Chaukhi Pass trek from Stepantsminda: Private guide to 3341 m

Climb to Chaukhi Pass and descend past three alpine lakes with different colors

A private trekking tour from Stepantsminda to Chaukhi Pass (3341 m) in the Kazbegi region, with 4x4 transport from the office to Juta village and a live guide leading the route. The trek covers eight to nine hours on foot, passing under the Chauchi massif (called the Georgian Dolomites) to reach the pass, then descending to Abudelauri lakes and the Roshka stone formations. Transport time is one hour each way. The guide speaks English, Russian or Polish.

The experience

The trek starts with a 4x4 drive from the office to Juta, the highest village in the region, stopping at the mysterious statues known as the Georgian Easter Island and the village of Sno on the way. Once at Juta, the actual trekking begins under the Chauchi massif: a landscape so sharp and dramatic it earned the name Georgian Dolomites. The route is not technically difficult, but the day is long: eight to nine hours of walking, which is why you need to be fit enough to handle the distance and bring water and snacks with you.

The pass itself sits at 3341 m and marks the boundary between the Kazbegi region and Khevsureti. On the far side, the landscape opens into meadows dotted with the Roshka stones, intriguing rock formations, and the Abudelauri lakes, three alpine bodies of water that stand out for their different colors: green, blue and white. Weather in the mountains changes fast, so bring a jacket and rain gear. Trekking shoes are essential. You can arrange to rent them or bring your own. The same route takes you back down to Juta and the drive home.

What’s included

• Private 4x4 transport from the office to Juta village and back.
• live trekking guide in English, Russian or Polish for the full day.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to SaturdayLast departure this season: 31 Oct

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Polish and Russian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Mountain Freaks

Is this one for you?This is a full-day mountain trek, not a short walk (eight to nine hours on foot at altitude), so you need moderate fitness and mountain experience to enjoy it. The private guide and transport mean you set the pace and stop when you need to, which matters on a long day in changeable weather.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Russian and Polish.

How long is the actual trekking part of the day?

The trekking itself takes eight to nine hours, not counting the one-hour 4x4 drive each way from Stepantsminda to Juta village.

What are the Abudelauri lakes like?

Abudelauri is a set of three alpine lakes on the far side of Chaukhi Pass, each with a distinct color (green, blue and white) set in meadows among rock formations called the Roshka stones.

Do I need to bring my own trekking shoes?

Trekking shoes are required for the trek. You can bring your own or arrange to rent them at checkout, depending on which option you choose.

What stops happen on the drive to Juta?

The 4x4 stops at the Georgian Easter Island, mysterious statues in the region, and at Sno, an important village in Kazbegi where the Georgian Patriarch originates.