Chaukhi peaks
Georgia's Dolomites.
franek2 — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Levan Gokadze — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Kakha Kakhidze — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Alexey Komarov — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Maesi64 — CC0 · Tadeáš Gregor — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Levan Gokadze from Tbilisi, Georgia — CC BY-SA 2.0 · franek2 — CC BY-SA 3.0
A tiny mountain village at about 2,200 metres in a side valley off the Sno valley, south-east of Stepantsminda, home to only a handful of people. It is the gateway to the Chaukhi massif, whose jagged spires visitors often compare to Italy's Dolomites. From the village a fairly easy trail climbs the valley through flowering green meadows and streams, dotted with grazing horses and cows, until the serrated peaks of Chaukhi appear at its head. Many people spend a whole day here walking, taking photos and picnicking on the grass. For experienced trekkers, a longer route crosses the Chaukhi pass to the colourful Abudelauri lakes and the village of Roshka in Khevsureti, a trek of six to seven hours one way that calls for fitness and proper gear at high altitude. Visiting is free. The last stretch of road to the village is rough gravel, so a four-wheel-drive is best, and heavy snow makes it hard to reach in winter. June to September is the best time; the weather changes quickly, so bring warm clothes and a rain jacket.
Georgia's Dolomites.
Flowers and horses.
Over the pass.
Juta valley off the Sno valley, about twenty kilometres south-east of Stepantsminda
The trail up the valley is fairly easy and suits most visitors, while crossing the Chaukhi pass to the lakes is a long trek that needs fitness and experience.