Day 1
Arrival in Tbilisi (490 m)
Arrive in Tbilisi no later than 13:00 local time. Airport pickup and hotel check-in. Rest after your journey, then meet the team in the evening. Our Kazbek ascent lies ahead.
Mount Kazbek Ascent (5,054 m) via the South Route
Georgia
Country
11 days
Duration
Mountaineering
Format
Challenging
Difficulty
Confident trekking
Preparation level
About the program
Kazbek is one of the most recognizable peaks in the Caucasus and Georgia’s most popular mountain over 5,000 metres. Its summit stands at 5,054 metres. With the Sauvage Adventure team, we climb Kazbek via the classic south route from Georgia. This is a mountaineering ascent: we venture onto a glacier, travel in crampons and roped teams, and use ice axes. We set off for the summit at night, and the ascent and descent take most of the day. We acclimatize before the climb, and the itinerary includes a reserve day in case of bad weather. We do not sleep in tents: on the approach we stay at Deka Hut, and at the weather station we stay in new cabins.
Guides on the program
Vladimir Kotlyar
Mountain guide, co-founder of Sauvage Adventure
Traveller and mountaineer. I call myself a Wanderer. I have been guiding in the mountains since 2010.
16 years experience250+ ascents
Boris Gukaylo
Guide, travel organizer
Mountaineering and alpine skiing instructor. First sports rank in mountaineering. I have visited 98 countries.
20 years experience200+ ascents
What to expect
❋
One of the most accessible mountains over 5,000 metres. The route crosses a glacier. We travel in crampons and roped teams, using ice axes. Before the ascent, we practise walking on ice and firm snow and using an ice axe.
❋
Hotels, Deka Hut and new cabins at the weather station. We stay in a hotel in Tbilisi and at Kazbegi Best View in Stepantsminda. At 3,014 m we stay at Deka Hut, and at the weather station at 3,650 m we stay in new cabins. No nights on the itinerary are spent in tents.
❋
Acclimatization and a reserve day. We gain altitude gradually and make acclimatization hikes before the ascent. The reserve day allows for bad weather or extra rest before the summit attempt. The guide decides how to use it based on the forecast and the group’s condition.
Route by day
Day 2
Transfer from Tbilisi to Stepantsminda (1,700 m)
Drive from Tbilisi to Stepantsminda along the Georgian Military Highway, with stops at Zhinvali Reservoir, Ananuri Fortress and the Cross Pass (2,379 m). If the weather is clear, we may see Kazbek in the evening. Transfer: 150 km, 3.5–4 hours.
Day 3
Day hike from Juta
A day hike from Juta through the valley beneath the Chaukhi massif. This is an out-and-back walking route to a mountain lake and waterfall, with views of the Chaukhi peaks along the way. We explore Georgia’s highlands and take photos. Start: Juta, approximately 2,150 m. Maximum elevation: around 2,500–2,600 m. Elevation gain: around 400–500 m. The aim is to warm up before the ascent and get used to our backpacks, breathing and walking pace in the mountains. In the evening, we visit the rental shop to fit and collect any missing equipment. Equipment lists are submitted in advance. Distance: 10 km return. Time: around 5 hours.
Day 4
Hike to Deka Hut (3,014 m)
A short jeep transfer takes us to Gergeti Church, with views over Stepantsminda and the surrounding peaks. We hand our bags over to be carried by horses and begin the climb to Deka Hut at 3,014 m. Distance: 6 km. Time: around 3 hours. Elevation gain: 830 m.
Day 5
Hike to the weather station (3,650 m)
Hike to the weather station at 3,650 m and settle into the new cabins, our home for the next few days. After a short rest and lunch, we make an acclimatization hike to Betlemi Chapel at 3,860 m, then return to the weather station. The aim is to climb higher and sleep lower. Distance: 5 km. Time: around 4 hours. Elevation gain: 850 m.
