Kazbek
Mount Kazbek in Georgia is one of the Caucasus's most iconic peaks, standing at 5054 meters and deeply embedded in Georgian mythology. This expedition takes you through dramatic glaciers, ancient monasteries, and breathtaking mountain scenery. The journey begins in the historic town of Kazbegi, with the famous Gergeti Trinity Church as a backdrop. We acclimatize through high-altitude camps before making our summit push across spectacular glaciers. This is a true mountaineering expedition requiring crampons, ice axes, and rope work - perfect for climbers looking for their first high-altitude experience beyond trekking peaks.
Trip details
- Country: Georgia
- Summit elevation: 5054m
- Duration: 8 days
- Price: from €2300
- Success rate: 88%
- Recommended seasons: June-September
Highlights
- Kazbek Summit 5054m
- Gergeti Trinity Church
- Caucasus glaciers
- Georgian mountain culture
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Georgia!
Before landing in Georgia, enjoy a stunning aerial view of the Caucasus mountains from the plane. After landing, board the shuttle to Capra Hotel in Stepantsminda, passing through unique rural and mountain landscapes. After arriving at the hotel, checking in and collecting your climbing gear, take some time to rest and prepare for the day ahead. Receive a full briefing from the guide team who will accompany you throughout the expedition. Tonight you'll rest well before heading to the mountain.
Accommodation: Capra Hotel in Stepantsminda, or similar
Day 2: Gergeti Trinity Church (2200m) - Alti Hut (3000m)
We begin the morning at Georgia's most photographed landmark - the Holy Trinity Church at Gergeti (2200m), overlooking the valley and the mountain. From here we leave the vehicle and start the foot ascent, as the green scenery gradually gives way to open alpine terrain. We finish the day reaching the modern Alti Hut at 3000m, where we'll spend our first night at significant altitude.
Accommodation: Alti Hut
Day 3: Alti Hut (3000m) - Base Camp (3650m)
Today we venture deep into the raw wilderness of the mountain. The route takes us for the first time into a world of ice - crossing the Gergeti Glacier, a powerful experience in its own right. We continue with a steady, gradual ascent until reaching the famous meteorological station at 3650m. This is our base camp - our home for the coming days and the launching point for the summit push.
Accommodation: Tents at Base Camp
Day 4: Acclimatization Climb (4100m) + Alpine Training
A critical day for the success and safety of the expedition. Today's goal is twofold: first, active acclimatization - a short climb above camp, past the little Bethlemi Church and up the slope to 4100m, to help the body adjust to the thinning air. Second, a practical alpine training session on the snow, practicing safe use of crampons and ice axe, to ensure everyone is technically ready for the big day.
Accommodation: Tents at Base Camp
Day 5: Summit Push to Kazbek (5054m) - Base Camp (3650m)
This is the moment of truth. We set out in the dead of night by headlamp, in the freezing cold of altitude. The ascent is long, physically and mentally demanding, involving extended walking on snow and ice across varying slopes. At sunrise, the immense effort pays off as we stand on the summit of Kazbek at 5054 meters. After celebrating and taking photos at the top, we begin the long, careful and controlled descent back to base camp to rest.
Accommodation: Tents at Base Camp
Day 6: Base Camp (3650m) - Gergeti Trinity Church (2200m) - Stepantsminda
After a night of recovery at base camp, we say goodbye to the mountain and begin the long descent back down. We cross the glacier once more, pass through Alti Hut and the green fields, until we reach Gergeti Trinity Church and drive to Stepantsminda. Time for a real hot shower, a celebratory dinner, and reflecting on this incredible experience.
Accommodation: Capra Hotel in Stepantsminda, or similar
Day 7: Spare Day for Bad Weather / Free Day in Tbilisi
In case of bad weather preventing a summit attempt, we stay an extra night at base camp and wait for better conditions the following day. We use the time for additional learning about mountain conditions and required techniques, maintaining fitness with light training and rest. If weather was good and the summit was reached, enjoy a free day in the city of Tbilisi. Explore the local markets, taste traditional food, visit museums and historic sites, and relax at the local cafés. A wonderful day for refreshment, enjoyment, and discovering the local culture.
Accommodation: Tents at Base Camp or hotel in Tbilisi
Day 8: Flight Back Home!
Start the day with breakfast at the hotel, then pack up and check out. Board the shuttle to Tbilisi Airport for the flight back home. On the way, share memories and stories from this incredible journey - full of photos and experiences that will stay with you forever :)
What's included
- Gift kit - cap, dry-fit shirt and 100L duffel bag!
- A personal area for every customer in the HighAir app
- Transfers from/to airport to hotel + internal transfers
- 2 nights full board at hotel in Stepantsminda
- 1 night B&B at hotel in Tbilisi
- IFMGA-certified English & Russian-speaking guides (1:3 ratio)
- Horses for personal gear transport (up to 15 kg per person)
- 1 night at Alti Hut in shared rooms
- 3-4 nights in double tents at base camp
- 3 meals per day throughout the mountain stay
- Climbing equipment: helmet, ice axe, harness, crampons, carabiners
- Live WhatsApp updates for families during the climb
- Personal gear checklist and an online gear consultation
- Online preparation call with your group and guide before departure
- Meaningful donation to the fight against cancer!
What's not included
- International flights (we recommend the best routes from your city)
- Travel & medical insurance, including evacuation cover (required)
- Lunch & dinner at Tbilisi hotel
- Personal gear - clothing and footwear (emphasis on summit boots)
- Tips for guides - €100 per person
- Fourth hotel night - €40 per person twin room (if needed, in case of an early descent from the mountain)
- Anything not listed in the included section
- Optional extras:
- Single room at hotel - €30/night
- Solo tent at base camp - €90 for entire mountain stay
- Upgrade to new hut room at base camp - €100/night
Good to know
- Kazbek requires crampons and ice axe work - equipment is included. Practical training is provided during acclimatization days before summit day.
- Summit day starts at midnight (00:00-01:00) and lasts 10-12 hours - high physical fitness and mental resilience for extended walking at 5054m are essential.
- The glacier may contain crevasses - movement is always in roped teams. No independent walking outside the group.
- Visa rules depend on your passport. Many nationalities enter Georgia visa-free; check before you travel.
- Medical clearance required - including fitness for 5000m altitude and alpine work.
- No prior climbing experience needed - but high fitness and mental stability at altitude are non-negotiable.
- Safety before summit - the decision to summit is always the guide's call.
- In the event of an early descent from the mountain, for any reason, all additional costs involved are the traveler's responsibility, such as extra hotel nights, meals, and any required flight changes.
Frequently asked questions
Is prior experience required?
For most of our routes no prior climbing experience is needed. What it takes is good fitness, an open mind and the will to reach the summit - and the preparation we do together before departure does the rest.
What is the group size?
Our groups are limited to a maximum of 12 participants, to keep personal guidance, a warm touch and a high-quality experience throughout the journey.
Is a single room available?
Yes, a single room can be requested for an additional fee. Please note it on the registration form so we can secure the room for you.
What happens if I need to descend early?
Participant safety comes first. If you need to descend early for any reason, the guide accompanies you back safely. Note that any extra costs arising from an early descent are the traveller's responsibility.
What is included in the price?
The price includes everything listed in the "What's Included" section on the page. International flights and travel insurance are not included, and a full gear list is sent to every registrant after registration.