diff --git a/integration-tests/.env.local b/integration-tests/.env.local
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..ce09a61175
--- /dev/null
+++ b/integration-tests/.env.local
@@ -0,0 +1,9 @@
+HOSTNAME=stride-validator-0
+CHAIN_NAME=stride
+CHAIN_HOME=.stride
+BINARY=strided
+DENOM=ustrd
+DENOM_DECIMALS=6
+NUM_VALIDATORS=3
+
+API_ENDPOINT=http://api:8000
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/integration-tests/Makefile b/integration-tests/Makefile
index 202ef9c87d..e7b105cfce 100644
--- a/integration-tests/Makefile
+++ b/integration-tests/Makefile
@@ -9,38 +9,74 @@ VENV_BIN := $(CONDA_BASE)/$(VENV_NAME)/bin
 PYTHON := $(VENV_BIN)/python
 
 HELM_CHART=network
+PLATFORM=linux/amd64
+GCR_REPO = gcr.io/stride-nodes/integration-tests
+
+# Builds and pushes a docker image
+# args: [image-file-suffix] [context] [image-name] 
+# e.g. $(call build_and_push_docker,stride,.,chains/stride:latest
+define build_and_push_docker
+	@echo "Building docker image: $(1)"
+	@$(DOCKER) buildx build --platform $(PLATFORM) --tag stride-tests:$(1) -f dockerfiles/Dockerfile.$(1) $(2)
+	@$(DOCKER) tag stride-tests:$(1) $(GCR_REPO)/$(3)
+	@echo "Pushing image to GCR: $(GCR_REPO)/$(3)"
+	@$(DOCKER) push $(GCR_REPO)/$(3)
+endef
+
+check-empty-namespace:
+	@POD_COUNT=$$($(KUBECTL) get pods --no-headers -n $(K8S_NAMESPACE) | wc -l); \
+	if [ $$POD_COUNT -eq 0 ]; then exit 0; else exit 1; fi
+
+wait-for-startup:
+	@echo "---" && sleep 1
+	@printf "Waiting for network to startup..."
+	@elapsed=0; \
+	while true; do \
+		not_ready_pods=$$($(KUBECTL) get pods --no-headers -n $(K8S_NAMESPACE) | grep -v '1/1 *Running' | wc -l); \
+		if [ $$not_ready_pods -eq 0 ]; then \
+			printf "Ready! 🚀\n"; \
+			break; \
+		fi; \
+		if [ $$elapsed -eq 30 ]; then \
+			printf "\nThe network's taking longer than expected to startup. Please investigate\n"; \
+			exit 1; \
+		fi; \
+		sleep 1 && printf "."; \
+		elapsed=$$((elapsed + 1)); \
+	done
 
 python-install:
 	conda create --name $(VENV_NAME) python=3.11 -y
 	$(PYTHON) -m pip install -r api/requirements.txt
 
-start-api:
-	@$(PYTHON) -m uvicorn api.main:app --proxy-headers 
+start-api: docker-bridge
+	@$(DOCKER) compose up api
 
 build-api:
-	@echo "Building docker image: api"
-	@$(DOCKER) buildx build --platform linux/amd64 --tag api -f dockerfiles/Dockerfile.api api
-	@$(DOCKER) tag api gcr.io/stride-nodes/integration-tests/api:latest
-	@echo "Pushing image to GCR"
-	@$(DOCKER) push gcr.io/stride-nodes/integration-tests/api:latest
+	$(call build_and_push_docker,api,api,api:latest)
 
 build-stride:
-	@echo "Building docker image: stride-validator"
 	@$(DOCKER) buildx build --platform linux/amd64 --tag core:stride ..
-	@$(DOCKER) buildx build --platform linux/amd64 --tag stride-validator -f dockerfiles/Dockerfile.stride .
-	@$(DOCKER) tag stride-validator gcr.io/stride-nodes/integration-tests/chains/stride:latest
-	@echo "Pushing image to GCR"
-	@$(DOCKER) push gcr.io/stride-nodes/integration-tests/chains/stride:latest
+	$(call build_and_push_docker,stride,.,chains/stride:latest)
 
