• JUTA TO ROSHKA

    VIA CHAUKHI PASS

    The distinctive five peaks of the Chaukhi Massif, near Kazbegi in northern Georgia

  • JUTA TO ROSHKA

    VIA CHAUKHI PASS

    The distinctive five peaks of the Chaukhi Massif, near Kazbegi in northern Georgia

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HIKING FROM JUTA TO ROSHKA VIA CHAUKHI PASS

In this guide we cover everything you need to know about the Juta to Roshka trek, including distances, trekking times, camping and accommodation options, transport, and more. We also provide a map and our gpx track download to help you find your way.

The Juta to Roshka trek is a fantastic 1 – 2 day hike connecting the Kazbegi and Khevsureti regions of northern Georgia. Starting in Juta Valley, the trail ascends towards the spectacular Chaukhi Massif (the so-called ‘Dolomites of Georgia’), crosses Chaukhi Pass (3340 m), descends to a trio of beautiful lakes, and continues down the erratic filled Roshka Valley. The hike is best tackled over 2 days with a night camping at Abudelauri Lakes. However, if you don’t have camping gear, it is possible to complete the route in one day if you’re a fit and fast hiker. The descent from Chaukhi Pass to Abudelauri Lakes is relentlessly steep with sections of loose shale, so it’s advisable to tackle this trek from Juta to Roshka, and not the other way around.


*Some of the links in this post are affiliate links – if you purchase a product or service via these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps offset the cost of running this blog and keeps us travelling so that we can continue to produce great content for you. We greatly appreciate your support!*

JUTA TO ROSHKA HIKE QUICK FACTS

            • Distance | 17.5 km
            • Duration | 1 – 2 days
            • Start/End | Juta/Roshka
            • Min Elevation | 1985 m
            • Max Elevation | 3340 m
            • Total Ascent | 1260 m
            • Total Descent | 1425 m
            • Hiking Season | July – September
            • Accommodation | Guesthouse or Camping
            • River Crossings | Shallow river in Juta Valley (no bridge),
              smaller streams higher up easy to cross
            • Water Sources | Streams, although nothing from shortly
              before Chaukhi Pass to Abudelauri Lakes

JUTA TO ROSHKA HIKE QUICK FACTS

Distance
17.5 km

Duration
1 – 2 days

Start/End
Juta/Roshka

Min Elevation
1985 m

Max Elevation
3340 m

Total Ascent
1260 m

Total Descent
1425 m

Hiking Season
July – September

Accommodation
Guesthouse or Camping

River Crossings
Shallow river in Juta Valley (no bridge), smaller streams higher up easy to cross

Water Sources
Streams, although nothing from shortly before Chaukhi Pass to Abudelauri Lakes

 


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Watch the behind the scenes version of our Juta to Roshka hike on Instagram stories

Watch the behind the scenes
version of our Juta to Roshka
hike on Instagram stories 

Juta To Roshka Hike Stories

JUTA TO ROSHKA (VIA CHAUKHI PASS) HIKING MAP

JUTA TO ROSHKA

HIKING MAP

Use the map below to help guide you from Juta to Roshka via the Chaukhi Pass. Tap the menu button at the top left for more details, to toggle layers on and off, and switch between satellite and terrain view.

To use an offline version of this map, download our KML file for use with Maps.me (iOS/Android), or the GPX file for use with other offline mapping apps such as Gaia (iOS/Android) or OsmAnd Maps (iOS/Android). See the expandable box below for tips on using these apps. 

Download GPX  |  Download KML


To save this map to use online on desktop or mobile just tap the star symbol at the top. When you open Google Maps on your phone, navigate to ‘Saved’ at the bottom, then swipe along to ‘Maps’ at the top. You’ll find this map in your list of maps.

On desktop, click the three lines at the top left, select ‘Your Places’, then ‘Maps’. Click the map, then scroll down and select ‘Open in My Maps’ to access the interactive version.

Alternatively, just tap the rectangle symbol at the top right of the map in this blog post to view the My Maps version larger on desktop.

