NEW: Winter Snowshoeing Trek in Racha, Georgia
Join TCT’s very first winter supporters’ trek!
Five-day itinerary:
Monday, March 30 – Friday, April 3, 2026
Join us for an experimental adventure as we venture into new territory: the Transcaucasian Trail’s very first winter trek.
Trade the dusty trail for sparkling snow as we explore the enchanting winter landscapes of Racha, one of our favorite regions along the TCT.
Based in the historic town of Oni, we’ll spend five days discovering the quieter, snow-dusted side of the Caucasus through gentle snowshoe hikes, cultural immersion, and the legendary hospitality of our hosts at Family Hotel Gallery.
These tours will be led by the trail experts who know this region best: Giorgi Jmukhadze, TCT Georgia’s Technical Manager, who grew up in the mountains of Racha and has personally scouted and designed most of the TCT route across the region; and Nika Gugeshashvili, our host at Family Hotel Gallery and an exceptional guide who has been discovering hidden corners around Oni and leading adventures in Racha for years.
All proceeds from your participation are invested directly back into our work in the region, helping ensure the future of this world-class long distance trail.
At a Glance
Dates: March 30 (Monday) – April 3 (Friday), 2026
Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
Location: Racha Region, Georgia
Start & end point: Tbilisi, Georgia
Difficulty Level (5-point scale): Level 3 ⛰️⛰️⛰️ (Moderate snowshoeing, decent physical condition required)
Accommodation: Guesthouses
Group Size: 3–8 participants
Tour Price: $1,500 per person
WHY THIS TREK?
Winter in Racha reveals a different kind of magic. The summer crowds have long departed, leaving behind a hushed landscape of snow-blanketed forests and crystalline mountain views. This is the Caucasus at its most serene, its most intimate.
Rather than covering long distances with heavy packs, we’re taking a different approach for this winter adventure. We’ll make our home at the cozy Family Hotel Gallery in Oni, venturing out each day on snowshoe explorations before returning to crackling fires, home-cooked Rachan feasts, and the warm hospitality that makes this guesthouse one of our favorites along the entire TCT.
This is an experimental trek in the truest sense. It’s our first time offering a winter tour, and we’re genuinely excited to discover Racha’s snowy personality alongside you. The exact routes will be determined by conditions and the expertise of our local guide, Nika, who knows these mountains intimately in every season. What we can promise: authentic cultural experiences, spectacular winter scenery, and the kind of Georgian hospitality that turns strangers into friends.
A Note About This Trek: As TCT’s inaugural winter offering, this tour has a pioneering spirit. We’re working closely with our trusted local partners to craft an experience that balances adventure with comfort, but some details may evolve as we learn what works best in winter conditions. If you’re excited to be part of something new and can embrace a bit of flexibility, this trek is for you.
As with all of our fundraising treks, 100% of the profits go back into our work in the local area, helping ensure the future of this world-class long distance trail.
DAILY ITINERARY
Day 1: Journey to Oni (Monday, March 30)
We’ll depart Tbilisi at 8:00 AM for the scenic four-hour drive to Oni. As the highway gives way to winding mountain roads, you’ll understand why Racha has captured our hearts. We’ll arrive at Family Hotel Gallery around 1:00 PM with time to settle into your room and meet your hosts.
After lunch, we’ll take a gentle walking tour of Oni, visiting the magnificent Oni Synagogue—one of Georgia’s architectural gems with its Neo-Moorish design and silver-blue dome—and the quirky Local Lore Museum, where dimly lit rooms hold everything from ancient tools to vintage photographs of Oni’s more illustrious days.
The evening brings a welcome dinner by the fireplace (we’ll put in a special request for shkmeruli, Racha’s famous garlic chicken) and a performance by local musicians that offers a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural traditions.
Day 2: Snowshoeing Near Oni (Tuesday, March 31)
After a hearty breakfast, we’ll strap on our snowshoes and head into the winter landscape surrounding Oni. The exact route will be determined by Nika based on snow conditions, but expect to explore forested trails and open ridges with expansive views of the snow-covered Caucasus.
Snowshoeing is wonderfully accessible—if you can walk, you can snowshoe. We’ll move at a comfortable pace with plenty of stops to catch our breath, take photos, and simply absorb the winter stillness. By late afternoon, we’ll return to the warmth of Family Hotel Gallery for another evening of excellent food and good company.
Day 3: Snowshoeing Near Oni (Wednesday, April 1)
Another day of winter exploration awaits. Nika will choose a different route to showcase another facet of Racha’s winter beauty—perhaps climbing to a viewpoint where the Greater Caucasus stretches endlessly before you, or threading through pristine forests where the only sound is snow falling from branches.
