Mount Laila Ascent

About this trip

Laila (Lahili) is a 4,008 m peak in the Svaneti range, south of Mestia, and one of the more approachable 4,000 m summits in Georgia. The route starts in the village of Tskhumari at about 1,300 m, climbs through forest and along a ridge to a camp at about 2,800 m, and finishes on a glacier summit day where everyone is roped up in teams. A reserve day is built in for weather or slow acclimatisation. Good fitness and a head for height matter more than technical skill.

Where we go

1. Day 1
   Mestia → Tskhumari → camp

   Gear check in Mestia, then a 4x4 to Tskhumari at about 1,300 m. A steady climb through forest and along the ridge, around 1,500 m of ascent in five to six hours, to the camp at about 2,800 m. Tents up and an early dinner.

2. Day 2
   Summit day

   Start at dawn, roped up in teams across the glacier, about 1,200 m to the 4,008 m summit. Allow six to seven hours for the round trip back to camp.

3. Day 3
   Reserve day

   Kept for bad weather or a slow acclimatisation. If the summit is done, a rest day at camp or an early start down.

4. Day 4
   Camp → Tskhumari → Mestia

   Break camp, walk down to Tskhumari and take the 4x4 back to Mestia in the afternoon.

What's included