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Summit Mt. Kazbek
4.8
| 28 reviews

Climb Mount Kazbek in Georgia (5054m)

Trek one of the wildest routes in the Caucasus and tackle the highest mountain in Eastern Georgia

Duration

6 nights

Annual Leave

5 days off work

Group Size

Up to 12 people

Season

Jun-Sep

Location

Georgia

Meeting Point

Tbilisi International Airport, Georgia

Classic Accommodation

Mountain hut · Guesthouse · Hotel

Customer Reviews

(28)

4.8

Difficulty

Tough

From

From

What's it like?

4.8
| 28 reviews
This is an absolutely epic adventure! Howev...
October 2023
Louise
This is an absolutely epic adventure! Howev...
October 2023
Louise
This is an absolutely epic adventure! Howev...
October 2023
Louise
This is an absolutely epic adventure! Howev...
October 2023
Louise
This is an absolutely epic adventure! Howev...
October 2023
Louise
Great, but challenging trip. Be ready for l...
June 2023
Jakub
Great, but challenging trip. Be ready for l...
June 2023
Jakub
Georgia is absolutely beautiful, their peop...
October 2022
Karina F.
Georgia is absolutely beautiful, their peop...
October 2022
Karina F.
Georgia is absolutely beautiful, their peop...
October 2022
Karina F.
Georgia is absolutely beautiful, their peop...
October 2022
Karina F.
Georgia is absolutely beautiful, their peop...
October 2022
Karina F.
Amazing trip to an amazing country. It’s a...
September 2022
Joel
Amazing trip to an amazing country. It’s a...
September 2022
Joel
Amazing trip to an amazing country. It’s a...
September 2022
Joel
Armenia is a wonderful experience of cultur...
September 2022
Simon
Armenia is a wonderful experience of cultur...
September 2022
Simon
Armenia is a wonderful experience of cultur...
September 2022
Simon
Amazing trip! Couldn’t recommend enough. Th...
September 2022
Rory
Amazing trip! Couldn’t recommend enough. Th...
September 2022
Rory
Absolutely fantastic trip that was really m...
September 2022
Nick
Absolutely fantastic trip that was really m...
September 2022
Nick
Outstanding trip. If you want to really pus...
August 2022
Andrew
Outstanding trip. If you want to really pus...
August 2022
Andrew
Outstanding trip. If you want to really pus...
August 2022
Andrew
Outstanding trip. If you want to really pus...
August 2022
Andrew
This trip was nothing less than a 5* experi...
August 2022
Chris
This trip was nothing less than a 5* experi...
August 2022
Chris
This trip was nothing less than a 5* experi...
August 2022
Chris
This trip was nothing less than a 5* experi...
August 2022
Chris

Clamber to the summit of the visually stunning Mount Kazbek – a dormant stratovolcano made from hardened lava

Tackle a challenging trek through the wilderness and across the hiker’s paradise of the Kazbegi National Park

Follow a less-travelled route into the Caucasus, including steep ascents, glacier crossings and an epic final climb

Stay at the cosy and comfortable Altihut (3014m), Georgia's first environmentally friendly alpine-style mountain refuge

Day 1

Hike to the Altihut (3014m)

Gergeti Trinity Church

Driving

3hrs · 150km

Hiking

3hrs · 7km · 800m up

Join your host at their HQ in Tbilisi for a full briefing and equipment check before your ascent of Mount Kazbek. If you need anything (including mountaineering helmets, B3 boots, crampons, walking poles, harnesses and carabiners), these can all be hired in advance through your host and collected 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.

Day 2

Arsha Pass (3800m)

Truso Valley

Hiking

4hrs · 6km · 800m up · 800m down

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.

Day 3

Betlemi Church (3930m)

Betlemi Hut Views

Hiking

5hrs · 6km · 900m up · 300m down

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.

Day 4

Summit day

Summit Mt. Kazbek

Hiking

11hrs · 16km · 1400m up · 2040m down

Rise before the sun and providing the weather is on your side, summit Mount 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 – then 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).