Day 6
Acclimatization day
An acclimatization hike to the ice plateau at 4,200–4,300 m. We practise walking in crampons on ice and firm snow and using an ice axe. The aim is to adjust to the altitude and practise the skills needed for the ascent. After the training session, we return to the weather station. Distance: 7–8 km. Time: 5–6 hours.
Day 7
Kazbek summit (5,054 m) and descent to the weather station
We set off for the summit at 02:00–03:00 and climb Kazbek to its 5,054 m summit. This is a long day on foot: after reaching the summit, we still have to descend to the weather station. Distance: around 12 km return. Time: 8–12 hours.
Day 8
Reserve day
A reserve day in case of bad weather or for extra rest before the ascent. The guide decides how to use this day based on the weather forecast and how the participants are feeling.
Day 9
Descent to Gergeti (2,170 m) and transfer to Stepantsminda
Descend to Gergeti Church, where vehicles will be waiting to take us to our hotel in Stepantsminda. In the evening, enjoy a celebratory dinner with the team. Distance: around 9 km. Time: around 3 hours on foot and a 20-minute transfer.
Day 10
Transfer to Tbilisi
After breakfast, transfer to Tbilisi. Rest, enjoy some free time and take a walk around the city.
Day 11
Flight home
Transfer to the airport. Fly home or continue travelling in Georgia. End of the program.
What is included
Included
- Professional mountain guides throughout the program.
- Additional local guides at a ratio of 1 guide for every 4 participants.
- Airport pickup and drop-off in Tbilisi.
- All ground transfers on the itinerary.
- Twin-share hotel accommodation in Tbilisi (2 nights).
- Twin-share accommodation at Kazbegi Best View in Stepantsminda (3 nights).
- Accommodation in mountain huts (4–5 nights).
- Celebratory team dinners at the beginning and end of the program.
- Hotel breakfasts in Tbilisi and Stepantsminda.
- Three meals a day on the mountain.
- Pack horses to carry personal belongings and group equipment from Gergeti to the weather station and back, with an allowance of 15 kg per person.
- Group equipment: tents and ropes.
- A group first-aid kit carried by the guide.
- GPS navigation devices and radios carried by the guides.
- Registration of the route with the mountain rescue service.
- Advice and support with all aspects of the trip: flights, preparation, insurance and equipment.
- A branded long-sleeve shirt.
- A summit certificate.
Not included
- International flights to and from Tbilisi.
- Mountaineering insurance with helicopter evacuation cover (mandatory).
- Additional hotel nights in Tbilisi.
- Single-room accommodation in hotels in Tbilisi and Stepantsminda.
- Lunches and dinners in Tbilisi and Stepantsminda, except for the included celebratory team dinners.
- Tips for the guides, at the group’s discretion.
- Any costs arising from changes to the program, for any reason.
- Personal expenses, including souvenirs and extra purchases.
Required gear
Clothing
- Down jacket suitable for −20 °C
- Lightweight down jacket
- Waterproof breathable shell jacket
- Waterproof breathable shell trousers
- Trekking trousers (1–2 pairs)
- Fleece top
- Fleece trousers
- Synthetic long-sleeve tops (2–3)
- Warm thermal base layers (1 set)
- Lightweight thermal base layers (1 set)
- Lightweight trekking socks (3–4 pairs)
- Warm trekking socks (2 pairs)
- Loose-fitting cotton socks for sleeping; warm wool socks are also an option
- Gaiters (optional)
- Lightweight and insulated fleece gloves (2 pairs)
- Warm overmitts suitable for temperatures down to −20 °C
- Cap or sun hat
- Fleece or wool hat (1–2)
- Balaclava (optional)
- Neck gaiter / Buff (1–2)
- Rain poncho
- Changes of underwear
- Swimsuit or swimming trunks for the sulphur baths
Footwear
- Trekking boots
- Trekking shoes (optional)
- High-altitude mountaineering boots: insulated single boots with integrated gaiters, or double boots, with crampon-compatible welts
- Crocs or slippers
Camping and sleeping gear
- 100–120-litre duffel bag
- 40–60-litre summit pack
- Sleeping bag: comfort rating −5 to −10 °C (extreme rating −30 °C)
- 1-litre vacuum flask
- 0.7–1-litre water bottle
- Personal lightweight eating utensils: mug, bowl and spoon
Technical equipment
- Telescopic trekking poles
- Ice axe
- Crampons
- Climbing helmet
- Climbing harness, 2 safety lanyards and 2 locking carabiners
- Headlamp and spare batteries
- Power bank
Sun and wind protection
- Sunglasses and ski goggles with category 4 lenses
- Sunscreen, SPF 50 or higher
- Lip balm with SPF
Hygiene and personal items
- Towel, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush and moisturizing/protective face cream
- Personal first-aid kit
- Tissues and wet wipes
- Feminine hygiene products (for women)
Nutrition and supplements
- Isotonic drink mix or electrolytes to dissolve in water — we recommend bringing these for long hikes and climbing, especially in hot weather or when sweating heavily, to replenish salts lost through sweat.
