1+ day ice climbing in Gveleti Waterfall, Georgia
Join Giorgi, a GMGA-certified mountain guide, for this fun and exciting 1-day ice climbing ascent of the Gveleti Waterfall. Nestled into the Caucasus Range of Eastern Georgia, enjoy plenty of great scenery while climbing the country's premier ice climbing destination.
Private
Caucasus
+1 Day
Jan - Mar, Dec
Low
Beginner
Highlights
- Climb the only frozen waterfall in all of Georgia.
- Enjoy the stunning scenery of the Caucasus Mountains.
- Regardless of your aptitude, find the perfect ice fall to climb.
Description
Situated in the stunning Dariali Gorge, at the heart of the Caucasus Mountains, Gveleti Waterfall is Georgia’s premier – in fact it’s only – ice climbing destination.
Just seven kilometers away from the idyllic mountain village of Stepantsminda, the 60-meter tall waterfall boasts several incredible climbing spots. During the winter, Gveleti is quite popular for all sorts of trad climbing.
After meeting up either in Tbilsi or Stepantsminda we’ll drive to the trailhead and make the 20 to 40 minute hiking approach through the gorgeous mountain scenery.
Once we arrive at the falls, we’ll have a few options in front of us. For novice ice climbers, we can head up two easier routes just next to the waterfall. These are perfect for getting the hang of ice climbing.
For more intermediate ice climbers, we’ll conquer the waterfall itself. The climbing is thrilling and just challenging enough to keep you occupied for the day before getting the great views from the top.
After we’ve had our fill of climbing, we’ll hike back down to the trailhead and drive back to Tbilsi. Or, if you want to head back and climb again the next day, we can arrange to extend the trip. It’s up to you!
So what are you waiting for? Book now for this incredible 1+ day ice climbing experience up the majestic Gveleti Waterfall in Georgia’s stunning Caucasus Range.
Price includes
- Guiding fee
Equipment you will need to bring
Crampons
Ice axe
Harness
Water bottle
Backpack
Helmet
Poles
Ski equipment
Sunglasses
Belay device
Rope
FAQs
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
Giorgi
4.8
(5)
Mountain Guide
My name is Georgi. I am an IFMGA-certified Mountain Guide, based in Stepantsminda, Georgia. I am a member of the Georgian Mountain Federation and the Georgian Climbing Club. I have been working as a guide for over 10 years.
I organise mountaineering and climbing tours in Georgia and in the Kazbegi Region. I guide my clientes in the Kazbek and Chaukhi Mountains. I was in the Kazbekh Mountains more than 50 times with different groups. I speak English, Georgian and Russian.
Just contact me and join me for a great mountaineering or climbing tour!
Languages
Russian | Georgian | English
Certificates
GMGA | IFMGA
What people are saying about Giorgi
Monika
Dear Georgi, We decided to climb Mount Kazbek with a professional mountain guide. Not only did you guide us in a highly professional manner and with the latest equipment, you also captured the wonderful memories photographically and, best of all, you welcomed us into your circle of Georgian mountain friends. Thank you for everything and hopefully see you soon in the Caucasus or the Alps! Monika + Sebastian
David
Giorgi was an excellent guide! He really looked after us and cared about our safety from the bottom to the very top of Mt. Kazbek. He is a very calm guide, happy to follow your time schedule but also to make a schedule for you. We had very nice conversations and he told us a lot of Georgian culture which was so interesting. He is also a guide who will give you space and time. We highly recommend him!!
Tomasz
1. I would suggest you only do this trip if you are already acclimatised. The altitude gain is very aggressive at around 1500 meters on the first day, 200 meters on the acclimatisation day and 1400 meters on the summit day. If you are coming from a sea level and think you may summit a 5000 meter mountain within a few days you may be sorely mistaken. We had to turn back around 200 meters before the summit and I would attribute this to poor acclimatisation. At the time of the summit push I haven't slept for 3 nights and my Garmin was showing acclimatisation to only around 1600 meters, body battery at 5 and so on. A way around it would be to spend a night at one of the huts at 3000 meters but this would increase the price (I'm sure you could discuss this with Giorgi). Please be aware that Betlehemi hut is a very uncomfortable place to stay (while still better than a tent IMO) so spending more days there than absolutely necessary may be a problem. The scenery high in the mountains is absolutely breathtaking so definitely 5 stars here. 2. Giorgi and Vanu (our second guide) were very nice and friendly guys. Giorgi is a well known guide in the area and is well connected. He was able to arrange a horse and a porter to carry some of our gear to the hut as well as very good quality rental equipment (boots etc). The guys were also very flexible in term of our itinerary, as we wanted to add Mt Ortsveri as an acclimatisation climb (not a good idea btw). Giorgi is involved in mountain rescue and actually saved a guy's life by pulling him from a crevasse on the Gergeti glacier while we were staying in the hut! We would like perhaps to feel a bit more that our goal of making it to the summit was also one of the priorities for our guides. It felt a little bit too laissez-faire at times and a bit of mental support and advice would be appreciated.
CHUAN
Giorgi was safety focused and responsible throughout the trip. Although we didn't manage to summit, he clearly explained why it was dangerous to attempt. Good, constant reminders to communicate any discomfort and also observant regarding the client's confirm. Calm and fact oriented decision making at every level, not carried away by emotion. A great guide.
Yoav
Giorgy was a wonderrfull guide. Responsible, patient, an prffesional.
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