Upper Tlughi Village – Satsalike Mountain

Where to Start Hiking?

Your hike begins in the village of Upper Tlughi on the slopes of Satsalike Mountain in Racha Region. The village lies fifteen kilometres from the regional centre of Ambrolauri. From here, you’ve got a twenty kilometre hike to your destination: Satsalike Mountain.

There are a number of routes to the mountain, with a paved road going most of the way up the mountain for those who only want to hike the last few kilometres. Your hike begins at a height of 1,150 metres above sea level and takes you to 1,996 metres above sea level, where you’ll have a spectacular view of the surrounding landscape.

How to Prepare for the Hike

For those taking the hike, you’ll want to budget a full day. The hike is a reasonably difficult one, and you’ll want to make sure that you’re visiting at the right time of year and in the right weather conditions. If you go on a rainy day, you can expect to get very muddy!

It is best to start your hike in the morning, so that you can come back during the day. In the summer all the springs dry up, so you’ll need to take enough drinking water to last the whole round trip.

The best time to hike up Satsalike Mountain is when the flowers are in bloom in the spring. The experience of hiking past fields alive with wildflowers is something to remember. 

Of course, the most important sight awaits you atop the mountain, where you’ll be able to take in the sprawling tapestry that is the open plains of Imereti and Racha. On a clear day you can see as far as to the Caucasus Mountains!

We would also recommend to hire a local guide to make your journey more safe and insightful.