Day 5

Reserve day or descend to Stepantsminda

Stepantsminda

Hiking

2hrs · 7km · 100m up · 1130m down

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 Mount 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.

Day 6

Return to Tbilisi

Tbilisi, Georgia. Photo: GettyImages-534560042

Driving

3hrs · 150km

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.

Day 7

Home to tell the tale

Tbilisi, Georgia

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.

Included

Guides

English speaking, internationally-certified IFMGA mountain guides

Accommodation

4 nights in mountain refuges, 1 night in a guestouse and 1 night in a Tbilisi hotel

Meals

Munch on tasty food throughout

Transfers

To and from the airport and everything in-between

Not Included

Flights to and from the meeting point

Travel insurance

Personal expenses

Some equipment

Visas where required

Day 1

Mountain hut · Mixed dorm

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 2 – Day 4

Mountain hut · Mixed dorm

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 5

Guesthouse · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 6

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 7

Departure day

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

What is the food like?

Cooking in Georgia. Photo: GettyImages-1134321106

Georgian cuisine is renowned for its mix of eastern and western flavours, aromas and colours and the food on this trip will be a delicious mix of local Kazbegi and national cuisine, often cooked using produce that's grown or reared by the guesthouse owners. It can be slightly spicy and consists mainly of meat, vegetables, cheese and fruit. There are, however, plenty of traditional dishes without meat so vegetarians can be well catered for. Lunches will be picnic style in the wilderness.

If you have any special requests, let your host know in advance and they will do their best to accommodate them.

What is the accommodation like?

Mountain Refuge
The Mountains

You'll stay in two mountain refuges - the Altihut (3014m) and Meteo Station (3653m.) The Altihut is newly built and offers simple, clean and comfortable accommodation serving hearty Georgian meals. There is heating and running water but showers are not currently available. Meteo Station meanwhile is a very basic high-altitude hut from the Soviet era and there is no running water here. Both nights will be in mixed dorms.

Stepantsminda
Stepantsminda

You'll stay in a comfortable guesthouse in Stepantsminda (1882m) in a twin share room.

Tbilisi, Georgia. Photo: GettyImages-534560042
Tbilisi

You'll spend your final night in Georgia's capital city Tbilisi, in a twin room in a hotel close to the old town. The actual hotel will depend on availability but it will most likely be either the Old Metekhi or GTM Kapan, both of which are on Metekhi Rise with views over the river.

If weather conditions prevent you from attempting the summit on Day 4, you will spend another night in Meteo station or the Altihut on Day 5 and return to Tbilisi on Day 6

Upgrades

For solo travellers looking for their own space it is possible to request a private room upgrade for the final night in Tblisi (subject to availability). See Optional Extras for prices.

If you are arriving in Tbilisi in the early hours of the morning on Day 1, there is an "Early Check-In" option for the hotel which you can request (subject to availability) via your booking.

The Area

map

Logistics

Starts

Tbilisi Airport or Your Host's Base in Tbilisi

Any time before 08:00 (Airport) or at 08:30 (Host's Base) on Day 1

Ends

Tbilisi Airport

Any time on Day 7

Transfers

You should plan to arrive at Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) before 08:00 on Day 1 (as there will be a briefing at the host's base at 08:30) and can depart at any time on Day 7. If you've supplied your arrival and departure details in advance, your host will provide free arrival and departure transfers to coincide with your flights.

There are also plenty of taxis at the airport all day and night and the fair is a maximum £15/$20 for a car which fits four.

If you want to arrive before Day 1 or depart after Day 7 - your host is able to arrange pre /post-trip accommodation on your behalf. See Optional Extras for details. If arriving early - you'll meet the group at the host's base in Tbilisi on Day 1 at 08:30. If you are arriving in Tbilisi in the early hours of the morning on Day 1, there is an "Early Check-In" option for the hotel which you can request (subject to availability) via your booking.

Travel options

Several airlines offer flights to Tbilisi from major travel hubs - routes are often indirect. Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa offer good connections from London with one-stop.

Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear

In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.

What's available to hire?