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to view this version of the map offline, but we’ve provided a download for a similar version for offline use.


MAPS.ME

Maps.me is our go-to offline mapping app. We find it straightforward to use for planning routes in advance, as well as navigating on the trail. It doesn’t drain our phone battery, and it’s quick and easy to save and organise ‘bookmarks’. There are many trails already marked on Maps.me, plus you can download and import a KML track of your route to the app. 

To use Maps.me, first download the app (iOS/Android). Hover over the region or country that you want to visit and the app will prompt you to download this map. Once downloaded, it can be viewed offline. 

You can tap anywhere and save it as a ‘bookmark’ by tapping the star symbol at the bottom. Hit ‘Edit Bookmark’ to personalise the bookmark colour, organise your bookmarks into different folders, and rename them. 

You can navigate easily or plan routes in advance by tapping your start point and selecting ‘route from’, then tapping your end point and selecting ‘route to’. Tap the car, walking, or cycling symbol at the top of the screen to indicate your mode of travel. If you want to plot a different route to the one suggested by Maps.me, just tap a third (or fourth, fifth, etc.) bookmark between the start and end points and select ‘add stop’. 

Maps.me shows the distance and travel time, plus elevation profiles for hiking trails. Note that the estimated time isn’t always reliable, but we’ve always found the distance and elevation gain/loss to be largely accurate. It only shows very basic contour lines.

You can track your progress on the trail using GPS. The arrow shows your direction of travel. Tap the compass at the top right of the screen to keep the map in a fixed position (the arrow will rotate). Alternatively, tap the arrow at the bottom right of the screen to rotate the map in the direction of travel (the arrow will stay in a fixed position).

GAIA

Gaia (iOS/Android) is another offline mapping app that is very useful. It shows the contours in much more detail than Maps.me, and you can download both the topographical and satellite view of your route in advance for offline use. The app has existing OpenStreetMap trails marked and you can import GPX tracks and view them offline. You can also create new routes online yourself and export them as GPX or KML files. You can navigate easily on the trail using the arrow that shows your GPS location. You can also check distances between places offline, however you will only get elevation profiles while online. There are a lot of useful features in the free version and even more benefits if you have a paid annual membership, so if you spend a lot of time outdoors it is worthwhile learning how to use the app to its full advantage.

In our experience, Gaia drains your phone battery much quicker than Maps.me, even in flight mode, so it’s best to shut down the app completely each time you finish using it.

OSMAND MAPS

OsmAnd Maps (iOS/Android) is another great offline mapping app with lots of useful features. In our opinion, it’s not as intuitive as Maps.me, and it has so many features that it can be a bit overwhelming at first. Like Gaia, we recommend checking out the written and video tutorials on the OsmAnd website to learn how to fully use the app. The benefits of the app include being able to plot routes in advance and save them as GPX tracks, and to view detailed elevation and terrain information, including surface types. You can also import GPX tracks. One downside is that the free version does not include contour lines, but these can be added via a paid plugin.


JUTA TO ROSHKA HIKE

We’ve broken down the Juta to Roshka hike into sections below and given approximate timings for each. These are based on average hiking speeds. If you’re a fast hiker you can expect it to take less time, and conversely, if you’re a slow hiker you can expect it to take longer. Our personal hiking time was longer because we were carrying heavy packs, and stopped to film, drone, and photograph a lot.

ELEVATION PROFILE AND 3D ROUTE MAP VIDEO

Elevation profile of the Juta to Roshka hike in Georgia


JUTA VILLAGE TO FIFTH SEASON | 20 – 30 minutes | 1.2 km

JUTA VILLAGE TO
FIFTH SEASON

20 – 30 minutes | 1.2 km

The Juta to Roshka trek starts in the village of Juta, about 30 minutes drive up the Snostskali valley from the Georgian Military Highway. From the village, follow the signs for Zeta Camping and climb the initially steep trail up into Juta Valley. The ground flattens out at Zeta Camping then gently rises towards Fifth Season. There are fantastic views of the Chaukhi Massif and we recommend camping or staying in accommodation around here before starting your trek.