 build-cosmos:
-	@echo "Building docker image"
-	@$(DOCKER) buildx build --platform linux/amd64 --tag cosmos-validator -f dockerfiles/Dockerfile.cosmos .
-	@$(DOCKER) tag cosmos-validator gcr.io/stride-nodes/integration-tests/chains/cosmoshub:v18.1.0
-	@echo "Pushing image to GCR"
-	@$(DOCKER) push gcr.io/stride-nodes/integration-tests/chains/cosmoshub:v18.1.0
+	$(call build_and_push_docker,cosmos,.,chains/cosmoshub:v18.1.0)
+
+build-relayer:
+	$(call build_and_push_docker,relayer,.,relayer:v2.5.2)
+
+build-hermes:
+	$(call build_and_push_docker,hermes,.,hermes:v1.9.0)
+
+local-init-chain: 
+	@$(DOCKER) compose up --abort-on-container-exit; \
+	EXIT_CODE=$$?; \
+	$(DOCKER) compose down; \
+	exit $$EXIT_CODE
 
 start:
 	@$(HELM) install $(HELM_CHART) $(HELM_CHART) --values $(HELM_CHART)/values.yaml -n $(K8S_NAMESPACE)
+	@$(MAKE) wait-for-startup
 
 stop:
 	@$(HELM) uninstall $(HELM_CHART) -n $(K8S_NAMESPACE)
diff --git a/integration-tests/docker-compose.yaml b/integration-tests/docker-compose.yaml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..d26fdb1be6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/integration-tests/docker-compose.yaml
@@ -0,0 +1,15 @@
+services:
+  api:
+    image: gcr.io/stride-nodes/integration-tests/api:latest 
+    ports:
+      - '8000:8000'
+  init-chain:
+    image: gcr.io/stride-nodes/integration-tests/chains/stride:latest
+    depends_on: 
+      - api
+    volumes:
+      - ./network/scripts:/home/validator/scripts
+      - ./network/configs:/home/validator/configs
+    env_file:
+      - .env.local
+    command: ["bash", "scripts/init-chain.sh"]
diff --git a/integration-tests/dockerfiles/Dockerfile.hermes b/integration-tests/dockerfiles/Dockerfile.hermes
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..639b80ced3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/integration-tests/dockerfiles/Dockerfile.hermes
@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
+FROM rust:1.71-buster as builder
+
+COPY --from=informalsystems/hermes:v1.9.0 /usr/bin/hermes /usr/bin/hermes
+
+RUN apt-get update \
+    && apt-get install -y iputils-ping ca-certificates libssl-dev bash vim curl jq \
+    && addgroup --gid 1000 hermes \
+    && adduser --system --home /home/hermes --disabled-password --disabled-login \
+    --uid 1000 --ingroup hermes hermes
+
+USER hermes
+WORKDIR /home/hermes
+
+CMD ["bash", "scripts/start-hermes.sh"]
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/integration-tests/dockerfiles/Dockerfile.relayer b/integration-tests/dockerfiles/Dockerfile.relayer
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..ef2875c1ce
--- /dev/null
+++ b/integration-tests/dockerfiles/Dockerfile.relayer
@@ -0,0 +1,23 @@
+FROM golang:1.21-alpine3.17 AS builder
+
+WORKDIR /src/
+
+ENV COMMIT_HASH=v2.5.2
+
+RUN apk add --update git make gcc linux-headers libc-dev eudev-dev 
+RUN git clone https://github.com/cosmos/relayer.git \
+    && cd relayer \
+    && git checkout ${COMMIT_HASH} \
+    && CGO_ENABLED=1 LDFLAGS='-linkmode external -extldflags "-static"' make install
+
+FROM alpine:3.17
+
+COPY --from=builder /go/bin/rly /usr/local/bin/
+RUN apk add --no-cache --update bash vim curl iputils jq yq \
+    && addgroup -g 1000 relayer \
+    && adduser -S -h /home/relayer -D relayer -u 1000 -G relayer 
+
+USER relayer
+WORKDIR /home/relayer
+
+CMD ["bash", "scripts/start-relayer.sh"]
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/integration-tests/network/configs/hermes.toml b/integration-tests/network/configs/hermes.toml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..273cd1d328
--- /dev/null
+++ b/integration-tests/network/configs/hermes.toml
@@ -0,0 +1,63 @@
+[global]
+log_level = 'debug'
+
+[mode]
+[mode.clients]
+enabled = true
+refresh = true
+misbehaviour = true
+
+[mode.connections]
+enabled = true
+
+[mode.channels]
+enabled = true
+
+[mode.packets]
+enabled = true
+clear_interval = 100
+clear_on_start = true
+
+[rest]
+enabled = false
+host = '0.0.0.0'
+port = 3000
+
+[telemetry]
+enabled = false
+host = '127.0.0.1'
+port = 3001
+
+[[chains]]
+id = 'stride-test-1'
+rpc_addr = 'http://stride-validator.integration.svc:26657'
+grpc_addr = 'http://stride-validator.integration.svc:9090'
+event_source = { mode = 'push', url = 'ws://stride-validator.integration.svc:26657/websocket', batch_delay = '500ms' }
+rpc_timeout = '10s'
+account_prefix = 'stride'
+key_name = 'stride'
+store_prefix = 'ibc'
+# TODO: investigate why this has to be set so high
