Georgia: Climbing Laila (Svaneti)

Overview

“Land of a thousand towers” as they poetically call Svaneti, is a special place even for the Georgians. Svaneti is separated from the rest of the world by high mountain ranges, had been inaccessible for civilization, and maintained its identity for centuries. That is why now trekking in Svaneti especially attracts tourists due to its uniqueness of architecture, local customs, ancient medieval monuments and extremely picturesque mountains. Moreover, the Upper Svaneti region is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The route of climbing Laila, the main peak of Svaneti ridge, is technically not very complicated, but extremely stunning. The Main Caucasian Ridge and Mount Elbrus – the highest European peak are fully, spectacularly viewed from the top of the mountain. And during all the descent from the pass Chidzhi one can enjoy the fascinating beauty of Ushba – “Matterhorn of the Caucasus”.

Despite the breathtaking scenery and the relative simplicity of the route, Laila still remains unknown for many tourists. Because of the complexity of reaching Svaneti it was not used to be very popular earlier, but nowadays more and more people want to have a look at this hospitable corner of Georgia. Therefore, use a chance to visit the wonderful region of proud Svanetians until the crowds finally turn Svaneti into comfortable, infrastructural, but without its special spirit, place.

More information about the equipment preparation:

• Equipment for hiking
• Equipment for high-altitude climbing

• How many things should I take for a tour?

  Take only personal clothing and equipment. Be sure to have items from the list of necessary equipment. Instructors transport the general equipment and food to the start of the tour.
  We go by van to the river for rafting.During hiking tours we go by public transport or hired van. During rafting tours extra stuff can be left in the van (for example, while camping we can leave clothes for rafting there).
  In general, it is necessary to share equipment and clothing into the parts: for easy trekking, climbing, rafting, walking in the cities and travelling.

• What is the stuff except personal items?

  In addition to personal items one needs to carry food, divided equally among all members of the group, and general equipment (camp instructor usually tries to share equipment among the men). Weight of total gear and food can reach up to 5-6 kg per person. The heaviest backpack is during ascent to the base camp for climbing Kazbek.

• How is accommodation, transport arranged during the tour?

  According to the program tour, participants live in tents (usually 2 or 3-bed tents). Overnight in a hostel or hotel is possible during the tour in Tbilisi (9th – 10th day of the program) (cost is not included in the price of the tour). Those, who would like to stay in a hostel or hotel, must inform order manager in advance.
  For rafting tours transportation is by hired van, for hiking programs – either by a hired van or by public transportation.

• How is food arranged during the tour?

  In field conditions (during trekking and rafting) a group has a camp version of the menu: boiled breakfast (porridge with canned meat or fish, sugary cereals with dried fruits), snack-lunch (sandwiches with cheese or sausage and sweets – halva, gozinaki, chocolate, raisins, dried apricots) and cooked dinner (soup). The cost of that menu is included in the price of the tour.
  While in the cities one is able to eat at the cafe, to buy food in the shops and local fast foods (these costs are not included). Among the local “fast food” the most popular are khachapuri and lobiani (pies with salt cheese or beans). They can be purchased in major cities at almost every stall or specialized cafe. In restaurants you can order Khinkali (large ravioli with meat, cheese, vegetables and other fillings), Mtsvadi (barbecue), Kebab (skewers of minced meat) and other meat dishes with exotic names Chakapuli, Kuchmachi, Chakhokhbili etc. Each restaurant has a wide range of Georgian wines available. But remember! Alcohol consumption during the active part of the route is prohibited. Seasonal fruits are sold at the stalls.During the trip you can still buy peaches, persimmons, grapes, apples and plums as they are not expensive.

• What is the necessary experience and physical shape of the participants?

  Participants must be in a good physical shape, without overweight or health problems. To participate in tours such experience is required:
  – for tours with no Kazbek climbing: hiking – long summer one (more than 6 days); water – rafting on rivers of II-III level of complexity. In the case of the absence of the necessary experience participants need to get around the most difficult canyons (5 and 10 km)
  – for Kazbek climbing: hiking – long summer one (more than 6 days),for winter ascents of 2000m-high peak experience with climbing equipment is recommended; water – rafting on rivers of II-III level of complexity. In the case of the absence of the necessary experience participants need to get around the most difficult canyons (5 and 10 km)

• Do I need to take a personal first aid kit?

  A tour guide has a general first aid kit that includes the most commonly needed drugs: anesthetics, antiseptics, cold pills, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, anti-shock drugs and so on. If you take specific drugs they must be taken and the manager receiving orders must be informed about that during the tour booking. We also recommend for each participant to take a roll and bactericidal plaster and a blister pack of activated carbon.

• Is it possible that the weather does not allow climbing?

  September is generally considered to be a good period for climbing in the Caucasus – the weather is more stable and the rainfall is low. In addition, we provide two days for climbing Kazbek in case of bad weather. But of course, bad weather happens, so you need to understand that we provide the best for the successful ascent, but do not give 100% guarantee of successful climbing the peak.

• What currency should I have?

  Georgian lari. In order to exchange, have dollars or euros. Exchanging other currency could be quite difficult.

• What souvenirs should I bring from Georgia?

  The original Georgian souvenirs are hairy caps of uncut sheep wool, colorful knitted hats and socks with rich ornaments, magnets and clay souvenirs.
  Special attention is paid to the gastronomic souvenirs, various spices, tkemali sauce, exotic fruit, sweets – churchkhela and dried juice.

• How much money do I need to take?

  Undoubtedly, everyone adjusts his/her own costs. We present only a minimal list of what will be possible to spend money on (except the tour price).
  Thus, the money would be required to:
  – food in the cities. Minimum meal costs about 7-10 GEL (a portion of khankala or khachapuri, tea). There are 3-4 such meals. All together it is at least 40 GEL
  – excursions: Prometheus cave – 6 GEL, cave city Uplistsikhe – 3 GEL, Stalin’s house in Gori – 5-6 GEL, plus some extra money, in case you decide to go somewhere else. All together it is at least 20 GEL
  – bath/shower – 3-5 GEL, two times
  – hostel in Tbilisi, you can stay in a hostel instead of a tent for one night – 15-20 GEL
  – reserve – 20 GEL
  That is, a minimum of 100-120 GEL is required, plus the cost of souvenirs. So, approximately a pair of socks is 20 GEL, magnets – 5 GEL 3 pcs, churchkhela – 2 GEL 3 pcs.

• Is it possible to change the program?

  The tour program is based on the practical experience of hiking, so it is completed accurately. However, some adjustments are possible due to the changes of fly companies schedules, different hours of the arrival/returning, bad weather and so on.
  In addition, the tour operator has the right to make changes to the program in case of unforeseen consequences.