Contacts
3, Podolskoe shosse,
Moscow, 115093
phone: +7 (905) 454 6935
e-mail: info@elbrustours.ru
Welcome to Mount Elbrus!
Mount Kazbek climb 2025
Mount Kazbek is located on the border between Russia and Georgia. Standing at 5047 meters, it is one of the 10 highest mountains in Russia. Kazbek is part of the eastern section of the main Caucasus mountain range. It is a dormant volcano, with its last eruption recorded in 650 BC.
There are two main routes to the summit of Mount Kazbek: from the Russian side and the Georgian side. We organize climbing expeditions from the Georgian side because this route is easier to access and suitable even for beginners with no prior mountaineering experience. The only requirement is good physical fitness. During the expedition, your guide will teach you how to use an ice axe, crampons, and rope.
| June | July
| August |
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| 22.06 - 29.06
| 12.07 - 19.07
20.07 - 27.07 27.07 - 03.08 | 03.08 - 10.08
17.08 - 24.08 24.08 - 31.08 |
|
Special offer!
Book your tour to Mount Elbrus by May 01 2025, and get exclusive discounts:
- 15% off for groups of two or more people
- 10% off for single bookings
You can combine your expedition to Mount Kazbek with an ascent of Mount Elbrus. We offer a 10% discount for this combination.
After climbing Kazbek, your high-altitude acclimatization will allow you to transfer to the Elbrus region and join a group that has already completed acclimatization. Climbs to Elbrus are available on Sundays or Tuesdays.
With this option, you can summit both Kazbek and Elbrus in just 10 or 12 days. Additionally, you’ll receive a 20% or 30% discount on the Elbrus tour price (excluding early booking discounts of 15%–20%).
We’ll help you arrange transport from Stepantsminda (Georgia) to Cheget (Russia).
Example Itineraries:
14-Day Option (Sunday - Saturday)
Cross from Georgia into Russia on day 7 and join our 8-day Elbrus group on their day 1. Receive a 10% discount on each tour plus an additional early booking discount (15-20%).
- Kazbek (Sunday - Saturday, 7 days / 6 nights) + Elbrus (South Route) (Saturday - Saturday, 8 days / 7 nights):
Total cost: ($1490 + $1390) - 10% = $2590 - 10-15% (early booking discount).
12-Day Option (Sunday - Thursday)
Cross from Georgia into Russia on day 7 and join our 8-day Elbrus group on their day 3. Receive a 10% discount on the Kazbek tour, 20% discount on the Elbrus tour, plus the early booking discount (15-20%).
- Kazbek (Sunday - Saturday, 7 days / 6 nights) + Elbrus (South Route) (Saturday - Thursday, 6 days / 5 nights):
Total cost: ($1490 - 10%) + ($1390 - 20%) = $2450 - 10-15% (early booking discount).
10-Day Option (Sunday - Tuesday)
Cross from Georgia into Russia on day 6, reach the assault camp on day 8, and summit on day 9 (reserve day: day 10). Receive a 10% discount on the Kazbek tour, 30% discount on the Elbrus tour.
- Kazbek (Sunday - Friday, 6 days / 5 nights) + Elbrus (South Route) (Friday - Tuesday, 5 days / 4 nights):
Total cost: ($1490 - 10%) + ($1390 - 30%) = $2310 - 10-15% (early booking discount).
We can assist with your transfer from Georgia to Russia at the following rates:
- $150 for one person
- $200 for two people
- $250 for three people
Day 1. Sunday. Arrival in Tbilisi. Transfer to Stepantsminda
Meeting at Tbilisi Airport at 10:00 (for those arriving in the early morning) or at 10:30 in the center of Tbilisi at Europe Square, near the cable car station that connects the city center with the ancient Narikala fortress.
Group transfer to Stepantsminda (formerly Kazbegi, 1700 m). Along the way, we will pass through stunning mountain gorges, stopping for photography and sightseeing. A highlight of the journey will be a stop for lunch at a local restaurant, where you can try khinkali, one of Georgia’s most famous dishes.
The drive from Tbilisi to Stepantsminda takes approximately 3 hours, or 4.5–5 hours with stops. Upon arrival, check-in at Nini Guest House (88 Vazha Pshavela St.). Overnight at the guesthouse.
