Mount Kazbek Summit Climb

About this trip

A guided ascent of Kazbek (Mkinvartsveri), the classic Georgian glacier peak at 5,054 m. Two nights in Stepantsminda to get used to the height, an acclimatisation climb past Gergeti Trinity, a night at the meteo station at about 3,650 m, glacier and crampon training, then a summit push in the dark. A reserve day is built in for weather. For fit hikers ready for their first big mountain; no previous crampon experience is needed, but you will learn it here.

Where we go

1. Day 1
   Tbilisi → Stepantsminda

   Drive the Military Road north, gear check and an evening briefing with the guide.

2. Day 2
   Gergeti → Sabertse Pass

   First climb past the Trinity church to around 3,000 m for acclimatisation, back down to sleep in town.

3. Day 3
   Up to the meteo station

   Cross the Gergeti glacier moraine to the station at about 3,650 m. Night in the station or in tents.

4. Day 4
   Acclimatisation & glacier school

   A climb to around 4,200 m, rope work, crampons and ice-axe arrest on the glacier.

5. Day 5
   Summit day

   Start around 01:00, summit at sunrise at 5,054 m, back to the station by afternoon.

6. Day 6
   Reserve day

   Kept free in case the weather closes the summit window; if the summit is done, a rest day and an easy walk down.

7. Day 7
   Down → Tbilisi

   Walk out to Gergeti and drive back to the city.

What's included