Mount Kazbek

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Mount Kazbek

Introduction
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Below Gergeti Glacier

Sample Itinerary:
  1. Arrive Tbilisi. Transfer to hotel. Free time in city assuming time.
  2. Drive along the Georgian Military Highway to Kazbegi town, 1700m, 4 hours driving. Trek through alpine meadows to our campsite at 2950m.
  3. Trek up moraines then the Gergeti Glacier to the Met. Station mountain refuge, 3680m, 3hrs. After lunch we relax and have a walk in the area.
  4. Acclimatisation treks: in good weather conditions we climb Mount Ortsveri, 4365m. Grade 2 (snow and ice). In bad weather it is possible to visit Betlejem.
  5. A 3am start is recommended for the ascent of Mount Kazbek. Return to Met. Station. Allow 12 hours for ascent and descent.
  6. Spare day for summit attempt or descend to Kazbegi and drive back to Tbilisi.
  7. Walking city tour of Tbilisi to visit its Old Town: Excursions to Metekhi Church, Abanotubani - the area of sulphur baths, Narikala Fortress, Sioni Cathedral. Walking through some narrow streets, with some carpet and souvenir shops, then continue excursion in the old town. Visit Freedom Square, Georgia History Museum, Rustaveli Avenue. Free time. Hotel.
  8. Depart.

Book Now		 Grade D  Season: Mid-June to late September.
There are porters provided only for communal equipment - you must carry your own equipment.

Mount Kazbek, 5047m, is one of the highest and most beautiful peaks of the Caucasus. It is an ancient, heavily glaciated volcano situated in the central part of the Main Caucasian Ridge, in Georgia. It's local name is "Mkinvartsveri". The first ascent of Kazbek was made by D. Freshfield in 1868.

The four hour drive to the Kazbegi region from Tbilisi takes us through the beautiful Aragvi Valley then over the Krestovy Pass, 2380m. From the small town of Kazbegi, 1700m, mountain paths lead across alpine pastures filled with flowers past the superbly located Gergeti chapel - an outstanding viewpoint. Then on up to the grassy Sabertse Pass, 3150m. Just beyond this is the first campsite, 2950m. Now a moraine is followed to the Gergeti Glacier which leads to the old Meteorological Station and high mountain refuge situated on the southern slopes of Mount Kazbek.

It is best to spend a day for acclimatisation and exploring the area. In good weather it is possible to climb Mount Ortsveri, 4365m. An alternative is to visit Betlejem, a hermit's refuge at over 4000m in a carved cave a short way up a cliff (easy roped climb).

The route to the summit of Kazbek leads via the Maili Plateau at 4500m. From the saddle above the plateau, 4900m, it will probably be necessary to put on crampons and rope up on an easy angled (35 to 40 degrees) but often icy slope. In good weather the summit provides spectacular views of the Caucasus chain stretching westwards to Elbrus 200km. away. We descend to the refuge in the evening. The following day we descend and return to Tbilisi.

Included All food except for lunches and dinners in Tbilisi, transport and accommodation. English speaking guides on Mt Kazbek and in Tbilisi. Porters help with communal equipment only. All cooking, catering and camping equipment. 2 star hotel accommodation in Tbilisi (upgrades available). Climbing equipment.

Not Included Visa costs, tips, insurance, meals in Tbilisi.

It may be possible to arrange porter services at extra cost, also it is sometimes possible to hire a 4 wheel drive vehicle to drive to Gergeti Chapel.


 
Kazbek from Gergeti Glacier
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ALW 16/11/11