Mount Kazbek Expedition – 5,054 m

Team meeting at Tbilisi Airport (Georgia)

From there, our transfer will be by private vehicle from Tbilisi to the mountain village Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) at an altitude of 1,740 m, at the foothills of Kazbek Mountain. ​
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The journey takes about 3 hours via the stunning Georgian Military Highway. ​Upon our arrival in Stepantsminda, lodging will be arranged in a guesthouse.

• Transfer duration: approximately
• Distance: ~150 km.

Next, equipment checks and preparation for the ascent will be conducted, with free time for rest, a first stroll through the village and adapting to the mountain environment.

After our breakfast, we depart by SUV vehicles toward the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church (2,170 m), one of the area’s most distinctive landmarks.
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From there, our first meaningful contact with the mountain begins. During the day, we will receive basic instructions for proper walking and breathing to manage our energy better during the ascent.
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Next, we will hike toward the Sabertse Pass at an altitude of 3,150 meters. The trek lasts about 3–4 hours and offers stunning views of the Gergeti Glacier and Kazbek itself.

• Duration of trek: 3–4 hours
• Distance: about 5–6 km.
• Elevation gain: +980 m.

After our arrival, accommodation will be arranged for our first overnight stay in tents.

After breakfast, we begin our ascent to the High Camp – Meteorological Station, at an altitude of 3,650 m.

Throughout the day, Mount Kazbek is ahead of us, accompanying our march and giving the feeling of a real mountaineering mission.

The route starts on a rocky field and then we pass onto the Gergeti Glacier, where movement becomes more alpine and demanding.

• Duration: about 5–6 hours
• Distance: ~8.5 km.
• Elevation gain: +500 m (from ~3,150 m → 3,650 m)

Upon our arrival, regrouping and overnight stay in tents at our main camp for our acclimatization to altitude.

Today we undertake one of the most important days of the expedition, aiming for proper altitude acclimatization and familiarization with basic mountaineering techniques.

We depart from the camp and move toward the Ortsveri glacier, ascending to 4,400 m. The route includes rocky ground but also movement on a glacier, with passages over
crevasses (glacier cracks).

During the day, we practice essential techniques that will be needed for the summit:

• use of crampons
• self-arrest with an ice axe
• proper rope travel movement

This day is crucial for the success of the ascent, as it helps the body to adjust to altitude and the team to move safely in the alpine environment.

• Ascent duration: ~5 hours
• Descent duration: ~2 hours
• Total distance: ~6–8 km.
• Elevation gain: +750 m (from 3,650 m → 4,400 m)
• Elevation loss: -750 m.

After returning to the camp, rest and preparation for the upcoming days.

This day is dedicated to rest and recovery, giving the body the necessary time to adapt to the altitude and regain strength in preparation for the summit.

During the day, we stay at the camp, relax, and prepare ourselves mentally and physically for the effort ahead.

ATTENTION: This day also serves as a reserve day. In case weather conditions are not favorable for the following days, there is the possibility to use it for the ascent.

We start very early, around 02:00 a.m., with full equipment (crampons, ice axe and headlamps), in order to take advantage of the best possible mountain conditions.

The ascent takes place in an alpine environment, on the glacier, at a steady pace and with continuous adaptation to the conditions.

• Total duration: 11–12 hours (ascent & descent)
• Total distance: ~13–14 km.
• Elevation gain: +1,400m (from 3,650m → 5,054m)
• Elevation loss: -1,400m.

Reaching the summit of Mount Kazbek (5,054m), we enjoy a unique 360° panoramic view with Mount Elbrus visible on the horizon.

This day is the highlight of our expedition, combining effort, focus, and the experience of high-altitude mountaineering.

After the descent, we return to High Camp (Meteo Station) for rest and overnight stay in our tents.

After breakfast, we begin our descent from High Camp (3,650m), our route follows the same path, initially crossing the glacier and then rocky terrain area until we reach the Gergeti Trinity Church area (2,170m).

• Hiking duration: 5–6 hours
• Distance: ~10–12 km.
• Elevation descent: -1,480m.

From there, we board vehicles and return to the village Stepantsminda, where the settling-in at the guesthouse takes place. After several days in the mountains, our return to the comfort of the village is a pleasant change, giving time for rest and relaxation. For those who wish, there is time after we settle in for a relaxed stroll around the village. ​
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In the evening, a festive dinner at a traditional Georgian restaurant will follow, where we will have the opportunity to enjoy local flavors and celebrate the completion of our
mission. During the evening, the awards are presented:

• Ascent medals
• Participation certificates

This day marks the completion of an intense and unique mountaineering experience.

After the morning at the accommodation, we depart from Stepantsminda and return by road to Tbilisi with private transfer.

• Transfer duration: about 3 hours
• Distance: ~150 km.

Upon our arrival in Tbilisi, the main trekking part of the mission is completed and the remaining schedule follows depending on whether reserve days are used.

This day remains available as a second reserve day in case weather conditions, the condition of the mountain, or safety reasons do not allow the summit to take place.
summit according to the original schedule.

If it needs to be used, the mountaineering program is shifted accordingly, aiming to maintain the necessary flexibility for a safe summit attempt.

If it does not need to be used as a reserve, the day is utilized as a rest day, stay in Tbilisi, or free time, depending on the mission flow. of the expedition.

The last day of the expedition marks the official completion of our journey to Kazbek.

Depending on the program flow and the use or non-use of reserve days, the final departure of participants from Tbilisi takes place.

For this reason, it is recommended that return flights be scheduled for the 14th. August 2026 or later.