Shkmeri — Hikhata — Shua-Skhvava: Two-Day Hiking Route

Those who are looking for things to see in Georgia will enjoy the route that passes through the village of Shkmeri, Mount Khikhata, and leads to the village of Shua-Skhava. Note the seasonality, as the best time to travel this route is the end of spring (May), summer, and early autumn (September, October).

The starting point of the route is on the outskirts of the village of Shkmeri, which is located near the Kheori River. Part of the route will be uphill, as we head towards Mount Khikhata. The journey will pass through the Sachkhere region, and the closest village to us will be Uzuntu. The first part of the route will be identical to the path from the settlement of Shkmeri to Uzuntu.

Once we reach the top of Mount Khikhata, we will be greeted with a stunning panoramic view in all directions. Along the way, be sure to look around, as there are many karst sinkholes here.

We will then descend along the ridge to the location of our campsite, where we can rest with a view of the Rioni River until the next morning. From here, the route descends towards the village of Shua-Skhava. After the journey ends, you can visit the ruins of the church located in this village or the ice cave, which is located 4 km from the finish line. Inside, the temperature is always below 0°C, and there are ice formations.

Overall, the route is easy, but there will be some uphill sections, so having some physical preparation will make the journey easier.