Climbing Kazbek from the south (the Georgian side)
-
$750
per person -
Challenging
difficulty level -
26 km
total distance -
3,140 m
elevation gain
all-inclusive, except
$750
insurance, personal gear, meals in Stepantsminda, and transfer to the meeting point
2025 climb
September 6 - September 13
Itinerary
Day 1
Elevation gain: 880 m, time on the trail: 3-4 h.
Meet up in Tbilisi and head out to Stepantsminda.
*If you're up for it, we can stop at a restaurant in Pasanauri and pull over for photos along the Georgian Military Highway.
We'll arrive at the Gergeti Trinity Church, gear up, and start our ascent.
Climb up to the Altihut shelter at 3015 m. We'll set up camp, grab lunch, and relax.
Meet up in Tbilisi and head out to Stepantsminda.
*If you're up for it, we can stop at a restaurant in Pasanauri and pull over for photos along the Georgian Military Highway.
We'll arrive at the Gergeti Trinity Church, gear up, and start our ascent.
Climb up to the Altihut shelter at 3015 m. We'll set up camp, grab lunch, and relax.
Day 2
Elevation gain: 860 m, time on trail: 4-5 hours.
Trek from Altihut across the glacier to the Kresty high-altitude camp at 3850 m.
*Optional: we can do a short acclimatization hike with light packs afterwards.
Trek from Altihut across the glacier to the Kresty high-altitude camp at 3850 m.
*Optional: we can do a short acclimatization hike with light packs afterwards.
Day 3
Acclimatization hike up to 4100—4200 m.
Technical training for the summit (using fixed ropes for ascent/descent and walking in crampons).
In the evening, we head back to camp and prep for tomorrow's summit push.
Technical training for the summit (using fixed ropes for ascent/descent and walking in crampons).
In the evening, we head back to camp and prep for tomorrow's summit push.
Day 4
Vertical gain: 1200—1400 m, time: 10—14 h.
Summit day.
Wake up at 2—3 AM, breakfast, and hit the trail.
Back to camp after the summit.
Summit day.
Wake up at 2—3 AM, breakfast, and hit the trail.
Back to camp after the summit.
Day 5
Total descent: 1735 m, time: 4–5 h.
Descent to Gergeti church (2170 m) and transfer to Tbilisi or Russia.
Optional: stay in Kazbegi at a SPA hotel to chill and recover.
Descent to Gergeti church (2170 m) and transfer to Tbilisi or Russia.
Optional: stay in Kazbegi at a SPA hotel to chill and recover.
Days 6-7
Reserve days
Just in case the weather turns bad on the route.
Just in case the weather turns bad on the route.
What to bring
- Sleepwear
- Underwear
- Base layers
- Base layer bottoms (leggings, tights, thermal underwear)
- Hiking pants (windproof and waterproof)
- Warm pants for the evening (fleece)
- Socks or hiking socks
- Warm fleece jacket
- Windproof and waterproof jacket (hardshell)
- Down jacket (warm parka)
- Gloves
- Overmitts
- Warm beanie
- Balaclava
- Headwear (sun hat, bandana, cap)
- Rain poncho with hood
- Hiking boots
- High-altitude boots (double or triple layer)
- Flip-flops/Crocs/sandals
- Summit pack (20-35 liters)
- Expedition backpack (70-90 liters) with rain cover
- Sleeping pad
- Sunglasses (protection category >3)
- Sit pad
- LED headlamp
- Trekking poles
- Crampons (included in price)
- Ice axe (included in price)
- Climbing harness (included in price)
- Helmet (included in price)
- Warm sleeping bag (comfort rating -8/-15°C)
- Passport
- Insurance
- Cash
- Power bank
- All necessary chargers
- Thermos (1L)
- Bowl, mug, and spoon
- Reusable water bottle
- Toilet paper, wipes
- Personal first aid kit
- Sunscreen and SPF lip balm
- Personal hygiene items
If you're booking less than 30 days before the start date, full payment is required to secure your spot.
Payment terms
A deposit is required to book your spot
Transfer in Lari ₾ and a Dollars $ to a TBC card
Transfer in Rubles ₽ to a Raif card at the Zolotaya Korona exchange rate
Pay the guide in cash in Lari ₾ and a Dollars $
The remaining balance is due no later than 30 days before the start
$200
Questions about the tour
Yes, if you're in good physical shape (we'll give you training tips to get ready), okay with sleeping in tents on the slopes of Kazbek, and ready to hike with a backpack.
We don't give a 100% guarantee, and we wouldn't trust anyone who does. Success depends on your fitness, mindset, weather conditions, and having the right gear. We do everything possible to help as many participants as possible reach the top.
No, your main gear will be carried to base camp by horses—this service is included in the price.
Meals are included (2-3 times a day). Everyone helps out with cooking — we'll set up a daily duty roster. For vegetarians, we scoop out your portion before adding meat, but please note we don't use separate pots for cooking.
We recommend picking up a Georgian SIM card. You'll have cell service and electricity while we're in Kazbegi.
Minimum age is 18. Minors can join if we clear it first. The upper age limit depends entirely on your health and fitness level.
- Transport to Vladikavkaz;
- Sports insurance (≈ 6000 RUB);
- Gear rental (from 10,000 RUB);
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, cafes);
Chronic respiratory, nervous, or cardiovascular issues require a doctor's consultation (a sports doctor is even better). It's important to let us know in advance about any conditions or medications you're taking.
We strongly recommend getting mountain insurance that covers climbs above 5000m and helicopter evacuation (≈ $65).
HEADS UP!!! If you don't have it, you'll have to cover all expenses yourself.
HEADS UP!!! If you don't have it, you'll have to cover all expenses yourself.
Any of the months we offer. Predicting the weather is tricky, so we've built 2 spare days into the program for the summit push.
Want to climb Kazbek?
This isn't just a route — it's a 5054-meter peak and a journey you'll remember for a lifetime.
We'll show you how to prep, what to expect, and if this climb is the right fit for you.
Leave your contact info — we'll explain everything without the spam or sales pitch.
We'll show you how to prep, what to expect, and if this climb is the right fit for you.
Leave your contact info — we'll explain everything without the spam or sales pitch.
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