Join your host at their HQ in Tbilisi for a full briefing and equipment check. If you need anything, including mountaineering helmets, B3 boots, crampons, walking poles, harnesses and carabiners, these can all be hired at this point. Drive to Gergeti Trinity Church (2150m) and after a short but steep climb to the ridgeline, continue towards the Altihut, your home for the next few nights.

Fuel up with a champion's breakfast and then test your legs and lungs with an acclimatising hike up to the Arsha Pass. Enjoy the views from the top over Sno Valley, the Chaukhi Mountains, Stepantsminda and the Truso Valley and then return to the Altihut for another comfortable night in the mountains.

Continue acclimatizing as you head for one of the world's most unusual places of worship, the high altitude Betlemi Church, built at a whopping 3930 metres above sea level. Settle into your next mountain refuge, Meteo Station and prepare for the big day tomorrow.

Rise before the sun and providing the weather is on your side, summit Mt. Kazbek (5054m). You’ll follow a tough route along narrow paths, over a snow and ice-covered mountain flank and through the middle of a glacier, ending in a final, challenging 100m climb to the top. Take a moment to catch your breath – both for the altitude and the incredible view and celebrate with your fellow hikers. The descent is arguably more challenging, but your guides will be on hand to help you every step of the way and the thought of a well-deserved beer back at the Altihut will give you the extra drive you need.

(If weather conditions prevent you from attempting the summit today, you can relax, reserve your energy and prepare for an attempt tomorrow).

If yesterday’s summit was successful, you’ll descend to Stepantsminda and spend a day at leisure - you've earned it. From this lovely valley town, you can look up at the silhouette of the Gergeti Trinity Church where your adventure began and admire the towering snowy cone of Mt Kazbek. Explore the town, take a trek around the surrounding valleys and then celebrate over dinner with your new-found friends or just catch up on some much-needed sleep.

Head back to the city this morning. The physical adventure might be over but there’s still plenty to explore in the fortified town of Tbilisi, including the Narakali fortress that stands guard over the town, winding lanes, hidden bazaars, wine merchants, cafes and restaurants. As the sun sets, sit down with your team for the last supper of the expedition.

Spend your last few hours absorbing the magic of Georgia and perhaps pick up a bottle of the legendary local wine before heading back to the airport in time for your flight home.

What's available to hire?

• 35-litre backpack (Salewa)
• Trekking poles (Morpho)
• Crampons
• Ice axes
• Harnesses
• 3 season sleeping bag (see Optional Extras for prices)

What do I need to bring?

• 35 litre backpack
• Day pack (should be light and easy to stuff in main backpack when not in use)
• Waterproof and warm hiking boots - these should be B3 standard
• Down/ Fleece jacket
• Hiking pants
• Waterproof shell
• Waterproof trousers or over-trousers
• Base layers (top and bottom)
• T-shirts
• Warm hat
• Peaked cap
• Gloves
• Warm socks
• Trainers or sandals for guesthouses
• Water bottle
• Thermos bottle
• Headlamp
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Quick-dry towel
• Personal toiletries (all the accommodations have toilet and shower facilities)
• Earplugs
• Backpack rain cover
• Trekking poles
• Shorts
• Energy/protein bars
• Waterproof bags for your passport and other valuables
• 1.5 litre thermos for summit day to prevent water from freezing
• 2 x carabiners
• Camera
• Mobile phone
• Adaptor if you bring any electrical equipment for charging batteries and/or your phone (two pronged)
• Personal medicine if required (please inform your guide in case of emergency)

If you're not sure your boots will be compatible with crampons - check out our useful guide to find out more.