Ski Tour at Lomisa Mountain

Location

The route begins in Kvemo Mleta village in the Dusheti Municipality, 1480 meters above sea level. It lies just 12 kilometers from the Gudauri resort, 70 kilometers from Dusheti, and 110 kilometers from Tbilisi.

The oldest shrine, St. George’s church, is located in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region, Dusheti Municipality, on the pass of River Ksani and River Aragvi, 6 kilometers south of Lower Mleta village.

Visitors can explore the complex at any time of the year and take part in an ancient wishing tradition. Think of a wish, hang the Lomisi Chain, which has been kept in the church for centuries, around your neck, and circle the central pillar of the church three times. It is said that whatever you wish will come true. 

The Route

The route starts at 1,460 meters above sea level in the center of Mleta village and follows a forest towards Lomisi monastery, located in the northern part of the Alevi range at the watershed between the Ksani and Aragvi valley. The monastery is right along the ridge.

The vertical drop is 750 meters, with its highest point at 2,210 meters. It’s a round-trip ski tour route and you finish in Lower Mleta Village. You can complete the tour in one day by beginning  from either Mleta, Gudauri, Stepantsminda or Tbilisi.

What to Keep in Mind

If the roads are clear, you can get to the route using any kind of vehicle. Otherwise, you will need an SUV.  Please be aware that the overnight opportunities exist only in Stepantsminda, the resort of Gudauri and Tbilisi.

Make sure you have the proper equipment such as touring skis, a sleeping bag, an avalanche transmitter, an airbag, a shovel, an avalanche probe, and other essential items. Remember that it is mandatory to hire a qualified ski guide.