Kazbek
Also known as: Mkinvartsveri / Mount Kazbegi
Georgia
Kazbek, standing at 5,033 meters, is one of the prominent peaks in the Caucasus Mountains, located on the border between Georgia and Russia. Known locally as Mkinvartsveri, or “Ice Mountain,” it is a dormant stratovolcano with glaciated slopes and striking volcanic features. Despite its imposing height, it is considered an accessible 5,000-meter peak for climbers with some mountaineering experience, as the routes are not highly technical. That said, the glacier crossings and occasional rockfall areas demand a good understanding of glacier travel, crevasse rescue, and general alpine safety.
Most ascents begin in the town of Stepantsminda, with the Gergeti Trinity Church (2,170m) as the starting point. Climbers often spend a night or two at the Meteo Station Hut (3,653m) for acclimatization before making the summit push. The ascent from the hut is primarily on glaciers, with moderate slopes and a few crevassed sections requiring crampons and ice axes. The summit route includes crossing the Gergeti Glacier and ascending the North-East ridge, which offers stunning views of the surrounding Caucasus peaks.
Climbers should be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions, as storms can sweep in without much warning, bringing strong winds and poor visibility. The best climbing season is typically June to September, when conditions are more stable, though even during this period, summit attempts require careful planning. Kazbek is a great choice for those looking to gain high-altitude experience without the intense technical challenges of more advanced peaks, but it’s important to approach it with respect for the demanding conditions and serious altitude.
Table of contents
Route
- 2,863 m gain over 4 days
- Starting and ending in Gergeti Trinity Church
- approach: drive, walk in
Walk in
- +1,913 m over a 6 km approach
- 1 days in
- 1 days out
Climb
- +1,380 m over 2 days.
- 1 high camp. There is typically one high camp above the base camp, often on the Kazbek Plateau at around 4,400m. However, many climbers attempt the summit directly from the Meteo Station without using a high camp.
Difficulty
- PD: Not very hard (alpine grade 2)
Cost
- $300 solo
When to go
- June to September
Permits
- 1 permit is needed
- costing around $4 total
Guide mandatory?
- no
- Guides are not legally required.
These are pictures taken while climbing Kazbek. They're shown here to give you an idea of what the route is like. You're welcome to share your own pictures of mountaineering Kazbek, to help the community of climbers. Picture here are either uploaded by members (there own, or creative commons pictures), or guides.
Guide links
Base Camp (Gergeti Trinity Church)
Meteo Station (Bethlemi Hut)
Kazbek Plateau
Summit of Kazbek
Kazbek weather
How is the weather on Kazbek, and when is the best time to go.
The best time to climb Kazbek is in these months:
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
Kazbek Services
Gear rental, porters, guides, transport, internet, accommodation
Accommodation
Accommodations include guesthouses in Stepantsminda, and basic bunk-style lodging at the Meteo Station (Bethlemi Hut) at 3,653m.Food
Meals are not typically provided on the route itself, so climbers bring their own supplies. Simple meals are sometimes available at the Meteo Station, but this is not guaranteed.Guides
Guides are readily available in Stepantsminda, costing around $500–$1,000 per group for the entire climb. Guides can help with navigation, safety, and glacier travel, which may be crucial for less experienced climbers.Porters
Porters can be hired to carry gear to the Meteo Station or beyond, usually charging $100–$200 per load, depending on weight and distance.Medical facilities
There are no dedicated medical services on the mountain. Stepantsminda has a small clinic, but climbers must bring their own first aid supplies and be prepared for self-care in case of emergencies.Gear rental
Gear rental is available in Stepantsminda, including crampons, ice axes, harnesses, and helmets. However, climbers are advised to bring personal gear to ensure fit and reliability.Transport
Stepantsminda is accessible by car from Tbilisi (about 3–4 hours). From Stepantsminda, climbers can hire local transport (4x4 vehicles) to reach Gergeti Trinity Church, the trailhead.Internet / Phone
Phone signal is available in Stepantsminda and sporadically on the lower route, but connectivity drops higher up. There is no Wi-Fi at the Meteo Station, so a satellite phone or Garmin device is recommended for emergencies.ATMs
ATMs are available in Stepantsminda but not on the route. Bring sufficient cash for the climb.Shops
There are no shops on the route itself, but Stepantsminda has small stores selling basic groceries, snacks, and some trekking supplies.Kazbek permits
What permits are needed for climbing Kazbek
1. Camping Fee near Meteo Station
- $3.5 (~10 in the local currency)
- Fee for pitching a tent close to the Meteo Station (Bethlemi Hut).
- Payable on-site at the Meteo Station.
Kazbek access - getting there
How to get to Kazbek
To reach the start of the Kazbek climb, here are the main options:
- Drive: Most climbers travel by car or shared taxi from Tbilisi to Stepantsminda. The journey takes approximately 3-4 hours along the Georgian Military Highway.
- Public Transport: Marshrutkas (minibuses) are available from Tbilisi’s Didube Bus Station to Stepantsminda. They are inexpensive and take around 4 hours.
- 4x4 Vehicle: From Stepantsminda, a 4x4 can be hired to take you to Gergeti Trinity Church, which is the trailhead for the climb.
The route ends at the same place where it starts, so climbers typically return to Stepantsminda by descending back to Gergeti Trinity Church and arranging transportation from there.
Kazbek questions
What to know about climbing Kazbek
Common questions people have about this trek, if yours isn’t here - add it to get an answer.
These climbs are similar in length, difficulty, and elevation. Offering a similar level of challenge as the Kazbek climb.
