapes reward the effort.
The main trailheads are near the small villages of Glola and Shovi, both reached by long drives from Kutaisi or Tbilisi. There is no public transport to the starting points. The season window mirrors the rest of the high Caucasus: July to September for upper routes, with some forest walks accessible earlier. Walkers should also carry ID, as the area sits close to the administrative boundary. Trail guides below cover the routes in detail.
