Encapsulated in Georgia's breathtaking Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti regions, the Buba Glacier unfurls its icy blanket on the slopes of the Buba Peak. This enigmatic landscape, with its mesmerizingly pristine beauty, is not only a testament to Georgia's diverse natural splendors, but also a tranquil retreat for nature enthusiasts.
Spanning an area of 1.5 square kilometers (0.58 square miles) and extending over 2.7 kilometers (1.67 miles) in length, the Buba Glacier graces the majestic Racha Caucasus range in the Oni Municipality. At a snow line elevation of 3,350 meters (10,990 feet) above sea level, the glacier serves as a natural reservoir, feeding the Chanchakhi River's right tributary and the Bubistskali River.
The Buba Glacier is not only a natural wonder but also a point of scientific interest. Until 1990, the Vakhushti Bagrationi Geographic Institute conducted extensive station studies on the glacier, aiming to investigate its glacio-geomorphological and glacio-hydro-climatic situation.
Though the allure of the Buba Glacier is indeed captivating, reaching it is no less a journey worth mentioning. Starting from the Shovi resort, a moderately difficult, 13 km (8.07 miles) long, out-and-back hiking trail winds through serene wilderness to reach this icy marvel. Be prepared for a seven-hour trek, surrounded by the spectacle of nature, with alpine meadows, groves of young birches, and panoramic views of the imposing Buba Mountain.
