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Mount Ailama

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Mountain

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Mount Ailama is a striking peak located in the central portion of the Greater Caucasus, within the historic Svaneti region of Georgia. Rising to an elevation of 4547 meters, it is the highest point of the Ailama massif and is situated at the headwaters of the Koruldashi River. Geologically, the mountain is composed of Paleozoic granites and metamorphic rocks, providing it with significant resistance to erosion. The south face of Ailama is renowned among mountaineers for its extreme steepness and technical complexity, making it one of the most challenging rock walls in the entire Caucasus. The summit is perennially glaciated, and the surrounding valleys are characterized by a rugged, alpine beauty that remains largely undisturbed. Near the mountain lies the Ailama mountain hut, which serves as a vital base for expeditions and high-altitude trekking in this remote sector. The local wildlife features rare species such as the Caucasian tur and various birds of prey. Culturally, the region is deeply connected to the traditions of the Svan people, whose defensive towers in the lower valleys stand as monuments to their resilient history.

Location: Georgia
Top sights: krugovoi obzor gor · atsanguar
Nearby: Shovi (34 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-8	-7	-2	3	8	13	15	15	11	6	-1	-6
Rain mm	52	41	74	69	97	104	79	65	71	72	63	48

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Access to this remote Caucasus peak is primarily achieved through the deeply incised valleys of the southern region, with the final valley settlements serving as typical launch points for mountaineering expeditions.

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Best season

The most favorable conditions for climbing are usually found during peak summer between July and August, when the majority of winter snow has melted and high-altitude routes become significantly safer to navigate.

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Terrain & paths

The mountain terrain is exceptionally demanding, characterized by steep, pyramid-shaped rock faces and glacial crevasses, demanding comprehensive alpine experience and highly specialized climbing skills from visitors.

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What to bring

A complete high-altitude mountaineering kit including crampons, an ice axe, climbing ropes, as well as heavily insulated weatherproof expedition clothing and ample emergency rations, is strictly mandatory here.

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Parking

Secure parking options are generally confined to the closest villages in the valley floor, from where the remainder of the arduous journey toward the steep mountain massif must typically be completed entirely on foot.

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Safety

The dramatically steep southern slopes carry a severe risk of avalanches and rockfalls, making meticulous route planning, constant weather monitoring, and the guidance of Caucasus mountain experts absolutely essential.

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Time needed

A comprehensive expedition into this high-alpine territory usually spans several consecutive days, requiring carefully planned daily stages with overnight stays in professionally established and secured base camps.

Geography

Coordinates

42.96000, 43.43000

Facts

The summit of Ailama reaches an elevation of 4547 meters.
It is located at the southern end of the main Caucasus ridge.
The first documented ascent of the peak was recorded in 1937.
Geologically, the mountain is dominated by Paleozoic granitoids.
The Ailama glacier on its slopes is a source for the Rioni River.
Ailama's south face is considered one of Georgia's hardest climbing walls.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Blue Lakes (Cherek)25 km · NEExplore →

Mount Koshtan-Tau26 km · SExplore →

Shovi34 km · NWExplore →

Mount Dykh-Tau34 km · SExplore →

Mount Shkhara35 km · SExplore →

Shota Rustaveli Peak44 km · SExplore →

Chegem Falls44 km · SEExplore →

Ushguli46 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Mount Ailama (2)

krugovoi obzor gor 🌿 nature

A high-altitude viewpoint offering a 360-degree panorama of the rugged peaks of the High Caucasus.

atsanguar🏺 historical

Ancient stone enclosures built by medieval shepherds high in the alpine pastures of Svaneti.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is Ailama located?

Ailama is located in the Central Caucasus, at the source of the Koruldashi River in Svaneti.

How high is this mountain?

The peak reaches a height of 4,547 meters.

What shape does Ailama have?

It is a steep, pyramid-shaped peak that looks very impressive, especially from the southern side.

Are there climbing opportunities?

Yes, Ailama is known among climbers for its challenging routes on rock and ice.

When was the first ascent?

The first documented ascent took place in 1889 by a British expedition.

Mount Ailama: where is it located?

Mount Ailama is located in Georgia.

Mount Ailama: what is there to see?

Highlights include krugovoi obzor gor, atsanguar.

Mount Ailama: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.

Mount Ailama: why is it worth visiting?

Mount Ailama is a striking peak located in the central portion of the Greater Caucasus, within the historic Svaneti region of Georgia.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Mount Ailama

Best time to visit & climate