Mt Kazbek and Mt Elbrus

Here you will find proposed itinerary which combines 8 day Mt Kazbek and 8 days Elbrus trips. Those who like can book any of these parts separately as well.

OUTLINE ITINERARY:
The following itinerary is intended as a working guide only and it is subject to variation as a result of local conditions, weather and governmental restrictions. We reserve the right to alter (lengthen or shorten) the trip at any time if necessary. Airline schedules are subject to change, both international and domestic, and it may be necessary to vary our itinerary to adapt to these changes.

Day 1. Arrive Tbilisi. Transfer to the hotel in the city centre. After dinner in the hotel pre-trek briefing.

Day 2. Early morning drive to the northern part of the Great Caucasus along Aragvi river and then cross the Jvari Pass (2380m) to a small town of Kazbegi and then village Gergeti (1750m. 4hrs driving). From here we start our trek to the campsite. We gain altitude walking up alpine pastures, enjoy wonderful views of the Trinity Church. Crossing the Sabertse Pass at 3150 metres walk down to our campsite at 2950m (about 4-5 hours walking).

Day 3. Continue our trek following a moraine and Gergeti Glacier to mountain hut Betlemi (former meteorological station at 3675m, 3-4hrs walking from the campsite). One will not expect much comfort in this high mountain hut, but we try our best.

Day 4. Acclimatisation day. We go to the Gergeti Glacier for practising in using of crampons and self-arrest and If the weather conditions are good, we will climb Mount Ortsveri (4365m, 4-5hrs walking from the hut). Descend to the hut Return to the hut.

Day 5. The Summit Day. Very early morning we go to the Maili Plateau (4500m) passing the south slopes of Kazbek and avoid crevasses. From the Plateau we climb up to the Saddle at 4900m, and then following slopes about 35-45 degrees climb the top (7-8hrs). The summit of Mount Kazbek 5047m provides fantastic views of the Caucasian Mountains, including Mt. Elbrus. Descend to the hut. 

Day 6. Spare day to attempt Kazbek if the weather on the day 5 was bad.

Day 7. After breakfast we walk down to Kazbegi (3-4h). Here we will meet our transport and drive to our hotel in Tbilisi. Arrival at the hotel in Tbilisi and relax.

Day 9. Short drive from the hotel to Azau cable car station, We take the cable car/chair lift system up Elbrus slopes to the Garabashi Huts at 3800m. 1,5 hrs walking up to the Diesel Hut at 4150m where we will be based.

Day 10. Acclimatisation walk to Pastukhova Rocks (4800m. 3 hours walking up). Return to the hut.

Day 11. We begin in the small hours of the morning for the ascent to the highest of Elbrus' twin peaks - the West Summit (5642m. 8-9 hours walking from the Diesel hut). You carry your day pack with the day's requirements. We return to spend the night in the mountain hut. 

Day 12. Spare day to climb Elbrus.

Day 13. Return to the hotel. Relax and perhaps enjoy one of the fine walks from the hotel.

Day 14. Drive to Mineralnye Vody for the flight home via Munich or via Moscow.