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 trail: 3-4 h.
Meet in Tbilisi and head to Stepantsminda.
*Optional: stop for food in Pasanauri and grab some photos along the Georgian Military Highway.
Arrive at Gergeti Trinity Church, gear up, and start the climb.
Hike up to Altihut at 3015 m. Set up camp, eat, and relax.
Meet in Tbilisi and head to Stepantsminda.
*Optional: stop for food in Pasanauri and grab some photos along the Georgian Military Highway.
Arrive at Gergeti Trinity Church, gear up, and start the climb.
Hike up to Altihut at 3015 m. Set up camp, eat, and relax.
Day 2
Elevation gain: 860 m, time on trail: 4-5 h.
Trek from Altihut across the glacier to the Kresti high camp at 3850 m.
*Optional: light acclimatization hike after arrival.
Trek from Altihut across the glacier to the Kresti high camp at 3850 m.
*Optional: light acclimatization hike after arrival.
Day 3
Acclimatization hike to 4100—4200 m.
Technical training for the climb (using fixed ropes, walking in crampons).
Return to camp in the evening and prep for tomorrow's summit.
Technical training for the climb (using fixed ropes, walking in crampons).
Return to camp in the evening and prep for tomorrow's summit.
Day 4
Vertical gain: 1200—1400 m, time: 10—14 h.
Summit day.
Wake up at 2—3 AM, breakfast, and hit the trail.
Return to camp after the summit.
Summit day.
Wake up at 2—3 AM, breakfast, and hit the trail.
Return 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 relax and recover.
Descent to Gergeti church (2170 m) and transfer to Tbilisi or Russia.
Optional: stay in Kazbegi at a SPA hotel to relax and recover.
Days 6-7
Reserve days
In case of bad weather on the route.
In case of bad weather on the route.
What to bring
- Sleepwear
- Underwear
- Thermal layers
- Hiking leggings (tights or thermal base layer)
- Outer shell pants (windproof and waterproof)
- Warm evening pants (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, full payment is required to secure your spot.
Payment policy
A deposit is required to book your spot
Transfer Lari ₾ and Dollars $ to a TBC card
Transfer Rubles ₽ to a Raif card at the Zolotaya Korona rate
Pay the guide in cash with Lari ₾ and Dollars $
The remaining balance is due no later than 30 days before the start
$200
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Guide services (one guide for a group of up to 3 participants)
Transfer from Tbilisi to Gergeti church and back
Gas burners and fuel
Group first aid kit
Meals during the climb
Horse transport for food and group gear
Group gear rental (tents, technical equipment, cooking pots, etc.)
Commemorative certificate and pin for a successful summit
Extreme sports medical insurance
Personal gear rental
Souvenirs, cafes, etc.
Meals in Stepantsminda and on the way there
Airfare
Tour FAQ
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.
Nope! Your main gear will be hauled to base camp by horses. This service is already 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);
If you have chronic respiratory, nervous, or cardiovascular issues, you'll need to consult a doctor (a sports doc is best). It's super important to let us know about any conditions or medications beforehand.
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 rescue costs yourself.
HEADS UP: If you don't have it, you'll have to cover all rescue costs yourself.
Any of the months we offer work great. Predicting mountain weather is tricky, so we've built 2 spare days into the program for the summit push.
Ready for Kazbek?
This isn't just a trail — 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 right for you.
Leave your contact info — we'll explain everything, no spam or sales pressure.
We'll show you how to prep, what to expect, and if this climb is right for you.
Leave your contact info — we'll explain everything, no spam or sales pressure.
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