Tetnuldi, Queen of the Caucasus 9-day Guided Climb in Georgia

Upon landing in Tbilisi or Kutaisi, we begin our journey to the mountain village of Mestia. The drive takes around 8 hours from Tbilisi or 4.5 hours from Kutaisi, passing through dramatic gorges and reservoirs as we enter Upper Svaneti — a historic region inhabited for over 2,000 years. The landscape is dotted with ancient defensive towers, once used by the Svan people for protection.

After settling into a cozy guesthouse, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner and enjoy traditional regional cuisine.

Today starts with a transfer to the Koruldi Lakes at 2,740 m. Surrounded by glaciers and towering peaks, this stunning setting is perfect for our first acclimatization hike, reaching approximately 3,250 m. Along the way, we’ll enjoy sweeping views of Tetnuldi, Ushba, Laila, and the wider Upper Svaneti region.

We leave the comfort of the guesthouse behind and head into the mountains. After a cable car ride up to 2,780 m, we hike to our summit camp at 3,700 m, located at the foot of the Tetnuldi glacier. Encircled by steep mountain walls, this remote campsite will be our base for the next few days.

We ascend the glacier to around 4,100 m, gaining our first close view of the ridge leading to the summit. This acclimatization day is key for adapting to the altitude while conserving energy for the climb ahead.

Our summit push begins before dawn. We climb Tetnuldi (4,858 m) via a PD+ ridge route, crossing glaciers and navigating a mix of rocky terrain and narrow snow and ice sections.

The ascent takes about 8 hours, rewarding us at the top with breathtaking views over the Greater Caucasus, including peaks like Ushba, Elbrus, and Shkhara.

This day is set aside in case of unfavorable weather. Mountain conditions can change quickly, so having a buffer day increases our chances of a successful summit. Tetnuldi is often described as calm and welcoming, in contrast to the more unpredictable nearby peaks.

We descend back to Mestia and return to the comfort of our guesthouse. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore local attractions, such as the Ethnographic Museum or the Mikheil Khergiani Museum. In the evening, we celebrate the expedition with a special dinner.

We transfer back to Tbilisi or Kutaisi and check into a hotel. You’ll have time to explore the city, pick up local delicacies like churchkhela or tkemali, or simply enjoy Georgian cuisine one last time.

After breakfast, we head to the airport for your departure. You’ll leave with unforgettable memories of Tetnuldi and the remarkable landscapes of Svaneti.