The following items are essential for this tour and are available to hire through your host - please request items in advance of your arrival in Tbilisi. However, if you prefer to bring your own equipment then that's fine too.

  • 35-litre backpack (Salewa)
  • Crampons (Petzl 10-point)
  • Ice axes
  • Climbing helmet (Salewa)
  • Harness
  • 2 x carabiners (1 locking, and 1 clip-in)
  • Mountaineering boots (Salewa Vultur Evo GTX, Sizes EU38-45 available)
  • ...(See Optional Extras for prices)

What do I need to bring?

BAGS

  • 65-70 litre rucksack to carry all your gear to Altihut
  • 35-litre lightweight day pack with ice-axe loops and rain cover - for beyond Altihut and summit day (easy to stuff in your main backpack when not in use)
  • Backpack rain cover
  • Drybags to line your rucksack/waterproof pouches for your passport and other valuables

CLOTHES

You'll experience a wide range of temperatures in the mountains, so we recommend packing layers that you can put on and take off to adjust your temperature. Temperatures at the summit at over 5,000m can reach -20°C: please bring suitable clothing and equipment (particularly for your extremeties).

  • Worn-in, waterproof, insulated mountaineering boots (these should be a stiff B2, or a B3 standard, compatible with crampons - check out our useful guide)
  • Warm fleece or mid-layer
  • 3-4 season down jacket with hood
  • Hiking trousers (including a pair of warm trousers for the summit)
  • Shorts
  • Waterproof hardshell jacket with hood (windproof, breathable, such as Gore-Tex)
  • Waterproof trousers or over-trousers (windproof, breathable, such as Gore-Tex)
  • Gaiters
  • Thermal bottoms (wool/merino or synthetic)
  • Long-sleeved thermal top (wool/merino or synthetic)
  • T-shirts
  • Warm hat/balaclava
  • Neck snood or buff
  • Wide brimmed sun hat/baseball cap
  • Gloves (pair of windproof lightweight gloves and a pair of insulated or over-gloves for summit day)
  • Trekking socks (some light/mid-weight wool/synthetic pairs, plus a pair of heavy duty mountaineering socks for the summit)
  • Trainers or sandals for guesthouses

SLEEPING

OTHER

  • Water bottle x 1-litre
  • 1.5 litre Thermos flask for summit day to prevent water from freezing
  • Headtorch (LED recommended)
  • Sunscreen and lip balm (high SPF, 50+)
  • Suitable UV blocking sunglasses (ideally wrap-around to avoid snow blindness)
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Toilet paper (for Meteo Station)
  • Personal toiletries
  • Earplugs
  • Trekking poles (foldable)
  • Energy/protein bars
  • Hand/toe warmer sachets
  • 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)
*Requests for optional extras can be made after booking on your “My Bookings” page

35L Backpack

Payable Before Departure

35L Backpack

Per Person

Carabiners

Payable Before Departure

Carabiners

Per Person

Climbing Harness

Payable Before Departure

Climbing Harness

Per Person

Climbing Helmet

Payable Before Departure

Climbing Helmet

Per Person

Crampons

Payable Before Departure

Crampons

Per Person

Gaiters

Payable Before Departure

Gaiters

Per Person

Ice Axe

Payable Before Departure

Ice Axe

Per Person

Kit Package 1: Boots, Harness, Crampons, Ice Axe, Carabiners

Payable Before Departure

Kit Package 1: Boots, Harness, Crampons, Ice Axe, Carabiners

Per Person

Kit Package 2: Harness, Crampons, Ice Axe, Carabiners

Payable Before Departure

Kit Package 2: Harness, Crampons, Ice Axe, Carabiners

Per Person

Mountaineering Boots

Payable Before Departure

Mountaineering Boots

Per Person

Trekking Poles (foldable)

Payable Before Departure

Trekking Poles (foldable)

Per Person

Additional Night in Tblisi - Single Room

Payable Before Departure

Additional Night in Tblisi - Single Room

Per Night

Additional Night in Tblisi - Twin / Double Room Room

Payable Before Departure

Additional Night in Tblisi - Twin / Double Room Room

Per Night

Tbilisi Hotel Early Check-In (Single Room)

Payable Before Departure

Tbilisi Hotel Early Check-In (Single Room)

Tbilisi Hotel Early Check-In (Twin/Double Room)

Payable Before Departure

Tbilisi Hotel Early Check-In (Twin/Double Room)

Louise(October 2023)

This is an absolutely epic adventure! However, Kazbek is no easy feat, so make sure you’re ready for it.

