Kazbek Summit: Scaling Georgia’s Highest Peak

£1400 per person

Climb Mount Kazbek, one of the highest peaks in the Caucasus, for an unforgettable adventure with stunning views.

Join our Mount Kazbek climbing tour and summit one of the highest peaks in the Caucasus at 5,054 meters. Starting in Stepantsminda, the journey begins with an equipment check before hiking to Gergeti Church and Sabertse Pass, with views of the Gergeti Glacier. The trek continues to the Meteorological Station shelter, followed by an acclimatisation hike on the Ortsveri Glacier to practice mountaineering skills. After a rest day, summit day starts early, offering wide-ranging views from the top. The descent ends with a dinner and medal presentation in Stepantsminda. Choose between a premium or basic package to suit your needs.

9 Days
16+ Age
Georgia
Adventurous Excursions
  • Destination
    Georgia
  • Departure
    Stepantsminda
  • Departure Time
    Please aim to arrive in Tbilisi by 3pm local time at the latest for transfer on to Stepantsminda.
  • Return Time
    The tour will usually end with breakfast on day eight.
  • Dress Code
    Clothing suited to all types of weather conditions, including -15°C at night at basecamp.
  • Included
    Airport Transfers
    Breakfasts
    Entrance Fees
    Local Sim Card
  • Not Included
    Flights
    Lunches and Dinners
    Personal Travel Insurance
    Spending Money

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Day 1: Arrival and Acclimatization

Upon arriving in Georgia, the group will be transported to the picturesque town of Stepantsminda, nestled at the foot of Mt. Kazbek. After settling into the accommodations, the team will take a stroll to explore the surroundings and get acquainted with the beautiful Georgian landscape. This day will primarily focus on acclimatisation, allowing everyone to adjust to the altitude and prepare for the climb ahead.

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Day 2: Gergeti Trinity Church - Sabertse Pass

Start the day with breakfast before traveling in SUV minivans to Gergeti Trinity Church. Here, the instructor will teach walking and breathing techniques to conserve energy during the climb. The hike continues to Sabertse Pass at 3,150 meters, taking 3-4 hours and offering views of the Gergeti Glacier and Kazbek. This serves as a warm-up for the ascent and introduces the area's cultural and religious heritage. There will be time to explore the church’s medieval architecture and surrounding panorama before continuing to accommodation in tents or the Altihut mountain shelter, ending the day with an evening meal and preparations for the days ahead.


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Day 3: High Camp

A long trek to the Meteorological Station shelter at an altitude of 3,650 metres marks the beginning of our climbing adventure. The journey, covering 8.6 km in about 5.5 hours, offers a constant view of Mount Kazbek. We start by walking on rocks before moving onto the glacier. The trail leads through varied terrain, including forests, alpine meadows, and glacier-fed rivers. The group will encounter native wildlife, such as chamois and golden eagles, with occasional stops to rest, drink mountain water, and appreciate the landscapes. Upon reaching the Base Camp, set in a valley surrounded by peaks, the team will set up camp in tents or a mountain shelter and receive a briefing on the technical aspects of the climb.

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Day 4: Ortsveri Glacier

Acclimatisation hike to 4,400 metres. The route includes rocky terrain and traversing crevasses. We practice essential mountaineering skills: walking in crampons, self-arrest on snowy slopes with ice axes, and moving on rope rails. The ascent takes 5 hours, and the descent takes 2 hours.

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Day 5: Rest Day

A day of rest to recharge energy. However, if the weather forecast for the following days is unfavourable, we may use this day for climbing. It serves as a reserve day if needed.

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Day 6: Summit Day

We start at 2 AM, equipped with crampons and headlamps. The ascent and descent usually take 10-12 hours. From the summit of Mount Kazbek, you'll enjoy a 360-degree view, with Mount Elbrus visible in the distance. We then return to the Meteo Station.