- Multivitamin and mineral supplement — according to your individual needs. If you take one on your doctor’s advice, bring enough for the entire trip.
Documents
- Passport
- Insurance
- Sealed waterproof document pouch
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell whether I am fit enough?
- Kazbek requires endurance: you will spend several days in the mountains and make a long summit attempt. Previous experience of multi-day hikes or ascents is recommended. Technical training is included in the program, but you need to build your fitness before the trip.
What health information should I share in advance?
- Tell the organizers and your guide about any chronic conditions and medication you take. If you have a chronic condition, clearance from a sports medicine doctor is required to participate.
Can I bring a teenager?
- The standard minimum age is 18. Participation by a minor is considered individually and is only possible with one of their parents. There is no upper age limit: health and physical activity are what matter.
Will ordinary travel insurance be enough?
- Only if it covers mountaineering up to 6,000 m, search and rescue, and evacuation, including by helicopter. Insurance is mandatory and must be arranged separately.
What could prevent us from reaching the summit?
- The weather or the participants’ condition. The guide makes the decision. A reserve day allows the plan to be adjusted but does not guarantee a successful ascent.
Can I rely on mobile reception and power outlets?
- Above the weather station, there are stretches without mobile reception. Bring a power bank for your phone and camera: power outlets in the cabins depend on solar panels and the weather.
How do booking, payment and cancellations work?
Start by submitting an application and waiting for approval from your trip manager. Pay the deposit within 5 days (120 hours) after your application is approved by the manager, and no later than the programme start. The exact deadline is shown on your trip status page. Your place is secured once we receive it.
The deposit forms part of the total trip price. The deposit pays for consultations, booking services with partners and organising the trip, so it is non-refundable if you choose to cancel your participation.
The remaining balance for your selected departure must be paid no later than June 2, 2027 at 11:59 PM (Astana).
If the deposit is received after the usual balance deadline, the balance is due by the end of the 10th working day in the Astana calendar following the deposit, capped at the programme start. The exact deadline is shown on your trip status page.
If your plans change, notify your trip manager that you wish to cancel. If you have already paid the remaining balance for the programme:
- If the Company receives your cancellation notice at least 60 calendar days before the programme starts, the remaining balance paid is refunded in full.
- If your cancellation notice is received fewer than 60 calendar days before the programme starts, actual, documented expenses incurred in preparing your trip and not covered by the deposit may be deducted from the remaining balance paid. If there are no such expenses, the remaining balance paid is refunded in full.
Amounts returned or due to be returned by partners are excluded from the calculation of deducted expenses. The Company’s fee is included in the retained deposit and is not deducted again.
Your trip manager checks the documents and confirms the refund calculation. If cancellation results from the Company’s breach of its obligations, the amount paid, including the deposit, is refunded in full. Refunds are paid within 5 working days in the Astana calendar from the date the grounds for the refund arise, without waiting for funds from the partner.
For full details, see Booking and Payment.