A person relaxes in a hammock with a wide view of Juta Valley and the Chaukhi Massif in the Kazbegi area of Georgia

The view of Juta Valley and the Chaukhi Massif from Fifth Season Hut


A person relaxes in a hammock with a wide view of Juta Valley and the Chaukhi Massif in the Kazbegi area of Georgia

The view of Juta Valley and the Chaukhi
Massif from the garden at Fifth Season Hut


FIFTH SEASON TO UPPER JUTA VALLEY | 1 hour | 3 km

FIFTH SEASON TO
UPPER JUTA VALLEY

1 hour | 3 km

The trail heads up Juta Valley from Fifth Season, straight towards the imposing Chaukhi Massif. There are two different trail options to choose from. One sticks to the left side of the valley and crosses the river below the small waterfall, about 2.4 km (around 45 minutes) from Fifth Season. The other crosses the river earlier at an obvious bend just after the glamping pods (on slightly submerged sandbags). This trail continues up the right side of the valley towards an A-frame hut cafe, small lake, and informal camping area.

Either way, you’ll probably get your feet wet crossing the river but neither are likely to be tricky if you’re trekking in summer (July-September). Hiking poles will help you cross, and you may want water sandals instead of going barefoot. The trails rejoin near the A-frame cafe and informal camping area, where some makeshift bridges make it easy to cross the streams.

A hiker ascends the gradual trail from the top of Juta Valley on the Juta to Roshka hike in Georgia

Leaving the upper part of Juta Valley, the trail leaves the camping area behind and heads past some large rocks used for climbing practice


A hiker ascends the gradual trail from the top of Juta Valley on the Juta to Roshka hike in Georgia

Leaving the upper part of Juta Valley, the trail
heads past some rocks used for climbing practice


UPPER JUTA VALLEY TO UPPER GRAZING MEADOW | 2 – 2.5 hours | 3.1 km

UPPER JUTA VALLEY TO
UPPER GRAZING MEADOW

2 – 2.5 hours | 3.1 km

From the camping area at the top of Juta Valley, the trail bends to the left and heads in an east-northeast direction, eventually curving around to the east. It’s a fairly steady climb up this valley, with fantastic views of the Chaukhi Massif to your right. There are cows grazing here, a waterfall to admire, and increasingly spectacular views.

Shortly after the initial climb from the camping area, a trail heads over the narrow river (no bridge) towards a shepherds camp. It then continues up the left side of the valley before crossing the river again soon after. It is possible to stick to the right side though (see our GPX track), avoiding the river crossings and following the trail over some boulders (a little climbing up/over/around required but nothing tricky). Be careful not to take the trail up towards the mountain face – you need to follow the river and curve left around the hillside instead.

After the trail bends and starts heading east, you’ll see a waterfall ahead on your left. Keep climbing up the valley, cross the stream above the waterfall, and continue to a second, smaller stream cascading down over shale. It is best to fill up water around here if you need to as there are no other certain water sources before reaching Abudelauri Lakes. From this point, there’s a somewhat steep 10 minute climb up to a flattish meadow, the last grazing pasture for the cows.

The climb from Juta Valley is steady, mostly gradual with some short steeper sections along the way


The climb from Juta Valley is gradual with
some short, steeper sections along the way


UPPER GRAZING MEADOW TO CHAUKHI PASS | 60 – 75 minutes | 1.4 km

UPPER GRAZING MEADOW
TO CHAUKHI PASS

60 – 75 minutes | 1.4 km

From the upper grazing meadow there is one final steep push towards the pass, with some fantastic views waiting to greet you (weather permitting!). The trail heading off to the left can be a little tricky to spot from the meadow, and yes, it really is going up that incredibly steep hillside. Look for it in the shale section on the left. The trail follows an increasingly steep series of switchbacks, and it takes around 30 minutes to reach the top of this section. It’s pretty tiring, so use hiking poles to boost you up!