+gas_price = { price = 1, denom = 'ustrd' }
+gas_multiplier = 1.3
+clock_drift = '10s'
+max_block_time = '10s'
+address_type = { derivation = 'cosmos' }
+memo_prefix = 'stride-tests'
+
+[[chains]]
+id = 'cosmoshub-test-1'
+rpc_addr = 'http://cosmoshub-validator.integration.svc:26657'
+grpc_addr = 'http://cosmoshub-validator.integration.svc:9090'
+event_source = { mode = 'push', url = 'ws://cosmoshub-validator.integration.svc:26657/websocket', batch_delay = '500ms' }
+rpc_timeout = '10s'
+account_prefix = 'cosmos'
+key_name = 'cosmoshub'
+store_prefix = 'ibc'
+# TODO: investigate why this has to be set so high
+gas_price = { price = 1, denom = 'uatom' }
+gas_multiplier = 1.3
+clock_drift = '10s'
+max_block_time = '10s'
+address_type = { derivation = 'cosmos' }
+memo_prefix = 'stride-tests'
diff --git a/integration-tests/network/configs/keys.json b/integration-tests/network/configs/keys.json
index 33aace07f4..31c0ace230 100644
--- a/integration-tests/network/configs/keys.json
+++ b/integration-tests/network/configs/keys.json
@@ -1,4 +1,13 @@
 {
+    
+    "admin": {
+      "name": "admin",
+      "mnemonic": "tone cause tribe this switch near host damage idle fragile antique tail soda alien depth write wool they rapid unfold body scan pledge soft"
+    },
+    "faucet": {
+      "name": "faucet",
+      "mnemonic": "chimney become stuff spoil resource supply picture divorce casual curve check web valid survey zebra various pet sphere timber friend faint blame mansion film"
+    },
     "validators": [
       {
         "name": "val1",
@@ -21,10 +30,20 @@
         "mnemonic": "crime lumber parrot enforce chimney turtle wing iron scissors jealous indicate peace empty game host protect juice submit motor cause second picture nuclear area"
       }
     ],
-    "faucet": [
+    "relayers": [
       {
-        "name": "faucet",
-        "mnemonic": "chimney become stuff spoil resource supply picture divorce casual curve check web valid survey zebra various pet sphere timber friend faint blame mansion film"
+        "name": "rly1",
+        "mnemonic": "fringe secret hair noise royal inform remove release mother fish swamp swim piece later course glimpse sing very clutch velvet prefer hover common mass"
+      },
+      {
+        "name": "rly2",
+        "mnemonic": "floor chicken advance degree paper arch sugar kit torch auction flash fish attitude clay museum treat favorite clinic verify dose safe bright vessel east"
+      }
+    ],
+    "users": [
+      {
+        "name": "user1",
+        "mnemonic": "brief play describe burden half aim soccer carbon hope wait output play vacuum joke energy crucial output mimic cruise brother document rail anger leaf"
       }
     ]
   }
diff --git a/integration-tests/network/configs/relayer.yaml b/integration-tests/network/configs/relayer.yaml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..352d1ac6ca
--- /dev/null
+++ b/integration-tests/network/configs/relayer.yaml
@@ -0,0 +1,46 @@
+global:
+  api-listen-addr: :5183
+  timeout: 10s
+  memo: stride-tests
+  light-cache-size: 20
+chains:
+  stride:
+    type: cosmos
+    value:
+      key: stride
+      chain-id: stride-test-1
+      rpc-addr: http://stride-validator.integration.svc:26657
+      account-prefix: stride
+      keyring-backend: test
+      gas-adjustment: 1.3
+      # TODO: investigate why this has to be set so high
+      gas-prices: 1ustrd
+      coin-type: 118
+      debug: false
+      timeout: 20s
+      output-format: json
+      sign-mode: direct
+      min-loop-duration: 1s
+  cosmoshub:
+    type: cosmos
+    value:
+      key: cosmoshub
+      chain-id: cosmoshub-test-1
+      rpc-addr: http://cosmoshub-validator.integration.svc:26657
+      account-prefix: cosmos
+      keyring-backend: test
+      gas-adjustment: 1.3
+      # TODO: investigate why this has to be set so high
+      gas-prices: 1uatom
+      coin-type: 118
+      min-loop-duration: 1s
+      debug: false
+      timeout: 20s
+      output-format: json
+      sign-mode: direct
+paths:
+  stride-cosmoshub:
+    src:
+      chain-id: stride-test-1
+    dst:
+      chain-id: cosmoshub-test-1
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/integration-tests/network/scripts/config.sh b/integration-tests/network/scripts/config.sh
index a3c8d2da8a..ff96626524 100644
--- a/integration-tests/network/scripts/config.sh
+++ b/integration-tests/network/scripts/config.sh
@@ -1,28 +1,12 @@
 #!/bin/bash
 
