Mount Kazbek Ascent in Georgia
Climb Mount Kazbek with IFMGA-certified guides in Georgia, combining high-altitude trekking, glacier travel, and summit climbing in the Caucasus. Starting in Tbilisi and ascending via Stepantsminda.
Group
Caucasus
8 Days
May - Sep
High
All levels
Highlights
- Climb Mount Kazbek, one of the highest and most iconic peaks in the Caucasus
- Pass legendary landmarks like the Gergeti Trinity Church
- Cross the impressive Gergeti Glacier with expert guidance
Description
Mount Kazbek (5,054 m), a dormant stratovolcano and one of the highest peaks in the Caucasus, offers an unforgettable guided climbing adventure in the heart of Georgia.
From the moment you arrive in Tbilisi, your mountain journey begins with a transfer to Stepantsminda, the gateway to Kazbek, where the landscape becomes more dramatic with every turn.
As you make your way upward, you will pass iconic landmarks such as the Gergeti Trinity Church, stay at welcoming high-altitude huts, and cross the impressive Gergeti Glacier with the support of your experienced guide.
Prepare you for summit day with aclimatisation hikes and glacier skills training, before setting out for the top of Kazbek and enjoying breathtaking views from one of the region’s most impressive peaks.
A spare day is included for extra flexibility, and the expedition finishes with a descent back to Stepantsminda and a transfer to Tbilisi. It is a rewarding and memorable mountain experience, made even better by combining it with time in Georgia’s vibrant capital.
Reserve your spot and experience a guided ascent of Mount Kazbek in Georgia!
Price includes
Price details
- * Professional guiding team
- * Group transfers throughout the trip
- * Guesthouse accommodation at the base of Kazbek
- * Mountain hut stays during the expedition
- * Meals throughout the program
- * Scenic airport pickup
- * Group and camping equipment
- * Enhanced safety protocols
- NOT INCLUDED
- * Flights
- * Mountaineering insurance
- * Private services
- * Porter services
- * Personal expenses
- Tips for guides
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Tbilisi and Transfer to Stepantsminda
Your adventure begins at Tbilisi Airport, where your guide will meet you. From there, you will drive to the mountain village of Stepantsminda, set at the foot of Mount Kazbek. The scenic journey takes about three hours and winds through dramatic gorges and mountain roads.
After check-in, you will have a gear check, and any missing equipment can be arranged locally. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Georgian dinner followed by a briefing for the days ahead.
Day 2: Hike to Altihut
Today we begin our approach to Sabertse Pass. The trail passes the famous 14th-century Gergeti Trinity Church, one of Georgia’s most iconic landmarks, before continuing toward Altihut, a comfortable high-altitude refuge at 3,014 m. Main equipment will be transported by horses to make the ascent easier.
Day 3: Trek to Betlemi Hut
We leave Altihut and continue to Betlemi Hut, our base for the summit attempt. The route crosses the impressive Gergeti Glacier, offering dramatic scenery and a true high-mountain atmosphere. After a demanding day, we rest at the simple hut near the weather station.
Day 4: Acclimatisation Hike
This day is dedicated to acclimatisation. You can either hike to Kazbek Pass or follow the route toward Mount Ortsveri, both reaching around 4,000 m and helping your body adjust to the altitude.
The Ortsveri option is less frequented and offers especially peaceful views. After the hike, we return to the meteo station for rest and preparation.
Day 5: Glacier Skills and Rest
Today is spent training on snow and ice. You will practise roped travel, self-arrest with an ice axe, and other essential techniques for summit day.
There is also time to visit the small modern chapel near Betlemi Hut, where it is traditional to ring the bell for good luck before climbing Kazbek.
Day 6: Summit Day
This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trip. The ascent to Mount Kazbek, at 5,054 m, takes around 7 to 10 hours, followed by a 5 to 7 hour descent back to Betlemi Hut.
Known in Georgian as Mkinvartsveri, meaning “ice-capped peak,” Kazbek offers unforgettable views from the summit.
Day 7: Backup Day
This day is kept as a reserve in case bad weather affects the schedule.
Day 8: Descent and Departure
We hike back down to Stepantsminda and transfer to Tbilisi, either to your hotel or directly to the airport depending on your travel plans. It is also a great idea to add time in Tbilisi before or after the climb to celebrate your Kazbek success.
Equipment you will need to bring
For this trip, you will need to bring thermal underwear, a thin fleece jacket and pants, a thick fleece jacket, a storm shell jacket and pants, a hat, a neck gaiter or buff, a balaclava, a warm down jacket, gloves, mittens, mountaineering boots, gaiters, socks, summer clothes, a rain jacket, a backpack cover, and hiking boots.
You will also need a harness, carabiners, a helmet, an ice axe, crampons, trekking poles, sunglasses, ski goggles, a summit backpack, a duffel bag, and a sleeping bag. In addition, please bring a thermos, a headlamp, a personal first aid kit, sunscreen, a hygiene kit, and your documents.
About the guide
Rock'n'Snow
Languages
English | Russian
Certificates
IFMGA
What people are saying about Explore-Share
Man
Climbing with guide Guillaume was absolutely a highlight of my 2-week Europe vacation. Originally, we were planning on climbing in the Calanques, but the park was closed due to wind and fire danger. Guillaume chose another amazing location (Pic de Bretagne) based on my climbing abilities and preferences and kindly offered train station pick-up and hotel drop off, which I appreciated very much. The multi-pitch route we did was not only fun but also the right amount of challenge, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The communication from the team (Gauthier) was prompt and clear—highly recommend!
Maxine
Luis Silva was a great climbing guide and belayer! He taught me how to do moves that were difficult and encouraged me to try routes that were challenging for me! Because of his encouragement, I managed to complete these routes! I really enjoyed the climbs and completed 8 routes in the Sesimbra/Azoia area. The weather was perfect, no direct sun and cool enough to enjoy the climbs. Explore-Share made booking an outdoor climbing experience in Lisbon extremely easy. Luis, our guide, was fantastic, and the platform’s organization was flawless.
Valeriya
You’re simply the best!!! :))) Explore-Share made everything easy and stress-free. Will definitely use again.
Joshua
We had Léo as a guide for our day climb in Fonty. We were blessed with a knowledgeable, warm, and instructive guide. Communication with Léo and Ivan was smooth and swift. Explore-Share was excellent in arranging everything for our day climb. The communication was quick, and the platform was easy to use, making our adventure stress-free.
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4.8
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