These snowshoe days are intentionally unrushed. There’s time to stop for hot tea from a thermos, to photograph icicles catching the light, to feel what winter means in this remote corner of Georgia. Evening brings the now-familiar comfort of dinner by the fire, and perhaps a jug of Temuri’s homemade wine.
Day 4: Nikortsminda Exploration (Thursday, April 2)
Today we’ll venture to Nikortsminda, hometown of our guide Giorgi. After a morning snowshoe hike in the area, we’ll visit the stunning Nikortsminda Cathedral, a UNESCO-listed medieval church covered in intricate stone carvings, and possibly Barakoni Church, another architectural treasure.
The afternoon may include a visit to a local winery for a tasting of Racha’s exceptional wines—this region is famous for its many microclimates, including the naturally semi-sweet Khvanchkara—followed by dinner featuring local specialties. We’ll return to Oni for our final night at Family Hotel Gallery.
Day 5: Return via Kutaisi (Friday, April 3)
We’ll depart Oni in the early morning for the drive to Kutaisi, Georgia’s second city. A walking tour introduces you to its charming old town, followed by time to explore the atmospheric Green Market, where vendors sell everything from churchkhela to fresh herbs.
Before leaving Kutaisi, we’ll visit Gelati Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Georgia’s most important medieval monuments, with stunning frescoes and mosaics. We’ll arrive back in Tbilisi in time for a final group dinner to celebrate our winter adventure.
⛰️⛰️⛰️ Trek Difficulty: Moderate (Level 3)
This trek is rated Level 3 (Moderate) on the TCT difficulty scale. Previous snowshoeing experience is not required, but participants should be in good physical condition and comfortable with:
- Walking for 4-6 hours per day over varied terrain
- Climbing gradual ascents and descents
- Being active in cold weather conditions
- Some days with elevation gain of between 500-1,000 meters
Snowshoeing is easier than it might sound—it’s essentially walking with larger “feet” that distribute your weight. If you can hike moderate trails in summer, you can handle this winter trek. That said, moving through snow does require more effort than walking on bare trail, so allow yourself time to adjust to the rhythm.
If you have questions about your fitness, the itinerary, or trail conditions, feel free to email us directly at [email protected].
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Price includes:
- All transportation from Tbilisi (Day 1 morning) through return to Tbilisi (Day 5 evening)
- Four nights’ accommodation at Family Hotel Gallery in Oni (private rooms with shared or en-suite bathrooms)
- All meals from lunch on Day 1 through final dinner on Day 5
- Snowshoe rental for all hiking days
- Expert guiding by Giorgi Jmukhadze (TCT Georgia Technical Manager) and Nika Gugeshashvili (local guide and your host)
- Entry fees for museums and cultural sites
Not included:
- International flights to/from Georgia
- Accommodation in Tbilisi before or after the trek (we can arrange this for an additional cost—just ask)
- Personal clothing and equipment (see packing list below)
- Alcoholic beverages beyond what’s offered at group meals
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
ABOUT YOUR GUIDES
Giorgi Jmukhadze is TCT’s Georgia Technical Manager and a Racha native who knows these mountains like the back of his hand. Originally from the small town of Nikortsminda in Racha, Giorgi brings not just technical expertise and years of experience designing TCT trails but deep local knowledge and genuine pride in sharing his home region with visitors.
Nika Gugeshashvili is your host at Family Hotel Gallery and an exceptional guide who has been leading adventures in Racha for years. With boundless energy, infectious enthusiasm, and intimate knowledge of the area’s trails, caves, viewpoints, and hidden gems, Nika has a gift for creating memorable experiences. His English is excellent, and he comes from a family of artisans—his father Temuri handcrafts all the wooden furniture, while his mother Elene creates the feltwork and artwork that decorates the guesthouse.
ABOUT FAMILY HOTEL GALLERY
Family Hotel Gallery isn’t just where we’ll sleep—it’s an integral part of the experience. This isn’t a generic guesthouse; it’s a home full of character, where every wooden carving, every piece of artwork, and every meal has its own story.
The property includes a stunning 200-year-old wooden Oda house. The craftsmanship is extraordinary, and staying here offers a rare glimpse into traditional Georgian architecture. Your room will be in either the main house or the Oda building, all with comfortable beds and the kind of authentic details you won’t find in standard hotels.
But the real magic is in the warmth of your hosts. Expect excellent home-cooked meals featuring Rachan specialties, a crackling fire, and the feeling that you’ve been welcomed into a family rather than simply checked into accommodation. (And yes, you’ll meet Bombora II, the adorable resident dog.)
WINTER GEAR & PACKING
Good news: no camping gear needed! You’ll be staying in comfortable rooms with real beds, and your snowshoes will be provided. However, proper winter clothing is essential for enjoying your time outdoors.
