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Chaukhi Massive, located in the Kazbegi region, is an impressive climbing area towering 1 km over beautiful alpine meadows. Chaukhi’s presence demands your attention from below, as its sight is nearly impossible to gaze away from. The basecamp (2550m) is located in a pristine and calm grassy meadow, next to a rushing alpine river and small clear lake. Just an hour and a half trekking distance from the village of Juta, the Chaukhi Mountaineering base camp awaits you as you walk through stunning valleys full of greenery, grazing cows, and village horses. Chaukhi’s base camp is free of crowds, disturbances, and huts, which allows for the ultimate relaxation between climbs, with only the sound of the river and nature surrounding you.
The range of rocky mountains here has a wide array of routes for all levels of climbers; from easy scrambling climbs, to extremely difficult multi-pitch climbs. All levels of routes have approach times of 2-4 hours from basecamp so you can focus your time climbing, more than trekking. The beginners routes are perfect for novices wanting to learn, and the more challenging expert climbs are ideal for those looking to stretch their skills. Majority of these routes (even the most difficult) are climbable in a single day. For these reasons, Chaukhi is perfect for groups with different mountaineering experience levels and climbing knowledge. We design customized programs at The Alpine Project according to your experience level for you to maximize your climbing enjoyment. Every summer, our guests arrive to experience our Chaukhi Mountaineering programs, whether it be for week long programs, or single day climbs.
The Alpine Project curates a beginners and advanced mountain climbing program in the summer season at Chaukhi. The programs and itineraries will be created based on experience and level of your specific abilities. Our professional IFMGA/GMGA certified guides will instruct you on climbers safety, techniques, and equipment. In the duration of the program, you will follow along certain mountain climbing routes with your instructors that have been climbing these routes for more than a decade. This is the ideal place to enhance your mountaineering experience and knowledge, while taking in the breathtaking beauty of Chaukhi Massive. The experience gained here with The Alpine Project at Chaukhi is priceless to your climbers knowledge, which you can carry with you to summits around the world. Our IFMGA/GMGA professional mountain guides have countless experience in Chaukhi and are happy to pass this knowledge on to our guests.
Here we’ve outlined an example itinerary for intermediate level mountain climbers. This however, will be changed to reflect your custom trip/level of experience. This example itinerary is to give you insight to the potential program we can create for you with The Alpine Project in Chaukhi.
If you are interested in climbing another iconic peak of Georgia after your Chaukhi mountaineering course, we highly recommend Climbing Mount Kazbek. Perfect for all skill levels, including beginners.
You should have prior rock climbing experience for this course, as it will ensure you make a rapid progression. You should have experience with some abseiling and second climbing up to F6a difficulty. You also should have a passion and determination to rock climb and mountaineer in the mountains.
You should have a good level of physical fitness. You can prepare by doing some hiking, trail running, swimming, climbing, or cycling.
Arrival to Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) where driver will meet you and and transfer you to Stepantsminda. The drive is around 3 hours. Check in to hotel where you will meet your local Mountain guide. You will have an introduction and briefing about the plans for the days ahead. Weather conditions in Chaukhi will be discussed at this point also. The guide will check to make sure you have all adequate equipment and clothing for climbing in Chaukhi Massive. This day will be reserved for renting any necessary equipment. Rest for the night
After breakfast, driver and guide will meet you in hotel and you will be driven to the village of Juta. This is a 40-minute drive from the hotel. From here, the trekking to the basecamp begins. There will be horses which will take our climbing gear, basecamp equipment, and food. It will take about 1.5-2 hours trekking time to reach the basecamp. Set up camp. Have dinner, and rest. (Breakfast, dinner)
Early breakfast. Start the approach to Mt. Rcheulishvili Peak, which itself is an easy climb and will contain little scrambling on the ridge. This might also contain climbing on a snowy slope up to 45 degrees (depending on the season). The instructor will go through climbing safety and methods of moving on certain terrain. This day will be good for acclimatization and warm up for the next days climbs. Descend to basecamp and enjoy the evening at camp. (Breakfast, dinner)
This day will be a rest day and training day. Near the basecamp, there is a large rock where the guide will work with you on improving certain skills and enhancing your knowledge with hands on activities. This is a great chance to utilize your guides experience and learn as much as possible (Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
On this day we will climb one of the most classic and popular routes on M. Javaxishvili. (3733m) This is really exciting climb, with very beautiful views. (450m, Grade 3, 4 pitches) The climb contains chimneys, slabs, and scrambling. Approach time to the rock is 3 hours. (Breakfast, dinner)
On this day we will climb the highest peak of Chaukhi, which is Mt. Asatiani (3842m). This route is a greatly aspired route in Chaukhi mountaineering and its essential to experience! There is an approach time of 3 hours. We will climb a snowy couloir up to 50 degrees, and after begin climbing 4 rock pitches. After some scrambling on the ridge, we will reach the summit. Descent will be through an easier route, where we will need to scramble down and repel once. We will rest and enjoy our last evening in Chaukhi basecamp. (Breakfast, dinner)
Departure day. We will pack up the camp, load the horses with our equipment and gear, and descent to Village Juta. Here the driver will meet you and transport you to Tbilisi, or your departure city. (Breakfast)
Harness – Mountaineering or climbing harness with 2 screw karabiners and 60cm sling. Harness should be able to fit with your mountaineering jackets on.
