Photo: MaxBenidze ↗THE JOURNEY IN DETAIL
A first major high-altitude experience.
The classic approach from Stepantsminda, with gradual acclimatisation, equipment practice and a weather reserve. A summit attempt is made only at the mountain guides' discretion.
With old friends or new ones
Join a group or arrange a separate departure for your own team. Before travelling, we get to know each other, discuss everyone's experience and find suitable dates. You can also prepare together.
DAY BY DAY
Your daily itinerary.
A provisional itinerary. Weather, group readiness and local conditions may change the order and length of the stages.
- DAY 1 · Briefing
Tbilisi. Welcome
Meet the team, check equipment and plan with the mountain guide.
Overnight: Tbilisi - DAY 2 · Transfer / acclimatisation
Stepantsminda
Transfer to Kazbegi and take a gentle walk in the valley.
Overnight: Stepantsminda - DAY 3 · Acclimatisation
Gergeti. Acclimatisation outing
Walk towards Trinity Church and, if the guide decides, higher before returning downhill.
Overnight: Stepantsminda - DAY 4 · Ascent
Climb to Deka
Begin the mountain section and spend the night at approximately 3,000 m.
Overnight: Deka hut - DAY 5 · Ascent
Towards Betlemi hut
Move to the base area at approximately 3,650 m. The guide sets the route and pace.
Overnight: Betlemi hut - DAY 6 · Skills day
Technique and acclimatisation
Climb higher and return to the hut, practising movement with the equipment.
Overnight: Betlemi hut - DAY 7 · Summit attempt / reserve
Possible summit attempt
An early start only if the team is ready and conditions are suitable. Return to the hut.
Overnight: Betlemi hut - DAY 8 · Reserve / descent
Weather reserve or descent
If the summit attempt is postponed, follow the guides' revised plan. Otherwise, descend to Stepantsminda.
Overnight: Hut or Stepantsminda - DAY 9 · Finish
Return to Tbilisi
Finish the mountain section and transfer back. Allow some time after the programme before your flight.
Overnight: —
Included in the estimated price
8 nights in hotels and mountain huts
Qualified local mountain guides; planned summit ratio of 1 guide to 3 participants
Group transfers
Meals during the mountain section
Shared safety equipment
Not included in the price
Flights to the meeting point
Personal travel insurance and visas
Personal equipment
Single-room supplements and personal expenses
Personal crampon, ice-axe and harness hire
Meals in town and additional reserve days
YOUR PREPARATION
Arrive ready for the route.
Preparation for long climbs, plus basic crampon and ice-axe technique with an instructor. Altitude experience and individual readiness are discussed before participation is confirmed.
Prepare with IvanBEFORE WE MEET ON THE TRAIL
What to prepare in advance
- Footwear and warm layers for the specific mountain and season
- Sunglasses, gloves and spare mittens
- A headtorch and personal equipment from the guide's list
- For Kazbek: agreed crampons, harness and ice axe
Once we choose a date, we agree on the equipment list, meeting point and transfer time. Please wait until the programme is confirmed before booking flights.