Day 1: Up to Altihut (3014m)

Your host will meet you at the airport and take your to their HQ for a tour briefing and equipment check. If you require any necessary equipment such as mountaineering helmets, B3 boots, crampons, walking poles, harnesses and carabiners, these can be hired at this point.

Then you embark on the 2.5-hour drive to Gergeti Trinity Church (2150m), via Stepantsminda (1882m). After a short steep climb to the ridge-line you'll continue towards your Mountain Refuge home for the next few nights: Altihut (3014m)

3 hours trekking, 7km, 800m ascent
Meals: Lunch and dinner

Day 2: Acclimatisation hike to Arsha Pass (3800m)

Following a champions breakfast, your guide will test your legs and lungs today with a challenging hike up to the Arsha Pass at 3800m.

From the top you will enjoy amazing views over Sno Valley, the Chaukhi Mountains, Stepantsminda and Truso Valley.

Return to Altihut in the evening for another comfortable night in the mountains.

4 hours hiking, 6km, 800m ascent & descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3: Acclimatisation trek to Meteo Station (3653m) and Betlemi church (3930m)

After fuelling up again with another hearty breakfast, it's time to set off towards today's two goals: Meteo Station at 3653m and Betlemi Church at 3930m.

Upon arrival at Meteo Station, your accommodation for this evening, you can leave your luggage before the next 300m push to visit one of the more unusual churches in Georgia: Betlemi Church.

Descend down to Meteo Station for dinner and prepare yourself for the big summit day tomorrow.

4-5 hours hiking, 6km, 900m ascent, 300m descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4: Summit Day

Rise and shine this morning before the sun; providing the weather is on your side, you’ll have a 02:00 start to summit Mt. Kazbek today (5054m).

The route is a tough 9km trek along narrow paths; over snow and ice-covered mountain flank; and up to the middle of the shining glacier. The next section is a little easier but don’t relax too much – the last 100m are a challenge for the best of us and it’s a real climb to the summit.

You might need a moment to catch your breath – due to the altitude and the panoramic views, but then you can celebrate your feat with your fellow hikers. Take plenty of photo’s before it’s time to descend.

The descent is arguably more of a challenge than the ascent but your guides are on hand to help you along the way and the thought of a well-deserved beer back down at the Altihut will no doubt give you the extra drive you might need.

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

11 hours trekking, 9km, 1401m ascent, 2040m descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5: Reserve Day or Descent to Stepantsminda

Today will be your reserve day in case the weather wasn't on your side the previous day.

If yesterday’s summit was successful, today you will descend to Stepantsminda and spend the day at your leisure. From this valley town, you can look up at the silhouette of the Gergeti Trinity Church and to where your adventure began, and admire the towering snowy cone of Mt Kazbek.

Explore this beautiful town at your leisure or take a trek around the surrounding valleys if your feet can take it.

Tonight you will stay at a guesthouse in Stepantsminda and enjoy dinner with your new-found friends before catching up on some much-needed sleep.

4 hours trekking, 16km, 1130m descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6: Return to Tbilisi

After breakfast this morning you will be transferred back to Tbilisi. The physical adventure is over but there is plenty to explore in this fortified town; the Narakali fortress stands guard over this town which is full of winding lanes, hidden bazaars, wine merchants, cafes and restaurants.

When you’re ready, you can head to the hotel in the heart of Tbilisi and enjoy your last supper of the trip.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Home to tell the tale

Today is your last day in Georgia but there is still time to absorb its magic before the transfer to the airport; wander the winding lanes and perhaps grab a bottle of legendary Georgian wine to take home to celebrate your achievement again, with friends and family.

This afternoon, the transfer will take you back to Tbilisi Airport for your journey home; a summit in the bag and a fascinating story to tell.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 1 and 2: Altihut (3014m)
You will spend the first two nights of your adventure in the newly built Altihut at 3014m in mixed dorm rooms. Recently opened in 2018 this Mountain hut offers a simple, clean, comfortable and warm accommodation along with hearty Georgian meals.

Day 3: Meteo Station (3653m)
The accommodation at the Meteo Station is very basic, with shared dorm rooms and confined spaces. During the summer it's usually very busy and although hut does have running water and heating but it's still a basic high altitude hut.

Day 4: Altihut (3014m)

Day 5: Stepantsminda (1882m)
Comfortable guesthouse in Stepantsminda - twin share rooms.

Day 6: Tbilisi Your final night in Tbilisi will be spent in a hotel close to the old town. The chosen hotel will depend on availability but is most likely to be the Old Metekhi or GTM Kapan. Both are on Metekhi rise with views over the river and feature twin-rooms with ensuite bathrooms.

Please note: if weather conditions prevent you from attempting the summit on Day 4, you will spend another night in Meteo station, Altihut on Day 5 and then back to Tibilisi on Day 6

The Republic of Georgia is emerging as a must-see destination for the discerning adventure traveller.

Combining the highest mountain range in Europe with little infrastructure, it remains unspoilt by mass tourism providing the setting for the ultimate wilderness adventure.

It has an 8000-year-old history of wine-making, offers legendary hospitality and many UNESCO world heritage sites leaving the adventurous traveller yearning for more.

Getting there and away?
Tbilisi Airport (TBS) is served by regular inexpensive flights. You can get any flight that suits you, but make sure they fit the times to take advantage of the included transfers. Your host suggests taking the overnight flight, departing London on Saturday evening to arrive early on Sunday. Your host will contact you before you leave to check your arrival and departure plans.

Tbilisi Airport - 07:10

Your adventure begins at Tbilisi Airport (TBS) where you will meet your guide and fellow adventurers in the arrivals area at 07:10. Your transfer will meet all flights scheduled to land at least 30 minutes before this time. There is a direct flight between London Gatwick and Tbilisi with Georgia Airlines.

Tbilisi Airport - 17:30

At the end of your adventure, you will be dropped back at Tbilisi Airport (TBS) by 17:30, you are free to book any flight departing after 19.15. There is a direct flight to London Gatwick with Georgia Airlines departing 19.25.