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Are you ready to take on the ultimate mountaineering challenge? Join our renowned IFMGA guided tours and climb Mount Kazbek, an awe-inspiring peak that beckons adventure seekers from around the globe. Led by our certified and experienced mountaineers, you’ll embark on a thrilling journey that will test your limits and reward you with extraordinary memories.
Expert IFMGA Guides: With our team of highly skilled and certified IFMGA guides, you’ll receive unparalleled expertise and support throughout your climb. Their deep knowledge of Mount Kazbek and commitment to safety will ensure a successful and unforgettable experience.
Tailored Itineraries: We understand that every climber is unique. That’s why our IFMGA guided tours are designed to cater to different skill levels and preferences. Whether you’re an experienced mountaineer or a novice seeking a thrilling challenge, we have the perfect itinerary to suit your abilities.
Safety at the Core: Your safety is our top priority. Our IFMGA guides meticulously assess risks and implement strict safety protocols. We provide high-quality equipment, conduct thorough briefings, and guide you with expertise, allowing you to focus on the climb with peace of mind.
Captivating Scenery: As you climb Mount Kazbek, you’ll be treated to awe-inspiring scenery at every turn. Marvel at the rugged beauty of the Caucasus Mountains, witness glaciers gleaming in the sunlight, and soak in panoramic views that will leave you breathless. Each step brings you closer to the summit’s unparalleled beauty.
Cultural Immersion: Our IFMGA guided tours not only offer an incredible climbing experience but also provide opportunities for cultural immersion. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the region, interact with local communities, and savor the flavors of traditional Georgian cuisine. It’s an adventure that combines nature’s grandeur with a captivating cultural tapestry.
For the best Mount Kazbek climbing experience, consider planning your ascent on the classical route between June and September. During this period, the weather tends to be more stable with mild temperatures. Moreover, the trails are clear of deep snow, and the crevices are fully visible, ensuring a safer journey as you can carefully navigate around them.
If you’re interested in ski touring, we offer exclusive springtime tours on Mount Kazbek for ski touring groups. These tours provide a unique opportunity to explore the mountain while the crevices are still filled with winter snow. Discover more about our exciting Mount Kazbek ski tour here.
A general mountaineering experience will be great and useful, but its not required. During your trip, your experienced guide will lead instructions on all necessary techniques for climbing the summit. This instruction will take place on Day 4, which is a full day near the basecamp.
When climbing high altitudes, you should be physically fit. On the summit day, we will be climbing 1,400m on high altitude in one day which takes a great amount of endurance and mental strength. To prepare for the climb, you should practice hiking mountain trails or trail running. Climbing Mount Kazbek will be more enjoyable the more fit you are. Get motivated and start to train now so you will be ready to take on the adventure with us.
Day 1
Arrival at Tbilisi International Airport (TBS). Meet the driver and transfer to the hotel in Tbilisi or Kazbegi (depending on flight schedule). Check-in and rest for the night
Day 2
Meet the driver at the hotel and transfer to Stepantsminda (if not done on arrival day). The drive takes about 2.5 hours. Check-in at the hotel and meet the local Mountain guide. Receive an introduction and briefing about the upcoming days’ plans. Ensure you have all the necessary equipment and clothing for climbing Mount Kazbek. This day is reserved for renting any required equipment. Rest for the night.
Day 3
After an early breakfast and checkout, the driver will transfer the group and Mountain guide to the historical 14th-century Trinity Church, where the trekking begins at 2,200m. Meet the horses, which will carry the gear to the basecamp. The first part of the terrain is through an open grass valley, which is slightly inclined and relatively easy. As we ascend, we’ll see the village of Stepantsminda, Trinity Church, and the beautiful surrounding mountains. After 3 hours, we’ll reach the ridge and get a magnificent view of Mount Kazbek. Another 2 hours of trekking will bring us to a glacier where we’ll put on crampons and begin crossing. After 2 more hours, we’ll hike up the Moraine until we reach the base camp at 3,653m. The base camp hut, formerly a Soviet Union meteorological station, will be our base.
Trinity Church Altitude: 2200m
Base Camp Hut altitude: 3653m
Vertical gain trekking: 1452
Travel time trekking: 7 hours
Day 4
We will spend this day acclimatizing and training. After an early breakfast we will then trek up to a ridge, leading us to a small church cabin at 3,950m. Shortly thereafter, we descend back to basecamp and proceed to a snowy slope next to the camp where your guide will go through important demonstrations on climbing, equipment, and safety techniques. We will review crampon, and ice axe usage. There will be exercises for glacier walking and icy slope walking. All of these exercises will further build our foundation and confidence to reach the summit of Kazbek. We will have an early dinner and rest early to prepare for early morning rising.
