Mountaineering Expedition to Mt. Tetnuldi (4858 m)

"The Bride of the Caucasus"

Tetnuldi, with its fierce character, beautiful pyramidal shape, and sharp, snow-and-ice ridges, is one of the most attractive and technical peaks for mountaineers. This tour is specifically designed for individuals who already possess mountaineering experience and wish to summit one of the most spectacular peaks of the Greater Caucasus.

📅 Tour Details:

Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Expedition Period: From the beginning of July to the middle of October
Starting Point: The tour begins in Kutaisi
Minimum Number of Participants: 2 people
Guide-to-Client Ratio: 1 professional guide per 2 participants
Price: €1500 (per person)

🗺️ Itinerary (Day by Day)

Day 1: Kutaisi (Airport) – Mestia

Meeting and transfer from Kutaisi (Airport) to the heart of Svaneti – Mestia.
Check-in at a cozy family guesthouse.
Dinner and rest after the journey.

Day 2: Briefing, Preparation, and Exploring Mestia

Information briefing with the guides.
Thorough inspection, selection, and packing of personal gear.
Purchasing necessary food supplies for the high-altitude camp.
Free time to explore Mestia.

Day 3: Mestia – Tetnuldi Resort – Base Camp (3700 m)

04:00 – Early departure from Mestia by 4x4 vehicle toward the Tetnuldi ski resort (up to 3,000 meters above sea level).
From the resort, we begin trekking with all personal and group gear, crossing the glacier to reach the Base Camp located at 3,700 meters.
- Trekking time: 4 – 7 hours.
Setting up the Base Camp and settling into tents. Overnight in tents.

Day 4: Acclimatization and Safety Training

Acclimatization hike further up, approximately +400 meters in elevation, to adapt to the altitude.
Practical safety training: detailed overview of the gear and discussing route-specific techniques.
Return to camp and rest. Overnight in tents.

Day 5: Reserve Day

This day serves as a reserve day.
In case of bad weather, the group remains at the camp. This day can also be used for extra acclimatization or to catch a favorable weather window to push for the summit. Overnight in tents.

Day 6: Summit Day – Climbing Mt. Tetnuldi (4858 m)

02:00 – Wake up and preparation.
03:00 – Departure from Base Camp toward the summit.
- Elevation gain: +1,200 vertical meters.
- Trekking time: Approximately 8 – 12 hours (total, including the summit push and return to camp).
Return to Base Camp, overnight in tents.

Day 7: Return to Mestia and Rest

Packing up camp, descending to the vehicles, and returning to Mestia.
Check-in at the family guesthouse, hot shower, and half-board meals.
Note: If the reserve day (Day 5) is not used in the mountains, this day will be spent on a scenic trekking route around Mestia.

Day 8: Departure

Breakfast at the guesthouse.
Transfer from Mestia to Kutaisi. End of the tour.

💰 What’s Included and Excluded

Price Includes:

✅ Transportation: Transfer (Kutaisi – Mestia – Kutaisi), as well as transportation from Mestia to the Tetnuldi ski resort and back.
✅ Accommodation: 3 nights at a family guesthouse in Mestia.
✅ Meals: Half-board (breakfast and dinner) during the stay at the guesthouse (for a total of 3 nights).
✅ Guide: 1 professional guide for every 2 participants.

Price Excludes:

❌ Personal trekking and mountaineering equipment.
❌ Expedition tents.
❌ Meals in the mountains (participants buy their food supplies on Day 2 in Mestia).

⚠️ Important Requirements and Logistics:

Required Experience: On this route, group members must have prior mountaineering experience. They must be fully capable of using technical gear, such as crampons and ice axes.
Luggage Transport and Logistics: Please note that it is not possible to use horses to transport luggage to the Base Camp on this route. Participants must carry all personal and group equipment (tents, sleeping bags, food, personal items) up to 3,700 meters independently in their own backpacks.
Accommodation Conditions: Staying in cottages or mountain huts is not possible on this specific route. The group spends 4 nights in the wild, staying strictly in tents.
Gear Rental: If needed, personal mountaineering equipment can be rented locally in Mestia.

ℹ️ Additional Information:

Meals in the Mountains: Please keep in mind that hiring a cook at the Base Camp is not available on this route. Group members manage and prepare their own food while staying in the mountains.