Climb Mount Kazbek in Georgia (5054m)
Trek one of the wildest routes in the Caucasus and tackle the highest mountain in Eastern Georgia
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with English-speaking, internationally-certified IFMGA mountain guidesAll accommodation
4 nights in mountain refuges, 1 night in a guesthouse and 1 night in a Tbilisi hotelMeals
Munch on tasty food throughoutTransfers
To and from the airport and everything in betweenSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 12 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
What's it like?
Clamber to the summit of the visually stunning Mount Kazbek – a dormant stratovolcano made from hardened lava
Tackle a challenging trek through the wilderness and across the hiker’s paradise of the Kazbegi National Park
Follow a less-travelled route into the Caucasus, including steep ascents, glacier crossings and an epic final climb
Stay at the cosy and comfortable Altihut (3014m), Georgia's first environmentally friendly alpine-style mountain refuge
Key Information
Day 1
Hike to the Altihut (3014m)
Driving
Hiking
Join your host at their HQ in Tbilisi for a full briefing and equipment check before your ascent of Mount Kazbek. If you need anything (including mountaineering helmets, B3 boots, crampons, walking poles, harnesses and carabiners), these can all be hired in advance through your host and collected at this point. Drive to Gergeti Trinity Church (2150m) and after a short but steep climb to the ridgeline, continue towards the Altihut, your home for the next few nights.
Day 2
Arsha Pass (3800m)
Hiking
Fuel up with a champion's breakfast and then test your legs and lungs with an acclimatising hike up to the Arsha Pass. Enjoy the views from the top over Sno Valley, the Chaukhi Mountains, Stepantsminda and the Truso Valley and then return to the Altihut for another comfortable night in the mountains.
Day 3
Betlemi Church (3930m)
Hiking
Continue acclimatizing as you head for one of the world's most unusual places of worship, the high altitude Betlemi Church, built at a whopping 3930 metres above sea level. Settle into your next mountain refuge, Meteo Station, and prepare for the big day tomorrow.
Day 4
Summit day
Hiking
Rise before the sun and providing the weather is on your side, summit Mount Kazbek (5054m). You’ll follow a tough route along narrow paths, over a snow- and ice-covered mountain flank and through the middle of a glacier, ending in a final, challenging 100m climb to the top. Take a moment to catch your breath – both for the altitude and the incredible view – then celebrate with your fellow hikers. The descent is arguably more challenging, but your guides will be on hand to help you every step of the way and the thought of a well-deserved beer back at the Altihut will give you the extra drive you need.
(If weather conditions prevent you from attempting the summit today, you can relax, reserve your energy and prepare for an attempt tomorrow).
Day 5
Reserve day or descend to Stepantsminda
Hiking
If yesterday’s summit was successful, you’ll descend to Stepantsminda and spend a day at leisure – you've earned it. From this lovely valley town, you can look up at the silhouette of the Gergeti Trinity Church where your adventure began and admire the towering snowy cone of Mount Kazbek. Explore the town, take a trek around the surrounding valleys and then celebrate over dinner with your new-found friends or just catch up on some much-needed sleep.
Day 6
Return to Tbilisi
Driving
Head back to the city this morning. The physical adventure might be over but there’s still plenty to explore in the fortified town of Tbilisi, including the Narakali fortress that stands guard over the town, winding lanes, hidden bazaars, wine merchants, cafes and restaurants. As the sun sets, sit down with your team for the last supper of the expedition.
Day 7
Home to tell the tale
Spend your last few hours absorbing the magic of Georgia and perhaps pick up a bottle of the legendary local wine before heading back to the airport in time for your flight home.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 7
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Georgian cuisine is renowned for its mix of eastern and western flavours, aromas and colours and the food on this trip will be a delicious mix of local Kazbegi and national cuisine, often cooked using produce that's grown or reared by the guesthouse owners. It can be slightly spicy and consists mainly of meat, vegetables, cheese and fruit. There are, however, plenty of traditional dishes without meat so vegetarians can be well catered for. Lunches will be picnic style in the wilderness.
If you have any special requests, let your host know in advance and they will do their best to accommodate them.
What is the accommodation like?
The Mountains
You'll stay in two mountain refuges - the Altihut (3014m) and Meteo Station (3653m.) The Altihut is newly built and offers simple, clean and comfortable accommodation serving hearty Georgian meals. There is heating and running water but showers are not currently available. Meteo Station meanwhile is a very basic high-altitude hut from the Soviet era and there is no running water here. Both nights will be in mixed dorms.
