2
Foreword
4
Alexander Iskandarov, Chief Guide & Outdoor Entertainment Almost more than one year passed since we have created the guide books and started to provide numerous and most interesting trekking tours around the region. Results, demand and positive comments from the guests show us, that after 100+ provided tours there is much more to explore, to do and improve the excellence of service. That’s why, we have renewed and enriched the previous guide books, and pubinformation about most visited local directions, fauna and the most used 3 local food recipes. But, it is not the end. We will announce new stories, ideas and results throughout social network tools. Stay safe and explore our surroundings.
Stepantsminda, formerly known as Kazbegi, is the regional center of Kazbegi municipality. This part of Georgia is famous throughout the world for its dramatic mountainous range and the third highest mountain in Georgia, Mount Kazbeg. Mount Kazbeg has been well loved by mountain climbers since it was first climbed in 1868 by 23 years old British alpinist Douglas Freshfield from the London Alpine Club and has been an important climbers destination ever since. The region is named after the famous local noble pastoral poet Alexander Kazbegi who lived for seven years as a shepherd, writing his famous poems celebrating the beauty and richness of the mountains. To inspire your stay Rooms Hotel Kazbegi provides numerous tours in and around Kazbegi region. We are all about creating meaningful memories that last. We want our guests to have authentic mountain experience and get to know the beautiful, friendly local people and their way of life. Our experienced guides lead treks of varying lengths and difficulty – anything from couple of hours to several days. We have something to offer to every experience level: Easy – accessible to all people in good health. Moderate - accessible to all those in good health leading an active life and familiar with all-terrain walks; 3-5 h. walk per day, without much gear. Challenging – suitable for lovers of the outdoors who are physically active with hiking and backpacking experience; 6-7 h. walks per day. Demanding - demanding some effort and certain endurance. Good health, passion for the outdoors and serious hiking experience is required; 8-10 hours walk per day; often involves carrying your own gear. On each tour we provide all the essential information with regards to the difficulty level, the required and recommended equipment. We also ensure access to a first aid kit at all times. Our aim is to make your entire stay and tour experience rewarding.
5
Introduction
6
About Hotel
Rooms Hotel Kazbegi became an official member of Design Hotels™ in 2014, bringing together the world’s most innovative, outstanding and progressive hotel concepts under one umbrella brand. Over the years, Design Hotels™ has blossomed into a global lifestyle brand that is synonymous with distinctive architecture and interior design balanced with functionality and exceptional service.
This remote and inspiring retreat was designed by young Tbilisi-based architects and designers. The use of natural materials in the interior is breathtakingly dynamic and inviting, retains the ‘mountain hotel’ style environment and provides maximum comfort where guests feel the complete leisure and relaxation of the surroundings. The immense open areas within the hotel have enormous (floor to ceiling) windows so that at once you can enjoy the relaxed intimacy and privacy of the hotel, and feel part of the majestic scenery outside. As you’d expect from a mountainside spot, there’s the clean, natural feel of wooden interiors, warmed up by sympathetic lighting. Large open spaces are filled with vintage carpets, lounging sofas, deep comfortable leather armchairs, bookshelves etc. The blend of colors, furniture, arrangement, lighting, décor, design, handpicked soviet posters, enchanting terrace with its dreamlike scenery and pleasant music on the backdrop all work together to enrich your memories.
7
In the heart of Caucasus, dominated by large mountain massifs and gorges on all sides, Rooms Hotel Kazbegi is divinely situated at 1800 meters altitude. There are l56 spacious, gracious rooms equipped with all necessary amenities. A comfortable balance is maintained between modernity and tradition, architecture and nature, and intriguing yet simple design.
Guides
8
Our guides are young professionals, lovers of mountains and adventures, who have been involved in recreational outdoor activities including mountaineering, climbing and trekking. They know the area inside out, are always enthusiastic to share their knowledge with you and take you through an unforgettable journey in our beautiful landscapes. To make the journey as genuine as possible they will take you to local families and introduce you to local culture of native people. This gives you a unique opportunity to get involved in traditional food making processes and savor the taste of real traditional Georgian dishes, characteristic to this region.
