Juta

ჯუთა

A remote high-altitude village and trailhead beneath the jagged Chaukhi massif, often called Georgia's Dolomites. It is the starting point for the popular Chaukhi–Abudelauri lakes trek.

Things to do

• Trek to the Abudelauri Lakes — Hike from Juta beneath the Chaukhi massif to the Green, Blue, and White glacial lakes, one of Georgia's most scenic day treks.
• Chaukhi Pass crossing — Ambitious hikers cross the roughly 3,338-meter Chaukhi Pass to descend toward Roshka village in Khevsureti.
• Photograph the Chaukhi massif — The jagged limestone-like peaks known as Georgia's Dolomites tower dramatically above the village and glow at sunrise and sunset.
• Stay at Zeta Camp — Relax at the well-known glamping and cafe site perched on the ridge above Juta with panoramic views of the Chaukhi peaks.
• Explore Juta village — Wander one of Europe's highest permanently inhabited villages at around 2,200 meters, dotted with stone houses and grazing livestock.
• Ride or hike the 4x4 track from Sno — The bumpy road from Sno village follows the Snostskali gorge, best done by 4x4 or as a scenic uphill trek to reach Juta.

Food to try

• Khinkali — Georgian mountain dumplings filled with spiced meat and broth, a hearty staple served in Juta's guesthouses after a day of trekking.
• Khachapuri — Cheese-filled bread baked fresh at village guesthouses, ideal fuel for the high-altitude hikes.
• Mtiuluri Guda cheese — Sharp aged sheep's cheese from the surrounding mountain region, often served with fresh bread and honey.
• Guesthouse home-cooked dinners — Family-run guesthouses serve set multi-dish spreads of salads, beans (lobio), and grilled meats with local produce.
• Homemade chacha — Strong Georgian grape spirit often offered by hosts during toasts, best sampled in small measures.

Local customs & good to know

• Bring cash and stock up in advance — There are no ATMs or real shops in Juta, so bring enough cash and supplies from Stepantsminda or Tbilisi.
• Expect basic mobile and power service — Electricity and phone signal can be intermittent, and many guesthouses run on limited hot water and generators.
• Respect the supra toasting tradition — If hosts invite you to eat, honor the toastmaster (tamada) and the sequence of toasts to God, family, and guests.
• Season matters — Juta is effectively accessible only from late spring to early autumn, as heavy snow closes the road and trails in winter.

Nearby

• Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) — 9 km
• Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) — 9 km
• Gveleti Waterfall — 10 km
• Gergeti Trinity Church — 11 km