Discover Glola: Hiking and Local History

Glola is a destination for travelers who want to combine a multi-day mountain hike with a highland settlement steeped in history. On the second day, the Shovi–Lake Udziro–Glola route descends from Lake Udziro to Glola. This connects your choice of destination with a specific trekking route and the history of the settlement.

The Shovi–Lake Udziro–Glola Tour

The route is 18 kilometers long, has a moderate difficulty level, and is designed to take two days. Its highest point is at a pass south of Dolomisi Peak, at 3,260 meters above sea level. The last 800 meters before the pass are steep. The distance, duration, and elevation provide specific points of reference to help you factor the tour into your travel plans.

The first two kilometers follow a ridge covered with mixed forest. There is a place there to picnic and camp. Farther along, the route crosses the valley of the Chkhocha River. Lake Udziro lies between the peaks of Katistsveri and Dolomisi and is considered one of the best places to camp along the route.

On the second day, the descent from the lake to Glola initially crosses rocky, loose terrain. After the ridge, the path becomes easier; the final section runs through woodland. Traveling through the pass is difficult in fog and rain. Check trail conditions seasonally, especially if your hike includes the pass.

Local History and Historic Buildings

Glola is considered a historic highland settlement with ancient fortifications. The settlement’s historic churches include places of worship dedicated to Saint George, the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, and the Holy Cross. These dedications give the settlement’s religious history specific names.

Historically, Glola served as an outpost guarding the passage toward Mamisoni Pass. This former role connects the settlement’s history with passage through the mountain landscape, while the churches provide a religious point of reference. Glola’s boulders are also notable: they are classified in the Red Book of Georgia as displaced and movable boulders.

Getting to Glola and Routes in the Area

The route to Glola follows regional highways that branch off from Oni through the upper river valley. Road conditions and access can change seasonally, so check the current situation before traveling. This lets you account for the journey alongside the demands of the two-day hike when planning your trip.

In addition to the named Shovi–Lake Udziro–Glola tour, hiking trails and unpaved tracks are other types of routes. The named tour has clear reference points in its two-day duration and the pass, while hiking trails and unpaved tracks are distinct types of routes.

Discover more destinations: Lentekhi, Ghebi, Tsanashi, Khvanchkara, Ambrolauri, Oni, Kveda Tlughi, Tsageri.

For the regional travel overview: Racha-Lechkhumi and Lower Svaneti.