9
10 9 18
14
2
21
17
Being suitably equipped is the single most important factor. Therefore, depending on your choice of tour and difficulty level relevant equipment will be necessary to make the trip possible. This list is a general checklist, while each tour lists the essential equipment for that specific tour. Please remember that it is highly recommended to keep the weight of your backpack as light as possible. Even for the most difficult treks, the packed bag, should weigh no more than 15 kgs (33 pounds)
10
WE PROVIDE: Limited amount of tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, portable camp stove, trekking trail poles, cookware set & sunscreen lotion. Kindly be informed that additional fees apply when renting Hotel equipment.
6
18
12
7
8
23
3 19
21
19 1
20
11
5
1
7
13 11
15
16
4
20 22
Equipment: 1. Hiking Boots + extra 1 2. Hiking Socks 3. Waterproof trouser 4. warm leggings 5. Rain suite 6. Fleece jacket 7. T-shirts
8. Buff or headband 9. Sunglasses 10. Hat 11. Headlamp 12. Gloves 13. Ski poles 14. Sunscreen lotion (30 > more) 15. Backpack (45L > more)
16. Sleeping Bag 17. Sleeping Pad 18. Personal hygiene goods 19. Personal camping eating utensils
12
9 10
26
2
11
17
1
12 5
7
When touring, it is essential to consume the right food and nourish the body accordingly. We have therefore worked with our chef on a special menu, prepared with the freshest and healthiest ingredients to keep you energized.
13
15
16
22 14
17
25
21 23 19
8
20
24
18 13
4 3 6
FOOD:
1. Sandwitch - Tuna, Ham, Cheese 2. Greek salad 3. Croissant 4. Banana 5. Apple 6. Chocolate bar 7. Water 8. Yogurt (250 ml)
9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19.
Vegetable soup Mushroom cream soup Tomato cream soup Tomato & cucumber salad White bread Dark bread Cheese Salami Musli Juice Tea
20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26.
Coffee Sugar Candies Honey Jam Butter Spread
Camping 14
Summer is a wonderful season for camping and Rooms yard is a perfect space to spread out the tents and delight in the vicinity. While camping you can enjoy all the comfort and facilities the hotel has to offer: An indoor swimming pool with mountain views, sauna, shower facilities, gym, free wifi, restaurant/bar services, and an extensive library.
15
16
Tour List
Arsha Waterfall
Gergeti Trinity Church
Tsdo Village
Sno
Chaukhi Base
alp.
camp
Truso Valley
Jvari Nisha
Meteo Station (Bethlemi Hut)
Khde Lower & Upper Valley
17
Elia Monastery
Pansheti Village
Vedza Mineral Water
Gveleti Waterfall
Lake Gveleti
Dariali Gorge
Juta Village
Elia Hill
18
TOUR BRIEF DESCRIPTION:
DAY
TOUR TYPE Trekking
LEVEL Easy – Accessible to all people in good health.
DURATION Distance: 2.40 km. / 1.50 mi. (both ways) Time: 1.20 h. (both ways)
LOWEST/MAXIMUM ELEVATION: Lowest: 1 836 m. / 6 024 ft. Maximum: 2 010 m/ 6 595 ft. DIFF: 174 m. / 571 ft.
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT: • • • • • •
Trekking Boots Rain suit (Depends on weather condition) Sunglasses Hat Thin gloves Ski poles
PREFERABLE TIME OF SEASON: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall.