Helmet – Standard climbing helmet.
Alpine Climbing Boots – Shoes should be waterproof, insulated, and with a solid sole. Preferably, semi-automatic or automatic crampons should fit the boot. (B2 or B3 crampons). They should be summer alpine mountaineering boots, which is appropriate for scramble and rock climbing. Also, they should have the ability to use crampons effectively.
Overboots / Gaiters – Gaiters are essential to avoid getting the boots wet. Protecting you from getting wet and from hitting your trousers with crampons.
Crampons – General 12 points mountaineering crampons. Steel with anti-balling, which is preventing snow sticking.
Ice Axe – General mountaineering ice axe, suitable to your size. 1 single axe needed. Any tethers or straps should be removed.
Trekking Poles – Telescopic to suit your size and for different terrain.
Main luggage bag (up to 80L) – All gear can be packed here and extra items which is not needed on trekking day. The horse will take this directly to the basecamp as to alleviate weight from your other bag.
Backpack (35-50L) – This size bag is recommended because larger is unnecessary and leads to excess weight. Recommended to bring a waterproof cover in case of rain. This bag will be on your back during trekking to the basecamp and for the summit.
Headlamp – Fit to size.
Eye protection – sunglasses for mountaineering that fit face snug and tight. Should be 3-4th category
Waterproof Shell Jacket (1)
Down Jacket (1) – Light-medium weight preferably. Hooded or without hood is fine.
Mid Layer Jacket (1) – Fleece Jacket to put on top of thermal layer.
Thermal Base Layer Shirt (1) – Can be a synthetic or wool layer. Should be long sleeve, preferably ¼ or ½ zipper for ventilation.
Waterproof Shell Trousers (1 pair)
Thermal Base Layer Underwear/Leggings ( 1pair) – Can be synthetic or wool.
Beanie hat, buff, balaclava – Gear to keep the head and face warm.
Water Proof Insulated Gloves or Mittens – 1 Pair. For the summit
Trekking Gloves – 1 pair. Should be warm, but not bulky. Only for trekking and on the base camp.
Socks – Lightweight and medium weight mountaineering wool socks. (3 pairs)
Base Camp Slippers – Comfortable slippers for tent and basecamp wear.
Comfortable trekking trousers (1 pairs) – For leisure wear in base camp and for trekking
Basecamp kit and toiletries – Includes toothpaste and toothbrush. Deodorant. Soap. Baby wipes or wet napkins. If you wear contact lenses, bring lenses solution, contact holder, and bring extra lenses incase of losing a pair.
Microfiber towel – Used for drying hands and face. Body size is not needed, as there is no shower at the basecamp.
Mess kit – Bowl and utensils for base camp and climbing meals
Sleeping bag – Suitable for -15 Degrees – -10 Degrees Celsius
Sleeping mat / pad – Rollable or inflatable.
Reusable water bottle – Up to 1 liter. Water bottle should be light and with you to keep you hydrated on trekking days.
Thermos – Up to 1 liter. Thermos will be used in base camp and taking to the summit, which will keep liquids warm.
50+ SPF Sun protection – SPF for lips and face.
Batteries – Extra batteries for headlamp.
Any personal medication
Mobile Phone
*Please contact us for pricing on groups larger than 2 people