-# Override the hostname only when in local mode
-if [[ "$HOSTNAME" != *"validator"* ]]; then
-    HOSTNAME=validator-0
-fi
-
-SCRIPTS_DIR=scripts
-CONFIG_DIR=configs
-
-VALIDATOR_KEYS_DIR=validator-keys
-NODE_KEYS_DIR=node-keys
-NODE_IDS_DIR=node-ids
-GENESIS_DIR=genesis
-KEYS_FILE=${CONFIG_DIR}/keys.json
+set -eu
+source scripts/constants.sh
 
 POD_INDEX=${HOSTNAME##*-}
 VALIDATOR_INDEX=$((POD_INDEX+1))
 VALIDATOR_NAME=val${VALIDATOR_INDEX}
 
-API_ENDPOINT=http://api.integration.svc:8000
-
-PEER_PORT=26656
-RPC_PORT=26657
-
 # Redefined to confirm they're set
 CHAIN_NAME=${CHAIN_NAME}
 CHAIN_HOME=${CHAIN_HOME}
@@ -36,6 +20,8 @@ CHAIN_ID=${CHAIN_NAME}-test-1
 BLOCK_TIME=1s
 VALIDATOR_BALANCE=10000000${MICRO_DENOM_ZERO_PAD}
 VALIDATOR_STAKE=1000000${MICRO_DENOM_ZERO_PAD}
+RELAYER_BALANCE=10000000${MICRO_DENOM_ZERO_PAD}
+USER_BALANCE=10000000${MICRO_DENOM_ZERO_PAD}
 
 DEPOSIT_PERIOD="30s"
 VOTING_PERIOD="30s"
@@ -43,23 +29,4 @@ EXPEDITED_VOTING_PERIOD="29s"
 UNBONDING_TIME="240s"
 
 STRIDE_DAY_EPOCH_DURATION="140s"
-STRIDE_EPOCH_EPOCH_DURATION="35s"
-
-# Wait for API server to start
-wait_for_api() {
-    api_endpoint="$1"
-    until [[ $(curl -o /dev/null -s -w "%{http_code}\n" "${api_endpoint}/status") -eq 200 ]]; do
-        echo "Waiting for API to start..."
-        sleep 2
-    done
-}
-
-# Wait for node to start
-wait_for_node() {
-    chain_name="$1"
-    rpc_endpoint="http://${chain_name}-validator.integration.svc:26657/status"
-    until [[ $(curl -o /dev/null -s $rpc_endpoint | jq '.result.sync_info.catching_up') == "false" ]]; do
-        echo "Waiting for $chain_name to start..."
-        sleep 2
-    done 
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+STRIDE_EPOCH_EPOCH_DURATION="35s"
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/integration-tests/network/scripts/constants.sh b/integration-tests/network/scripts/constants.sh
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..682fb9b329
--- /dev/null
+++ b/integration-tests/network/scripts/constants.sh
@@ -0,0 +1,15 @@
+#!/bin/bash
+
+SCRIPTS_DIR=scripts
+CONFIG_DIR=configs
+
+VALIDATOR_KEYS_DIR=validator-keys
+NODE_KEYS_DIR=node-keys
+NODE_IDS_DIR=node-ids
+GENESIS_DIR=genesis
+KEYS_FILE=${CONFIG_DIR}/keys.json
+
+PEER_PORT=26656
+RPC_PORT=26657
+
+API_ENDPOINT=${API_ENDPOINT:-'http://api.integration.svc:8000'}
diff --git a/integration-tests/network/scripts/init-chain.sh b/integration-tests/network/scripts/init-chain.sh
index ccfc6a24e3..3169c0421c 100644
--- a/integration-tests/network/scripts/init-chain.sh
+++ b/integration-tests/network/scripts/init-chain.sh
@@ -2,16 +2,7 @@
 
 set -eu
 source scripts/config.sh
-
-LOCAL_MODE=${1:-false}
-
-# If this is being run locally, don't overwrite the main chain folder
-if [[ "$LOCAL_MODE" == "true" ]]; then
-    CHAIN_HOME=state
-    rm -rf state
-    BINARY="$BINARY --home $CHAIN_HOME"
-    API_ENDPOINT="http://localhost:8000"
-fi
+source scripts/utils.sh
 