PRICES: 1 to 5 persons | 30 $ + 18% VAT 5 to 10 persons | 40 $ + 18% VAT 10 to 20 persons | 60 $ + 18% VAT
19
1
Walk to Elia Hill is fairly easy and accessible to almost anyone. The trail goes just behind the hotel, and takes about 30-40 minutes’ walk in the breathtakingly beautiful pine forest. The whole journey is exceptionally pleasant to the senses; Hiking through woods and meadows, listening to birds chirping, watching elegant horses grazing in the fields and finally reaching a small church situated on the threshold of mountain massive. Blissful! A little further up the hill you can hear the stream of the waterfall that commences its journey from the peaks above. Scenery in quite gratifying, Gergeti Trinity Church and Mt. Kazbegi are stretched along the horizon. Turn back around and you come face-toface with massive mountain Kuro. It is a perfect place to watch the sunset and enjoy the stillness of the surrounding.
20
21
22
Arsha waterfall Pansheti village Vedza mineral waters
TOUR BRIEF DESCRIPTION: Light trekking route through Arsha waterfall, Pansheti village and Vedza mineral waters is a stimulating one day trip. We drive to Arsha bridge and from there commence the trek to spectacular Arsha waterfall where you can cool-off and revitalize before continuing on to the historic village of Pansheti. In this village you will discover authentic local life and culture. We will journey up to the old watch-tower, the ideal location to capture the beauty of the valley that lies below. The day ends with a walk through the rolling meadows to the Vedza mineral spring. The spring have attained mythical status, known to travellers through these parts for centuries. Those wanting to feel rejuvenated may submerge themselves in the healing mineral waters.
DAY
Car & Trekking
LEVEL Easy – Accessible to all people in good health.
DURATION Distance: 6.44 km. / 4.00 mi. (one way) Time: 0.20 h. (one way)
TREKKING Distance: 8.45 km. / 5.25 mi. (one way) Time: 3.50 h. (one way)
LOWEST/MAXIMUM ELEVATION: Lowest: 1 735 m. / 5 692 ft. Maximum: 1 935 m/ 6 348 ft. DIFF: 200 m. / 656 ft.
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT: • • • • • •
Trekking Boots Rain suit Sunglasses Hat Thin gloves Ski poles
PREFERABLE TIME OF SEASON: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall.
PRICES: 1 to 6 persons | 70 $ + 18% VAT 7 to 12 persons | 100 $ + 18% VAT
23
1
TOUR TYPE
24
25
26
Gergeti Trinity Church
TOUR BRIEF DESCRIPTION:
ST
TOP 1 TOUR OF 2017
From the Rooms Hotel Kazbegi you can hike for around 1.5 – 2 hours to reach the awe-inspiring Gergeti Trinity Church that has become a symbol of Georgian identity. Starting from the hotel we will pass through the center of Kazbegi township, cross over to Gergeti village and hike through the woods up to the 14th century Holy Trinity Church at 2170 m. / 7119 ft. Gergeti Trinity Church is one of the most renowned and iconic sights of Georgia. Its isolated location on top of a steep mountain surrounded by the vastness of nature has become symbolic to the country and the identity of the Georgian people. The views from the Church are simply breathtaking and certainly worth the walk. No trip to Kazbegi is complete without a visit to Gergeti.
TOUR TYPE
DAY
LEVEL Moderate - accessible to all those in good health leading an active life and familiar with all-terrain walks.
DURATION Distance: 7.20 km. / 4.47 mi. (both ways) Time: 3.30 h. (both ways)
LOWEST/MAXIMUM ELEVATION: Lowest: 1 735 m. / 5 692 ft. Maximum: 2 170 m/ 7 120 ft. DIFF: 435 m. / 1 427 ft.
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT: • • • • • •
Trekking Boots Rain suit (Depends on weather condition) Sunglasses Hat Thin gloves Ski poles
PREFERABLE TIME OF SEASON: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
PRICES: 1 to 2 persons | 50 $ + 18% VAT 2 to 5 persons | 70 $ + 18% VAT 5 to 10 persons | 80 $ + 18% VAT 10 and more | 120 $ + 18% VAT
27
1
Trekking
28
29
30
Tsdo Gveleti waterfall Dariali Gorge
TOUR BRIEF DESCRIPTION:
1
DAY
Gveleti boasts itself with 30 m. / 98 ft. high waterfalls, which is immensely invigorating and refreshing and a lovely little lake, where you can amble through the open meadowlands. Lastly, we will continue towards Dariali pass, the historically important crossing of the Greater Caucasus mountain range. This road takes us to a monastery complex in Dariali Gorge, just on the verge of Georgian-Russian border. The monastery is named after the Archangels Michael and Gabriel and is a very interesting sight in itself.
