Rooms Hotel Kazbegi Guidebook by Ann Svanidze

| INTRODUCTION

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.

| 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. 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. 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.

GUIDES 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.

GEORGIA 2015

NUMEROUS TOURS IN AND AROUND KAZBEGI REGION

GUIDE BOOK PAGE 7

| TOUR LIST |

ELIA MONASTERY

ARSHA WATERFALL

PANSHETI VILLAGE

VEDZA MINERAL WATER

GERGETI TRINITY CHURCH

TSDO VILLAGE

SNO

CHAUKHI BASE

ALP.

CAMP

GVELETI WATERFALL

LAKE GVELETI

DARIALI GORGE

JUTA VILLAGE

TRUSO VALLEY

JVARI NISHA

METEO STATION (BETHLEMI HUT)

KHDE LOWER & UPPER VALLEY

10 9 18

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 check-list, 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 weight no more than 15 kgs (33 pounds) WE PROVIDE: Limited amount of tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, portable camp stove, cookware set & sunscreen lotion. Kindly be informed that additional fees apply when renting Hotel equipment.

3 19

19 1

13 15

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 20. Tent 21. Portable camp stove 22. Cookware set 23. Firs Aid Kit

9 10

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.

15 27

22 14

21 23 19

18 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. 27.

Coffee Sugar Candies Honey Jam Butter Spread Dried fruit / Nuts

| CAMPING

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.

GEORGIA 2015

NUMEROUS TOURS IN AND AROUND KAZBEGI REGION

| ELIA HILL

GUIDE BOOK PAGE 14

DURATION

DAY TOUR

TOUR BRIEF DESCRIPTION:

TOUR TYPE

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 pleasent 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. Kazbeg 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.

Trekking

LEVEL Easy – Accessible to all people in good health.

DURATION

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT: • • • • • •

Trekking Boots Rain suit (Depends on weather condition) Sunglasses Hat Thin gloves Ski poles

Distance: 2.40 km. / 1.50 mi. (both ways) Time: 1.20 h. (both ways)

PREFERABLE TIME OF SEASON:

LOWEST/MAXIMUM ELEVATION:

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall.

Lowest: 1 836 m. / 6 024 ft. Maximum: 2 010 m/ 6 595 ft. DIFF: 174 m. / 571 ft.

PRICES: 1 to 5 persons | 30 $ + 18% VAT 5 to 10 persons | 40 $ + 18% VAT 10 to 20 persons | 60 $ + 18% VAT

ELIA HILL | ELIA HILL |

GEORGIA 2015

NUMEROUS TOURS IN AND AROUND KAZBEGI REGION

| ARSHA WATERFALL | PANSHETI VILLAGE | | VEDZA MINERAL WATERS

GUIDE BOOK PAGE 16

DURATION

DAY TOUR

TOUR BRIEF DESCRIPTION:

TOUR TYPE

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.

Car & Trekking

LEVEL Easy – Accessible to all people in good health.

DURATION Car: 6.44 km. / 4.00 mi. (one way) Time: 0.20 h. (one way) Trekking: 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

GEORGIA 2015

NUMEROUS TOURS IN AND AROUND KAZBEGI REGION

| GERGETI TRINITY CHURCH

GUIDE BOOK PAGE 18

DURATION

DAY TOUR

TOUR BRIEF DESCRIPTION:

TOUR TYPE

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.

Trekking

LEVEL Easy – Accessible to all people in good health.

DURATION

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT: • • • • • •

Trekking Boots Rain suit (Depends on weather condition) Sunglasses Hat Thin gloves Ski poles

Distance: 7.20 km. / 4.47 mi. (both ways) Time: 3.15 h. (both ways)

PREFERABLE TIME OF SEASON:

LOWEST/MAXIMUM ELEVATION:

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall.

Lowest: 1 735 m. / 5 692 ft. Maximum: 2 170 m/ 7 120 ft. DIFF: 435 m. / 1 427 ft.

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

GERGETI TRINITY CHURCH | ELIA HILL |

GEORGIA 2015

NUMEROUS TOURS IN AND AROUND KAZBEGI REGION

GUIDE BOOK PAGE 20

DURATION

DAY TOUR

TOUR BRIEF DESCRIPTION:

TOUR TYPE

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. 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.

Car & Trekking

LEVEL Easy – Accessible to all people in good health.

DURATION

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT: • • • • • •

Trekking Boots Rain suit Sunglasses Hat Thin gloves Ski poles

Car: 28.65 km. / 17.80 mi. (both ways) Time: 2.10 h. (both ways) Trekking: 2.4 km. / 1.50 mi. (both ways) Time: 1.35 h. (both ways)

PREFERABLE TIME OF SEASON:

LOWEST/MAXIMUM ELEVATION:

PRICES:

Lowest: 1 728 m. / 5 669 ft. Maximum: 1 735 m/ 5 692 ft. DIFF: 7 m. / 23 ft.