I almost didn’t book this adventure because I thought I had to carry a 65L backpack up the mountain to the first refuge, Altihut. This worried me for weeks! However, when we arrived at MPlus to meet our guide and collect our kit, we were given the option of using the wonderful Georgian mountain horses. After a quick group consultation, we decided to pay (about £30 each) and conserve our energy for other things.

The Alps style Altihut is a delightful place to stay during acclimatisation. The rooms are clean and comfortable, the food is delicious, and the staff are friendly and helpful. Meteo Station is a whole different experience. I’m glad it was only for one night. The only way to cope is to have a sense of humour and appreciate it for what it is - a Soviet era meteorological station built in the 20s and now in desperate need of a complete refurbishment/ knocking down! The toilet hut is an experience I won’t mention. The hot chocolate, however, is absolutely delicious. And it was impressive that we were served French toast at our 1.30am breakfast in such a hostile and brutal environment.

The acclimatisation hikes are moderately challenging, but not too strenuous. I took them slowly and steadily, drank lots of water and prioritised sleep. This approach served me well on summit day and I didn’t struggle with altitude sickness.

We were well taken care of by our two brilliant guides, Beka and international award winning mountaineer (!!!) Archil Badriashvili. We were very lucky to have them both. However, they are not babysitter guides like I’ve had on some other trips. They are there to provide expertise, support and encouragement, but you really must know what you are doing in the mountains. They will be there when you need them (ie jumping across a wide crevasse on the glacier!).

The summit day was one of the longest and most challenging days of my life. It took everything I had to summit Kazbek, and then I had to keep finding more and more inner reserves to manage the descent. The guides were wonderful at keeping us moving and motivated (although I wasn’t so grateful at the time!). As exhausting as it was, it was also exhilarating to be pushed to such physical and psychological limits.

Climbing Kazbek is a magnificent feat. If you’re up for being tested and exposed to some pretty extreme conditions, book this trip now. And enjoy the plentiful delicious cheese bread in Tbilisi. The food in Georgia is worth a visit alone, never mind the beautiful mountains.

The kit list is there for a reason. Follow it to the letter, including observing the recommended bag sizes. As suggested, I took a larger 65L backpack to carry everything and then a 35L mountaineering backpack that could be squashed down and carried in the other backpack. The 35L backpack was perfect for the ascent to Meteo Station (summit day essentials and sleeping bag) whilst my larger pack was stored at Altihut. I came well prepared with base layers, mid layers and a high quality down jacket as well as insulated mountaineering gloves and foot warmers. The saddle and summit were extremely cold, so I’m glad I had everything with me.

Only regrets - I wish I’d brought my camel pack, as it was tricky to drink enough water on summit day. We had minimal breaks as we just had to keep going. I also wish I’d topped up with factor 50 sun cream every time we did stop. I ended up quite badly snowburnt around my nose and lips.

Only 15% of the people who do this trip are women. I was lucky that in my small group of four, two of us were women, which changed the dynamic somewhat. Our group had a gentler energy than if it had been all men. So if you’re a woman considering this trip but feeling intimidated, give it a go. I definitely don’t regret it. I discovered I was more than capable.

Jakub(June 2023)

Great, but challenging trip. Be ready for long walking hours in the snow and be rewarded with the great views and finally the summit. Our guide Levan was very good and helpful. Everything was very well organised starting with the airport transfer, including accommodation, the summit, transport etc. I would definitely recommend this trip.

Webb(June 2023)

Exceptional and challenging experience. Our guide Levan was highly skilled, great communicator, and ensured our success reaching the summit.