In the morning, we sort our gear, packing necessary items into separate rucksacks or suitcases to be transported by horse to the assault shelter tomorrow, and leaving unnecessary items for storage at the guesthouse. Then, we’ll ascend by SUV to Tsminda Sameba (Holy Trinity Church, 2200 m), the highest active Orthodox church in the world. From here, we’ll hike to the Sabertse Pass (3000 m) and then to the Altihut mountain hotel (3014 m).
After a short rest, we’ll continue our acclimatization by hiking to the lower part of the Gergeti Glacier (3500 m), where you can enjoy incredible views of the surrounding mountains. We’ll then descend to the Sabertse Pass. Overnight at Altihut.
Today, we’ll trek to the high camp — Meteo (Bethlemi Hut, 3670 m). The hike will take approximately 4–5 hours, including a break for lunch along the way. By the time we arrive, the horses will have delivered the items packed in Stepantsminda to the shelter. Dinner and overnight stay at Betlemi Hut.
Weather permitting, we will ascend to the summit of Ortsveri (4365 m). Alternatively, we can visit Betlemi Cave (4000 m), a unique domed cave once used by hermits, which is accessible via a short rock climb with ropes. We will also provide training in essential alpine skills, such as using crampons and ice axes, to ensure safety and build confidence for summit day. The day concludes with a return to Betlemi Hut for the night.
Day 5. Thursday. Ascent to the summit of Kazbek, 5034 mWe start early in the morning and cross the glacier on the northern side of the mountain. Our first goal is the Maili Plateau (4500 m). From there, we climb the northwest slope to the saddle at 4900 m, which separates Kazbek’s two peaks. If snow and ice conditions are difficult, the guide will secure the route with fixed ropes. The final section is a steep slope of 35–40 degrees, leading to the summit. From the top, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Caucasus Range, stretching over 200 km, with Mount Elbrus visible in the distance. The ascent takes 7–10 hours, and the descent back to Betlemi Hut takes 5–7 hours. Overnight at Betlemi Hut.
If participants do not descend very late, it is possible to continue to the Altihut mountain hotel and spend the night there for an additional fee. A helicopter descent to Stepantsminda is also an option. The estimated cost is 1000 EUR per flight (for 3–4 people depending on weight and luggage).
Day 6. Friday. Reserve day. Descent to Stepantsminda.This reserve day allows us to wait for the best weather conditions for the ascent. If we successfully reach the summit on the planned day, we will descend to Stepantsminda (4–5 hours). In the evening, we’ll have a celebratory dinner and receive climbing certificates. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 7. Saturday. Transfer to Mtskheta.Today, we travel to Mtskheta (10 km from Tbilisi), the ancient capital of Georgia and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This historic city is located where the Kura and Aragvi Rivers meet and is famous for landmarks like Samtavro Monastery, Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, and Jvari Monastery. After exploring the city, we will stay overnight in a comfortable hotel or guesthouse.
Day 8. Transfer to the airport. Fly back home.
Day 2: eco-hotel AltiHut, 3014 m (shared dormitory with 15 beds)
Day 3–Day 5: shelter Bethlemi Hut (other name Meteo Station, 3653 m (rooms with bunk beds)
Day 7: Mtskheta, guesthouse or hotel (double or triple rooms, breakfast included).
- Group transfer: Day 1: Tbilisi Airport (10:30 am) to Stepantsminda, Day 7: Stepantsminda to Mtskheta, Day 8: Mtskheta to Airport (by 9:30 am)
- Accommodation: Stepantsminda (twin rooms, Days 1 & 6), Hotel Altihut (15-bed shared room, Day 2), Meteo Hut (bunk beds, Days 3-5), Mtskheta (hotel/guesthouse, twin rooms, Day 7)
- Transfer to/from Tsminda Sameba Church
- Transport of 15 kg of personal belongings by horse.
- Services of professional guides during the climb (1 guide for every 3 climbers)
- Three meals daily with packed lunches on acclimatization days and the ascent day.
- Breakfast in Mtskheta
- Transport of personal gear to and from the Meteo Station Hut by horse (15 kg)
- Horse hire for carrying group gear, food, and gas to Meteo Hut
- Group equipment: ropes, carabiners, cooking gear, ice drills, ascenders, rappel devices.