TOUR TYPE Car & Trekking
LEVEL Easy – Accessible to all people in good health.
DURATION Car: Distance: 28.65 km. / 17.80 mi. (both ways) Time: 2.10 h. (both ways) Trekking: Distance: 2.4 km. / 1.50 mi. (both ways) Time: 1.35 h. (both ways)
LOWEST/MAXIMUM ELEVATION: Lowest: 1 728 m. / 5 669 ft. Maximum: 1 735 m/ 5 692 ft. DIFF: 7 m. / 23 ft.
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT: • • • • • •
Trekking Boots Rain suit Sunglasses Hat Thin gloves Ski poles
PREFERABLE TIME OF SEASON: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
PRICES: 1 to 6 persons | 120 $ + 18% VAT 7 to 12 persons | 120 $ + 18% VAT
31
ST
2 TOP 1 TOUR OF 2017
After 20 min. drive from Rooms Hotel Kazbegi along the Georgian military highway towards Russian-Georgian border there is a beautiful Tsdo village, nestled on the rock massive. The village, with abandoned houses and only a few inhabitants, feels very remote and lost in time. In snowy winters the village is not accessible. From the hillside one can capture this amazingly picturesque traditional village and delight in scenic views.
32
33
34
Sno Valley Juta Village
TOUR BRIEF DESCRIPTION:
1
DAY
TOUR TYPE Car & Trekking
LEVEL Easy – Accessible to all people in good health.
DURATION Car: Distance: 43.40 km. / 26.97 mi. (both ways) Time: 1.50 h. (both ways) Trekking: Distance: 1.84 km. / 1.15 mi. (both ways) Time: 1.50 h. (both ways)
LOWEST/MAXIMUM ELEVATION: Lowest: 1 735 m. / 5 692 ft. Maximum: 2 170 m/ 7 120 ft. DIFF: 435 m. / 1 427 ft.
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT: • • • • • •
Trekking Boots Rain suit (Depends on weather condition) Sunglasses Hat Thin gloves Ski poles
PREFERABLE TIME OF SEASON: Spring, Summer, Fall
PRICES: 1 to 6 persons | 150 $ + 18% VAT 7 to 12 persons | 250 $ + 18% VAT
The hotel highly recommends specially assembled energy lunch boxes that costs 20$+18% VAT per person.
35
ST TOP TOP 33 rd TOUR TOUROF OF 2015 2017
Juta village, located on a slope in the South Caucasus mountain range, is one of the highest villages in Europe (2200 m. / 7218 ft. above the sea level). The village is cut-off from civilization during winter, and in summer getting there is a journey in itself. We will pass beautiful Sno valley and go through picturesque traditional villages scattered throughout the valleys and on hillsides. Juta village is surrounded by alpine terrain and as you continue walking a spectacular vista of mountain peaks suddenly unfolds. The narrow winding road leading up to Juta village and the towering peaks of Chaukhi mountains are simply staggering.
36
37
38
Chaukhi alp. base camp
TOUR BRIEF DESCRIPTION: From Juta village the path we follow continues along the riverbank and leads to the campsite used by alpinists as they prepare their ascent of Chaukhebi (2590 m. / 8497 ft.). There certainly is something very special and magical about this mountain range. Along the way you’ll experience charming villages, flowery meadows, streaming waterfalls, and amazing mountain ranges. Those lovers of mountains will see something familiar in the compact range of seven separate summits. The summits are known as the Dolomites of Georgia, rising to 3688 m / 12099 ft. After reaching the camp you can settle the tent and if you wish, continue climbing further up the valley to explore the surroundings that include beautiful waterfalls and a lake. There’s nothing better than camping under the stars, and there is no better place for stargazing and exploring the night sky for brilliant constellations and falling stars, than Chaukhi alp. base camp (if the weather allows). Next morning we will head back to the hotel and hopefully feel electrified for some days to come.