Karina F.(February 2023)

Very good trip for someone who wants to start hiking/climbing at altitude

Daniel(November 2022)

Overall a fantastic trip with great guides. The ascent up Mount Kazbek is spectacular but not to be underestimated, given the high altitude and glaciated terrain! My group's ascent was unfortunately hampered by challenging weather conditions, but I had a great experience nonetheless. Most of the trip was spent staying at Altihut which is a very comfortable, though the night spent at Meteo hut is much more basic. It was great to spend some time in Tbilisi at the end of the trip, sampling some of its night-life and exploring the old town.

Karina F.(October 2022)

Georgia is absolutely beautiful, their people (the guides were great and very helpful), their food, their mountains, I totally recommend this trip!!! Unfortunately a few of us in the trip didn't make it to the summit due to pretty harsh weather, but I would like to try to do it again soon. I personally found it harder than climbing Mont Blanc which I did about 2 years ago. Expect not to have a shower for about 6 days (until you get back to Stepantsminda) as there are no shower facilities at any of the 2 mountain huts (of course you can always use wet wipes to clean yourself but def. not showers). At Meteo Station expect super basic accomodation, only toilet outside in the cold a few metres away from the hut which was basically a whole in the ground, there is a tap to get water (very very cold) coming from the glacier to wash hands, drink, etc... there are no changing rooms or anything like that, so hardly any privacy (dorms/rooms were mix). The rooms are super small, there is hardly any space left to leave your backpacks and equipment, specially if you are in a group of around 6 - 8 people (we were 8). Although it was hard, I would def. like to go again and hopefully summit next time.

Viola(September 2022)

Great trip overall. We didn't make it to the summit due to the weather. You don't see/learn a lot about Georgian culture or get in contact with locals, so if you're interested in that, you better extend your trip.

Sam(September 2022)

Superbly organised trip, and the local guides were brilliant.

Joel(September 2022)

Amazing trip to an amazing country. It’s a tough trip with weather playing a key role in the success but the guides were excellent by providing training and support to help you get to the top.

Simon(September 2022)

Armenia is a wonderful experience of culture and landscape, everything was very smooth and enjoyable. Bagging the north peak of Mount Aragats was both challenging and fulfilling, an accomplishment to say the least. Our guide, Levon, was excellent in every way. He even spent his own time socializing with our group in the evenings. This experience has only added to my desire to go back!

Rory(September 2022)

Amazing trip! Couldn’t recommend enough. The guides were great. However, don’t underestimate this trips toughness!

Gerald(September 2022)

What an incredible way to experience a very under-rated part of the world; Georgia is absolutely stunning - sweeping mountain landscapes, fantastic food (maybe less so in the meteo station as others have mentioned) and a challenging climb to the top of Kazbek to cap it off! Our guides were top-class - we had Bekar, Gua and David who did a brilliant job. Our first summit attempt ended abortively after the weather soured, but we were fortunate to have been able to make a second attempt using our reserve day. If you're looking for a true intrepid expedition experience with lots of physical challenge in good company, this will definitely fit the bill.

Nick(September 2022)

Absolutely fantastic trip that was really made by the professionalism and friendliness of the guides. I’ll definitely be coming back to Georgia at some point in the future.

Jennifer(August 2022)

The trip of a lifetime - absolutely beautiful landscapes, a great group, incredibly experienced guides, and excellent organisation. A few words of advice for anyone embarking on the trip in future:

  • Food: would recommend making the most of the stop in Stepantsminda to stock up on snacks; worst case you can stock up at the Meteo Station but this is only advisable if (1) you are not allergic to Mars or Snickers bars and (2) you are willing to pay 10 GEL for said Mars or Snickers bars. Food in the huts is generally good although the vegetarian offering leaves something to be desired
  • Equipment: follow the packing list to the letter - e.g. make sure your gloves are heavy duty and your sunglasses are suitable for mountaineering. Day one meeting point is a well-stocked outdoors shop in case you’re missing anything
  • Fitness: the trip requires a decent level of fitness, endurance and sure-footedness (the terrain alternates between scree, icy glaciers, and snow) All in all a very memorable trip, and one that has inspired me to return to Georgia one day for round two!
Andrew(August 2022)