 # Wait for API server to start
 wait_for_api $API_ENDPOINT
@@ -47,6 +38,22 @@ upload_shared_file() {
         -F "file=@$file_path" && echo 
 }
 
+# Helper function to add an account to the keyring and genesis
+# The key arg is a JSON string with "name" and "mnemonic" fields
+add_genesis_account() {
+    key="$1"
+    balance="$2"
+
+    echo $key
+    name=$(echo $key | jq -r '.name')
+    mnemonic=$(echo $key | jq -r '.mnemonic')
+
+    echo "$mnemonic" | $BINARY keys add $name --recover
+    address=$($BINARY keys show $name -a)
+
+    $BINARY $chain_genesis_command add-genesis-account $address $balance
+}
+
 # Adds each validator to the genesis file, and also saves down the public keys 
 # which are needed for ICS
 # Each validators public private key and node ID are saved in the API
@@ -55,14 +62,11 @@ add_validators() {
 
     validator_public_keys=""
     for (( i=1; i <= $NUM_VALIDATORS; i++ )); do
-        # Extract the validator name and mnemonic from keys.json
-        validator_config=$(jq -r '.validators[$index]' --argjson index "$((i-1))" ${KEYS_FILE})
-        name=$(echo $validator_config | jq -r '.name')
-        mnemonic=$(echo $validator_config | jq -r '.mnemonic')
+        # Add the validator account to the keyring and genesis
+        validator_key=$(jq -r '.validators[$index]' --argjson index "$((i-1))" ${KEYS_FILE})
+        name=$(echo $validator_key | jq -r '.name')
 
-        # Add the key to the main keyring the the validator's sub-keyring
-        echo "$mnemonic" | $BINARY keys add $name --recover
-        address=$($BINARY keys show $name -a)
+        add_genesis_account "$validator_key" "${VALIDATOR_BALANCE}${DENOM}"
 
         # Use a separate directory for the non-main nodes so we can generate unique validator keys
         if [[ "$i" == "1" ]]; then 
@@ -72,10 +76,6 @@ add_validators() {
             $BINARY init $name --chain-id $CHAIN_ID --overwrite --home ${validator_home} &> /dev/null
         fi
 
-        # Add the genesis account 
-        genesis_balance=${VALIDATOR_BALANCE}${DENOM}
-        $BINARY $chain_genesis_command add-genesis-account $address $genesis_balance
-
         # Save the node IDs and keys to the API
         $BINARY tendermint show-node-id --home ${validator_home} > node_id.txt
         upload_shared_file node_id.txt ${NODE_IDS_DIR}/${CHAIN_NAME}/${name}.txt 
@@ -86,14 +86,34 @@ add_validators() {
         validator_public_keys+="$(jq -r '.pub_key.value' ${validator_home}/config/priv_validator_key.json),"
     done
 
-    # For non-stride nodes, generate and collect the validator gentx (for the main node only)
+    # For non-stride nodes, generate the validator gentx (for the main node only)
     # The other validators will be created after startup
     if [[ "$CHAIN_NAME" != "stride" ]]; then 
         $BINARY $chain_genesis_command gentx val1 ${VALIDATOR_STAKE}${DENOM} --chain-id $CHAIN_ID 
-        $BINARY $chain_genesis_command collect-gentxs
     fi
 }
 
+# Adds all the non-validator accounts
+add_accounts() {
+    echo "Adding admin account..."
+    admin_key=$(cat $KEYS_FILE | jq -c '.admin')
+    add_genesis_account "$admin_key" ${USER_BALANCE}${DENOM} 
+
+    echo "Adding faucet account..."
+    faucet_key=$(cat $KEYS_FILE | jq -c '.faucet')
+    add_genesis_account "$faucet_key" ${USER_BALANCE}${DENOM} 
+
+    echo "Adding relayer accounts..."
+    jq -c '.relayers[]' $KEYS_FILE | while IFS= read -r relayer_key; do
+        add_genesis_account "$relayer_key" ${RELAYER_BALANCE}${DENOM}
+    done
+
+    echo "Adding user accounts..."
+    jq -c '.users[]' $KEYS_FILE | while IFS= read -r user_keys; do
+        add_genesis_account "$user_keys" ${RELAYER_BALANCE}${DENOM}
+    done
+}
+
 # Updates the genesis config with defaults
 update_default_genesis() {
     echo "Updating genesis.json with defaults..."
@@ -118,6 +138,7 @@ update_stride_genesis() {
     jq_inplace '(.app_state.epochs.epochs[] | select(.identifier=="stride_epoch") ).duration |= "'$STRIDE_EPOCH_EPOCH_DURATION'"' $genesis_json 
 