2
DAY
TOUR TYPE Car & Trekking
LEVEL Moderate - Accessible to all those in good health leading active life, and familiar with all-terrain walks. 3-5 h. walk per day, without much gear.
Car: Distance: 41.72 km. / 25.92 mi. (both ways) Time: 1.40 h. (both ways) Trekking: Distance: 8.35 km. / 5.19 mi. (both ways) Time: 4.00 h. (both ways)
LOWEST/MAXIMUM ELEVATION: Lowest: 1 735 m. / 5 692 ft. Maximum: 2 590 m. / 8 497 ft. DIFF: 855 m. / 2 805 ft.
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT: • • • • • • • • • •
Trekking boots Backpack 40L and above Rain suit Waterproof trousers Sunglasses Hat Thin gloves Ski poles Sunscreen lotion Snacks + water
PRICES: 1 to 6 persons | 350 $ + 18% VAT 7 to 12 persons | 700 $ + 18% VAT
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT FOR 2 DAYS TREKKING: • • • • • • • • •
Tent Sleeping pad Sleeping bag Warm jacket Fleece jacket T – shirts Warm socks Personal hygiene goods Personal camping eating utensil set
PREFERABLE TIME OF SEASON: Spring, Summer, Fall
This tour requires the two-day nutritious and energizing lunch-boxes that has been specailly assembled by our chief. The whole package for two day costs 40$ + 18% VAT per person. Maximum persons 12
39
DURATION
40
41
42
Truso valley
TOUR BRIEF DESCRIPTION:
DAY
TOUR TYPE Car & Trekking
LEVEL Challenging – Suitable for lovers of the outdoors who are physically active with hiking and backpacking experience; 6-7 h. walks per day.
DURATION Car: Distance: 50 km. / 30.06 mi. (both ways) Time: 2.00 h. (both ways) Trekking: Distance: 10 km. / 56.30 mi. (both ways) Time: 5-6 h. (both ways)
LOWEST/MAXIMUM ELEVATION: Lowest: 1 735 m. / 5 692 ft. Maximum: 2 380 m. / 7 808.40 ft. DIFF: 645 m. / 2 116.40 ft.
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT: • • • • • • • • • •
Trekking boots Backpack 40L and above Rain suit Waterproof trousers Sunglasses Hat Thin gloves Ski poles Sunscreen lotion Snacks + water
PREFERABLE TIME OF SEASON: Spring, Summer, Fall
PRICES: 1 to 6 persons | 180 $ + 18% VAT 7 to 12 persons | 300 $ + 18% VAT The hotel highly recommends specially assembled energy lunch boxes that costs 20$+18% VAT per person.
43
1
The Truso Valley is a magnificent natural wonder, which once housed quite a bustling conglomerate of small villages and fortresses dating back centuries. Despite their age and the extreme environment in which they are located, the villages have managed to maintain their historic appearance well. A relatively new tour for Rooms Hotel this is fast becoming a favourite. After a one hour drive from the hotel we enter Truso valley, and this is where the magic begins. As the valley opens up, the trail we follow passes through meadows and lush mountain slopes. The broad trail at times becomes narrow and winding as it continues alongside the powerful Tergi river. Before you reach a small village called Abano, situated deep in the valley, you pass an amazing geothermal area. Further down there is a beautiful small lake coloured by mineral deposits. At every step of the way you feel the serenity and grandeur of the surroundings. As most of the villages are abandoned, you will encounter few inhabitants, perhaps shepherds, nuns or priests who reside there. Meeting them, you begin to understand the faith and perseverance of these people.
