Kazbegi: from Gergeti to the glacier

A November hike to the glacier. For those who want to test their grit. Over a kilometer of elevation gain, fresh snow at the top, and the incredible beauty of Kazbegi and the glacier getting ready for winter.
1 day
duration
moderate-hard
difficulty
13 km
distance
↑↓1146 m
elevation gain / loss

Hike program

Leaving Tbilisi
We meet near 300 Aragveli metro station and head toward Kazbegi. The drive takes about 3-3.5 hours.
The way to the glacier
We start from Gergeti (2170 m). We'll gain elevation and first reach the Altihut shelter (3014 m). Then, after a pretty steep climb, we'll hit the edge of the glacier (3300 m). We'll stop to soak in the views and snap some photos. We won't be crossing the glacial plateau—that's a whole different story.
Back to Tbilisi
We head down the same way we came up. We'll likely be hiking in the dark, so don't forget your headlamp. We'll reach the transfer and head home :)

What to bring

  • Warm jacket and pants
  • Sturdy trekking boots
  • Thermos with tea, water bottle
  • Fleece / sweater / thermal layers
  • Power bank
  • Light snacks
  • Trekking poles
  • Headlamp

Route highlights

  • Hardly anyone around. No crowds unlike summer. The route doesn't feel like a tourist trail; it feels like your own private mountain.
  • Autumn below, winter above. The contrast is real: yellow slopes, white Kazbek, and a thin layer of fresh snow. Visually, it's much more powerful than the sun-scorched summer.
  • Crisp air and visibility. In the off-season, the cold air is often stable, with less haze and less dust.
  • The panoramas look like someone cranked the sharpness to the max.
  • A sense of "real adventure". In July, it’s a "popular trek"; in November, it’s pure expedition vibes: cold, wind, short days, and the need for tight timing and discipline. It’s a massive mental boost: "I didn't just go for a hike, I survived a serious day in the mountains".
  • Level up for big goals. A November trek to Kazbegi is a solid test: how you handle the cold, how you manage your layers, and how your endurance holds up at altitude. After this, summer in Chauki and other passes will feel like a breeze.
  • Content that stands out. Most people post the same thing: summer, sun, and crowds on the trail. November is different—dramatic skies, tongues of snow, and clouds clinging to the peak. It’s cinematic material for your photos and videos.
  • Personal bragging rights. There’s a big difference between: "I was at Kazbegi in the summer when everyone goes" and "I hiked to Kazbegi in late autumn when it was cold and slick, but we pushed through and did it.".
Payment terms
To book your spot, you'll need to pay a 100% prepayment
Transfer to a Georgian BOG card BOG or cash to the guide
Payment in Lari ₾ or Dollars $