The village of Zeskho is in Lentekhi Municipality on the southern slope of the main watershed of the Svaneti Caucasus Mountains, in the Zeskho River Valley, 1,800 meters above sea level. The village is inhabited all year round, but in winter only a few families stay there.
You can get to Zeskho from Lentekhi town on a 62-km-long road. The hike starts from Zeskho Alpine Camp from which you cross through Lapuri Pass (2,526 m) and then descend to Lapuri Camp, where the Tskhenistskali and Lapuristskali Rivers converge.
The first day’s hiking covers a distance of 10 km, taking five hours.
At dawn, you head off from Lapuri Camp toward Vatsistveri Pass (2,900 m). From there, a beautiful view of the Racha Glaciers awaits, after which you head towards Sasvano Lakes. These lakes are at 2,680 meters above sea level, with good camping places all around.
The second day’s hiking covers a distance of 12 km, taking 6-8 hours.
From Sasvano Lakes, head to the village of Ghebi, situated 1,350 meters above sea level. On the route is the village of Brili, which is inhabited only in the summer, where you will find shepherds’ huts and pasture land. Some choose to camp at Brili, while others plough on a little further to stay at a family hotel in Ghebi.
The third day’s hiking covers a distance of 21 km, taking 7-9 hours.