Toba Lakes

4−9 September 2026 / 8 seats

Four lakes, two waterfalls, rivers, mountain passes, snowfields, jagged peaks, panoramic views and bright stars
$500 Learn more
The highlight of the season — Toba Lakes! Five days of trekking along one of the most beautiful trails in Georgia. With nights spent under the stars, swimming in mountain lakes and waterfalls, picking wild berries straight from the bush, and enjoying hearty camp dinners.
The lakes are situated on the Egrisi Range in the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region. They are often described as the most beautiful lakes in Georgia, and there’s only one way to find out if that’s true.

These won’t always be easy days, but they’ll always be spectacular. We’ll spend one night at a mountain pass, three nights by the lakes, and another by the river.
40 kilometres in total over five days isn’t actually that much. We’ll cover the boring stretches in off-road vehicles and only walk where it’s impossible to drive.

Technically, this route is of moderate difficulty. The most important thing is to be prepared for five days without civilisation, mobile coverage, hot water or funny memes. But you’ll make it!
  • 40km, ↑2900m ↓4327m
    We’ll be covering 4−12 kilometres a day. There’ll be ascents and descents over challenging terrain, as well as a light day’s hike.
  • Middle+
    The trek isn’t easy, but it’s manageable for most people. You need to be prepared to walk with a backpack, sleep in tents and go without proper toilet facilities and showers for a few days. Such are the conditions of unspoilt nature.
  • Night in tents
    We’ll be spending five nights camping under the open sky. We’ll be setting up camp by a few lakes and in the river valley. In the most beautiful spots!
Our plan
4.09, Friday
Zugdidi — Mukhuri — Natipuru
Today is a day on the road. We’ll meet in Zugdidi. The best option to get there is to take the train from Tbilisi. From there, we’ll take a transfer to the village of Mukhuri, have lunch, and then head up to the Natipuru Pass in 4x4s. Here, we’ll set up camp on a lovely clearing with stunning views and have dinner. It’s only the first day, and it’s already beautiful.
5.09, Saturday
Natipuru – Natipuru Pass (2,055 m) – Okhodje Pass (2,760 m) – Lake Okhodje
9 km, ↑ 1182 m ↓ 550 m
We wake up early in the morning, do a short warm-up, have a leisurely breakfast and pack up camp. A very beautiful but challenging day lies ahead of us today.

We’ll have to cross two passes (Natipuru and Okhodje) and traverse several fairly steep slopes. We’ll have lunch by the waterfalls, where we can have a swim.

After lunch, we’ll head over the second pass. It won’t be easy, but the views are absolutely stunning! After descending from the pass, we’ll reach Lake Okhodje, where we’ll set up camp, enjoy a delicious dinner and spend the night.

Before bed, we’ll make sure to do some light stretching so we feel refreshed the next day.
6.09, Sunday
Lake Okhodje — Toba East Pass (2,880 m) — Lake Tobavarchkhili
4 km, ↑ 458 m ↓ 350 m
We wake up, do some exercises, have a swim and have breakfast.

Then we head for the pass. The climb is long and drawn-out, but the route itself is short today, and the views are as incredible as ever. The terrain is rocky, with snowfields.

At the pass, we’ll see Lake Tobavarchkhili! We’ll set up camp near it and have lunch. After that, we’ll relax: rest, chat and swim.

In the evening, another delicious dinner.
7.09, Monday
Lake Tobavarchkhili (a radial trek to Kalalish Toba and Didgalish Toba)
6,4 km, ↑ 739 m ↓ 736 m
Today we’re staying at the lake. It’s a free day. After breakfast, we’ll go on a light day hike to the neighbouring lakes. If you prefer, you can stay at camp.

We’ll return to camp in the evening. We’ll cook a special dinner to mark the highlight of the expedition, relax, chat, play games and simply enjoy the nature and seclusion. If we’re lucky with the weather, we’ll see some incredible stars.
8.09, Tuesday
Tobavarchkhili – the Magana River valley
12 km, ↑ 121 m ↓ 1814 m
It’s the usual morning routine: getting up, doing some exercises, and enjoying a tasty, nutritious breakfast.

We then pack up camp and begin our descent into the Magana River valley. On the way, we’ll see the 100-metre-high Tobavarchkhili waterfall and pick blueberries from the bushes. After descending through the gorge, we’ll find ourselves in the river valley.

Local shephards often graze their Megrelian cows here. There is a chance we will be treated to the traditional dish Elardji.

By the end of the day, firstly, we will find ourselves in a subtropical forest with mosses and ferns, and secondly, we will set up camp on a clearing near the river and a natural pool. Daily swimming will probably already feel like routine, but we simply cannot miss out on it!
9.09, Wednesday
The Magana River Valley – Skuri Village – Zugdidi
10 km, ↑ 1085 m ↓ 466 m
Wake up, morning exercises, breakfast. Then we’ll pack up camp for the last time on this expedition and head towards the Skuri village.

We’ve got a climb ahead of us, followed by a long and rather challenging descent. Near Mount Kvira, we’ll be picked up by off-road vehicles, which will take us along a rather monotonous stretch to the village.

From the village our transfer will pick us up and take to Zugdidi. From there, we’ll head off to our respective destinations: Tbilisi, Batumi or elsewhere.
photo by georgiantravelguide.com
Guides
  • Slava Demish
    Founder of "Kuda Podalshe" and a guide
    I am an experienced traveler and guide with a high level of responsibility and empathy. With me, you will never feel abandoned or rushed. I love more challenging routes, but I lead them without rushing, at a relaxed pace.
  • Замыкающий проводник
    Человек с опытом
    Безопасность — главный приоритет, поэтому с нами будет идти второй проводник, задача которого замыкать группу и следить, чтобы со всеми все было в порядке.
$500
No payment is required at this stage. After you submit your application, we will agree on all the details, then you will need to make a 50% prepayment to secure your place. The remaining 50% is due one week before the trip.
Included in the price
  • All meals on the route. There are options for vegetarians and vegans.
  • Transfer from Zugdidi and back
  • Transfer to the start in 4x4s
  • Public equipment and first aid kit
  • Work of guides
  • Help with renting equipment
The price does not include:
  • Personal gear: backpack, clothing, shoes
  • Health insurance
  • Food at the café
  • Tickets to and from Zugdidi
Clothing and equipment
  • Clothing:
    • Comfortable hiking boots or sneakers
    • Windproof jacket
    • Comfortable sports pants or shorts
    • Lightweight down jacket or vest
    • Fleece jacket
    • T-shirt
    • Thermal sports underwear
    • Headwear and buff
    • Clothing, socks, underwear for sleeping
  • Equipment:
    • ±50 liter backpack
    • Tent
    • Trekking poles
    • Sleeping bag
    • Mat: foam or inflatable
    • Hoba seat (optional)
    • Headlamp
    • Camp shoes (optional)
    • Personal medication and hygiene kit
    • Power bank
You can rent any missing equipment and find clothes or shoes at outlet stores. Some items can be replaced. Write to us on Instagram to learn more about preparation.

Impressions

JFI: all reviews had been written in Russian but we automatically translated them into English keeping all the details.
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