Region 2: GREATER CAUCASUS
11. Upper reaches of Rioni River: Racha historical province
Coordinates: 42 o42’ N, 43o45’ E
Altitude: from ca. 1000 to over 4,000 m. a.s.l.
 Alpine– like, relatively humid. Winters are snowy, summers reasonably warm. Annual precipitation 1,000– 1,400 mm (60 mm in January, 120 mm in April, 120 mm in July, 120 mm in October). 40– 50 days with heavy rains per year. Ca. 150 days with snow cover. Mean temperature: January/– 8, April/5, July/14, October/8. Mean maximum temperature (July) /28 o C.
 This site is a spectacular upland area in the upper reaches of the largest river of western Georgia – Rioni (known in ancient times as Phasis). The area covers a range of landscapes, from coniferous mountain forest to alpine tundra. The area is rich with famous mineral waters. The area provides spectacular mountain landscapes in a sparsely settled province. A trip to the site will take at least 3 days (better 5– 7 days).
 A common set of forest bird species – owls, woodpeckers, goshawk, peregrine falcon, common crossbill, wood– pigeon, stock dove, white– throated dipper, various warblers and other passerine birds, can be found. In subalpine and alpine areas, an important attraction is a community of large raptors: golden eagle, griffon vulture and lammergeier, endemic birds such as Caucasian black grouse, Caucasian snowcock and Caucasian chiffchaff.
  The site provides habitats for East Caucasian tur, chamois, and brown bear. Other mammals are roe deer, lynx, wildcat, wood and rock martens, and badger. One can occasionally meet endemic Caucasian mole, Pontic wood mouse, Shelkownikow’ s water shrew, and Promethe’ s vole. At small mountain brooks, one can watch endemic Caucasian mud– diver and Caucasian toad. In subalpine zones, endemic Dinnick’ s adder can occasionally be found. The area is covered by mostly coniferous forests dominated by eastern spruce and Nordmann’ s fir, with evergreen plants in the understory.
 The area has an important summer vacation site, Shovi.
  From mid– April through September.
 The district center Oni can be reached from Tbilisi by bus or minibus, which depart every day from Didube bus station in Tbilisi. The travel takes 6– 8 hours. Shovi can be reached by minibus or taxi from Oni. In the summertime, minibuses leaves once or twice a day from Tbilisi for Shovi directly. Travel by car takes around 6– 7 hours one– way. Wildlife attractions are reachable both by foot and by car.
 In Shovi, there is an inexpensive hotel (same facility also has cottages). One room has one to three beds. Price per person varies between 10– 30 lari/day. Accommodation with meals included is possible as well. Several restaurants and cafés are available along the main road.
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