Be aware that there is another route from the upper grazing meadow to the pass, but that it is more steep and difficult. Instead of climbing the hill to your left (as we did), you would carry straight on and ascend the northwestern facing slope, then follow the narrow ridge to the pass. This route is also marked on Maps.me but is clearly the more difficult option.

A hiker appoaches the top of the steep switchback climb on the way to Chaukhi Pass while trekking from Juta to Roshka in Georgia

Approaching the top of the steep climb from the meadow below


A hiker appoaches the top of the steep switchback climb on the way to Chaukhi Pass while trekking from Juta to Roshka in Georgia

Approaching the top of the steep climb


At the top of the steep climb, the views of nearby Chaukhi Massif are wonderful, and if it’s a clear day you can easily spot Mount Kazbek to the northwest. The toughest climb of the day is now done. There was a very small stream flowing here in mid July but it is most likely to be seasonal and can’t be guaranteed as a water source.

Beyond this point, it’s a fairly easy 30 minutes or so to Chaukhi Pass. The pass is wide, with a sheltered dip in the middle, and expansive views looking both north and south.

A hiker on the Juta to Roshka trek approaches the Chaukhi Pass on a gradual, shale covered slope

The final approach to Chaukhi Pass is an easy ascent on a gradual shale covered slope


A hiker on the Juta to Roshka trek approaches the Chaukhi Pass on a gradual, shale covered slope

The final approach to Chaukhi Pass is an
easy ascent on a gradual shale covered slope


CHAUKHI PASS TO ABUDELAURI BLUE LAKE | 2 – 3 hours | 2.8 km

CHAUKHI PASS TO
ABUDELAURI BLUE LAKE

2 – 3 hours | 2.8 km

From Chaukhi Pass there are two trails descending to Roshka Valley. The first heads straight down from the pass itself, on a steep trail of loose shale. The second descends via a ridge to the east, still very steep but a little easier.

 If you want to take the ridge route (like we did and is recorded on our gpx track), follow the trail up the small rise to the east, along the ridge, and then down a faint trail on loose shale which cuts across the hillside. This leads to a switchback trail on a sideridge which is clearly visible from the top.

It’s a pretty long and relentless descent, initially on the shale covered steep switchback trail, then on a grassy stony trail, and eventually down through overgrown wildflowers and weeds. We found it quite mentally exhausting, the first section in particular requiring concentrated care and sure footing. We wouldn’t want to do this descent in rain, strong wind, or poor visibility. Hiking poles are a must in our opinion, especially if carrying a heavy load.

A hiker descends the switchback ridgeline trail from Chaukhi Pass to Abudelauri Lakes on the Juta to Roshka trek in Georgia

The descent becomes less steep near the halfway point, before descending more steeply again through long grass and wildflowers to the lakes


A hiker descends the siwtchback ridgeline trail from Chaukhi Pass to Abudelauri Lakes on the Juta to Roshka trek in Georgia

The switchback descent becomes less steep near
the halfway point, before descending more steeply
again through grass and wildflowers to the lakes


It takes around 2 – 2.5 hours to reach the bottom. From here it’s another 20 – 30 minutes on a trail climbing up, down and around boulders to reach the stunning Abudelauri Blue Lake. If you’re camping, you’ll find a few suitable spots for a single tent dotted around the lake, with some larger grassy patches higher up the trail, overlooking the lake. We’ve marked a few options on the map. You’ll need to carry on up the trail to Green Lake to get fresh water from the stream.

The jagged peaks of Chaukhi Massif rising behind and reflected in the bold blue surface of Blue Abudelauri Lake

Morning view of Abudelauri Blue Lake and the Chaukhi Massif


The jagged peaks of Chaukhi Massif rising behind and reflected in the bold blue surface of Blue Abudelauri Lake

Abudelauri Blue Lake and the Chaukhi Massif


Abudelauri White Lake lies up a trail closer to the foot of the Chaukhi Massif. It’s about 1.5 km from Abudelauri Blue Lake, with around 250 meters to climb, so you can expect a return trip to take 2 – 3 hours.