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall.

1 to 6 persons | 100 $ + 18% VAT 7 to 12 persons | 180 $ + 18% VAT

GEORGIA 2015

NUMEROUS TOURS IN AND AROUND KAZBEGI REGION

| SNO VALLEY - JUTA VILLAGE

GUIDE BOOK PAGE 22

DURATION

DAY TOUR

TOUR BRIEF DESCRIPTION:

TOUR TYPE

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.

Car & Trekking

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT:

LEVEL

• •

Easy – Accessible to all people in good health.

DURATION Car: 43.40 km. / 26.97 mi. (both ways) Time: 1.50 h. (both ways) Trekking: 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.

• • • •

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 | 140 $ + 18% VAT 7 to 12 persons | 220 $ + 18% VAT

The hotel highly recommends specially assambled energy lunch boxes that costs 20$+18% VAT per person.

SNO VALLEY - JUTA VILLAGE | ELIA HILL |

GEORGIA 2015

NUMEROUS TOURS IN AND AROUND KAZBEGI REGION

| CHAUKHI ALP. BASE CAMP

GUIDE BOOK PAGE 24

DURATION

DAY TOUR

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 3688m / 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.

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.

DURATION Car: 41.72 km. / 25.92 mi. (both ways) Time: 1.40 h. (both ways) Trekking: 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

REQUIRED 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.

PRICES: 1 to 6 persons | 180 $ + 18% VAT 7 to 12 persons | 300 $ + 18% VAT

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.

CHAUKHI ALP. BASE CAMP | ELIA HILL |

GEORGIA 2015

NUMEROUS TOURS IN AND AROUND KAZBEGI REGION

| TRUSO VALLEY

GUIDE BOOK PAGE 28

DURATION

DAY TOUR

TOUR BRIEF DESCRIPTION:

TOUR TYPE

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.

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: 50 km. / 30.06 mi. (both ways) Time: 2.00 h. (both ways) Trekking: 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 | 150 $ + 18% VAT 7 to 12 persons | 250 $ + 18% VAT

The hotel highly recommends specially assambled energy lunch boxes that costs 20$+18% VAT per person. For additional 100$ horseback riding can be arranged throughout the entire valley (worth every penny!)

TRUSO VALLEY | ELIA HILL |

GEORGIA 2015

NUMEROUS TOURS IN AND AROUND KAZBEGI REGION

| JVARI NISHA

GUIDE BOOK PAGE 30

DURATION

DAY TOUR

TOUR BRIEF DESCRIPTION:

TOUR TYPE

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.

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: 11.9 km. / 7.40 mi. (both ways) Time: 1.20 h. (both ways) Trekking: 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 | 150 $ + 18% VAT 7 to 12 persons | 250 $ + 18% VAT

The hotel highly recommends specially assambled energy lunch boxes that costs 20$+18% VAT per person.

JVARI NISHA | ELIA HILL |

GEORGIA 2015

NUMEROUS TOURS IN AND AROUND KAZBEGI REGION

| METEO STATION (BETHLEMI HUT)

GUIDE BOOK PAGE 32

DURATION

DAY TOUR

TOUR BRIEF DESCRIPTION: 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.

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

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT FOR 2 DAYS TREKKING:

Car: 11.90 km. / 7.40 mi. (both ways) Time: 1.20 h. (both ways) Trekking: 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

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.

PRICES: 1 to 6 persons | 250 $ + 18% VAT 7 to 12 persons | 500 $ + 18% VAT

METEO STATION (BETHLEMI HUT) | ELIA HILL |

GEORGIA 2015

NUMEROUS TOURS IN AND AROUND KAZBEGI REGION

| KHDE LOWER & UPPER VALLEY

GUIDE BOOK PAGE 34

DURATION

DAY TOUR

TOUR BRIEF DESCRIPTION: 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. This is another experience that will surely inspire you and linger long in the mind.

TOUR TYPE Car & Trekking

DURATION Car: 23.40 km. / 14.54 mi. (both ways) Time: 1.10 h. (both ways) Trekking: 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

REQUIRED 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.

PRICES: 1 to 6 persons | 300 $ + 18% VAT 7 to 12 persons | 600 $ + 18% VAT

This tour requires the three-day nutritious and energizing lunch-boxes that has been specailly assembled by our chief. The whole package for 3 day costs 100$ + 18% VAT per person. | Maximum persons 12.

KHDE LOWER & UPPER VALLEY | ELIA HILL |

PHOTO CREDITS: Ann Svanidze Alexander Iskandarov Nick Paniashvili Giorgi Khutsishvili GRAPHIC DESIGN: Wer MichĂ¨lle

Inspired by

Rooms Hotel Kazbegi, 1, V. Gorgasali St., 4700, Stepantsminda, Georgia, Phone: +995 32 2710099, Fax: +995 32 2430099, kazbegi@roomshotels.com www.roomshotels.com