Description

If visiting an ancient Orthodox monastery located far from inhabited areas and civilization, hidden on a mountain range where five monks live all year round sounds like an unforgettable adventure that you would enjoy, then this is the route to take.

Not only are the views breathtaking during the ascent, but you will experience a wonderful freeride during the descent.

The monastery has a unique history and continues ancient traditions that combine the ancient pagan cults of mountain-dwellers and traditional orthodoxy. You’ll find unforgettable views of the Gudauri Resort from the opposite slope of the Aragvi Gorge.

You can drink tea with monks while wearing a chain in the monastery for the fulfillment of your wishes. The route starts from the church in the village of Kvemo-Mleta, then passes through the forest, continuing on an open, less steep slope.

The key places to stop and rest are the ridge after the forest ends (1850 m) and the site of the cross (2000 m).

The average angle of the slope is 20º.

At its steepest point, the angle does not exceed 35°. The route is very popular with all guides.

Because of this, comfortable ski touring is only possible in the first few days after snowfall; the rest of the time, the trail is broken by numerous tourists.

You can ascend to the monastery without special equipment, with regular skis or snowboard on your back, with a backpack. To enjoy the route in solitude and not have to share the ascent with dozens of other tourists, get out early, one hour before dawn. It is one of the few routes in the region that can be followed in poor visibility conditions, due to the presence of external landmarks. The monks who live in Lomisi Monastery will be grateful if you bring them water or a wood log from the church at the beginning of the route.