Outstanding trip. If you want to really push yourself, test your legs on every kind of mountainous terrain and your lungs at altitude this is it. The mountain is largely not technical so a great intro to high altitude mountaineering as well as acclimatisation process, staying in nice and not so nice mountain refuges / huts and not showering for 5 days! It’s a great gateway to an expedition feel. The climb is hard and rewarding and the other treks you do around it make the trip worthwhile alone. The guiding company used is second to none - extremely professional, experienced and fun. The whole trip; accommodation, food, times, transport was organised seamlessly.

A few tips - bring a small filter, like a Salomon crushable filter for the glacier water at the Meteo station. Otherwise it’s like drinking sediment. Maybe even bring a few juice drops like Robinson’s for the water too to make it taste good. And some purification tablets. Bring everything on the kit list otherwise you’ll end up buying it in Georgia for a lot. Even if the weather looks like you won’t need something.

Chris(August 2022)

This trip was nothing less than a 5* experience, a perfect adventure!

After getting your kit squared away at the meeting point, the guides then take over and you begin an incredibly scenic drive to Stepantsminda and the Trinity Church. From here, it's all hiking!

I personally found the kit to be spot on, and there are only a few changes that I would make for myself only as I build my experience at Altitude. We were lucky with the weather so the water didn't freeze in my camelbak on the summit day and I didn't pull my down jacket out once. But I can absolutely understand why that kit is listed as the weather is not normally so perfect (same as any mountain).

I didn't experience any altitude sickness thankfully, and I think that's both in part due to my approach to hydrate as much as possible, rest well, and move slowly, and it's also in part due to the guide's acclimatisation hikes and their advice.

There are no showers from your first day until you return to Stepantsminda/Tbilisi (depends if you use the reserve day). It was no issue for any of us, I'd recommend bringing wet wipes and deodorant to stay reasonably fresh.

Altihut was wonderful. It's built like a small wooden refuge in the Austrian Alps. The staff are incredible, and the views even more so. Really happy with the food too. The room was just one large room and I chose the top bunk bed that looked out the window and had a wonderful view of the sun coming over the mountains the following morning.

At the Meteo Station, aside from the staff and food, it is the complete opposite, but in a borderline humourous way. After all, you are in the mountains, 3650m in the air; what do you expect? Basic facilities, toilet block is 50m away from the main building for obvious reasons when you're there. But again, the people, views, and adventure just keep you smiling!

There are charging opportunities at both places, so if like me your phone is your camera you will be able to charge it each day.

The guides were truly incredible. So comforting, knowledgable, down-to-earth, and professional. The training they gave us before summit day was brilliant too. Make sure you listen to them!

This isn't an easy feat, it really does live up to the max rating MBA offer. The other hikes were tough but perfectly fine for me. The summit day, however, is the hardest physical thing (but possibly the coolest thing?) I've ever done - and I'd do it again! If you're a good hiker and approach acclimatisation with respect then it can be done - but it goes without saying the fitter you are, the easier it'll be. Besides, as we were struggling and pushing on, the guides were perfectly fine, not out of breath, and ready to support when you needed it!

I feel I was also lucky to have all brilliant people on the trip. We all gelled well and worked as a team. A view that was echoed by everyone.

Lastly, every single moment of my week spent here was some of the best I've had and I couldn't recommend this trip more! Book it ASAP, treat the trip with respect and an open mind, and thank me later!

Matt(August 2022)

Firstly, the mountain itself and the landscape in which it sits is stunningly beautiful, and whether you make the summit or not, it's a pretty life changing experience just to trek and climb in that environment. This trip is rated at the top end of the difficulty scale for good reason. I trained pretty hard for months in advance, and on the day I had to turn back 250 m short of the summit due to absolute exhaustion rendering it unsafe for me to press on. At 41, I certainly wasn't the youngest in the group or the fittest, but please understand that as the guides explained to us, 5054 m is a significant challenge, and Mount Kazbek is anything but an easy climb. There is not a lot of time to acclimatise, and personally I think one extra day in order to rest would've given that preparation for the summit attempt.

