Nika Arabuli

Nika grew up in the shadow of Mount Kazbek in the village of Stepantsminda, where his family has lived for four generations. He started walking the trails to Gergeti Trinity Church as a child with his grandfather, a former shepherd who knew every seasonal pasture between Juta and the Russian border.

After completing a mountain-guide course at the Kazbegi National Park training centre in 2017, he began working with Sakartvelo Tours full-time. Today he leads day treks and multi-day itineraries across Khevi, and he is one of the guides local rescue services call on for spring avalanche and weather advice.

In winter he coaches beginner skiers at Gudauri and volunteers with the local search-and-rescue team.