     $BINARY add-consumer-section --validator-public-keys $validator_public_keys
+    jq_inplace '.app_state.ccvconsumer.params.unbonding_period |= "'$UNBONDING_TIME'"' $genesis_json 
 }
 
 # Genesis updates specific to non-stride chains
@@ -136,11 +157,13 @@ main() {
     echo "Initializing chain..."
     init_config
     add_validators
+    add_accounts
     update_default_genesis
     if [[ "$CHAIN_NAME" == "stride" ]]; then 
         update_stride_genesis
     else 
         update_host_genesis
+        $BINARY $chain_genesis_command collect-gentxs
     fi
     save_genesis
     echo "Done"
diff --git a/integration-tests/network/scripts/init-node.sh b/integration-tests/network/scripts/init-node.sh
index ba0dd1a9f5..fc06a747aa 100644
--- a/integration-tests/network/scripts/init-node.sh
+++ b/integration-tests/network/scripts/init-node.sh
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 
 set -eu 
 source scripts/config.sh
+source scripts/utils.sh
 
 # Wait for API server to start
 wait_for_api $API_ENDPOINT
diff --git a/integration-tests/network/scripts/start-hermes.sh b/integration-tests/network/scripts/start-hermes.sh
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..938d2b4766
--- /dev/null
+++ b/integration-tests/network/scripts/start-hermes.sh
@@ -0,0 +1,49 @@
+#!/bin/bash
+
+set -eu
+source scripts/utils.sh
+source scripts/constants.sh
+
+CHAIN_ID_A=${CHAIN_NAME_A}-test-1
+CHAIN_ID_B=${CHAIN_NAME_B}-test-1
+
+wait_for_node $CHAIN_NAME_A 
+wait_for_node $CHAIN_NAME_B
+
+restore_keys() {
+    mnemonic_a=$(jq -r '.relayers[$index].mnemonic' --argjson index "$CHAIN_A_MNEMONIC_INDEX" ${KEYS_FILE})
+    mnemonic_b=$(jq -r '.relayers[$index].mnemonic' --argjson index "$CHAIN_B_MNEMONIC_INDEX" ${KEYS_FILE})
+
+    echo "$mnemonic_a" > /tmp/mnemonics_a.txt
+    echo "$mnemonic_b" > /tmp/mnemonics_b.txt
+
+    hermes keys add --chain $CHAIN_ID_A --mnemonic-file /tmp/mnemonics_a.txt 
+    hermes keys add --chain $CHAIN_ID_B --mnemonic-file /tmp/mnemonics_b.txt 
+
+    rm -f /tmp/mnemonics_a.txt /tmp/mnemonics_b.txt 
+}
+
+create_path() {
+    # Only create a path if one does not already exist
+    if ! hermes query channels --chain $CHAIN_ID_A --show-counterparty | grep -q $CHAIN_ID_A; then
+        echo "Creating path..."
+        hermes create channel --a-chain $CHAIN_ID_A --b-chain $CHAIN_ID_B \
+            --a-port transfer --b-port transfer --new-client-connection --yes
+    fi
+}
+
+main() {
+    # The config is mounted from a configmap which is read-only by default
+    # In order to make it writeable, we need to copy it to a new location
+    hermes_config_file=${HOME}/.hermes/config.toml
+    mkdir -p $(dirname $hermes_config_file)
+    cp configs/hermes.toml ${hermes_config_file}
+
+    restore_keys
+    create_path
+
+    echo "Starting hermes..."
+    hermes start
+}
+
+main
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/integration-tests/network/scripts/start-relayer.sh b/integration-tests/network/scripts/start-relayer.sh
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..ccfed98d6b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/integration-tests/network/scripts/start-relayer.sh
@@ -0,0 +1,59 @@
+#!/bin/bash
+
+set -eu
+source scripts/utils.sh
+source scripts/constants.sh
+
+CHAIN_ID_A=${CHAIN_NAME_A}-test-1
+CHAIN_ID_B=${CHAIN_NAME_B}-test-1
+
+wait_for_node $CHAIN_NAME_A 
+wait_for_node $CHAIN_NAME_B
+
+relayer_config_file=${HOME}/.relayer/config/config.yaml
+
+restore_keys() {
+    mnemonic_a=$(jq -r '.relayers[$index].mnemonic' --argjson index "$CHAIN_A_MNEMONIC_INDEX" ${KEYS_FILE})
+    mnemonic_b=$(jq -r '.relayers[$index].mnemonic' --argjson index "$CHAIN_B_MNEMONIC_INDEX" ${KEYS_FILE})
+
+    rly keys restore $CHAIN_NAME_A $CHAIN_NAME_A "$mnemonic_a"
+    rly keys restore $CHAIN_NAME_B $CHAIN_NAME_B "$mnemonic_b"
+}
+
+create_path() {
+    # If there aren't any channels yet, create a new path
+    if ! rly q channels $CHAIN_NAME_A 2>/dev/null | grep -q $CHAIN_ID_A; then
+        echo "Creating path..."
+        rly tx link $PATH_NAME
+    else
+        # Otherwise, add the exising connection to the config
+        client_id_a=$(rly q clients $CHAIN_NAME_A | grep $CHAIN_ID_B | jq -r '.client_id')
+        client_id_b=$(rly q clients $CHAIN_NAME_B | grep $CHAIN_ID_A | jq -r '.client_id')
+
+        connection_id_a=$(rly q client-connections $CHAIN_NAME_A $client_id_a | jq -r '.connections[0].id')
+        connection_id_b=$(rly q client-connections $CHAIN_NAME_B $client_id_b | jq -r '.connections[0].id')
+
+        echo "Path already found, updating config..."
+        yq eval -i "
