Tobavarchkhili lake trekking

Georgia’s best-kept secret — a challenging 6-day wilderness expedition to pristine glacial lakes hidden high in the remote Egrisi Range of Samegrelo.

The Tobavarchkhili Lakes are among Georgia’s best-kept secrets – a collection of glacial lakes hidden high in the Egrisi Range of Samegrelo, accessible only to those willing to earn them. Their name translates to “Silver Lakes,” and when you see sunlight dancing across their crystal waters at 2,600 meters, you will understand why locals have treasured this place for centuries.

This 6-day expedition takes you through landscapes that few travelers ever witness. Starting from Mukhuri village near Chkhorotsku and finishing in the Magana Gorge near Jvari, the route crosses absolutely wild terrain: the remote gorges of the Khobistskali and Magana rivers, pristine alpine meadows of the Egrisi Range, and mountain passes where you may not encounter another soul for days. Every night is spent camping in true wilderness – no guesthouses, no villages, no escape routes. For those with the fitness and spirit to attempt it, Tobavarchkhili offers something increasingly rare: genuine adventure in an untouched landscape.

Duration: 6 days / 5 nights camping | Total Distance: ~50 km | Max Elevation: 2,900m (Day 3 pass)

Difficulty: Challenging | Tour Type: Wilderness camping expedition | Group Size: 2–8 persons

This trek suits: Experienced hikers seeking genuine wilderness adventure far from tourist trails. Those comfortable with multi-day camping in remote terrain with no access to facilities. Adventure travelers who want to earn their views through physical effort. Photographers drawn to untouched landscapes and pristine alpine lakes. Anyone with the fitness and spirit to tackle Georgia’s most challenging and rewarding trek.

This trek doesn’t suit: Beginners or those with limited mountain experience — previous multi-day trekking is strongly recommended. Anyone unable to hike 7-8 hours daily over rough, unmarked terrain while carrying a 10-15 kg backpack. Those requiring any level of comfort accommodation — this is tent camping in true wilderness. Travelers uncomfortable with complete isolation from civilization for 5 days. Anyone unable to handle altitude up to 2,900 meters or temperatures that drop below freezing at night.

We depart early from Tbilisi, driving west through the Colchic lowlands toward the town of Chkhorotsku. At Mukhuri village, paved roads end and the adventure begins. A rugged 25-kilometer track climbs into the Egrisi foothills – this journey alone takes 4-5 hours by special off-road vehicle, winding through forests and across streams that hint at the wildness ahead.

From the vehicle’s endpoint, a 5-kilometer walk brings us to Natifuro, our first campsite at 2,300 meters. As we set up camp, the last traces of civilization disappear behind us. Tonight’s dinner is cooked over camp stoves under a canopy of stars undimmed by any artificial light. Tomorrow, we enter the true wilderness.

Today is demanding – and extraordinary. The trail climbs steadily from camp toward the first major pass at 2,700 meters, the gateway to the Tobavarchkhili basin. The ascent is relentless but the rewards are immediate: with each hundred meters gained, the panorama expands to reveal the full majesty of the Egrisi Range.

After 7-8 hours of hiking, the trail crests the pass and suddenly, there it is: Tsashkibulish Tobavarchkhili, the “Heaven’s Stairs Silver Lake.” The name is perfect. The lake’s surface mirrors the surrounding peaks with such clarity that sky and water become indistinguishable – a stairway of silver leading to the heavens.

We make camp on the lake’s shore, one of the most spectacular campsites in all of Georgia. As the sun sets, the mountains turn gold, then pink, then purple. The silence is absolute.

The journey continues deeper into the range. Today’s route crosses the trek’s highest point – a 2,900-meter pass that offers commanding views in every direction. This is the roof of the Egrisi Range, a place where you stand level with the peaks themselves.

The descent brings us to Okhoje Tobavarchkhili, the “Red Mount Silver Lake,” named for the distinctive rust-colored cliffs that frame its waters. At 2,650 meters, this lake sits in a dramatic cirque with two additional smaller lakes nearby – each a jewel in its own alpine setting.