44
45
46
Jvari Nisha
TOUR BRIEF DESCRIPTION:
DAY
TOUR TYPE Car & Trekking
LEVEL Challenging – Suitable for lovers of the outdoors who are physically active with hiking and backpacking experience; 6-7 h. walks per day.
DURATION Car: Distance: 11.9 km. / 7.40 mi. (both ways) Time: 1.20 h. (both ways) Trekking: Distance: 7.59 km. / 4.71 mi. (both ways) Time: 5-6 h. (both ways)
LOWEST/MAXIMUM ELEVATION: Lowest: 1 735 m. / 5 692 ft. Maximum: 2 940 m. / 9 646 ft. DIFF: 1 205 m. / 3 953 ft.
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT: • • • • • • • • • •
Trekking boots Backpack 40L and above Rain suit Waterproof trousers Sunglasses Hat Thin gloves Ski poles Sunscreen lotion Snacks + water
PREFERABLE TIME OF SEASON: Spring, Summer, Fall
PRICES: 1 to 6 persons | 120 $ + 18% VAT 7 to 12 persons | 200 $ + 18% VAT
The hotel highly recommends specially assembled energy lunch boxes that costs 20$+18% VAT per person.
47
1
The journey starts from Rooms Hotel Kazbegi, where we take a car to Gergeti Trinity Church, passing through the township of Stepantsminda and Gergeti village. From the church we will set off on a relaxed hike, that will pass through the grassy slopes above the church. Here you may chance upon some locals passing by you on horseback, and as you turn around you will find yourself with an unforgettable view of Gergeti and the valley below. The hike will become steeper as the landscape shifts into the alpine zone. As you reach the final point on the trek you will see the spectacular mountains unfold in front of you, with Mt Kazbegi dominating the skyline. At this point you may meet other alpinists either coming or going to the Meteo Station, the launchpad for Mt Kazbegi (Mkinvartsveri) that stands tall at 5047m. After the thrilling hike to this glorious vantage point, you can take a rest, enjoy your lunch and marvel at the view over Mkinvartsveri and her glacier.
48
49
50
Meteo Station (Bethlemi Hut)
TOUR BRIEF DESCRIPTION:
DAY
TOUR TYPE Car & Trekking
LEVEL Demanding - Demanding some effort and certain endurance. Good health, passion for the outdoors and serious hiking experience is required; 8-10 hours walk per day; often involves carrying your own gear
DURATION Car: Distance: 11.90 km. / 7.40 mi. (both ways) Time: 1.20 h. (both ways) Trekking: Distance: 17.20 km. / 10.69 mi. (both ways) Time: 15 h. (both ways)
LOWEST/MAXIMUM ELEVATION: Lowest: 1 735 m. / 5 692 ft. Maximum: 3 658 m. / 12 001.31 ft. DIFF: 1 923 m. / 6 309ft.
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT: • • • • • • • • • •
Trekking boots Backpack 40L and above Rain suit Waterproof trousers Sunglasses Hat Thin gloves Ski poles Sunscreen lotion Snacks + water
PRICES: 1 to 6 persons | 350 $ + 18% VAT 7 to 12 persons | 700 $ + 18% VAT
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT FOR 2 DAYS TREKKING: • • • • • • • • •
Tent Sleeping pad Sleeping bag Warm jacket Fleece jacket T – shirts Warm socks Personal hygiene goods Personal camping eating utensil set
PREFERABLE TIME OF SEASON: Spring, Summer, Fall
This tour requires the two-day nutritious and energizing lunch-boxes that has been specially assembled by our chief. The whole package for two day costs 40$ + 18% VAT per person. Maximum persons 12
51
2
If you’re ready to climb another 7 km. from Gergeti Trinity Church, this arduous trek does come with satisfying rewards as you find yourself surrounded by brilliant panoramas and an experience that will linger long in your mind after you’ve returned. In the morning we take a car from the hotel and into the valley close by the Gergeti Trinity Church and from this point in the valley we commence our trek to the station. We will pass Jvari Nisha and Sabertse - midpoint camp for alpinists. Throughout the trek the landscape will change from forest to open grassy slopes with native flowers blooming in the summer months. The grass slopes end as the higher alpine zone begins, where streams of water coming from the peaks above flow over the steep rocky slopes and merge together. It takes about 7-9 hours to get to Meteorological station near the slope of Mkinvartsveri (Mt Kazbeg) 3658 m. / 12 001.31 ft. high. We’ll stay overnight in the hut, where we prepare delicious dinner and enjoy the ambience of the surroundings. In the morning, after an energising breakfast, we will bid adieu to the hut and commence our descent back to the valley and finally the hotel.