*note that there is no phone reception around Abudelauri Lakes

Abudelauri White Lake sitting at the foot of the mountains, seen while descending from Chaukhi Pass on the Juta to Roshka hike

Abudelauri White Lake, seen while descending from Chaukhi Pass


Abudelauri White Lake sitting at the foot of the mountains, seen while descending from Chaukhi Pass on the Juta to Roshka hike

A view of Abudelauri White Lake, seen
while descending from Chaukhi Pass


ABUDELAURI BLUE LAKE TO ROSHKA VILLAGE | 1.5 – 2.5 hours | 6 km

ABUDELAURI BLUE LAKE
TO ROSHKA VILLAGE

1.5 – 2.5 hours | 6 km

From the Abudelauri Lakes, it’s a steady descent all the way to Roshka. The trail climbs up a little from Blue Lake, skirts around Green Lake, then continues down the valley. The whole area is home to glacial erratics, huge stones deposited in the last Ice Age. In summer, colourful wildflowers bloom everywhere. Keeping the river to your left, the trail is mostly easy to follow but does pass through some overgrown sections, or muddy patches where cows graze and multiple paths eventually lead to the same place.

The village of Roshka, nestled in the green, sunlit Roshka Valley at the end of the Juta to Roshka hike in Georgia

The village of Roshka appears near the end of the trail


The village of Roshka, nestled in the green, sunlit Roshka Valley at the end of the Juta to Roshka hike in Georgia

Roshka appears near the end of the trail


WHAT TO PACK FOR THE JUTA TO ROSHKA TREK

There are no villages or facilities between Juta and Roshka. You’ll need to carry enough food for the duration of the hike and have a refillable water bottle. Be prepared with all weather clothing too. And if you’re planning to camp at Abudelauri Lakes, you’ll also need all the usual camping gear.

FOOD

Pack plenty of snacks and something for lunch. You can pick up supplies at the supermarket in Kazbegi before travelling to Juta, or ask if your guesthouse can provide a packed lunch. If camping, you’ll need food for dinner and breakfast too.

WATER

Take a water bladder/water bottle with you to fill up at streams along the way. Remember to fill up from the streams before reaching the ‘upper grazing meadow’, as there are no certain water sources beyond this until reaching Abudelauri Lakes. You may wish to sterilise stream water, so have a steripen/purification tablets or such like with you.

One of the main places to get fresh water on the Juta to Roshka hike, a stream runs into Abudelauri Green Lake with the distinctive peaks of the Chaukhi Massif rising behind

You can get fresh water from the stream that flows into Abudelauri Green Lake


One of the main places to get fresh water on the Juta to Roshka hike, a stream runs into Abudelauri Green Lake with the distinctive peaks of the Chaukhi Massif rising behind

You can get fresh water from the stream
that flows into Abudelauri Green Lake


ALL WEATHER CLOTHING

Regardless of what the weather forecast says, make sure you pack clothing for all weather eventualities. The weather can be very unpredictable, change quickly, and vary greatly between lower and higher altitudes. As a minimum you should have a waterproof jacket and trousers, warm mid-layer fleece, and a base layer ideally made from merino wool or sweat-wicking material. Avoid jeans or cotton materials – if they get wet they won’t dry quickly and you’ll get cold easily. A hat, gloves and sunglasses are also recommended. We’d suggest proper hiking boots for this trek, and you may want microspikes if there’s a chance of snow on the pass (possible up until late June, or in late September/early October).

HIKING POLES

Personally, we couldn’t have done this trek without hiking poles and definitely recommend them, especially if carrying bigger backpacks and camping gear. They are particularly useful on the loose shale, steep descent from Chaukhi Pass.

MAP

White and blue trail markers are emblazoned on rocks along the way, but don’t rely on these for navigating the trail. Be sure to have a map/GPS with you. The trail is marked on Maps.me (iOS/Android) and other OSM mapping apps such as Gaia (iOS/Android) and OsmAnd Maps (iOS/Android). You can also download our GPX/KML files to help keep you on track. Paper trekking maps of the region can be bought at Geoland in Tbilisi (trekking map number 3).