- Safety gear: Expedition medical kit, GPS, radios
- Climbing certificates
- Flights to and from Tbilisi
- Mountaineering insurance
- Lunch and dinner in Mtskheta
- Rental of personal mountaineering equipment: Backpack, clothing, footwear, trekking poles, gaiters, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, ice axe with safety leash, climbing harness with two self-belay leashes, helmet (mandatory), and other gear.
- Helicopter descent from the Meteo Hut to Stepantsminda.
- Personal expenses and entertainment: Meals in cities, souvenirs, etc.
- Expenses related to an unscheduled descent for any reason (such as transport, accommodation, food, etc.)
- Additional summit attempt
- Tips for the guide (at your discretion).
Additional services:
Transfer by car from Tbilisi to Stepantsminda: Costs range from 120 to 150 GEL. Individual transfers can be arranged for an additional cost if joining a group transfer is not possible. We are happy to help organize this for you.
Horse hire: A horse can carry up to 80 kg and costs 600 GEL (approximately 200 EUR). Participants often share the cost if multiple people use the horse.Participant Preparation Climbing Kazbek may seem technically accessible, but it requires serious preparation. Good physical fitness is essential, and while previous mountaineering experience is helpful, it is not mandatory. Your guide will provide training on snow and ice skills, including how to use an ice axe and walk in crampons. The route has no technical climbing sections, but the final stretch before the summit is steep (35-40 degrees) and may be icy. The guide will support you with a fixed rope if needed.
Meals During the climb, we provide three full meals a day, including salads, soups, and tea or coffee. The program fee covers food, gas cookers, and utensils. Meals are prepared by an experienced chef. If you are vegetarian or have specific dietary needs, let us know in advance, and we will arrange suitable meals for you.
Medicine The guide carries a basic first aid kit. However, please bring any personal medications you use regularly. Climbing is not recommended for people with heart conditions. We advise a medical check-up before the trip. You will need mountaineering insurance that covers helicopter search and rescue. This can be arranged by you or through us. No vaccinations are required to visit Georgia.
Clothing and Equipment The climbing season on Kazbek runs from late June to late September, but weather conditions can be unpredictable, with possible snow and storms. Pack warm, windproof clothing, gloves, waterproof mittens, a down jacket, a fleece, and thermal underwear. You will also need trekking and mountaineering boots, a harness with carabiners, a large rucksack (70 liters), a warm sleeping bag (comfort -10°C to -15°C), trekking poles, crampons, and an ice axe. You can leave unnecessary belongings at your guesthouse in Stepantsminda.
Footwear
- Plastic boots or heavy leather mountaineering boots compatible with crampons
- Trekking boots (durable, ankle-supporting, waterproof, and broken-in)
- Camp shoes: sneakers or lightweight hiking boots
- Knee-high gaiters (ideal if they cover the entire boot)
Clothing
- Insulated jacket (down or other material, suitable for -10°C)
- Storm jacket and pants with Goretex or similar membrane (preferably with side zippers), loose and water-repellent
- Medium-density fleece jacket and fleece pants/leggings
- Medium-density thermal underwear (top and bottom)
- Hiking pants or trekking skirt and shorts
- Long-sleeve shirt or T-shirt
- Warm socks for climbing (1 pair)
- Socks for sleeping in the tent (1 pair)
- Underwear, trekking socks, and liner socks
- Windproof mask (for cold, strong wind)
- Fleece hat or any comfortable hat for climbing
- Bandana or cap
- Windproof fleece gloves
- Waterproof mittens for snow protection (suitable for -15°C)
- Balaclava
Mountaineering Equipment
- Ice axe
- Crampons
- Harness with 2 carabiners and 1.5-2 meters of rope
- Telescopic trekking poles
- Sunglasses with a secure strap (side shields or mountaineering glasses highly recommended) or ski goggles
- Headlamp (mandatory!) with batteries
Bivouac and Personal Equipment
- Large backpack (at least 75 liters)
- Summit backpack (40-55 liters), ensure it fits comfortably over a thick jacket
- Sleeping bag rated for -15°C (for the north route); a 0°C bag is sufficient for the southern route. Not required for Comfort and VIP southern tours.
- Foam sleeping pad (not required for the southern slope)
- Water bottle (1 liter) – avoid bottles with tubes as they can freeze
- Thermos (optional) – highly recommended for the summit day!
Other Essentials
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Wet wipes
- Personal first aid kit and regularly used medications
- Personal hygiene kit (towel, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush)