52
53
54
Khde lower & upper valley
TOUR BRIEF DESCRIPTION:
DAY
TOUR TYPE Car & Trekking
LEVEL Demanding - Demanding some effort and certain endurance. Good health, passion for the outdoors and serious hiking experience is required; 8-10 hours walk per day; often involves carrying your own gear.
DURATION Car: Distance: 23.40 km. / 14.54 mi. (both ways) Time: 1.10 h. (both ways) Trekking: Distance: 25.80 km. / 16.03 mi. (both ways) Time: 14 h. (both ways)
LOWEST/MAXIMUM ELEVATION: Lowest: 1 735 m. / 5 692 ft. Maximum: 2 590 m. / 8 497 ft. DIFF: 855 m. / 2 805 ft.
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT: • • • • • • • • • •
Trekking boots Backpack 40L and above Rain suit Waterproof trousers Sunglasses Hat Thin gloves Ski poles Sunscreen lotion Snacks + water
PRICES: 1 to 6 persons | 400 $ + 18% VAT 7 to 12 persons | 750 $ + 18% VAT
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT FOR 2 DAYS TREKKING: • • • • • • • • •
Tent Sleeping pad Sleeping bag Warm jacket Fleece jacket T – shirts Warm socks Personal hygiene goods Personal camping eating utensil set
PREFERABLE TIME OF SEASON: Spring, Summer, Fall
This tour requires the two-day nutritious and energizing lunch-boxes that has been specially assembled by our chief. The whole package for two day costs 40$ + 18% VAT per person. Maximum persons 12
55
3
This is an inspiring tour that ventures into restricted territory and will attract the most intrepid of tourers. We will first drive along the historic Georgian Military Road all the way to Russian border, where we will obtain the permission to enter the Khde Valley and once all the formalities are completed we will start our adventure. Entering the valley you immediately sense the ethereal nature of the landscape as you pass by rugged slopes shrouded in mist. The hike will continue through a forest, passing over a fresh water stream from which you can drink and revive. After few hours of walking we will settle our tent in the woods. Here we prepare dinner and rest for the night. In the morning you will wake to a hearty breakfast and soon after commence hiking the upper valley. After 40 minutes walk we leave the forest behind and enter a wide alpine zone. The hike will continue for another 5 to 7 hours through this impressive and dramatic landscape before reaching the Kuro Alpine Base Camp, which is from where alpinists set out to conquer Mount Kuro. Once we settle there and rest awhile, we can visit some scenic waterfalls. This is another experience that will surely inspire you and linger long in the mind.
56
57
Bicycle Rent & Tours
While relaxing in a unique setting of Rooms Hotel Kazbegi, there is something else guests can add to their experiences, a lot more healthy and adventurous. Ultimate wild feeling accompanies biking around in Stepantsminda and if guessed, this service is also offered by the hotel. Flashy rides definitely reflect to the design experience and exploring surroundings in the process of biking have additional advantage. A range of cycling tours can be organised accompanied by the guides with the local expertise around all the areas we cover or self-guided. Guides can be supplied on request anytime. Our dedication to provide genuinely personal service and experiences can easily be discovered in bike tours as well. 58
DIRECTION
DURATION
PRICE
elia monastery
½ hour
25 $ +18% vat.
gergeti church
1 hour
40$ +18% vat.
vill. sno
1 hour
40$ +18% vat.
vill. juta
3 hours
120$ +18% vat.
