Kayaking on the Nenskra River in Zemo Svaneti

Location

The route goes through Chuberi Community, in Mestia Municipality, in the Svaneti Region, 1,003 meters above sea level. It is 83 kilometers away from the city of Zugdidi, and 69 kilometers away from the town of Mestia.

River

The Nenskra River has its source 2,915 meters above sea level and is fed by rain, snow, glacial and underground waters. The river is 42 kilometers long and flows into the Enguri River. It is characterized by floods in spring and summer, and by freshets in autumn.

Route 

The first Section of the route starts at the beginning of the gorge, at the spot called Marshrichala, 1,323 meters above sea level, and ends in the village of Sgurishi, 994 meters above sea level.

The length of the first section is 9.5 kilometers, with a drop in elevation of 329 meters and a difficulty level of 4 (difficult, with multiple high and irregular waves, cliffs, whirlpools, transparent but narrow exits).

The second section starts in the village of Tita, 1,115 meters above sea level, and ends in the village of Lukhi, 658 meters above sea level.

The length of the second section is 15 kilometers, with a drop in elevation of 457 meters and a difficulty rating ranging between 3-4 (difficult, with multiple high and irregular waves, cliffs, whirlpools, transparent but narrow exits).

The third section starts in the village of Lukhi, 750 meters above sea level, and ends at the confluence to the Enguri River, before the bridge of the Sagergili Village, 621 meters above sea level.

The length of the third section is 1.5 kilometres,  with a drop in elevation of 129 meters and a difficulty rating ranging between 4-5 (extremely difficult, with long, difficult rapids, steep drops, and big rocks). To be able to paddle down this section, you need to know the locations of siphons.

Season

You can go kayaking on the first section of the Nenskra River in the months of April to June and September to October;

On the second section from April to October; 

On the third section from April to June and from September to October.

How to Get to the Starting Point

You can get to the starting point, Chuberi Community, with an SUV.

Safety

For kayaking on this route, you will need high expertise!

To enjoy kayaking safely, you will first have to go through special training with a highly-qualified instructor on a river or any dammed water or lake. Professional kayakers will evaluate your skills and advise you on a suitable route, where you can paddle down safely under their supervision.

We strongly advised you to kayak with a local kayaker or at least get information from such a person before your trip. To book a tour, contact a local company in advance.

The minimum age for kayaking is 18 years.