To reach the start of the Kazbek climb, here are the main options:
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 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.
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 Public Transport: Marshrutkas (minibuses) are available from Tbilisi’s Didube Bus Station to Stepantsminda. They are inexpensive and take around 4 hours.
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 4x4 Vehicle: From Stepantsminda, a 4x4 can be hired to take you to Gergeti Trinity Church, which is the trailhead for the climb.
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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, 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 &ldquo;Ice Mountain,&rdquo; 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&rsquo;s important to approach it with respect for the demanding conditions and serious altitude.

The climb starts from Gergeti Trinity Church (2,170m), progressing to the Meteo Station (3,653m) for acclimatization. From there, climbers ascend across the crevassed Gergeti Glacier to the Kazbek Plateau (4,400m), before pushing to the summit at 5,033m. Weather conditions and glacier travel are critical considerations for this route.

Climbing Mount Kazbek currently does not require any official permits or fees. However, if you plan to camp near the Meteo Station (Bethlemi Hut), there is a small fee for pitching tents in that area.

The Kazbek route offers a range of services to support climbers, from basic accommodations and meal options to optional guides and porters. While the area is not heavily commercialized, essential trekking and mountaineering services are available at key points, especially in Stepantsminda and at the Meteo Station.

Mount Kazbek experiences harsh winter conditions with heavy snowfall and extremely low temperatures, making climbing attempts rare from November through April. The most favorable climbing conditions are typically from June to September, when temperatures are milder and precipitation is lower.

Kazbek

Standing at 5,642 meters, Mount Elbrus is the highest mountain in Europe and one of the Seven Summits, making it a must-climb destination for mountaineers around the world. Located in the Caucasus region of Russia, Elbrus mountain is a dormant stratovolcano renowned for its twin summits and vast glaciated slopes. Its iconic status and relatively non-technical routes make it an attractive challenge for climbers of all skill levels.
A climb up Elbrus typically follows the South Route, which offers a mix of high-altitude trekking and straightforward snow climbing. Climbers navigate glacier-covered terrain and ascend via fixed ropes on steeper sections near the summit. The ascent is physically demanding due to altitude and weather conditions, but reaching the top of Elbrus peak rewards climbers with breathtaking views of the surrounding Kaukasus Elbrus range, a rugged and pristine alpine landscape.
For adventurers seeking a unique challenge, the Elbrus volcano provides an unparalleled opportunity to experience one of the world&rsquo;s great mountains. Whether you&rsquo;re chasing the Seven Summits or exploring the cultural richness of the Caucasus, Elbrus mountain offers a perfect combination of natural beauty, high-altitude adventure, and a sense of accomplishment that will last a lifetime.

Climbers start at Terskol or Azau Valley, then ascend via cable car to Garabashi Station before staying at Barrels Hut (or Diesel Hut) as their primary high camp. Acclimatization hikes to Pastukhov Rocks are standard before the summit push, which is made from camp early in the morning.

- Barrels Hut and Diesel Hut are essentially interchangeable as accommodation options.
- If using Garabashi Station, it’s usually for a very short rest or as a logistics hub, not a separate overnight stop.

Elbrus

The climb begins at Gergeti Trinity Church, a historic landmark accessible by road or a short hike from Stepantsminda.

Base Camp (Gergeti Trinity Church)

A former weather station, this is the main acclimatization stop and staging point for the summit push, offering basic shelter and facilities.

Meteo Station (Bethlemi Hut)

A large glacier plateau reached after crossing crevassed terrain, used as a rest point before the final ascent.

Kazbek Plateau

The highest point of Mount Kazbek, offering panoramic views of the Caucasus Mountains and beyond.

Summit of Kazbek

Fee for pitching a tent close to the Meteo Station (Bethlemi Hut).

Camping Fee near Meteo Station

Located in Terskol or the Azau Valley, this is where climbers prepare, acclimatize, and organize gear before heading up the mountain.

Base Camp (Terskol or Azau Valley)

The end of the cable car route, used as an access point to higher camps. Some climbers briefly stop here before moving up.

Garabashi Station (Cable Car Terminus)

A common accommodation area on the mountain, often chosen for acclimatization and as a staging camp for the climb.

Barrels Hut (or Diesel Hut)

A critical acclimatization point and rest stop during the summit push. Climbers often test their pace and condition here.

Pastukhov Rocks

The highest peak in Europe, reached after a steep and challenging ascent, offering spectacular views of the Caucasus.

	Score	Reviews
Guided Peaks	4.8 / 5	15
TripAdvisor	4.8 / 5	10
Google	4.8 / 5	5

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