After exploring the lakes, we continue another 5 kilometers to tonight’s campsite beside a thundering waterfall. As evening approaches, the sunset views from this location are simply unforgettable – the kind of natural spectacle that makes every step of the journey worthwhile.

Today the trail turns downward. Over 14 kilometers, we descend through changing landscapes – alpine meadows giving way to forest, the sound of rushing water growing stronger – until we reach the confluence where the Magana and Jalara rivers merge in a spectacular meeting of waters.

The walking is easier on the legs but no less spectacular. Wild gorge scenery surrounds us as the rivers carve their path through the mountains. We make camp at this junction, a wild and beautiful spot where two river gorges meet. Tomorrow we follow the Magana downstream toward civilization – but tonight, we savor our last evening in true wilderness.

The final trekking day follows the Magana River downstream through its namesake gorge. At 17-18 kilometers, this is the longest day in distance, but the continuous descent makes for easier walking than the high-altitude days behind us.

The gorge scenery is magnificent – sheer cliffs rising on either side, the river carving its eternal path through ancient rock, occasional waterfalls feeding into the main flow. Wildlife is abundant in these lower elevations; keep watch for deer, wild boar, and the diverse birdlife of the Colchic forest ecosystem.

By late afternoon, we reach Skuri village – the first human settlement in five days. A special off-road vehicle awaits to transfer us onward. As you leave the mountains behind, you carry with you memories that will last a lifetime.

Photos by guide Nutsa Tskimanauri

Fitness Requirements & Difficulty

This trek is rated challenging. Participants must be in good physical condition and comfortable with hiking 7-8 hours daily over rough, unmarked terrain, carrying a full backpack (10-15 kg) at altitude, camping for 5 consecutive nights with no access to facilities, river crossings and steep rocky sections, and altitude up to 2,900 meters.

Previous multi-day trekking experience is strongly recommended. This is not suitable for beginners or those with limited mountain experience.

Best Time to Trek

July to mid-September offers the most reliable conditions. July brings long days, wildflowers in bloom, some lingering snow on highest passes, and rivers running higher from snowmelt. August is peak season with warmest, most stable weather — best overall conditions. Early September offers autumn colors beginning, fewer insects, and crisp mountain air, though nights grow cold.

Outside this window, snow on the high passes makes the route dangerous or impassable.

What to Bring

Essential gear: Sturdy waterproof hiking boots (broken in), 50-65 liter backpack with rain cover, warm layers (temperatures drop below freezing at night), waterproof jacket and pants, sleeping bag rated to -5°C minimum, headlamp with spare batteries, trekking poles (highly recommended), sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), personal first aid supplies and any medications, water bottles or hydration system (minimum 2 liters).

Recommended: Gaiters for river crossings and wet grass, camp shoes/sandals, quick-dry towel, camera with extra batteries (no charging possible).

Weather Conditions

Mountain weather is unpredictable. Expect daytime temperatures of 15-25°C at lower elevations and 5-15°C at high camps. Nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing, especially at lake camps. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July-August. Fog and rain possible any day. Clear mornings typically offer best conditions.

Come prepared for all conditions – we trek in all but the most dangerous weather.

Getting There & Away

We provide all transfers from Tbilisi. The journey to Mukhuri takes approximately 5-6 hours by road, followed by the 4-5 hour off-road transfer to the trailhead. Return transfer from Skuri to Tbilisi is also included.

The Tobavarchkhili Lakes have waited thousands of years in silence for those willing to earn the journey. This expedition delivers everything the wild Caucasus promises: pristine alpine lakes, untouched mountain wilderness, and the profound satisfaction of reaching places few travelers ever see.

This trek isn’t for everyone. But if you have the fitness, the spirit, and the desire to experience Georgia at its wildest, Tobavarchkhili will reward you with memories that last a lifetime. Our guides have led expeditions to these lakes for years — they know every water source, every campsite, every weather pattern. With their expertise and your determination, the Silver Lakes await.

Ready to discover Georgia’s Silver Lakes? Contact us with any questions about the trek or to check availability for your dates.