CAMPING EQUIPMENT

If you plan to camp at Abudelauri Lakes you’ll need a tent, sleeping mat, and sleeping bag as a minimum. Don’t forget to pack out all of your rubbish and always Leave No Trace. Remember to plan ahead and take a rubbish bag with you.

You can rent camping gear at MPlus in Tbilisi, and Mountain Freaks in Kazbegi (Stepantsminda). You can buy screw-in style camping gas at Geoland or MPlus in Tbilisi, and Mountain Freaks in Kazbegi (Stepantsminda).

A tent is pitched next to the path that runs along above Blue Abudelauri Lake on the Juta to Roshka trail in Georgia

Camping next to Abudelauri Blue Lake


A tent is pitched next to the path that runs along above Blue Abudelauri Lake on the Juta to Roshka trail in Georgia

Camping next to Abudelauri Blue Lake


POWER BANK

Even on flight mode, your phone will likely run out of battery, so best to pack a power bank and cable.

MONEY

If you plan on getting a vehicle from Roshka to Barisakho or elsewhere, you’ll need cash. There are no ATMs in Juta or Roshka, but there is one in Kazbegi (Stepantsminda).

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TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR HIKING AT ALTITUDE

It’s important to note that most travel insurance providers will only cover hiking up to a certain altitude as standard (often 2500 m or 3000 m). In order to be covered for hiking above this, you will probably need to add on an ‘activity pack’ or such like. The highest point on the Juta to Roshka trek is over 3300 m, so make sure you check in advance whether your travel insurance policy covers you or not.

Whether you are currently in your home country or are already travelling, two travel insurance policy providers that can cover for hiking above 3000 m are World Nomads (for residents of 140+ countries) and True Traveller (for UK and EEA residents only). We have purchased travel insurance policies from both of these companies in the past. We have found their policies to be comprehensive, and their online claims and extension processes straightforward.

If you still need to organise your travel insurance, we’d suggest getting a quote from each to see which suits you best.

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Hiking To Gergeti Glacier And Gergeti Trinity Church From Kazbegi

Hikers descend from the viewpoint at Kojori Fortress in Georgia

Kojori To Tbilisi Day Hike

A UAZ Buhanka campervan parked at the side of a grassy track to Levani's Lake on the expansive Javakheti Plateau

A Guide To Javakheti, Georgia’s Volcanic Plateau

A person walks beneath the huge dusty sky looking at the seemingly endless hazy view at Takhti-Tepha Mud Volcanoes in the Vashlovani Protected Area

Vashlovani National Park Travel Guide

Two people watch something in the distance from outside a parked 4x4 vehicle in the hills of Racha, Georgia.

Adventures In Racha With Family Hotel Gallery, Oni

HOW TO GET TO JUTA

There is no public transport to Juta. Unless you have private transport, the best option is to travel first to Kazbegi (Stepantsminda), then Juta.

You can take a marshrutka to Kazbegi from Didube Station in Tbilisi (10 GEL, approx. every hour from 0800 – 1900). It takes around 3.5 hours, usually with one toilet stop en route. There are also shared taxis departing from Didube Station. These cost about 20-25 GEL per seat. Alternatively, book a private car and driver with gotrip.ge and make as many scenic stops as you like along the way. This will likely cost around 140 GEL, with door to door service.

From Kazbegi, take a 30-40 minute taxi (40 GEL+) to Juta. Taxi drivers hang around the main square in Kazbegi, by the bus station. Alternatively, take the Mountain Freaks shuttle bus (30 GEL pp return). This runs between April 15th and October 31st, departing Kazbegi at 0900 and 1100, and returning from Juta at 1600 and 1800. You should book your seat at least one day in advance as they fill up fast. There’s a minimum of 3 passengers required to operate, and a maximum of 7.

WHERE TO STAY IN JUTA

There are a number of guesthouses in Juta village itself, plus a couple of options about a half hour walk up Juta Valley. We saw some glamping style pods being built even further up the valley beyond Fifth Season which will no doubt be completed for the 2021 season. Wild camping is also possible in the valley above the village, or in the upper part of Juta Valley at the base of the Chaukhi Massif.

