Climb Mount Kazbek
- Kandoo Summits
- Kandoo Trekking
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our UK team
Arrive into Tbilisi International Airport, where we will be greeted by our driver and guide. They will then transfer us to our hotel, where will spend the rest of the day at our leisure. We will have a pre-climb briefing this evening at our hotel at 6pm.
This morning, we will embark on a journey northward along the renowned Georgian Military Highway. Our first stop will be at the magnificent Ananuri Fortress, standing proud on the banks of the Aragvi River. At the centre of the fortress is a fortified 17th century church, adorned with captivating carvings influenced by Persian and pagan art. We will then continue our journey to Stepantsminda, where we will take a short hike through the forest to the Gergeti Trinity Church, perched dramatically on a hilltop against the majestic Mount Kazbek backdrop. Returning to the town, we have time to explore before settling into our hotel for the evening.
After breakfast, we will set off on our adventure towards the towering peak of Mt. Kazbek. After heading up through a birch forest, we will continue on a charming trail that leads to Sabertse pass. Upon reaching Sabertse pass, we will gain an impressive view of the glacier sprawling out before us. We will then traverse the hillside until our path brings us to the grassy slopes surrounding the Altihut – an idyllic mountain hut perched at 3,014 meters. We pitch our tents on the rolling slopes before heading inside for our dinner.
This morning we leave the Altihut and head onwards to Bethlemi Hut – formally known as the Meteo Station, this mountain hut sits at 3,653 metres on the lower snow slopes of Mt. Kazbegi. The path from Altihut to Bethlemi ramps up in difficulty in comparison to the previous days, culminating in the crossing of the Gergeti glacier. Once we reach our destination, we can enjoy the magnificent views of this high-altitude camp spot. Again, we head into the hut for dinner this evening.
Following the ‘walk high, sleep low’ principle, today's hike is designed to help with your acclimatisation, a necessity for a successful summit of Mt. Kazbek. We will make a steady ascent to reach the start of the glacier, gaining around 270 meters. We will then return to the our tents, where the guides will give us a training session in the use of our climbing gear. After the training session, we will get an early night, in preparation for our early start the next day.
This morning we wake at 1am and get ourselves dressed and ready for our summit push. We leave the campsite and embark on the trail to the summit at 2am; a long, steady plod over the glacier as it progressively steepens up to the summit. Reaching the peak at a very respectful 5033m, we spend a few minutes taking in the panoramic views and indulging in the immense sense of achievement, before beginning the descent back down. A hearty meal awaits us this evening at the hut.
In case of inclement weather the day before, we keep the 7th day of our trip as a reserve in order to have a second chance of reaching the summit of Mt Kazbek. Alternatively, if the summit has been achieved, we will leave the Bethlemi hut area and head down to Stepantsminda. Once we reach the town, we can choose to spend the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel or explore the surroundings at our leisure.
This morning we jump in the transfer vehicle and head to the spectacular Truso Valley. Here, at the source of the Tergi River, the minerals in the water create vibrant explosions of white and yellow that melt into the crystal clear waters, painting an enchanting picture across the valley floor. We trek along the river bank and up to to Kasari Canyon and the abandoned village of Ketrisi. Here, we discover the remains of the medieval Zakagori Fortress. We then stop for a break by the breathtaking Truso Lake. Revived from our rest, we head deeper into the jagged peaked mountains before looping back to our vehicle and make the return journey to Stepantsminda, then on to Tbilisi.
Today we have the whole day to spend at our leisure in Tbilisi. Explore the enchanting Old Town, a maze of cobblestone streets filled with charming houses and hidden courtyards, visit the Georgian National Museum with its impressive exhibits, sample some Khakali from one of the many delectable restaurants or enjoy the renowned sulphur baths at Abanotubani. Dinner isn't included this evening so indulge in some of the local cuisine at one of Tbilisi's many delectable restaurants.
Depending on your flight time, you may have a chance to explore Tbilisi some more before we transfer you to the airport for your return flight.
An ascent of Mount Kazbek requires you to be in good physical condition and have experience of walking for up to 6 hours a day for several days in a row. The route will vary from easy trails at lower altitudes, to steep and rocky terrain, to crossing the glacier and finally heading up the steep snow slopes to the summit. There will be changes of altitude as you climb to 5000m and above, so a good amount of endurance is necessary.
It is important the personal equipment you bring with you is suitable for the conditions. Your clothing needs to protect you from very cold temperatures and winds. A good quality sleeping bag is essential (comfort rating -10) as well as protection for your eyes and skin. Please refer to the equipment section below for more information.
There is no technical climbing on the ascent of Kazbek. You will be walking in crampons and with the use of an ice axe but nothing more. Although some previous experience of trekking in winter conditions would be beneficial, it is not necessary. Your guide will provide training in the proper use of crampons and ice axe on your acclimatisation day and you will be roped whilst walking across the glacier and on the summit snow slopes. If you have any questions about your suitability or how to prepare for this trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
This adventure in the Caucasus is full board whilst trekking. Georgian gastronomy consists of rich pastries, meats and cheeses, eaten alongside fresh, vegetable salads.
If you have special dietary requirements please inform us as soon as possible after booking your trip. We will work with you to ensure your needs are met.
In order to reach Tbilisi from the UK it is necessary to have a stopover
in Europe. For those travelling from the UK, Lufthansa, Air France and Pegasus
offer flights from London and Manchester via Munich, Paris or Instanbul. From
Scotland, KLM offer flights via Amsterdam or Jet 2 via Antalya.
From the US, Delta and Air France offer flights from New York, Miami,
Los Angeles and Atlanta via Paris. From Dallas this flight is available via
Atlanta or Turkish Airlines offer a flight via Instanbul.
When you arrive in Tbilisi, please look out for our guide and driver in
the arrivals area, they will be holding a large "KANDOO ADVENTURES"
sign.
Please note that Georgia has a very strict anti-drugs policy. This can also cover prescription and non-prescription medicines commonly available in the UK and US. For example, non-prescription medicines containing codeine are illegal.
UPPER BODY
LEGS
FEET
We prefer that you do not wear cotton
clothing, including underwear, when participating in activities. When cotton
gets wet from water or sweat it ceases to insulate and does not dry quickly.
The best materials for outdoor activities are fast drying materials like
polyester or materials which are warm when wet like wool. The most powerful
materials against the wind and rain are 'breathable' materials like Gore-Tex or
Nikwax.
OTHER ACCESSORIES
From | To | Price | Availability | Book | Enquire |
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28/06/2025 | 07/07/2025 | $3,635 £2,799 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
19/07/2025 | 28/07/2025 | $3,635 £2,799 |
Available
|
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09/08/2025 | 18/08/2025 | $3,635 £2,799 |
Available
|
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23/08/2025 | 01/09/2025 | $3,635 £2,799 |
Available
|
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27/06/2026 | 06/07/2026 | $3,799 £2,999 |
Available
|
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18/07/2026 | 27/07/2026 | $3,799 £2,999 |
Available
|
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08/08/2026 | 17/08/2026 | $3,799 £2,999 |
Available
|
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22/08/2026 | 31/08/2026 | $3,799 £2,999 |
Available
|
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Want to ask us a question or book a private trip? Don't hesitate to contact us!
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