Kazbek Summit & Trek Expedition
YOUR HOSTS
/ OVERVIEW
Adventure overview
Beyond the Clouds: Kazbek Awaits
Six July days on the slopes of Mount Kazbek split into two crews: summit climbers aiming for the 5 054 m peak and trekkers hiking to Meteo Camp and the surrounding valleys. The route threads from Gergeti Trinity Church through Green Valley to the Gergeti Glacier, with crampons on for safe travel. Nights are spent under canvas at Meteo Camp after a single hotel night in Tbilisi (Fabrika Suites). Expect glacier crossings, altitude‑acclimatisation hikes, and—if weather smiles—a pre‑dawn summit push of roughly 12 hours round‑trip. Transfers, guides (three mountain leaders), mule support, park fees, travel insurance and key camping gear are included; food shopping and travel to the meeting point are on you.
Key highlights
- Dual format: full Kazbek summit attempt or a Meteo Camp trekking itinerary.
- Classic Georgian alpine scenery: Green Valley, Gergeti Glacier, Meteo Camp at 3 620 m.
- One hotel night in Tbilisi (Fabrika Suites) with breakfast before hitting the mountains.
- All in‑country transfers from the meet‑up point, mule/horse (katır) support, national‑park fees and camping logistics included.
- Three professional mountain guides for safety and route decisions.
- Built‑in weather buffer day (26 July) to increase summit success or allow extra descent/rest.
- Clear refund policy and deposit terms.
/ ITINERARY
Itinerary
Day 1 – 22 July (Tuesday)
Day 1 – 22 July (Tuesday)
Meet at 04:00 at Rize–Artvin Airport (or gather in Tbilisi if you flew there). Drive 1.5 h to the border, cross on foot with your bags, then continue by vehicle. After roughly 8 hours on the road, settle into the Tbilisi hotel and rest—or stroll the city if time allows.
Day 2 – 23 July (Wednesday)
Day 2 – 23 July (Wednesday)
Leave the hotel for Kazbegi village (≈3.5 h). Hand loads to the pack animals, visit Gergeti Trinity Church if weather/time permits, and start hiking from 2 280 m toward Meteo Camp at 3 620 m. Cross Green Valley and the Gergeti Glacier (crampons on before ice). Camp, cook, rest. Distance 7.2 km; +1 080 m gain.
Day 3 – 24 July (Thursday)
Day 3 – 24 July (Thursday)
Acclimatisation day. After breakfast the guide briefs on the summit route, weather and tactics. Climb higher then descend to sleep low; trekkers hike to a higher camp and return. ~2 km / +200 m. Prepare summit packs, eat well, sleep early.
Day 4 – 25 July (Friday)
Day 4 – 25 July (Friday)
Summit push: wake at 01:00, depart 01:30. Expect 6–7 h up, 5–6 h down (≈12 h total). Guides decide when to put on crampons. Return to Meteo Camp to rest. Distance ~12.2 km; +1 180 m gain.
Day 5 – 26 July (Saturday)
Day 5 – 26 July (Saturday)
Buffer day. If the summit was delayed by weather, use this window; otherwise descend: 7.2 km down; −1 080 m. Or spend one extra night at camp before heading out. Hotel costs in town this day are not included if you descend early.
Day 6 – 27 July (Sunday)
Day 6 – 27 July (Sunday)
Departure day. Leave camp or hotel and begin the journey back. Tbilisi flyers may squeeze in a city tour; those heading to Artvin depart after breakfast to catch the 20:40 flight to Istanbul. Close the expedition, already missing the Caucasus.
/ ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation
One night in Tbilisi at Fabrika Suites (breakfast included); mountain nights in tents at Meteo Camp (3 620 m). National‑park accommodation fees are covered.
/ FAQ
FAQ
Who is this trip for?
Who is this trip for?
Two formats run in parallel: a summit team aiming for 5,054 m and a trekking team that hikes to Meteo Camp without the summit push. Good fitness is required; prior mountaineering experience is needed for the summit option.
What’s the difference between the summit and trek groups?
What’s the difference between the summit and trek groups?
Summit climbers do glacier travel at night, use crampons, ice axe and harness, and attempt the top. Trekkers follow the same approach to Meteo Camp, enjoy high‑alpine scenery, then skip the pre‑dawn summit push.
Where and when do we meet?
Where and when do we meet?
Official meet‑up is at 04:00 on 22 July at Rize–Artvin Airport (Türkiye) or in Tbilisi (Georgia) if you fly there. The group crosses the border together and transfers to Kazbegi.
Do I need a visa or special documents?
Do I need a visa or special documents?
A valid passport (or chip‑ID) is required for the Turkish–Georgian border. Check your nationality’s visa rules in advance. Old/damaged IDs are not accepted.
What gear do I need?
What gear do I need?
Everyone: 20 L daypack, sleeping bag (comfort to −4 °C), mat, headlamp, stove head & cook set, thermos, hiking boots with ankle support, rain jacket, sun protection, trekking poles, warm layers, personal first‑aid kit, powerbank. Summit team also needs: helmet, ice axe, crampons, harness, belay device (Reverso), 3 carabiners, 2 accessory cords and a waist sling.
How cold will it be?
How cold will it be?
Expect hot sun in the valley and sub‑zero windchill on the glacier. Nights at Meteo Camp (3,620 m) can drop well below freezing. Layering is essential.
How is food organised?
How is food organised?
Food is self‑managed: you buy and cook your own meals (shared kitchens/cook sets at camp). In Tbilisi, breakfast is included at the hotel.
What’s the daily plan like?
What’s the daily plan like?
Approach day to Meteo, acclimatisation hikes, a midnight start for the summit (≈12 h round‑trip), a built‑in weather buffer day, then descent and return. The trekking group mirrors the flow minus the summit push.
What’s the refund policy?
What’s the refund policy?
Pre‑registration deposit (50 USD) is non‑refundable. Cancel ≥30 days out: full refund. 30–15 days: 70 % fee. <15 days: 100 % fee. (Confirm exact terms with organiser if they change.)
How is safety managed?
How is safety managed?
Three guides make route and weather decisions; each participant must carry a personal first‑aid kit. The schedule can shift for safety reasons.
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