Juta village

Juta is an awe-inspiring mountain destination offering breathtaking vistas—one of the highest-altitude settlements in all of Georgia, located just a three-hour drive from Tbilisi. Yet, despite its astonishing beauty and relative accessibility, tours to Juta are not as widely sought after as those to the more remote highlands of Svaneti. This makes Juta a rare treasure, still overlooked by the mainstream tourist trail—though it certainly deserves a spot in every traveler’s itinerary.

Perched at 2,200 meters above sea level in the picturesque Sno Valley, Juta stands among the loftiest permanent settlements in Georgia. It shares a similar elevation with the renowned village of Ushguli in Svaneti, which is often celebrated as one of the highest continuously inhabited villages in Europe. Located just 20 kilometers from Stepantsminda and only 165 kilometers from Tbilisi, Juta lies not far from the famed Georgian Military Highway.

The village sits gracefully at the confluence of two alpine rivers—Jutistskali and Chaukhistskali. Reaching Juta is relatively straightforward: there’s only one road leading there. The first 13 kilometers from Kazbegi, through Sno and Karkucha, are paved. After that, a well-maintained gravel road continues for another 7 kilometers, guiding you through scenic mountain terrain.

Juta beckons those who seek serene mountain hikes, untamed natural beauty, and the pure rush of alpine rivers. It offers access to the magnificent waterfalls of the Kazbegi National Park. Though small, the village boasts several guesthouses and cafés, providing sufficient tourist infrastructure. Finding a place to stay or hiring a local driver to transport you to and from Stepantsminda is rarely a challenge.

Juta also serves as the gateway to the dramatic rock massif of Chaukhi, often called the “Georgian Dolomites.” Trekking here is not for the faint-hearted. The highest peak, Northern Chaukhi, towers at 3,824 meters above sea level. Along the trail, you’ll find two campgrounds, offering either cozy cabins with jaw-dropping views or spots to pitch your tent for just 10 GEL. Don’t have your own gear? No problem—tents can also be rented for around 20 GEL.

Unlike Gudauri or Stepantsminda, which bustle with tourists, Juta remains a peaceful retreat, set apart from the busy Georgian Military Highway. It’s a perfect haven for those seeking quiet, solitude, and a chance to immerse themselves in the rugged elegance of the Caucasus Mountains. Whether you’re craving introspection or a physical challenge, the journey to Chaukhi promises both.

If you have a full day to explore—starting early in the morning from either Kazbegi or Juta—you can embark on a splendid hike through the Sno Valley. A well-trodden trail begins just beyond the village, winding southeast along the Sno River, also referred to in some sources as the Chaukhi River. This is, in fact, the river’s source and upper reaches, carved into the alpine landscape. It’s nearly impossible to lose your way, as the best natural compass is the unmistakable, jagged silhouette of Mount Chaukhi, crowned by its five sharp peaks.

Soon, the path splits. To the right lies the trail to Lake Tina, a small, cold, and shallow glacial lake nestled in a remarkably scenic setting. Enterprising Polish travelers have even erected a wooden hut by the lake’s edge, which in summer serves as a rustic bar. The distance from the village to the lake is about 4 kilometers with a moderate elevation gain.

Taking the left fork leads to the challenging Chaukhi Pass and the vibrant Abudelauri Lakes. However, reaching the pass is not obligatory to enjoy the valley. Even a simple stroll offers a rich experience—snap photos amid alpine flowers, snack on wild blueberries (ripe from late July to August), and discover a small waterfall tucked into the landscape.

For those wishing to explore the valley on horseback, this is also an option. Local villagers and guesthouses rent horses for around 60 GEL, making for a magical way to enjoy the scenery. During the summer season, the trails are often dotted with fellow adventurers from Israel, Europe, the United States, and Southeast Asia.

Coordinates for the waterfall: 42.557774, 44.767953

First and foremost—know this: there are no roads in Juta. Your vehicle will take you only as far as the village’s edge. From there, it’s up to your feet. Forget rolling suitcases—what awaits is a steep climb up narrow, rocky trails, sidestepping cow patties as you ascend. If you’re coming to Juta, it’s backpacks only.

That said, civilization does exist here. The village offers several accommodations with modern comforts. Two decent hotels, complete with private bathrooms, balconies, and other amenities, can be found on booking platforms. One of them, called simply “Juta”, is right at the village entrance. It’s not the cheapest option, but you get what you pay for. There are also a few modest, home-style guesthouses run by local mountain families—perfect for those seeking authentic Georgian hospitality in a warm, rustic setting.

But the real adventure begins outside the village proper. Pictured below is the 5th Season Hotel, perched about a kilometer uphill from the village and reachable only on foot or horseback. No vehicles go this far. The clientele is predominantly young and European, and while the amenities are basic—shared bathrooms and dorm-style rooms—the views are nothing short of spectacular. Be prepared to pay a premium for the privilege of waking up to a panorama of the Chaukhi Massif.

A bit closer to the village boundary lies Zeta Camping, an ideal spot for backpackers and free spirits. Set on a hill above the village, it boasts one of the best vantage points in the entire valley. No road reaches this place either—expect to hike in. Once there, you’ll find a small international community of travelers from the U.S., Europe, Israel, and beyond—often with children in tow. Zeta is more than just a campsite; it’s an alpine haven. You’ll find all the essentials: incredible mountain views, a trailhead information board, a children’s climbing wall and play area, a café, hammocks, swings, sun loungers, and even movie nights under the stars (in English).

You can pitch your own tent or rent one along with a sleeping bag. There are cooking areas, phone-charging stations, and even indoor rooms with beds. Zeta is listed on booking sites and has its own webpage: zeta.ge.

Of course, if you’re seeking complete solitude, the Sno Valley is yours to explore. You’re welcome to set up your tent along the banks of the river—free of charge. Spending a couple of days in Juta is a great way to disconnect, breathe the mountain air, and indulge in the silence—or the adventure. Many of Juta’s guests are mountaineers drawn by the allure of Chaukhi Mountain, whose technical climbs and captivating routes have earned it the nickname “the Georgian Dolomites.”

During winter, the village is completely cut off. Roads aren’t cleared, and for long months, residents live in total isolation. Juta’s season—with its wildflowers, green valleys, and accessible treks—lasts from June through October. Out of season, there’s nothing much to do: the guesthouses and campsites shut down, and trails disappear beneath snow.

To reach Juta, you can drive your own car or hitch a ride, as no marshrutkas (minibuses) run this route. In the central square of Stepantsminda, you’ll find off-road vehicles ready to take you to Juta for 30 GEL per person, and they’ll come back to pick you up several hours later.

Juta GPS Coordinates: 42.576924, 44.748216