Ice Climbing In Gveleti (Kazbegi)

The Gveleti frozen waterfall is one of the premier ice climbing destinations in the Kazbegi Municipality.

Gveleti is a village located in the Kazbegi Municipality of Georgia (Stepantsminda community). Positioned within the Dariali Gorge on the right bank of the Devdaraki River (a left tributary of the Tergi), it sits at an elevation of 1,560 meters above sea level, 9 kilometers from Stepantsminda.

The Gveleti frozen waterfall is one of the premier ice climbing venues in Georgia. Under favorable ice conditions, the route supports both lead climbing and top-rope setups.

The sector is ideal for both beginner and intermediate climbers seeking high-quality ice routes in an alpine setting.

Route

The Gveleti ice fall stands at a height of 60 meters. It accommodates both lead climbing and top-rope setups.

To establish a top-rope anchor, climb around the left side of the ice fall to reach the top, then abseil/lower down to the fixed anchor station positioned directly above the waterfall to rig your rope.

How to get there

To reach Gveleti, drive from Stepantsminda into the Dariali Gorge toward the Russian border. At around 12 kilometers, you will see the village signpost and a left-hand turn. A high-clearance 4x4 vehicle, proper winter tires, and snow chains are essential.

From the turnoff, follow the road toward the waterfall for about 1.5 kilometers until you reach the parking area. From here, continue on foot along the river valley until you reach the ice fall. The trail is straightforward, well-marked, and easy to navigate.

Accommodation Options

For lodging, you can stay in one of the many hotels or guesthouses in Stepantsminda (Kazbegi). Alternatively, camping is possible directly at the parking area (note that nighttime temperatures drop significantly and conditions can be severe).

Best time to visit

The best window for climbing runs from early January to early March. Be sure to check the local weather forecast before visiting the sector.

Information

Guga - Mail: [email protected]    Tel: (+995) 557 300 700.

Temo - Mail; [email protected]     Tel: (+995) 598 45 70 48