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Day 7: Descent to the Village

We descend to the Holy Trinity Church and then by minivans to the village of Stepantsminda. We'll stay in the same hotel as on the first day of the tour. In the evening, a celebratory dinner at a Georgian cuisine restaurant with the finest Georgian wine, followed by the presentation of medals for the Kazbek climb and certificates.

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Day 8: Departure from Tbilisi

Breakfast at the hotel marks the end of the Kazbek climbing program. Transfers will be arranged to Tbilisi for those who require them.

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Day 9: Reserve Day

This is the second backup day in case of bad weather. If both reserve days are utilised, the tour will conclude on this day. Therefore, you should book your return flight for this day.

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Essential Information for Climbing Kazbek

 

Climbing Mount Kazbek is a demanding challenge requiring thorough preparation. Temperatures typically range between -15°C and -20°C, with frequent snowfall and strong, cold winds. Given the unpredictable duration of the climb, it's crucial to dress warmly and be prepared for extended periods in harsh conditions. It's advisable to carry more clothing than you think you'll need; an extra layer in your backpack can significantly impact your comfort and safety.

 

Essential Equipment:

 

  • Footwear: Warm mountain boots (crucial for climbing)
  • Gloves: Very warm down gloves, inner gloves (fleece or merino wool)
  • Backpacks: Main backpack (75L capacity), smaller backpack (45L capacity)
  • Protective Gear: Glacier glasses (category 4), crampons, harness with 2 screw carabiners, ice axe, helmet
  • Climbing Gear: Ice screws, climbing rope, trekking poles
  • Lighting: Headlamp with spare batteries
  • Camping Essentials: Warm down sleeping bag (suitable for -10°C), sleeping mat, tent (if camping), thermos (0.7 to 1L capacity)
  • Cooking Equipment: Camp stove (e.g., Jetboil), mess tin, cutlery

 

Suggested Clothing:

 

  • Underwear: High-quality thermal underwear
  • Base Layer: Long-sleeve top, leggings
  • Mid Layer: Fleece hoodie or jacket
  • Outer Layer: GORE-TEX jacket, GORE-TEX trousers
  • Additional Layer: Puffer jacket (for extra warmth)
  • Accessories: Warm socks, hat, buff, balaclava, gaiters

 

Some items are available for rent, such as mountaineering boots, gaiters, overboots, a down jacket rated for -15°C, down mittens, a hardshell jacket, and softshell trousers. Items like Polartec jackets, gloves, underwear, fleece hats, hiking socks, and lightweight boots are not available for rent but can be purchased.

 

Inclusions and Exclusions

 

Included in the Cost:

 

  • Tour Manager: Assistance with flights and visas
  • Guides: Professional mountain guides (max 4 participants per guide)
  • Accommodation: 2 nights in a guesthouse (double occupancy) and expedition tents on the route
  • Camping Fees: Payment for camping at the High Camp
  • Meals: Freeze-dried food packs on the route
  • Transport: Transfer from Stepantsminda to the Holy Trinity Church
  • Group Equipment: Ropes, gas, kitchen supplies, etc.
  • Safety Measures: Satellite phone, first aid kit, rescue service registration

 

Premium Pack (+ €1,100):

 

  • Accommodation: 2 nights in a 4-star hotel, 6 nights in mountain huts
  • Meals: At a Georgian restaurant in Stepantsminda and full meals in shelters on the route
  • Transport: Personal gear and fresh food transported by horses
  • Extras: 30% discount on equipment and clothing rental

 

Not Included in the Cost:

 

  • Flights: To Tbilisi, Kutaisi, or Mineralnye Vody
  • Personal Equipment: Not covered but available for rent
  • Meals: In Stepantsminda
  • Insurance: Mountaineering insurance (mandatory) with coverage of 50,000 USD for medical emergencies, rescue operations, and transportation. Proof of coverage required

 

Transfer from Tbilisi is included in the total cost. For groups of three or more who do not require transport, please contact us via this link before booking, and we will deduct the transfer cost from the payment.