Juta Valley
High valley and village at about 2,200 m below the jagged Chaukhi massif, east of Stepantsminda, with easy walks and longer treks.
Juta ValleyPhoto: MaxBenidze, CC BY-SA 4.0Juta is a small village at about 2,200 m at the head of the Sno valley, east of Stepantsminda. It is the gateway to the Chaukhi massif, a wall of jagged rock peaks rising to about 3,840 m that is often compared to the Dolomites. From the village a well-trodden path follows the river up a wide valley of meadows to the foot of the Chaukhi peaks. The walk is mostly gentle and suits families and casual hikers as well as trekkers.
Several guesthouses and campsites open in Juta and up the valley in summer, so you can stay overnight and see the peaks at sunrise. Experienced hikers use Juta as the start of the trek over the Chaukhi Pass, at about 3,340 m, to the Abudelauri Lakes and Roshka in Khevsureti. Snow covers the valley from late autumn to spring, so plan walks for late June to early October.
What to see and do
- Walk the meadow valley to the base of the Chaukhi peaks
- Sunrise over the Chaukhi massif
- Stay in a guesthouse or campsite in summer
- Start of the Chaukhi Pass trek to Khevsureti
How to visit
Getting there
Juta is about 20 km from Stepantsminda: drive south to Sno on the Military Road, then up the Sno valley. Allow 30 to 40 minutes by 4x4 or taxi from Stepantsminda, or about 3.5 hours from Tbilisi.
When to go
Late June–September. Plan half day–1 day here.
- A 4x4 is recommended for the rough sections of road.
- Bring sun protection; the valley has little shade.
- Stop at the stone heads in Sno on the way back.
- Do not attempt the Chaukhi Pass without a map or GPS track; snow can remain into July.
Juta Valley: FAQ
How do I get to Juta from Kazbegi?
Take a taxi or 4x4 from Stepantsminda's main square; the drive takes about 30 to 40 minutes. Agree a return time with the driver, as there is no public transport.
Is the Juta hike difficult?
The walk from Juta village up the valley toward the Chaukhi massif is easy to moderate, with a gentle climb. Crossing the Chaukhi Pass to Roshka is a long, hard day of about 18 km.
Tours that include Juta Valley
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Nearby places
Straight-line distance from Juta Valley.
