Pshavi, Georgia
Trail of National Heroes
A high ridge journey through Pshavi, linking three summits dedicated to Georgia’s national heroes. Long climbs, wide horizons and an exposed scrambling section.
- Distance
- 46.2 km
- Ascent
- 3,817 m
- Descent
- 3,816 m
- Highest point
- 3,255 m
- Route type
- Loop
Distance and elevation are estimates from the GPX.
Map
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Route
Welcome to the Trail of National Heroes. Starting in Pshavi, much of the route follows the watershed ridge between Pshavi and Tusheti. It connects three summits named after Mikha Khelashvili, Zurab Iarajuli and Giorgi Antsukhelidze.
This panoramic route brings together mountain landscapes and remembrance. Expect a demanding mountain outing, including steep ascents, loose ground, river crossings and an exposed ridge.
From the memorial to Tskarostavi
The route starts at the National Heroes Memorial in Pshavi, where there is a rest area with covered tables and benches. It passes through Ukana Pshavi and Chalakhevi, crossing a small stream, then continues toward the abandoned village of Eliagza.
From Eliagza, a cart track leads to the Tskarostavi shrine (წყაროსთავი). The supplied description reports that a high-clearance vehicle can reach the shrine. From here, turn right into the river valley.
River crossings and Tsokhistavi pass
Cross the river twice, then climb steep switchbacks to the shepherd huts. The ascent continues to Tsokhistavi pass (ცოხისთავი). A trail branches toward Andaki pass; the Trail of National Heroes turns right.
There is a camping area below Tsokhistavi summit, with a spring nearby. Reaching the spring requires an unmarked descent of approximately 50 vertical metres from the camp.
Masara and the exposed summit ridge
Beyond the camp, the terrain becomes more difficult. The uphill trail crosses patches of loose ground where footing is unstable. On reaching the ridge, follow it left toward Masara, then climb Giorgi Antsukhelidze summit and continue toward Zurab Iarajuli summit.
The crossing between these two summits is particularly difficult, with a serious fall risk. You will need to use your hands and scramble along the ridge. The supplied description strongly recommends this section only for experienced hikers. Take particular care here.
Uraube ridge to Tsodviani Lake
To complete the full route, retrace part of the way from Iarajuli summit. Continue along Uraube ridge (ურაუბე), which leads onto Putkaruli ridge (ფუტკარული) and then to Tsodviani Lake (ცოდვიანი ტბა).
Mikha Khelashvili summit
Khelashvili summit rises west of Tsodviani Lake. The ascent is very steep and requires considerable effort. The supplied hiking description recommends leaving heavy hiking packs by the lake and ascending lightly.
Descent through Akhadi
From Khelashvili summit, the route descends toward Akhadi village, passing Mikha Khelashvili’s former home. From Akhadi it descends to the finish. The supplied GPX returns close to its starting point.
Before you go
Water on the ridge
The description reports no springs between the spring near Tsokhistavi camp and Tsodviani Lake. Plan for this long stretch without a refill. It recommends carrying a water filter for lake water; the lake is not a verified drinking-water source, and treatment requirements depend on conditions.
The story behind the trail
Why this trail exists
The Trail of National Heroes was created on the initiative of the Ministry of Defence of Georgia’s LEPL Defence Volunteer, with support from the Georgian National Tourism Administration and Dusheti Municipality City Hall. Its purpose is to honour Georgia’s national heroes, foster a patriotic spirit and encourage mountain hiking activities.
Mikha Khelashvili
Mikha Khelashvili (25 January 1900, Akhadi – 25 January 1925, Chargali) was a Georgian folk poet, a participant in the anti-Soviet partisan movement of the 1920s and a member of the “Sworn Men” detachment. In 1922–1924 he fought Soviet rule in Pshavi and Khevsureti under Kakutsa Cholokashvili. He was killed in Chargali on his birthday, in circumstances that remain unclear, on the orders of the Soviet authorities. He was awarded the title of National Hero of Georgia in 2022.
Giorgi Antsukhelidze
Giorgi Antsukhelidze (18 August 1984, Kvemo Alvani – 9 August 2008, Tskhinvali region) served in the Georgian Armed Forces as a junior sergeant in the 41st Battalion of the 4th Infantry Brigade. Captured during the 2008 Russia–Georgia war, he refused to desecrate Georgian state symbols or give information about his fellow soldiers. He was tortured and killed. In 2013, he was posthumously awarded the title of National Hero of Georgia.
Zurab Iarajuli
Zurab Iarajuli (12 March 1972, Tbilisi – 16 July 1993, Abkhazia) was a military pilot and senior lieutenant in the Georgian Air Force. He died while carrying out a combat mission during the war in Abkhazia. On 16 July his aircraft was destroyed by enemy fire. He ejected and landed in separatist-controlled territory, refused to surrender and died fighting in the Gumista forest. He was awarded the title of National Hero of Georgia in 2013.
Photos from the outing
About this guide
Based on the supplied trail description and Strava route.
Author: David Tielidze
Guide updated: