The Dazzling Pyramid of the Caucasus: Laila Mountain (4009 m)

Day 1: Meeting in Batumi. Transfer to Mestia. Check-in at the hotel.

We will meet participants arriving on the advised flights at Batumi International Airport. Then, we embark on a scenic journey, driving along the Black Sea coast before turning our faces towards the mountains. We’ll have a lunch break on the way. After lunch, we continue our journey towards the green landscapes of Svaneti, Georgia. By late afternoon, we will be at our hotel in Mestia, nestled between deep valleys and gigantic mountains.

Approximate Vehicle Transfer Time: 6-7 hours, 265 km
Approximate Elevations (asl): Batumi 10 m – Mestia, 1395 m
Included Meals*: –

Day 2: Hiking and warm-up in Svaneti

We dedicate this day to a half-day hiking showcasing the enchanting beauty of Svaneti, a prelude to our climb. After breakfast, we travel from Mestia to the Hatsvali cable car line. Driving along the road leading to Heshkili, a typical small village in Svaneti, we ascend by vehicle until the asphalt ends. From there, we start on a few hours of easy walking on dirt roads, commonly used by nature enthusiasts and mountain bikers, leading to Zuruldi Cable Car Station at an elevation of 2345 m. The summit of Zuruldi Mountain offers a comfortable rest spot with stunning views, making it one of the most scenic cafes in the Caucasus. The panoramic view includes Eli, Tsivirmi Villages, Tetnuldi, Laila, Ushba, and other high peaks of the Caucasus. After a photo session and rest, we may take a short walk at Zuruldi Ridge. In the afternoon, some participants may descend by cable car, while others may choose to walk. We will walk to Mestia from the starting station of the Hatsvali Cable Car line, possibly visiting the Svaneti Museum along the way. The rest of the afternoon will be for the final preparations with our tour leaders.

Approximate Vehicle Transfer Time: 1 hour Altitudes: Mestia, 1395 m – Zuruldi Summit, 2345 m

Activity Duration: 3-4 hours Walking Distance: 9-10 km

Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Mestia – Lezgara-Chizdi Pass (3200m) – Laila Glacier Camp (2800 m)

After an early breakfast, we leave our hotel as we will return here after the climb. Items not needed for the ascent can be safely left at the hotel. Our 4×4 vehicles will take us to Lazgara or the village known as Zkhumari. After a short journey, we arrive at Lazgara. Here, our equipment for the camp will be loaded onto horses, and they will be sent to our campsite. We, on the other hand, with only our daypacks, embark on a long walk amidst stunning landscapes to reach our campsite. Depending on the current road conditions in the area, our vehicles might have the opportunity to take us a bit higher to facilitate our ascent to the camp. However, we have planned as if we will walk from Lazgara just in case. This flexibility is a characteristic of our climbing expeditions, ensuring the participants experience unique mountain adventures in the safest and most comfortable way possible. During our walk, we will take a break on a highly scenic ridge where the region’s pastoral shepherds reside. Throughout the day, we ascend to Chizdi Pass, also known as Layla Pass, at 3200 m, offering a view of glaciers and a magnificent panorama. After a short break, we will descend to our camp at approximately 2800 m. We will set up our tents and rest.

Approximate Vehicle Transfer Time: 45 minutes-1 hour

Approximate Altitudes: Mestia, 1395 m – Lazgara Village, 1340 m – Yayla, 2200 m – Chizdi Pass, 3200 m – Camp, 2850 m Activity Duration: 6-7 hours

Walking Distance: 15 km

Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Reserve Day

To increase our chances of reaching the summit on our foreign climbs, we plan a reserve day. This day can be utilized for unexpected adverse weather conditions, the need for rest, additional acclimatization, or practical training. If we do not use this day for climbing, there is an option to have an additional night’s stay in Mestia with a reasonable extra payment.

Included Meals: —

Day 5: Camp – Layla Mountain (4009 m) Summit – Camp

We rise before sunrise, have a light breakfast, and with ample hot drinks, we commence our climb for the day. Today, we embark on a journey towards the dazzling pyramid of the Caucasus – Layla Mountain. This climb involves mixed terrains, icy or rocky short passages, and progress on glaciers. We will ascend to the summit with a highly satisfying climb, offering all the flavors of a classic mountaineering activity. Upon reaching the summit, a dazzling view of peaks such as Ushba, Shkhara, Tetnuldi, and Europe’s highest summit, Mount Elbrus, awaits. We deserve a small summit celebration. We carefully descend to our camp from the route we came, and it’s time to nourish ourselves, relax, and enjoy a restful sleep in the camp.

Included Meals: —

Altitudes from Sea Level: Camp, 2850 m – Layla Mountain Summit, 4009 m

Approximate Activity Duration: 11-12 hours (7 hours ascent, 4 hours descent)

Day 6: Camp – Lezgara – Mestia

This morning, we wake up without haste. After a delightful breakfast, we pack up our camp and begin a long descent to Lazgara. Descending while enjoying the scenery, our loads will be carried by pack animals, arriving at our camp by late morning. After a short rest and photo break at the point where we finish our walk, we return to Mestia by 4×4 vehicle. Once settled into our hotel, we will celebrate our success, sipping cold drinks in the serene atmosphere of Mestia. A pleasant rest awaits us. We will reorganize our bags for the journey tomorrow and enjoy our hotel and the charming mountain town.

Included Meals: Celebration Dinner

Altitudes from Sea Level: Camp, 2850 m – Chizdi Pass, 3200 m – Lazgara Village, 1340 m – Mestia, 1395 m

Approximate Activity Duration: 4 hours

Approximate Vehicle Transfer Time: 45 minutes

Day 7: Mestia – Zugdidi – Dadiani Palace Tour – Free Time in Batumi – Transfer to the Airport

After breakfast, we prepare our belongings and embark on the return journey to Batumi with our private vehicle. Along our return route, we make a stop in Zugdidi, the capital of the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti Region. In this city inhabited by the Megrelian people, we visit the Dadiani Palace, built in the 19th century and transformed into a museum in 1921. Afternoon lunch is scheduled, followed by our journey to Batumi. Depending on our timing, we may have a short tour in Batumi, exploring its significant sites.

Approximate Vehicle Transfer Time: 6 hours

Included Meals: Breakfast

Important Notes:

• We will meet and conclude our program at Batumi Airport both for arrival and departure. Considering the potential challenges of flight schedules in 2024 and the complexities of crossing the Sarp Border Gate, we recommend joining the program by flying directly to Batumi Airport.
• Depending on flight options from Turkey, you may choose to arrive a day earlier or extend your stay. Please contact us for additional accommodation and transfer needs.
• Due to factors such as weather, road conditions, trail status, and the physical performance of the group, our tour leaders reserve the right to make necessary changes to the program and hiking routes.