Season:
3-Season
Difficulty:
Easy
Region:
Racha-Lechkhumi
Duration:
3 Days
Type:
Hiking / Trekking,Overlanding
Season:
3-Season
Difficulty:
Easy
Region:
Racha-Lechkhumi
Duration:
3 Days
Type:
Hiking / Trekking,Overlanding
Notsara is a fantastic hike for those looking for an easy to moderate mountain trek in Upper Racha. Often described as a true paradise of mountains, this area rewards hikers with wide-open panoramic views and an unforgettable feeling of being deep in the Greater Caucasus.
From the trail, you are surrounded by some of the region’s most majestic glacier-covered peaks, including Tsitela (4,317 m), Tsikhvarga (4,140 m), Burjula (4,364 m), and Buba (4,419 m). On clear days, the scenery is so close and dramatic it feels as if you could almost reach out and touch the glaciers.
Day-by-Day Itinerary (click to expand):
Day 1 – (Transfer) Tbilisi → Oni
We depart from Tbilisi or Kutaisi toward Upper Racha, traveling via the scenic Khikhati Pass. The journey takes approximately 4–5 hours from Tbilisi, and 2-3 hours from Kutaisi, with several surprise sightseeing stops along the way before getting to our accommodation.
Upon arrival in Upper Racha, we check into our accommodation, enjoy some rest, and prepare for an early start the next morning for the Notsara hike
Day 2 – Oni → Chiora (Notsara)
Hiking Distance 10.5 km
Total Ascent 500 m
Total Descent 500 m
The hiking route begins on the Notsara Ridge, high above the village of Chiora, which we reach by 4×4 vehicle. The trek starts at an altitude of approximately 2,050 m, where the wide-open landscapes of Upper Racha already feel wild, remote, and breathtaking.
After hiking for around 1.5 km, we reach the first viewpoint where a glacier comes into sight the perfect preview of what lies ahead. Soon after, the trail opens into spectacular panoramic scenery: a true “paradise of mountains,” with dramatic peaks and glacier-covered ridgelines stretching across the horizon in every direction.
After approximately 5.3 km, we reach the final and most impressive viewpoint of the trek the highlight of the day. From here, you can see the glaciers and towering peaks surrounding you from all sides, creating an unforgettable feeling of being deep in the heart of the Caucasus.
We take time to rest, enjoy a quick snack, capture photos, and fully absorb the views before returning along the same route.
Day 3 – (Transfer) Oni → Tbilisi
After two unforgettable days deep in the mountains, where every trail led to raw beauty and untamed landscapes, it’s time to descend from the wild and journey back toward the rhythm of Tbilisi




Key Stats
Trail Type: Out & Back
Total Distance: 10.5 km
Starting Elevation: 2050 m
Max Elevation: 2555 m
Total Ascent: 694 m