+            .paths.\"${PATH_NAME}\".src.client-id = \"$client_id_a\" |
+            .paths.\"${PATH_NAME}\".src.connection = \"$connection_id_a\" |
+            .paths.\"${PATH_NAME}\".dst.client-id = \"$client_id_b\" |
+            .paths.\"${PATH_NAME}\".dst.connection = \"$connection_id_b\"
+            " "$relayer_config_file"
+    fi
+}
+
+main() {
+    # The config is mounted from a configmap which is read-only by default
+    # In order to make it writeable, we need to copy it to a new location
+    mkdir -p $(dirname $relayer_config_file)
+    cp configs/relayer.yaml ${relayer_config_file}
+
+    restore_keys
+    create_path
+
+    echo "Starting relayer..."
+    rly start $PATH_NAME
+}
+
+main
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/integration-tests/network/scripts/utils.sh b/integration-tests/network/scripts/utils.sh
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..3d397b02a5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/integration-tests/network/scripts/utils.sh
@@ -0,0 +1,28 @@
+#!/bin/bash
+set -eu
+
+# Wait for API server to start
+wait_for_api() {
+    api_endpoint="$1"
+    until [[ $(curl -o /dev/null -s -w "%{http_code}\n" "${api_endpoint}/status") -eq 200 ]]; do
+        echo "Waiting for API to start..."
+        sleep 2
+    done
+}
+
+# Wait for node to start
+wait_for_node() {
+    chain_name="$1"
+    rpc_endpoint="http://${chain_name}-validator.integration.svc:26657/status"
+
+    # Wait for the node to be caught up and confirm it's at least on the 2nd block
+    until 
+        response=$(curl -s "$rpc_endpoint")
+        catching_up=$(echo "$response" | jq -r '.result.sync_info.catching_up')
+        latest_block=$(echo "$response" | jq -r '.result.sync_info.latest_block_height')
+        [[ $catching_up == "false" && $latest_block -gt 2 ]]
+    do
+        echo "Waiting for $chain_name to start..."
+        sleep 2
+    done 
+}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/integration-tests/network/templates/relayer.yaml b/integration-tests/network/templates/relayer.yaml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..4b3785c4ef
--- /dev/null
+++ b/integration-tests/network/templates/relayer.yaml
@@ -0,0 +1,67 @@
+{{- $root := .Values -}}
+{{- range $index, $relayer := .Values.relayers }}
+  {{- $appName := printf "%s-%s" $relayer.type $relayer.name  -}}
+
+  {{- $image := "" -}}
+  {{- if eq $relayer.type "relayer" -}}
+    {{- $image = $root.images.relayer -}}
+  {{- else if eq $relayer.type "hermes" -}}
+    {{- $image = $root.images.hermes -}}
+  {{- else -}}
+    {{- fail (printf "Unknown relayer type: %s" $relayer.type) -}}
+  {{- end -}}
+
+  {{- $chainMnemonicIndexA := mul $index 2 }}
+  {{- $chainMnemonicIndexB := add $chainMnemonicIndexA 1 }}
+---
+apiVersion: apps/v1
+kind: Deployment
+metadata:
+  name: {{ $appName }}
+  namespace: {{ $root.namespace }}
+spec:
+  replicas: 1
+  selector:
+    matchLabels:
+      app: {{ $appName }}
+  template:
+    metadata:
+      labels:
+        app: {{ $appName }}
+    spec:
+      containers:
+        - name: {{ $appName }}
+          image: {{ $image }}
+          imagePullPolicy: Always
+          env:
+            - name: PATH_NAME
+              value: {{ $relayer.name }}
+            - name: CHAIN_NAME_A
+              value: {{ $relayer.chainA }}
+            - name: CHAIN_NAME_B
+              value: {{ $relayer.chainB }}
+            - name: CHAIN_A_MNEMONIC_INDEX
+              value: "{{ $chainMnemonicIndexA }}"
+            - name: CHAIN_B_MNEMONIC_INDEX
+              value: "{{ $chainMnemonicIndexB }}"
+          resources:
+            limits:
+              cpu: "200m"
+              memory: "1000M"
+            requests:
+              cpu: "200m"
+              memory: "1000M"
+          volumeMounts:
+            - name: configs
+              mountPath: "/home/{{ $relayer.type }}/configs"
+            - name: scripts
+              mountPath: "/home/{{ $relayer.type }}/scripts"
+      volumes:
+        - name: configs
+          configMap:
+            name: configs
+        - name: scripts
+          configMap:
+            name: scripts
+---
+{{- end }}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/integration-tests/network/templates/validator.yaml b/integration-tests/network/templates/validator.yaml
index a278208ed6..fdf269fc14 100644
--- a/integration-tests/network/templates/validator.yaml
+++ b/integration-tests/network/templates/validator.yaml
@@ -1,3 +1,5 @@
+{{- $root := .Values -}}
+
 {{- define "chain.env" -}}
 - name: CHAIN_NAME
   value: {{ .name }}
@@ -17,19 +19,16 @@
       fieldPath: metadata.namespace
 {{- end -}}
 
