Roshka and the Abudelauri Lakes
Accommodation in Roshka
Roshka is the starting point for the hiking trail to the white, blue and green Abudelauri Lakes, which connects Khevsureti and Kazbegi. Another specific destination for a shorter hike is the Roshka Rocks Natural Monument.
Hiking to the Abudelauri Lakes
The paved road ends in Roshka; from there, a seven-kilometre trail begins in the direction of the blue and green Abudelauri Lakes. The White Lake lies above 2,800 metres at the foot of the Chiukhi Glacier. Reaching it requires an additional 1.5-kilometre hike over rocks and boulders. The Abudelauri Lakes are considered some of Georgia’s colourful natural attractions.
Summer, especially June and July, is considered the best time to visit. Mountain conditions can vary from year to year, so check the current situation before setting out on the hike. When planning, also take the terrain into account: the additional trail to the White Lake leads over rocks and boulders.
Roshka Rocks and the Gudani–Roshka Route
You can reach the Roshka Rocks Natural Monument from Roshka on a one-kilometre hike that takes ten minutes. The rocks are erratic boulders transported by a glacier during the Pleistocene. This makes the short hike to the natural monument very different in scope from the longer trail in the direction of the Abudelauri Lakes.
The Gudani–Roshka Route is considered difficult and is recommended with an experienced, certified guide. Between Gudani and Ukhankhadu, the route includes an eleven-kilometre stretch on an unpaved road, which should be travelled in a four-wheel-drive vehicle. The route reaches Tanie Pass at 3,040 metres on the main ridge of the Caucasus and offers views of South Khevsureti and the Khevsureti Aragvi.
Road conditions are also relevant for getting there: the stretch from Bogovacho Pass to Roshka is an unpaved road for which a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended. Visiting the protected areas of Pshav-Khevsureti is possible only in a four-wheel-drive vehicle. These details concern different sections of the route and should be taken into account accordingly when planning.
Accommodation in Roshka
Accommodation is available in Roshka and Barisakho. Roshka has several family-run guesthouses and is also considered suitable for camping. As availability can change, check before booking. This lets you plan your accommodation around your preferred type of overnight stay without treating guesthouses and camping as the same thing.
Pshav-Khevsureti: Nature and Culture
Pshav-Khevsureti National Park encompasses the valleys of Asa, Arghuni, Andakistskali, Pshavi and Aragvi. Its notable landscapes and natural formations include Roshka Rocks and Lake Tanie. The national park is home to 1,213 plant species, including 259 endemic species.
The medieval cultural heritage of Pshav-Khevsureti includes Shatili, Mutso, Ardoti and Khakhabo. The region is also associated with local Khevsur traditions, distinctive local cuisine and Khevsur hospitality. So, beyond the landscapes described, the wider Pshav-Khevsureti region also offers cultural themes to consider when planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: Chargali, Bazaleti, Lami, Karsani, Mtskheta, Ganisi, Saguramo, Stepantsminda.
For the broader travel overview: Mtskheta-Mtianeti.