Base Camp Hut altitude: 3653m
Acclimatization trek: 4000m
Vertical gain trekking: 347m
Travel time trekking: 1.5 hour
Day 5
We wake up at 02:00 on this morning. After breakfast, we gather and prepare backpacks and equipment. At this point, we start the climb to Mount Kazbek with headlamps. When we reach 3,900 m, we rope together and start walking the slightly inclined glacier. After reaching the plateau at 4400m, we will witness the breathtaking sunrise and be able to view the meadows in the Russian territory. Here we can relax and take a moment to soak in the glacier environment around us. Now we start to gradually incline on a slope (20 degrees) which is leading us to the saddle of Mount Kazbek’s two summits. The most technical part is the last 100 vertical meters from the saddle to the summit. Here we will climb snow and icy slopes (up to 45 degrees). Reaching the summit will be a memorable experience for everyone after a 7 hour ascent all together. After some time, we will start the descent back to base camp, taking around 5 hours total. Now we can decompress, relax, enjoy dinner and rest.
Day 6
Reserve day in case of bad weather on summit day. If we are unable to leave the hut and attack the summit, we will spend this day resting in the hut and reserving our energy to summit the next day.
Base Camp Hut altitude: 3653m
Mount Kazbek Summit: 5054m
Vertical gain climbing: 1400m
Travel time climbing: 7 hours
Descent time to base camp: 5 hours
Day 7
After an early breakfast, we will leave the basecamp and trek back down to Trinity church. Here, we can take the time to visit the Trinity church site, which is a symbol of Kazbegi from the 14th century which is still being used today. The driver will meet the group and transfer all to Stepantsminda hotel to retrieve stored belongings and proceed to Tbilisi. We will stop on the way to Tbilisi in a local restaurant to enjoy delicious Georgian cuisine and congratulate each other on such a journey together. Check in to Tbilisi hotel.
Day 8
Departure day. Early breakfast at the hotel, checkout, and transfer to airport with the driver.
Day 1
Meet with your guide at the meet-up location in Stepantsminda. You will have an introduction and briefing about the plans for the days ahead. Weather conditions will be discussed at this point also. The guide will check to make sure you have all adequate equipment and clothing for climbing Mount Kazbek. This day will be reserved for renting any necessary equipment you might need.
Day 2
The driver will transfer our group and Mountain guide from the meet up point to the historical 14th century Trinity Church, where the trekking begins at 2,200m. The first leg of terrain is through an open grass valley, which is slightly inclined and rather easy. From the view behind us, we will see the village of Stepantsminda situated in the valley overlooked by Trinity Church and surrounded by the strikingly beautiful mountains. In 3 hours, after reaching the ridge, the Mighty Mount Kazbek will appear in front of us with all its magnificence. We will camp at 3000m and rest for the night.
Trinity church altitude: 2200m
Camp 1 altitude: 3000m
Vertical gain trekking: 800m
Travel time trekking: 3.5 hours
Day 3
After another hour, we will reach a glacier where we will put on crampons and start crossing the glacier. Following an additional two hours across the glacier, we will ascend the Moraine before finally reaching the base camp at 3,653m. The hut at this base camp, once a Soviet Union meteorological station, has now been converted into a mountain hut. The hut is equipped with electricity, allowing you to use phone chargers. Additionally, there’s a small hut cafe where you can purchase food, as well as both cold and hot drinks. This is where we will rest for the night.
Camp 1 altitude: 3000m
Base Camp Hut altitude: 3660m
Vertical gain trekking: 660m
Travel time trekking: 3.5 hours
Day 4
We will spend this day acclimatizing and training. We will wake up early and then trek up to a ridge, leading us to a small church cabin at 3,950m. Shortly thereafter, we descend back to basecamp and proceed to a snowy slope next to the camp where your guide will go through important demonstrations on climbing, equipment, and safety techniques. We will review crampon, and ice axe usage. There will be exercises for glacier walking and icy slope walking. All of these exercises will further build our foundation and confidence to reach the summit of Mount Kazbek. We rest early to prepare for early morning rising.
