georgia
hike
from Roshka
to Juta
and back
2 days
duration
moderate-plus
difficulty
~29 km
distance
↑↓2000/2000 m
elevation gain / loss
Itinerary
Day 1:
Over Chaukhi Pass to the lake in Juta
Distance: ~11-12 km | Elevation gain: ~1000 m | Descent: ~1100 m | Hiking time: 7–8 hours
06:30 – 10:30 | Meet at 300 Aragveli metro and transfer.
We're heading out early since it's a long, tough day ahead. We'll drive through Zhinvali, turn toward Korsha, and climb up to Roshka.
10:30 – 11:00 | Start point (turnoff past Roshka).
The transfer drops us at the dirt road fork past Roshka village, where the trail to the lakes begins. We'll hand out snacks, adjust trekking poles, and hit the trail.
11:00 – 12:00 | Heading to the pass.
We hike along a trail winding through giant boulders left over from the Ice Age, gaining some elevation as we go.
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM | Picnic lunch at the foot of the pass.
A hearty snack with views of the glacier and the Chaukhi massif before the final push.
12:30 PM – 3:30 PM | Pushing to Chaukhi Pass (3340 m). The toughest and steepest part of the day over rocky scree. We'll climb at a steady, measured pace. At the top, we take the traditional group photo. The view from here opens up to both Khevsureti and the Kazbegi region.
3:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Descent into Juta valley.
A long but straightforward descent along the trail, passing the rock walls of Chaukhi. We'll reach Juta lake toward evening.
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM | Setting up camp and dinner.
We pitch our tents by the lake while the guide fires up the burners to cook a hot dinner.
8:30 PM+ | Evening chill.
Sharing the day's highlights over mountain herbal tea and stargazing over Chaukhi. Lights out.
We're heading out early since it's a long, tough day ahead. We'll drive through Zhinvali, turn toward Korsha, and climb up to Roshka.
10:30 – 11:00 | Start point (turnoff past Roshka).
The transfer drops us at the dirt road fork past Roshka village, where the trail to the lakes begins. We'll hand out snacks, adjust trekking poles, and hit the trail.
11:00 – 12:00 | Heading to the pass.
We hike along a trail winding through giant boulders left over from the Ice Age, gaining some elevation as we go.
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM | Picnic lunch at the foot of the pass.
A hearty snack with views of the glacier and the Chaukhi massif before the final push.
12:30 PM – 3:30 PM | Pushing to Chaukhi Pass (3340 m). The toughest and steepest part of the day over rocky scree. We'll climb at a steady, measured pace. At the top, we take the traditional group photo. The view from here opens up to both Khevsureti and the Kazbegi region.
3:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Descent into Juta valley.
A long but straightforward descent along the trail, passing the rock walls of Chaukhi. We'll reach Juta lake toward evening.
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM | Setting up camp and dinner.
We pitch our tents by the lake while the guide fires up the burners to cook a hot dinner.
8:30 PM+ | Evening chill.
Sharing the day's highlights over mountain herbal tea and stargazing over Chaukhi. Lights out.
Day 2:
The road to the lake
Distance: ~16-17 km | Elevation gain: ~950 m | Descent: ~900 m | Trekking time: 6–8 hours
7:00 AM – 8:30 AM | Good morning in Juta.
Early wake-up, hot breakfast, and packing up the camp.
8:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Climb to Sadzele Pass (3060 m).
Passing the border checkpoint (don't forget your passports!). The trail to Sadzele stays left of yesterday's path. The climb here is smoother and longer, crossing soft alpine meadows covered in July flowers. You won't find crowds on this pass—just silence and wild nature.
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Lunch on the pass and some rest.
Our final trail lunch at 3,000m with a 360-degree view of the mountain ranges.
1:30 PM – 5:00 PM | Descent to Roshka.
We head down from the pass following the yellow and white markers into the Roshkatskali river valley. The trail switchbacks down, crossing a few crystal-clear streams. Near the end, we hit the final dirt road.
5:00 PM – 5:30 PM | Finish line and hopping into the transfer.
We meet our driver at the same fork where we started yesterday. Pack up the bags and swap your boots for comfy shoes.
5:30 PM – 9:00 PM | Drive to Tbilisi.
Tired but happy, we head back. We can stop for some khinkali in Pasanauri on the way to celebrate finishing the loop. We'll be back at 300 Aragveli metro around 9:00 PM.
Early wake-up, hot breakfast, and packing up the camp.
8:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Climb to Sadzele Pass (3060 m).
Passing the border checkpoint (don't forget your passports!). The trail to Sadzele stays left of yesterday's path. The climb here is smoother and longer, crossing soft alpine meadows covered in July flowers. You won't find crowds on this pass—just silence and wild nature.
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Lunch on the pass and some rest.
Our final trail lunch at 3,000m with a 360-degree view of the mountain ranges.
1:30 PM – 5:00 PM | Descent to Roshka.
We head down from the pass following the yellow and white markers into the Roshkatskali river valley. The trail switchbacks down, crossing a few crystal-clear streams. Near the end, we hit the final dirt road.
5:00 PM – 5:30 PM | Finish line and hopping into the transfer.
We meet our driver at the same fork where we started yesterday. Pack up the bags and swap your boots for comfy shoes.
5:30 PM – 9:00 PM | Drive to Tbilisi.
Tired but happy, we head back. We can stop for some khinkali in Pasanauri on the way to celebrate finishing the loop. We'll be back at 300 Aragveli metro around 9:00 PM.
how to pay?
To book your spot, a deposit is required 20%
The remaining balance must be paid no later than 10 days before the start
Pay in USD or EUR to a Georgian card TBC
Pay in RUB to a Raif card at the Zolotaya Korona rate
More details on cancellations, transfers, and refunds here
Book your spot in the adventure
Leave your contact info: we'll get in touch to answer all your questions about gear and prep.
Only when you're sure you're ready will we book your spot in the group.
Only when you're sure you're ready will we book your spot in the group.
Ready for an adventure?