I brought equipment with me I use for winter mountaineering in Scotland, but was advised by the guides that my gloves and boots were not warm enough, and that the technical axes I brought we're not appropriate. I would recommend to anyone coming that it's easier to rent the equipment from MPlus if you have any doubt whatsoever about the suitability of your equipment for this kind of a mountain. Don't underestimate just how brutal the wind and cold can be.

James(August 2022)

Really enjoyed the trip and the guides were great at not only taking us up the mountain but also showed us the night life in Tblisi. Altihut is very comfortable with good food, wifi, beds, toilets meanwhile meteo station not so much but it's only for one night before the summit. If you've prepared beforehand the hiking is pretty easy it only gets a harder on summit day when there's more walking to be done and obviously the summit when ice axes and crampons need to be used. Overall a great trip with a good views, food, and great company.

Antonio(August 2022)

Best holiday ever! Everything was exceptionally organised and we hadn't a care in the world. The guides were tremendous - on our first attempt the weather turned really bad halfway despite a good forecast, so they made the right call of getting us safely down the mountain. We had another attempt the next day in truly fantastic weather. Everyone had a blast, the guides even toured Tbilisi's night life when we got off the mountain. Tremendous experience, couldn't recommend it enough

Sion(August 2022)

We had a fantastic trip, the scenery was stunning. The trip was operated sustainably, the kit we rented was in good condition, but I do wonder if it needed to be so big. The H&S on this trip was very good and of high standards. My only concern would be that a guide should follow the group at the back at all times, in case there is a problem with the last person. This is an excellent, and I would do it again.

Thomas(August 2022)

Great trip. Really enjoyed it! Good level of difficulty / challenge. Mountains are beautiful. Accommodation and food is solid. The Altihut is actually very nice. The Meteo Station less so. But you don't go on this trip for luxurious hotels. The outdoors is why you go, and that was more than what I hoped for!

Michèle(July 2022)

Stunning scenery with great acclimatisation hikes and excellent professional mountain hikes making sure we were safe at all times. However there are few luxuries on this tour.

Hannah(July 2022)

Not for the faint hearted at all. Harder than stated. The altitude is not to be underestimated and it’s a big elevation gain in a short space of time, might be better spread out or altitude medication recommended beforehand. Beware the kit list inaccuracies and there are no shower facilities at all until day 5/6 depending on when you summit. So prepare to be dirty and smelly for the duration. The kit rental should be checked before leaving the shop as some of the group were given substandard or wrong items.

The local guides who take you up the mountain (we had Bekar, Gua, David and Ramaz) were absolutely incredible and did their absolute best to make up for the above. They’re the only reason I’d recommend this trip and do another MBA trip. They love the mountain and they love what they do.

Jason(July 2022)

Well organised ascent, no complaints.

Tom(July 2022)

This was an amazing experience. I loved it and would happily recommend the trip to others. Just a bit more customer service from the local host, and better info/kitlist, would really help.

Mark(August 2019)
The mountain and the company were great. ...

The mountain and the company were great.

Leslie(August 2019)

Georgia is amazing, so beautiful, so much exploring to be done. Knowledgeable, experienced guides, who were very helpful and helped us all throughout, and a fantastic group of people to climb with.

Jim(July 2019)

Good group, good food, good accommodation (outside mountain hut, but expected that).

We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.

What's the number?
It works out on average at 254kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.

The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.

But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:

  • Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
  • A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.

What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.

Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.

This trek is suitable for experienced hikers, although no previous technical mountaineering experience is required. You'll need to muster a high level of mental and physical strength to summit this 5054m peak, so a good level of fitness is required. This trek is suitable for those who exercise regularly and who have some recent prior experience of multi-day hiking, and ideally trekking at altitude. The summit day is a long and tough day involving approximately 11 hours of trekking and 1400m of ascent and 2040m of descent. You must come prepared for the cold on summit day, and with suitable equipment to deal with this. Although the route has been designed with acclimatisation in mind, the thin air at these altitudes will make this feel tougher. In terms of terrain, you will be walking on some narrow rocky trails and on snow and ice - crampons will be needed on multiple days of the trek. It's very important you bring or hire the correct equipment. You'll be roped up for the glacier traverse and the summit attempt for safety, as well as during any adverse weather. Your guide will provide some basic training on aspects such as the use of crampons, ice axes and walking in a rope team prior to the ascent.