Base Camp Hut altitude: 3653m
Acclimatization trek: 4000m
Vertical gain trekking: 347m
Travel time trekking: 1.5 hour
Day 5
We wake up at 02:00 on this morning. We gather and prepare backpacks and equipment. At this point, we start the climb to Mount Kazbek with headlamps. When we reach 3,900 m, we rope together and start walking the slightly inclined glacier. After reaching the plateau at 4400m, we will witness the breathtaking sunrise and be able to view the meadows in the Russian territory. Here we can relax and take a moment to soak in the glacier environment around us. Now we start to gradually incline on a slope (20 degrees) which is leading us to the saddle of Mount Kazbek’s two summits. The most technical part is the last 100 vertical meters from the saddle to the summit. Here we will climb snow and icy slopes (up to 45 degrees). Reaching the summit will be a memorable experience for everyone after a 7 hour ascent all together. After some time, we will start the descent back to base camp, taking around 5 hours total. Now we can decompress, relax, and rest.
Day 6
Reserve day in case of bad weather on summit day. If we are unable to leave the hut and attack the summit, we will spend this day resting in the hut and reserving our energy to summit the next day.
Base Camp Hut altitude: 3653m
Mount Kazbek Summit: 5054m
Vertical gain climbing: 1400m
Travel time climbing: 7 hours
Descent time to base camp: 5 hours
Day 7
After an early rise, we will leave the basecamp and trek back down to Trinity church. Here, we can take the time to visit the Trinity church site, which is a symbol of Kazbegi from the 14th century which is still being used today. The driver will meet the group and transfer all to Stepantsminda meetup location.
Harness – Mountaineering or climbing harness with 2 screw karabiners and 60cm sling. Harness should be able to fit with your mountaineering jackets on.
Helmet – Standard climbing helmet.
Alpine Climbing Boots – Shoes should be waterproof, insulated, and with a solid sole. Preferably, semi-automatic or automatic crampons should fit the boot. (B2 or B3 crampons). The boots should be designed for alpine mountaineering and ice climbing.
Overboots / Gaiters – Gaiters are essential to avoid getting the boots wet. Protecting you from getting wet and from hitting your trousers with crampons.
Crampons – Crampons should be automatic or semi-automatic. Designed for ice and mixed climbing. 12 point steel with anti-balling, which is preventing snow sticking
Ice Axe – Designed for technical mountaineering and for ice climbing. With adze and sharpened picks. 1 pair needed.
Trekking Poles – Telescopic to suit your size and for different terrain.
Main luggage bag (up to 80L) – All gear can be packed here and extra items which is not needed on trekking day. The horse will take this directly to the basecamp as to alleviate weight from your other bag.
Backpack (35-50L) – This size bag is recommended because larger is unnecessary and leads to excess weight. Recommended to bring a waterproof cover in case of rain. This bag will be on your back during trekking to the basecamp and for the summit.
Headlamp – Fit to size.
Eye protection – sunglasses for mountaineering that fit face snug and tight. Should be 3-4th category
Waterproof Shell Jacket (1)
Down Jacket (1) – Light-medium weight preferably. Hooded or without hood is fine.
Mid Layer Jacket (1) – Fleece Jacket to put on top of thermal layer.
Thermal Base Layer Shirt (1) – Can be a synthetic or wool layer. Should be long sleeve, preferably ¼ or ½ zipper for ventilation.
Waterproof Shell Trousers (1 pair)
Thermal Base Layer Underwear/Leggings ( 1pair) – Can be synthetic or wool.
Beanie hat, buff, balaclava – Gear to keep the head and face warm.
Water Proof Insulated Gloves or Mittens – 1 Pair. For the summit
Trekking Gloves – 1 pair. Should be warm, but not bulky. Only for trekking and on the base camp.
Socks – Lightweight and medium weight mountaineering wool socks. (3 pairs)
Base Camp Slippers – Comfortable slippers for tent and basecamp wear.
Comfortable trekking trousers (1 pairs) – For leisure wear in base camp and for trekking
Basecamp kit and toiletries – Includes toothpaste and toothbrush. Deodorant. Soap. Baby wipes or wet napkins. If you wear contact lenses, bring lenses solution, contact holder, and bring extra lenses incase of losing a pair.
Microfiber towel – Used for drying hands and face. Body size is not needed, as there is no shower at the basecamp.
Mess kit – Bowl and utensils for base camp and climbing meals
Sleeping bag – Suitable for -15 Degrees – -10 Degrees Celsius
Sleeping mat / pad – Rollable or inflatable.
Reusable water bottle – Up to 1 liter. Water bottle should be light and with you to keep you hydrated on trekking days.
Thermos – Up to 1 liter. Thermos will be used in base camp and taking to the summit, which will keep liquids warm.
50+ SPF Sun protection – SPF for lips and face.
Batteries – Extra batteries for headlamp.
Any personal medication
Mobile Phone
*Please contact us for pricing on groups larger than 3 people
*Please contact us for pricing on groups larger than 3 people