Stepantsminda
You'll stay in a comfortable guesthouse in Stepantsminda (1882m) in a twin share room.
Tbilisi
You'll spend your final night in Georgia's capital city Tbilisi, in a twin room in a hotel close to the old town. The actual hotel will depend on availability but it will most likely be either the Old Metekhi or GTM Kapan, both of which are on Metekhi Rise with views over the river.
If weather conditions prevent you from attempting the summit on Day 4, you will spend another night in Meteo station or the Altihut on Day 5 and return to Tbilisi on Day 6
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space it is possible to request a private room upgrade for the final night in Tblisi (subject to availability). See Optional Extras for prices.
If you are arriving in Tbilisi in the early hours of the morning on Day 1, there is an "Early Check-In" option for the hotel which you can request (subject to availability) via your booking.
This trip has been rated as Tough
This trek is suitable for experienced hikers, although no previous technical mountaineering experience is required. You'll need to muster a high level of mental and physical strength to summit this 5054m peak, so a good level of fitness is required. This trek is suitable for those who exercise regularly and who have some recent prior experience of multi-day hiking, and ideally trekking at altitude. The summit day is a long and tough day involving approximately 11 hours of trekking and 1400m of ascent and 2040m of descent. You must come prepared for the cold on summit day, and with suitable equipment to deal with this. Although the route has been designed with acclimatisation in mind, the thin air at these altitudes will make this feel tougher. In terms of terrain, you will be walking on some narrow rocky trails and on snow and ice - crampons will be needed on multiple days of the trek. It's very important you bring or hire the correct equipment. You'll be roped up for the glacier traverse and the summit attempt for safety, as well as during any adverse weather. Your guide will provide some basic training on aspects such as the use of crampons, ice axes and walking in a rope team prior to the ascent.
High Altitude Factors To Consider
This trip visits locations at or above 4500m. At this altitude some people may experience symptoms associated with Altitude Sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). The likelihood of more severe conditions, such as HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema) and HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema), increases at higher altitudes. Previous experience at high altitude is not necessarily an indicator of future performance. Your guide(s) are trained to mitigate the risks associated with altitude by carefully managing the rate of ascent and the intensity of the activity, and to provide the appropriate support response should someone feel ill during the trip. Should you experience health issues during your trip you should inform your guide immediately so the proper care can be provided. Owing to the nature of this trip, it is essential that your personal travel insurance policy provides cover up to the maximum altitude visited on this trip as well as emergency medical evacuation by helicopter.
Mountain climates are notoriously unpredictable so it is essential to bring cold weather gear and layers to adjust your temperature as required. At low elevations the average daytime temperature from June to September is 20-25˚C, however, at 5000m the temperature will drop considerably. For every 1000m of ascent, the temperature can be expected to drop by approximately 6.5°C. From July to August the temperature at Base Camp is usually between 0°C and 10°C (although it's not unknown for it to fall to -10°C or colder). At the summit it's typically -10°C to -20°C (but in extreme conditions, it can be much colder).
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Tbilisi Airport or Your Host's Base in Tbilisi
Any time before 08:00 (Airport) or at 08:30 (Host's Base) on Day 1
Ends
Tbilisi Airport
Any time on Day 7
Transfers
You should plan to arrive at Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) before 08:00 on Day 1 (as there will be a briefing at the host's base at 08:30) and can depart at any time on Day 7. If you've supplied your arrival and departure details in advance, your host will provide free arrival and departure transfers to coincide with your flights.
There are also plenty of taxis at the airport all day and night and the fair is a maximum £15/$20 for a car which fits four.
If you want to arrive before Day 1 or depart after Day 7 - your host is able to arrange pre /post-trip accommodation on your behalf. See Optional Extras for details. If arriving early - you'll meet the group at the host's base in Tbilisi on Day 1 at 08:30. If you are arriving in Tbilisi in the early hours of the morning on Day 1, there is an "Early Check-In" option for the hotel which you can request (subject to availability) via your booking.
Travel options
Several airlines offer flights to Tbilisi from major travel hubs - routes are often indirect. Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa offer good connections from London with one-stop.
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What's available to hire?
The following items are essential for this tour and are available to hire through your host - please request items in advance of your arrival in Tbilisi. However, if you prefer to bring your own equipment then that's fine too.
