Mount Kazbek, 5047m, is one of the highest and the most beautiful peaks of the Caucasus. The four hour drive to the Kazbegi region from Tbilisi takes us through the beautiful Aragvi Valley, then over the Jvary Pass, 2380m. From the small town of Kazbegi, 1700m, mountain paths lead across alpine pastures full of flowers past the superbly located outstanding viewpoint Gergeti chapel. Then on up to the grassy Sabertse Pass, 3150m, just beyond it there will be our first campsite, 2950m. Then a moraine is followed to the Gergeti Glacier which leads to the Betlemi high mountain refuge situated on the southern slopes of Mount Kazbek.
It is better to spend a day for acclimatization and exploring the area. If the weather is good it is possible to climb Mount Ortsveri, 4365m. An alternative is to visit Betlemi, a hermit's refuge at over 4000m in a carved cave a short way up a cliff (easy roped climb).
For the ascent of Mount Kazbek we set off in the early hours. Despite of the lack of technical problems on this mountain, one should always remember the great height of this peak with its propensity for dangerous changes of the weather. The route leads us to the Maili Plateau 4500m, where we will use crampons to climb NW snow icy slopes to the saddle at 4900 m. It will be necessary to fix a rope on the final section and climbers can easily reach the summit. The summit provides fantastic views of the Caucasian peaks stretching westwards to Elbrus for 200 km. We descend to the refuge in the evening hours. Our expedition finishes by walking down to Kazbegi and driving to Tbilisi.
Your Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Tbilisi. Transfer airport-city. Hotel. Pre-Trek briefing. (D).
Day 2: Drive to the northern part of the Great Caucasus along Aragvi river and then cross the Jvari Pass to a village of Gergeti near town of Kazbegi. Then walk up to the mountain hut. On half of a way stay for the night in camp. (B/L/D).
Day 3: Continue walking up to the hut. Night in the hut. (B/L/D).
Day 4: Climbing Mount Ortsveri. Return to the refuge. (B/L/D).
Day 5: The Summit Day. Return to the refuge. (B/L/D).
Day 6: Spare day to attempt Kazbek in case if the weather on the day 5 was bad. (B/L/D).
Day 7: After breakfast we walk down to Kazbegi, 4hrs. Drive to the hotel in Tbilisi and relax. (B/L/D).
Day 8: Transfer to the airport. Departure from Tbilisi. (B).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
The prices are calculated on a group basis for 6 and more participants.
Included: all transport and accommodation as per program; experienced mountain guides; limited numbers of porters for group equipment and food; three daily meals; cook and cooking facilities; tents and other group equipment.
Not included: Georgian entry visa, insurance, personal equipment, international flights.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Georgia
Mountain/Rock Climbing
Hiking & Trekking
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