Things to do in

Juta

Day 1: Tbilisi-Ananuri-Gudauri-Gveleti Waterfalls-Kazbegi Hiking distance: 3,5 km; elevation difference: 300 m. • Travel along the old military highway and explore the 16–17-cc Ananuri Castle Complex. First small hiking trip to Gveleti Waterfalls. Easy walk, short distance, and good views. • Overnight at a guesthouse in Kazbegi Day 2: Kazbegi-Gergeti Trinity Church-Gergeti Glacier-Kazbegi Hiking Distance: 16 km, starting elevation: 1,740m, maximum elevation: 3100m • The hardest but most beautiful part of your trip to Kazbegi. Gergeti Trinity Church of the XIV century, which is located 2167 meters above sea level, below the summit of Mt. Kazbegi, This day offers you a mountain landscape with glaciers, lush alpine meadows, mountain rivers, and panoramic views over the Great Caucasus Mountains. • Overnight at a guesthouse in Kazbegi Day 3: Kazbegi-Juta-Chaukhi Pass Hiking Distance: 15 km, starting elevation: 2100m, maximum elevation: 3400m • On this day, you will explore the scenic beauty of the Juta valley and Chaukhi mountainous massif. Hike is deep into the Greater Caucasus Mountains through crossing small mountainous rivers, hills, and rocks. After 8 km of hiking, you reach Chaukhi Pass, from where amazing views open for you. You can enjoy panoramic views of another mountainous region, Khevsureti. In good weather, you can also see three Abudelaurebi colorful lakes. • Driving back to Tbilisi

Early in the morning, the car will pick you up from wherever you're staying in Tbilisi and drive you to the Kazbegi region through the Georgian military highway. First stop will be at Ananuri fortress (14th—18th century). The fortress stands beside the famous Georgian Military Highway overlooking a beautiful Jinvali lake, with a picturesque landscape. Ananuri architectural complex belonged to the house of the Eristavi of Aragvi - a violent local ruler. The characteristic architectural design of the late medieval period includes a fortress, 2 churches, an old watch tower, prison, and civic buildings. Its high, turreted stone walls protect two churches, a watch tower and a reservoir. The main church facade is beautifully carved with animal, floral and Celtic style patterns. Further along the road you will pass Gudauri ski resort before ascending to a beautiful mountain pass (Jvari Pass). The 4WD car will drive you up to Juta village 25 km from the town of Stepantsminda. Juta village is a remote high mountain village (2200m) with views of the gorgeous Chokhi mountains (3842m highest peak). From the village, you'll bike down through Sno River Valley which is surrounded by high mountains. You'll pass Old villages, towers, and waterfalls. On the way to the village of Stepantsminda, admire the unforgettable view of Mount Kazbeg (5.033 m). The ride ends in Stepantsminda at the foot of Mount Kazbeg. There you can choose to continue cycling up to the Gergeti Trinity Church (XIV c). The ride contains 6 km challenge of riding up to an altitude of 2.300 m (difference in altitude 400 m). Gergeti Trinity Church (XII-XIV) century’s monument was erected on the southern slopes of Kazbegi mountain. From one side of the church, you can explore the summit of Mount Kazbegi and from the other side, you can take in the wonderful views of the river Tergi Gorge and the surrounding areas. Gergeti Trinity Church is an important temple and is remarkable for its beautiful scenery. If the members of the group find it difficult to cycle up Gergeti Trinity Church they can hire their own 4WD car to drive up there (optional).

Head to the north-eastern part of Georgia, near the Caucasus mountain range and take the opportunity to drive towards Khevi Region, the small highlander village of Juta. Begin your tour by driving from Tbilisi through the famous Georgian Military Road and the Jvari Pass, afterwards continuing towards the village of Juta - a starting point of hiking, from where path leads towards gorgeous Chaukhi mountains. While there, visit the 16th century Ananuri Church and Fortress, the Georgian-Russian friendship monument, and breathtaking views over beautiful Caucasus snowy mountains. On this trip, escape from Tbilisi and experience something different, full of wild nature and remote places with spectacular landscapes and unforgettable impressions.