-{{- $namespace := .Values.namespace -}}
-{{- $imageRepo := .Values.chainImagesRepo -}}
-
 {{- range $chain := .Values.chains }}
-{{- $appName := printf "%s-validator" $chain.name  -}}
-{{- $chainHomeDirectory := printf "/home/validator/%s" $chain.home  -}}
-{{- $image := printf "%s/%s:%s" $imageRepo $chain.name $chain.version -}}
+  {{- $appName := printf "%s-validator" $chain.name  -}}
+  {{- $chainHomeDirectory := printf "/home/validator/%s" $chain.home  -}}
+  {{- $image := printf "%s/%s:%s" $root.images.chains $chain.name $chain.version -}}
 ---
 apiVersion: apps/v1
 kind: StatefulSet
 metadata:
   name: {{ $appName }}
-  namespace: {{ $namespace }}
+  namespace: {{ $root.namespace }}
 spec:
   replicas: {{ $chain.numValidators }}
   selector:
@@ -121,7 +120,7 @@ apiVersion: v1
 kind: Service
 metadata:
   name: {{ $appName }}
-  namespace: {{ $namespace }}
+  namespace: {{ $root.namespace }}
 spec:
   clusterIP: None
   selector:
@@ -144,7 +143,7 @@ apiVersion: networking.k8s.io/v1
 kind: Ingress
 metadata:
   name: {{ $appName }}
-  namespace: {{ $namespace }}
+  namespace: {{ $root.namespace }}
   annotations:
     nginx.ingress.kubernetes.io/rewrite-target: /
     nginx.ingress.kubernetes.io/proxy-connect-timeout: "360"
diff --git a/integration-tests/network/values.yaml b/integration-tests/network/values.yaml
index 8bf230e8af..45fff8a88b 100644
--- a/integration-tests/network/values.yaml
+++ b/integration-tests/network/values.yaml
@@ -1,5 +1,9 @@
 namespace: integration
-chainImagesRepo: gcr.io/stride-nodes/integration-tests/chains
+
+images:
+  chains: gcr.io/stride-nodes/integration-tests/chains
+  relayer: gcr.io/stride-nodes/integration-tests/relayer:v2.5.2
+  hermes: gcr.io/stride-nodes/integration-tests/hermes:v1.9.0
 
 chains:
   - name: stride
@@ -18,4 +22,11 @@ chains:
     home: .gaia
     denom: uatom
     decimals: 6
-    command: ["gaiad", "start"]
\ No newline at end of file
+    command: ["gaiad", "start"]
+
+# type can be either "relayer" or "hermes"
+relayers:
+  - name: stride-cosmoshub
+    type: relayer
+    chainA: stride
+    chainB: cosmoshub
\ No newline at end of file