Imereti to Racha, Georgia
A guide to 74km (3-5 days) of hiking on the Transcaucasian Trail
This guide will help you plan a multi-day, unsupported thru-hike on a 74km stage of the Transcaucasian Trail, climbing from the low agricultural valleys of Imereti into the rugged high mountains of Racha in northern Georgia. Here you’ll find practical information and trail notes, plus links to interactive maps and downloadable GPS data to help navigate the route.
This dramatic 74km stage of the Transcaucasian Trail weaves through pastoral valleys, thick forests, and looming alpine cliffs as it connects Georgia’s fertile lowlands with its rugged highlands.
Self-sufficient thru-hikers will find several wild-camping opportunities along the route, giving you the ability to modify the itinerary to suit your preferred schedule and level of challenge. Camping is necessary along this route, as there is no indoor accommodation available. A few suggested campsites are noted in the trail notes and on the interactive map.
The route is unmarked and several sections are unmaintained. You must be prepared to navigate based on your GPS track.
The Transcaucasian Trail in Racha is in active development. Since 2018, we have been working on a significant trail building effort to connect Racha with the neighboring region of Svaneti. Over subsequent field seasons, this section guide will be updated to include additional routes forming the TCT through Racha.
Important Disclaimer
The TCTA strives to provide accurate, current information as to trail conditions and the trail route. However, actual trail conditions may be different, and such information may not be accurate or complete. Trail users are urged to consider all the information available from other sources and to heed local advice when available. Trail users are ultimately responsible for all decisions as to the trail routes, trail conditions, weather, and safety.
In addition to the hazards posed by steep terrain and mountain weather, hikers should be prepared for difficult route-finding and challenging trail conditions, the possibility of washed-out bridges and dangerous river crossings in high water, aggressive dogs guarding sheep and cattle, giant hogweed, and frequent summer thunderstorms with extremely intensive periods of lightning. Access to emergency medical care and search and rescue is not always available.
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Partners & Sponsors
This section of the Transcaucasian Trail was developed between 2021–2022 with the generous support of the U.S. Forest Service International Programs and individual donors to the Transcaucasian Trail Association.
To become a TCTA member and support more trail development projects like this one, join here.