JUTA VILLAGE ACCOMMODATION

A few good Juta village accommodation options are MetiTsa, a modern place with nice balconies to hang out on, Hotel Shibi, another modern build with nice balcony areas, and homely Levan & Megi’s Guesthouse.

JUTA VALLEY ACCOMMODATION

Zeta Camping is a funky option with good views of Chaukhi Massif. They offer accommodation in tents and cottages, with a cafe bar on site, a climbing wall, and plenty of space to hang out. Reach it on foot by climbing the hill from Juta village.

A short walk beyond Zeta Camping is Fifth Season mountain hut. They have the best location in the valley, with exceptional views of Chaukhi Massif and loads of outdoor seating spread around the grass and pond areas. They offer budget rooms with shared bathrooms in the main building, or luxury en-suite double rooms with epic mountain views in two cleverly designed buildings tucked into the nearby hillside. They also have a cafe bar, a cosy indoor fire, and plenty of books and games to borrow.

A person relaxes on a deck chair while enjoying the sunshine and mountain views at Fifth Season Mountain Hut near Juta, Georgia

Fifth Season Mountain Hut in Juta Valley


A person relaxes on a deck chair while enjoying the sunshine and mountain views at Fifth Season Mountain Hut near Juta, Georgia

Fifth Season Mountain Hut in Juta Valley


WHERE TO STAY IN ROSHKA

There are two guesthouses in Roshka. Roshka Guesthouse looks very nice and homely. To reach it, cross the bridge after entering the village and turn left up the track. The person we talked to there spoke excellent English. The more modern looking green-roofed building at the bottom of the trail is also a guesthouse. It looks very large and is perhaps more like a youth hostel. The owner doesn’t speak English, but her young daughter does. We believe this place is called Mindia Guesthouse, however it could also be called Rocks Side Guesthouse. Both places are marked on some maps, but we have a feeling they may be one and the same place. If not, it means there are three guesthouses in total.

As we found both guesthouses closed in 2020 we organised a vehicle to take us to Korsha, where we stayed at the wonderful Korsha Guesthouse. The family there are very warm and welcoming. Marina’s homegrown and homemade food is delicious, as is her homemade wine, and the house is full of her husband and son’s artwork.

The village of Roshka in Khevsureti, Georgia

Entering the village of Roshka


The village of Roshka in Khevsureti, Georgia

Entering the village of Roshka


HOW TO LEAVE ROSHKA

There is no public transport to or from Roshka. You can arrange a 4×4 vehicle through Mindia Guesthouse (possibly also at Roshka Guesthouse) to drive you to Barisakho on the main Tbilisi – Shatili road. It should cost around 60 – 80 GEL. From Barisakho, you can take a marshrutka south to Tbilisi (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday at 9am, approx 3 hours), or a twice-weekly (Wednesday, Saturday) northbound marshrutka to Shatili (approx 3 hours, rough road). This comes from Tbilisi, passing through Barisakho around noon. A car from Barisakho or Korsha to Shatili costs around 200 GEL, around 150 GEL to Tbilisi.

Alternatively, you can walk the 4.6 km from Roshka to the main road. There’s a hiking trail on the opposite side of the river to the road. You’ll have to hitchhike when you reach the main road though, which may not be particularly easy. 

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ALTERNATIVE JUTA LOOP TREK VIA CHAUKHI PASS AND SADZELE PASS

It’s only 17 km on foot between Juta and Roshka, however it’s a whopping 170 km journey by road. Therefore, depending on your plans it may be more convenient to return to Juta on foot rather than end your hike at Roshka. To save you retracing your steps (and having to tackle the steep climb on the eastern side of Chaukhi Pass) the best option is to loop back to Juta via the Sadzele Pass (3068 m).

