Altihut 3014 - Who we are

We are just a bunch of eccentric Earthlings, captivated by the idea of Altihut — a concept born from a profound love for nature and a deep sense of responsibility toward our planet. Altihut seeks to balance the joy of the moment with awareness of the footprints we leave behind. Too often, our journeys risk forgetting what truly matters. We’re here to change that. By treading lightly and thinking ahead, we hope to make each day brighter, not just for ourselves, but for those we may never meet, who share this fragile, beautiful world with us.

The idea for Altihut was born not out of architectural ambition, but during a high-altitude journey initially motivated by a simple toast shared among friends: “Rediscover your Georgia.” What began as a moment of reflection quickly transformed into a sobering encounter with reality. At over 3,000 meters above sea level, within one of the most visually stunning and culturally significant corners of the Caucasus, we found a deeply troubling scene: widespread environmental neglect, the absence of even the most basic sanitation infrastructure, and a jarring disconnect between the natural grandeur and the way it was treated by visitors and institutions alike.

What we witnessed was not just pollution, but the symbolic erosion of values, an abandonment of responsibility, history, and dignity. The site, which should have embodied harmony between nature and humanity, instead reflected a harsh and chaotic dissonance. Mountains of waste, human, industrial, and symbolic, had overwhelmed the landscape. What should have been a sanctuary was instead a cautionary tale.

Out of this confrontation with the "brutal sublime," a new purpose emerged. Our initial response, organizing a cleanup and installing a composting toilet, it was humble, but quickly evolved into a much broader mission. Thus, Altihut was conceived: a project dedicated to establishing sustainable infrastructure, responsible tourism practices, and a new ethic of stewardship at high altitude, based on global best standards in sanitation, safety, and environmental design.

This seemingly minor intervention became the seed of a long-term, systemic effort, one that continues to grow, adapt, and inspire. Altihut is not simply a building or a hut; it is a commitment to regeneration, to the values of care, and to the belief that hospitality and sustainability are not mutually exclusive, even in the most remote places.

At the heart of our motivation stands Giorgi Nikoladze the visionary figure who laid the foundations of Georgian and soviet alpinism, and who pioneered many scientific and civic disciplines that underpin modern Georgia. For us, he is more than a historical icon, he is a north star and raw model of "who we want to become when we grow up".

We do not claim to walk in his footsteps with grandeur. Rather, we humbly strive to water the tree he once planted, so that future generations may one day find rest, meaning, and inspiration in its shade.