Description
This 6-day round trip takes you up Mount Kazbek (5,047 m) in the Georgian Caucasus, combining a challenging glacier ascent with impressive natural and cultural experiences, including the Gergeti Trinity Church and Ananuri Fortress. Designed for active travelers with a good level of fitness, the tour offers an intense blend of trekking, acclimatization, and Georgian hospitality.
Travel Dates
10.09. - 15.09.26
14.07. -19.07.27
Custom travel dates available upon request
Included in the tour price:
- Professional tour guide
- Fair pay for the guide and use of exclusively local supply chains
- Accommodation: local guesthouses, Betlemi Hut, or tents
- Full board, including non-alcoholic drinks with all meals and drinking water (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
- Activities, including all entrance fees and safety training for glacier climbing
- Equipment: Specialized gear for glacier climbing
- Domestic transport, including fuel, driver, tolls, and parking fees
- Packing list
Not included in the price:
- Flights (can be booked through us)
- Equipment: Sleeping bag, hiking poles, trekking boots, trekking clothing, hiking backpack
- Tips and donations
- International health insurance (can be booked through us)
Day 1: Tbilisi to Stepantsminda via Gudauri
Your guide will meet you at the airport or pick you up at another location in Tbilisi if you are already in the country. Together, you will drive towards Stepantsminda. En route, you will visit the Ananuri Fortress; situated on the Georgian Military Highway and the Aragvi River, it is one of the country's landmarks. With origins dating back to the 13th century, the complex comprises religious, secular, and military buildings. The two churches and the Georgian Orthodox monastery are architecturally impressive and, combined with the beautiful views over the valley and river, create a truly special setting.
Afterwards, the journey continues to Gudauri. Once a postal station, it is now a popular resort town known for winter sports and heli-skiing. You will take in the region's scenery from a viewpoint. Upon arrival at your destination, you will visit a travertine formation and, in the evening, enjoy local delicacies—both in your glass and on your plate—at your accommodation.
Stepantsminda—literally translating to "Saint Stephen" (named after the Georgian Orthodox monk Stephen)—is located within the Kazbegi Nature Reserve and is renowned for its stunning landscape and excellent hiking and climbing opportunities.
Guesthouse | ▲ Tbilisi: 770m, Stepantsminda: 1,750m | ◎ Short, flexible walks along the way; 4–5 hour drive
Day 2: Stepantsminda to Gergeti Monastery, followed by a trek to Betlemi Hut
After a morning drive of about half an hour, you will reach Gergeti Monastery—also known as the Gergeti Trinity Church. You will visit this impressive 14th-century cross-domed church; its appearance, harmoniously blended with the surrounding landscape, is truly picturesque. Situated in isolation atop a mountain peak and encircled by vast, stunning nature, it has become a world-renowned symbol of Georgia. It sits at an elevation of 2,200 meters above sea level.
Your trek—which will take approximately 6 to 8 hours today—begins after the visit. The route takes you past lush green meadows, offering magnificent mountain views the entire way. As you ascend, the terrain becomes rockier; after successfully crossing two rivers, you will finally arrive at Betlemi Hut, a former meteorological station located at 3,656 meters. You will spend the night here, either inside the station or in tents.
Hut or tent | ▲ Stepantsminda: 1,750m, Gergeti Monastery: 2,200m, Betlemi Hut: 3,654m | ◎ Trekking: 6–8h
Day 3: Stay at Betlemi Hut and hike to Mkinwaris Sameba Church
Today is dedicated to acclimatization and preparation for tomorrow's ascent. You will take things at a leisurely pace and soak up the peaceful atmosphere around you. Around midday, you will take a relaxed hike to Mkinwaris Sameba Church, situated at an altitude of 4,000 meters. The hike takes only about 1–2 hours. You will be rewarded with the sight of a remarkable church nestled in the Georgian highlands.
In the afternoon, you will familiarize yourselves with the equipment and receive an introduction to rope handling. Tomorrow starts very early, so it is advisable to go to bed early tonight.
Hut or tent | ▲ Betlemi Hut: 3,654m, Mkinwaris Sameba Church: 4,000m | ◎ Trekking: 1–2h
Day 4: Trek to the Summit of Mount Kazbek
The ascent to the summit of Mount Kazbek begins in the early hours of the morning. You set off between 2:00 and 3:00 AM, equipped with headlamps. The trek to the summit covers 12 kilometers and involves an elevation gain of 1,400 meters.
You begin by gaining altitude along a solid, well-defined mountain path before reaching the middle section of the Gergeti Glacier. From this point on, the route is a continuous ascent. After traversing sections that start with a gentle incline and then become moderately steep, you reach the glacier plateau west of the summit. By now, the sun has slowly risen above the horizon. Next comes the steepest part of the route, requiring the use of crampons. You first traverse the steep northwest flank of the peak before making a steep ascent to a mountain shoulder. From there, you work your way toward the summit step by step (using ice screws if weather conditions require). Once you have conquered this challenging section, only a final few meters of elevation remain to reach the top. The summit offers an unforgettable panoramic view of the Caucasus Mountains and the surrounding glacial landscapes. Take a moment to pause and soak in the peaceful serenity of your surroundings.
Afterward, you descend back to the Betlemi Hut and reflect on the day’s journey in the evening.
Hut or tent | ▲ Betlemi Hut: 3,654m, Kazbek Summit: 5,047m | ◎ Trekking: 10–12h
Day 5: Reserve day for the ascent or trek back to Gergeti Trinity Church, drive to Stepantsminda
The fifth day is scheduled as a reserve day. If everything goes smoothly, you won't need to use it. However, if the weather on Day 4 does not cooperate and conditions make the ascent impossible, you will set out for the summit of Mount Kazbek today.
If everything goes according to plan, you will hike back to Gergeti Trinity Church today and drive from there to Stepantsminda. Here, you have the opportunity to undertake day hikes tailored to your preferences. The area around Stepantsminda is excellent for various hikes of differing difficulty levels, ranging from casual walks to classic climbing tours.
There is also the option to enjoy a relaxing sauna session here. In the evening, as a reward, you can enjoy a Kazbegi beer or a delicious local wine and spend a final pleasant evening with your guide.
Guesthouse | ▲ Betlemi Hut: 3,654m, Gergeti Trinity Church: 2,200m, Stepantsminda: 1,750m | ◎ If Kazbek summit ascent: Trekking 10–12 hrs; if returning to Gergeti Trinity Church: Trekking 3–4 hrs; exploration tours, trekking, or climbing tours in Stepantsminda can be arranged individually.
Day 6: Drive from Stepantsminda to Tbilisi; if reserve day is used: trek to Gergeti Trinity Church, drive from Gergeti Trinity Church to Tbilisi
If the reserve day is required, you will trek back to Gergeti Trinity Church today. You will be picked up there and driven to Tbilisi.
If everything goes according to plan, you will drive back to Tbilisi from Stepantsminda after a relaxed breakfast. Your guide will take you to the airport or an alternative final destination.
Madloba and see you next time!
Notes
Changes to the hotel are possible at any time.
