Roshka is the starting point for hikes to the Abudelauri Lakes; the Roshka Rocks are a 1-kilometer, ten-minute hike from there. The routes differ considerably in length: longer trails begin at the lakes, and reaching the White Lake requires an additional section over rocks and scree.
Rock Formations and the Abudelauri Lakes
The Roshka Rocks Natural Monument consists of boulders transported by a glacier during the Pleistocene. In Pshav-Khevsureti National Park, the Roshka Rocks and Lake Tanie are among the notable landscapes and natural formations. The park connects the valleys of the Asa, Arghuni, Andakistskali, Pshavi, and Aragvi rivers. The diversity of plant life also shapes this wider natural area: it is home to 1,213 plant species, including 259 endemic species.
Roshka is the starting point of a hiking trail to the White, Blue, and Green Abudelauri Lakes, which connects Khevsureti with Kazbegi. The paved road ends at Roshka; a seven-kilometer trail begins in the direction of the Blue and Green Lakes. The Abudelauri Lakes are considered some of Georgia’s colorful natural attractions. The White Lake lies at an elevation of over 2,800 meters at the foot of the Chiukhi Glacier. Reaching it requires an additional 1.5-kilometer hike over rocks and scree.
Summer, especially June and July, is considered the best time to visit the Abudelauri Lakes. However, conditions in the mountains can vary from year to year. The seasonal recommendation and the additional trail to the White Lake are therefore important distinctions to consider when planning a hike.
Planning Trails and Access
The Gudani–Roshka trail is difficult and is recommended with an experienced, certified guide. The route reaches Tanie Pass at 3,040 meters on the main range of the Caucasus. From there, it offers views of southern Khevsureti and the Khevsureti Aragvi River. The trail includes an eleven-kilometer unpaved road section between Gudani and Ukhankhadu, which should be traveled in a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
A four-wheel-drive vehicle is required to visit the protected areas of Pshav-Khevsureti. Visitors can travel along the marked trails in the protected areas on horseback, by car, or on foot. The route to the protected areas branches into the Renaissance and Roshka–Arkhoti routes. The Roshka Rocks and the Abudelauri Lakes have different trails: the short hike to the rock formation and the longer hike to the lakes should therefore be treated as separate outings.
Accommodation and Regional Character
Overnight stays are possible in Roshka and Barisakho. Roshka has several family-run guesthouses; as availability can change, it is advisable to check specific accommodation options before traveling. Camping is also an option in Roshka. This provides different types of accommodation without implying any particular amenities at individual properties.
The wider Pshav-Khevsureti region is also associated with local Khevsur traditions, Khevsur hospitality, and distinctive local cuisine. Shatili, Mutso, Ardoti, and Khakhabo are connected with the region’s medieval cultural heritage. These regional connections add a cultural perspective on Pshav-Khevsureti to its natural attractions and hiking trails.
Discover more destinations: Misaktsieli, Chinti, Gudauri, Juta, Tsodoreti, Kvesheti, Akhmeta, Ganisi.
For the broader travel overview: Mtskheta-Mtianeti.