½ hour
25$ +18% vat.
toti waterfall
2 hours
75$ + 18% vat.
elia, gergeti church
4 - 5 hours
150$+18% vat.
vedza, toti, juta
6 - 7 hours
180$ +18% vat.
mineral water
“vedza”
Staying at Rooms Hotel Kazbegi has lots of joys, one of them can definitely be the excitement of riding All-Terrain Vehicles (a.k.a. quad-bikes) in stunning surroundings of Stepantsminda. Tours are available all year round and can be found listed above. We don’t rent Quad Bikes without an instructor and driving license. Please be informed that only 1 person can only use 1 quad-bike!
59
Quad Tours
60
During tours you may also observe other regional specialties including: Twite (interior Asian form - a potential split), Red-fronted Serin, Wallcreeper, Citrine Wagtail, White-winged Snowfinch, Red-billed and Alpine Choughs, Chukar, Horned Lark, Water Pipit, Greenish Warbler, Barred Warbler, Alpine Accentor, Common Rosefinch and dozens of other species. Common raptors include: Bearded Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Golden Eagle and Peregrine Falcon.
61
The Kazbegi region is the place where the “Big Five” Caucasian birds can be seen: Caucasian Snowcock, Caucasian Black Grouse, Great Rosefinch, Güldenstädt’s Redstart, Caucasian Chiffchaff.
62
Meat Bouillon with savory
• • • • •
3 kg Boney Lamb (Pork optional) 0.5 kg Potato 1-2 Bunch of Highland Savory A Piece of Onion (Medium size) Salt, Pepper and Laurel Leaf (According to taste)
• Cooking:
Few easy steps will do to prepare this nourishing Meat Bullion. First step is to boil the meat to medium level and add some potato cubes. After 10-15 mins top it off with some onion, savory, pepper, salt, laurel and boil it well. Voila! Enjoy!
63
• Ingredients:
64
Kazbegian Traditional Mkhlovana Pie
• Spinach or Beat leaves or Fresh Nettle – 5 kg • Cheese (preferably homemade, but quality sumptuous cheese would do 0.5 kg • Melted Butter 0.2 – 0.25 kg
• Cooking:
Cut Vegetables into small pieces (it must be washed and dried in advance), add scrubbed cheese and melted butter. Mix and squeeze all ingredients and prepare the balls with it. Put the balls into the dough, roll it and place in the cook for 10-15min. when it’s done put some butter on top and Enjoy with it.
65
• Ingredients:
66
Mountain Khevi Khinkali
• • • • • •
2 kg Beef 1 kg Pork 0.2 kg Minced Onion 0.05 kg Minced Garlic Savory, Pepper, Salt Endemic herb Mkvliana
• Cooking:
Calculation: 3kg flour and 1L water Prepare the dough with water, salt and flour. Place 2 kg beef and 1 kg pork mincemeat with special machine [AS3] and mix it. Add 0.2 kg minced onion, 0.05 kg minced garlic, savory, pepper, salt and endemic herb Mkvliana. Add some water to be enough juicy. Squeeze dough to prepare 10 cm diameter plates, put spiced meat into the plates, roll it (as local cooks do – need to know Special Finger Technique) and place in boiler. After 10-25 min open the boiler and try the stream with your hand if its adhesive. It means Khinkali is ready This topknot dumplings filled with herbed meat and slurphy broth is simply finger-licking if prepared heartily.
67
• Ingredients:
PHOTO CREDITS: Ann Svanidze Alexander Iskandarov Nick Paniashvili Giorgi Khutsishvili Giorgi Rajebashvili Giorgi Darchiashvili
GRAPHIC DESIGN: Wer Michèlle
And also thanks for Stepantsminda Museum of History and Ecotours Georgia for their incomparable help.
Inspired by
Address: 1, Gorgasali Str. Stepantsminda, Georgia Phone: +995 32 2710099; Fax: +995 32 2720099 info@roomshotels.com; www.roomshotels.com
69
70