- 35-litre backpack (Salewa)
- Crampons (Petzl 10-point)
- Ice axes
- Climbing helmet (Salewa)
- Harness
- 2 x carabiners (1 locking, and 1 clip-in)
- Mountaineering boots (Salewa Vultur Evo GTX, Sizes EU38-45 available)
- ...(See Optional Extras for prices)
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
- 65-70 litre rucksack to carry all your gear to Altihut
- 35-litre lightweight day pack with ice-axe loops and rain cover - for beyond Altihut and summit day (easy to stuff in your main backpack when not in use)
- Backpack rain cover
- Drybags to line your rucksack/waterproof pouches for your passport and other valuables
CLOTHES
You'll experience a wide range of temperatures in the mountains, so we recommend packing layers that you can put on and take off to adjust your temperature. Temperatures at the summit at over 5,000m can reach -20°C: please bring suitable clothing and equipment (particularly for your extremeties).
- Worn-in, waterproof, insulated mountaineering boots (these should be a stiff B2, or a B3 standard, compatible with crampons - check out our useful guide)
- Warm fleece or mid-layer
- 3-4 season down jacket with hood
- Hiking trousers (including a pair of warm trousers for the summit)
- Shorts
- Waterproof hardshell jacket with hood (windproof, breathable, such as Gore-Tex)
- Waterproof trousers or over-trousers (windproof, breathable, such as Gore-Tex)
- Gaiters
- Thermal bottoms (wool/merino or synthetic)
- Long-sleeved thermal top (wool/merino or synthetic)
- T-shirts
- Warm hat/balaclava
- Neck snood or buff
- Wide brimmed sun hat/baseball cap
- Gloves (pair of windproof lightweight gloves and a pair of insulated or over-gloves for summit day)
- Trekking socks (some light/mid-weight wool/synthetic pairs, plus a pair of heavy duty mountaineering socks for the summit)
- Trainers or sandals for guesthouses
SLEEPING
- 3 to 4-season sleeping bag (see our Sleeping Bag Guide)
- Sleeping bag liner
OTHER
- Water bottle x 1-litre
- 1.5 litre Thermos flask for summit day to prevent water from freezing
- Headtorch (LED recommended)
- Sunscreen and lip balm (high SPF, 50+)
- Suitable UV blocking sunglasses (ideally wrap-around to avoid snow blindness)
- Quick-dry towel
- Toilet paper (for Meteo Station)
- Personal toiletries
- Earplugs
- Trekking poles (foldable)
- Energy/protein bars
- Hand/toe warmer sachets
- Camera
- Mobile phone
- Adaptor if you bring any electrical equipment for charging batteries and/or your phone (two pronged)
- Personal medicine if required (please inform your guide in case of emergency)
35L Backpack
Payable Before Departure
35L Backpack
… Per Person
Carabiners
Payable Before Departure
Carabiners
… Per Person
Climbing Harness
Payable Before Departure
Climbing Harness
… Per Person
Climbing Helmet
Payable Before Departure
Climbing Helmet
… Per Person
Crampons
Payable Before Departure
Crampons
… Per Person
Gaiters
Payable Before Departure
Gaiters
… Per Person
Ice Axe
Payable Before Departure
Ice Axe
… Per Person
Kit Package 1: Boots, Harness, Crampons, Ice Axe, Carabiners
Payable Before Departure
Kit Package 1: Boots, Harness, Crampons, Ice Axe, Carabiners
… Per Person
Kit Package 2: Harness, Crampons, Ice Axe, Carabiners
Payable Before Departure
Kit Package 2: Harness, Crampons, Ice Axe, Carabiners
… Per Person
Mountaineering Boots
Payable Before Departure
Mountaineering Boots
… Per Person
Trekking Poles (foldable)
Payable Before Departure
Trekking Poles (foldable)
… Per Person
Additional Night in Tblisi - Single Room
Payable Before Departure
Additional Night in Tblisi - Single Room
… Per Night
Additional Night in Tblisi - Twin / Double Room Room
Payable Before Departure
Additional Night in Tblisi - Twin / Double Room Room
… Per Night
Tbilisi Hotel Early Check-In (Single Room)
Payable Before Departure
Tbilisi Hotel Early Check-In (Single Room)
…
Tbilisi Hotel Early Check-In (Twin/Double Room)
Payable Before Departure
Tbilisi Hotel Early Check-In (Twin/Double Room)
…
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