When you trek in the mountains, there's always the risk of getting altitude sickness, regardless of how old, young, fit or unfit you are. We would expect most trekkers to feel some mild symptoms of altitude sickness (headache, sleeplessness, heavy breathing) when over 3500m. Our guides are trained to identify the symptoms of altitude sickness so if any more serious symptoms are noted, there is a strict procedure regarding extra care or a rapid descent if needed. All of our trips have been designed with altitude best practice in mind so acclimatisation days have been built in.

Your trip will be led by English-speaking internationally certified mountain guides to ensure your safety throughout. They will be assisted by 2 - 4 local guides depending on the size of your group. All of the guides are local residents of the Republic of Georgia.

On this tour, there is a planned ‘summit day’ on Day 4, followed by a ‘reserve day’ on Day 5. Your guide will decide on which of these days to make your summit attempt based on the best weather window for doing so. Please note, however, that only one summit attempt is included in the price of the tour. It is common practice for guides in this region to charge an additional fee of €500 per guide (there is one guide for every three customers) for any additional summit attempts. An additional summit attempt will not be offered if your first attempt fails due to the physical abilities of your group. If however, your initial summit attempt is curtailed due to the weather closing in, and there is a brighter outlook for the reserve day, then it may be possible to make a second summit attempt (for an additional charge - paid locally to your guides).

If everything goes according to plan and the weather is favourable on the planned summit day, you will descend as per the itinerary and enjoy some time in the beautiful village of Stepantsminda where you can explore the rich culture of Georgia.

Mountain climates are notoriously unpredictable so it is essential to bring cold weather gear and layers to adjust your temperature as required. At low elevations the average daytime temperature from June to September is 20-25˚C, however, at 5000m the temperature will drop considerably. For every 1000m of ascent, the temperature can be expected to drop by approximately 6.5°C. From July to August the temperature at Base Camp is usually between 0°C and 10°C (although it's not unknown for it to fall to -10°C or colder). At the summit it's typically -10°C to -20°C (but in extreme conditions, it can be much colder).

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Any excess luggage can be safely left with your local host at the start of the trip. Any kit needed on the mountain will need to be packed into your main 65-70-litre rucksack, which will be carried to Altihut where it will be stored until your descent. Beyond Altihut and for summit day you will need to take only your 35-litre daypack.

On summit day you can store any unnecessary equipment at Meteo Station and pick it up again on the way down: a 35-litre pack will be sufficient to carry your essentials for the push to the summit.

We recommend checking out the country specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.

For current advice about travelling in Georgia, have a read of the UK Foreign Office pages.

Owing to the nature of this trip, it is essential that your personal travel insurance policy provides cover to the maximum altitude visited on this trip (5054m).

Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.

Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.

We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

  • 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
  • 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
  • 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.

Our team of Adventure Hunters create exclusive adventures with highly vetted, specialist hosts. We only work with independent, local in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. See here for more info about the local teams we partner with.

TRIP DEPARTURE DATES

June 2024

Sunday • 9th June 2024

to Saturday • 15th June 2024
Guaranteed to run

Sunday • 23rd June 2024

to Saturday • 29th June 2024
Guaranteed to run

Sunday • 28th July 2024

to Saturday • 3rd August 2024
Guaranteed to run

Sunday • 11th August 2024

to Saturday • 17th August 2024
Guaranteed to run

Sunday • 15th September 2024

to Saturday • 21st September 2024
Guaranteed to run
Private trip

Go private and split the bill with ease.

Forget complex logistics, we've taken care of all the details to ensure a hassle-free get together. All of the adventure, none of the faff.

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