Essential Gear:
Upper body layering system:
- Breathable base layers (wool or synthetic, not cotton)
- Warm mid-layer (fleece or down jacket)
- Waterproof/windproof shell jacket
Lower body:
- Breathable base layers (like wool or fleece leggings)
- Waterproof shell pants, OR waterproof trekking pants
- Snow gaiters
Extremities:
- Warm hat
- Gloves or mittens (bring a spare pair)
- Warm socks (wool is recommended)
- Neck gaiter or scarf
Footwear:
- Waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support and traction
Trekking poles:
- Strongly recommended, with snow baskets
Day pack:
- 20-30L capacity to carry your layers, water, snacks, and any other personal gear like a camera
Water bottles:
- Insulated bottles are ideal to prevent freezing (or a big sock around your water bottle also works!)
Sun protection:
- Sunglasses (UV protection essential with snow glare)
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm with SPF
Headlamp:
- For emergency preparedness
A note on footwear: Your boots don’t need to be insulated mountaineering boots, but they should be waterproof and comfortable for several hours of walking. The snowshoes will keep you from sinking deep into the snow, but your feet will still get wet if your boots aren’t waterproof. Snow gaiters also are a big help in keeping snow out of your boots. Bring an extra pair of socks in your day pack.
WHY RACHA IN WINTER?
Racha is beautiful in any season, but winter offers something special. From mid-November through March, the region becomes quiet and contemplative. Higher villages grow inaccessible under snow, which is precisely why we’re staying put in Oni and exploring the surrounding area on day trips.
The forests take on an ethereal quality under snow. Medieval churches and stone villages look even more timeless. And the hospitality, always warm, feels especially meaningful when you return from the cold to a crackling fire and steaming plates of food.
This is also the time when you’ll see a side of Georgian mountain culture that most visitors miss. You’ll see the real rhythms of winter life in a remote region– and experience the kind of travel that stays with you long after you’ve gone home.
Hiking Boots (and Snowshoes) At The Ready!
Ready to join us?
Registration & Payment Deadline: March 9, 2026
Complete the standard TCT registration form and submit your $400 deposit through our Donorbox payment system. The deposit is non-refundable but confirms your spot on this limited-capacity trek.
Final payment: Due March 9, 2026
Cancellation policy:
- Cancellations more than 21 days before departure: deposit forfeited, remaining amount refunded
- Cancellations within 21 days: no refund
- We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that includes trip cancellation coverage
Travel insurance: Recommended for all participants. Your policy should cover medical emergencies, evacuation, and trip cancellation.
QUESTIONS?
Thinking about joining but want to know more? We’re here to help. Email us at [email protected] or reach out through our contact form. Whether you’re wondering about gear, fitness requirements, what meals are like, or anything else, we’re happy to chat.
This is our first winter trek, which means we’re probably as excited as you are to see how it unfolds. If you’re someone who enjoys being part of something new, who values authentic experiences over polished tourism, and who’s curious about the Caucasus in winter, we’d love to have you along.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Best time to book: Now! We’ll cap this group at a maximum of 8 participants. The intimate group size ensures personal attention from your guides and a more cohesive group dynamic.
Solo travelers: Very welcome. Many of our trekkers come solo and find the group dynamic friendly and inclusive– and they often come home with new friends to travel with in the future.
Accommodations: Prices are based on shared double or twin rooms. If you register solo, we’ll pair you with another traveler of the same gender. For solo travelers who prefer a single room, a single supplement is available for an additional cost.
Dietary requirements: We can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and most dietary restrictions with advance notice. Georgian cuisine is naturally rich in vegetable dishes, and dairy-free options can be arranged. However, nut and gluten allergies can be difficult to manage; please contact us to discuss your needs and options.
Photography: Winter in the Caucasus is stunning. Bring extra batteries as cold drains them faster, and consider a camera with good low-light performance for those early morning and evening shots.
Phone/internet: Oni has mobile coverage and the guesthouse has WiFi, but signal in the mountains can sometimes be spotty. Consider this a chance to unplug.
FINAL THOUGHTS
If you’ve trekked with us before during the summer months, this winter adventure will show you a completely different side of the TCT. If this is your first time, you’re joining us for something truly special—the inaugural winter trek by an organization that’s been building and promoting the Transcaucasian Trail for years.
We’re offering this experimental trek because we believe winter in Racha deserves to be experienced, and because we’ve found partners in Giorgi and Nika who can help us do it right. It’s a chance to see familiar mountains transformed by snow, to warm up by fires after cold days outside, and to experience Georgian hospitality in its most genuine form.
The trail may be under snow, but the adventure continues!