If you have camping gear it’s possible to skip Roshka all together. After camping at Abudelauri Lakes, head back towards the climb to Chaukhi Pass and turn east, following the base of the hill on the northern side of Roshka Valley. A trail is marked on the Geoland paper map #3, although only partly on apps such as Maps.me and Gaia. We’ve marked the approximate route on our map (note that this is not a recorded GPX track, but a hand mapped one). You’ll need to cross at least one river/stream and as far as we know there is no bridge. Around 4 km from the lakes you should meet the track coming from Roshka. Turn northwest here and continue to Sadzele Pass. If you are staying in Roshka, simply follow the dirt road westwards for about 4 km before branching off onto the trail towards the Sadzele Pass.

For more Sadzele Pass route details, check out Jozef’s guide over on Caucasus Trekking.

The sun rises over the rocks above Abudelauri Blue Lake, the perfect place to wake up on Day 2 of the Juta to Roshka hike in Georgia

Sunrise at Abudelauri Blue Lake


The sun rises over the rocks above Abudelauri Blue Lake, the perfect place to wake up on Day 2 of the Juta to Roshka hike in Georgia

Sunrise at Abudelauri Blue Lake


JUTA VALLEY DAY HIKE

It’s perfectly possible to visit the Juta Valley as a day hike, and not cross the Chaukhi Pass. The A-Frame cafe and artificial lake in the Upper Juta Valley makes a good turnaround point, an 8 km round trip from Juta village. Otherwise, you can carry on for as long as you like before heading back down to Juta. We’ve marked a possible day hike route on our map, and you can read more in our Kazbegi Travel Guide.

ABUDELAURI LAKES DAY HIKE

ABUDELAURI DAY HIKE

The trio of Abudelauri Lakes sit on the Khevsureti side of the Chaukhi Massif, and are also possible to visit just as a day hike from Roshka. To get there take a marshrutka from Tbilisi Didube Station to Barisakho (approx 3 hours, departs Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday 4pm or take the Shatili bound marshrutka Wednesday and Saturday 9am). From Barisakho you’ll need to hire a private car to take you to Roshka (4×4 only, approx 70 GEL, 40 mins). Alternatively, you can take private transport all the way from Tbilisi through gotrip.ge. You’ll need a 4×4 for the final section to Roshka. Expect to pay 150+ GEL.

From Roshka it’s a 15 km round hike up the Roshka Valley to Green, Blue, and White Abudelauri Lakes. Allow around 5 – 6 hours for the hike, including spending time at the lakes. We’ve marked an Abudelauri Lakes day hike route on our map. 

JUTA TO ROSHKA HIKE

That’s the lot. If you have any useful info to add or stories to share, get in touch through the comments section below. Equally, if you have any questions, let us know and we’ll do our best to answer them. And if you’re planning your own hike, good luck and enjoy!

ORGANISE YOUR TRIP


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LoutfyGoing the Whole HoggKema Recent comment authors
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Loutfy
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Loutfy

hello , thanks a lot for your videos and guide here
just need your advise , im planning to be in Kazbegi between 9th and 13th of June , for Juta to Roshka , if i want to hike for a day and stay in guest house then continue the hiking to Roshka , where can stay instead of campaign over night

your advise is much appreciated

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1 month ago
Going the Whole Hogg
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Going the Whole Hogg

Hi, there are no guesthouses between Juta and Roshka. You would have to hike all the way from Juta to Roshka in one day if you do not want to camp in between.

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1 month ago
Loutfy
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Loutfy

Thanks a lot

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1 month ago
Kema
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Kema

Hi!! Thanks so much for such detailed and organized guide :)) you’ve helped me a lot. Me and my fiancé are planning to hike to the Lakes next week and camp there. So excited! Hope it goes well and weather allows us to enjoy it all.
From your guide I’m thinking to hike from Roshka to the lakes and camp there overnight since we are not that experienced yet so go easy first. What do you think?

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8 months ago
Going the Whole Hogg
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Going the Whole Hogg

Hi Kema, sounds like a great option, especially if you are less experienced. This part of the walk is not too challenging, but you still get amazing views and the chance to camp by the beautiful lakes. Have a great time! Thanks, Kim

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8 months ago

Hiking from Juta to Roshka via Chaukhi PassHiking from Juta to Roshka via Chaukhi Pass
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