Ascent of Mount Kazbek

Mount Kazbek is located in the central part of the Caucasian mountain system, on the border of Russia and Georgia. This is the easternmost five-thousander of the Caucasus (5033 m). Like its closest relative Elbrus, it is a dormant volcano, showing some signs of activity: hot springs, emissions of hydrogen sulfide.

This mountain was named Kazbek in Soviet times, when the Georgian village of Stepantsminda and the beautiful mountain above it were renamed in honor of the Georgian writer Alexander Kazbegi, grandson of Kazibek Chopikashvili, a noble Georgian official and founder of the Kazbegi clan. In 2010, on the initiative of the President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili, the historical name of Stepanzminda was returned to the Kazbegi village, and the peak known to the whole world retained the familiar name Kazbek, although in Georgian language there is another, more beautiful local name - Mkinvartsveri, which means “a mountain with an ice peak ". Also, other nationalities, long living in this Caucasian region, had their own names for this mountain.

Conquerors of Mount Kazbek

• 1868 – the first successful ascent, undertaken by the British climbers D. Freshfield, Tukker and A.U. Moore;
• 1874 – climb to the top of Mount Kazbek accomplished by the military explorer of the Caucasus A. Pastukhov. A year later, he will write his name in the history of the conquering Elbrus;
• 1923 – the first public expedition – 18 Soviet climbers reached the summit of Mount Kazbek.

Two countries - two ways

Today, the mountain can be reached from two countries - from Russia and Georgia. If the starting point of your trip is in Russia, then the main advantages of this route are cheaper and simpler logistics to the starting point (Nalchik-Vladikavkaz), as well as the lack of bureaucratic formalities associated with crossing the Georgian border.

If you plan to start your route from Tbilisi, combine a mountain tour with a visit to numerous historical and cultural monuments of Georgia, and also reach the top by the same route as the pioneers, then the path to the summit from Georgia is open for you.

From a technical point of view, all climbing routes of Mount Kazbek are affordable even for those who have no climbing experience. But these routes cannot be considered too easy - with relatively moderate physical exertion, they require good physical shape and good health.

It should be noted that, in comparison with the higher Elbrus (5642 m), the way to Kazbek (5033 m), is considered physically simpler although requires basic skills to deal with climbing equipment. This allows in some cases to include Kazbek in the acclimatization program before climbing Mount Elbrus.

Mountain tours

MCS AlexСlimb Mountain Climbing School offers the following routes to Kazbek:

1. Kazbek from Russia via the Karmadon gorge. This program is suitable for those who do not want to get involved into the bureaucracy on the Russian-Georgian border, although issuing of border passes is still required. The advantages of this route - an interesting and non-standard ascent route with very low traffic. The pristine purity and great views of the mountains. There are natural thermal springs. This ascent route is a real mountain expedition. Duration of the tour is from 9 days, the price is from 850 euro / person.


2. Kazbek from Georgia Normal Route. The most popular route to the top. In addition to a set of standard climbing tasks, climbers can enjoy one of the most classical landscapes of Georgia - a view of the ancient Gergeti monastery from above, when the outlines of the ancient temple soar above the clouds swirling in a deep valley. Of the pluses of this route: the availability of a variety of the touristic services – carrying cargo on the horseback, the possibility of using mountain shelters and restaurants. High-traffic route. Duration of the tour from 9 days, price from 600 euro / person.


3. Kazbek through the Devdorak Gorge (Old Classic route). This is another ascent route from Georgia along the southeast slope of the mountain. It is ideal for those who appreciate the pristine nature of the landscapes and the lack of people around. Where, if not here, you can enjoy the real magic of the mountain landscapes - this route runs away from the crowded trails. Of the pluses: the most beautiful exposition of the route - at dawn you can admire the incredible sight of the peak blazing from the rising sun. There is practically no traffic on the route. Duration of the tour from 7 days, price from 750 euro / person.


4. Kazbek + Elbrus - ascents of two mountains in one round. The first climb of the lower and more accessible Kazbek (5033 m) – that is a way to get acclimatized for the next confident achievement of the summit of West Elbrus (5642 m). The duration of the tour is 12 days; the price is from 70,000 rubles / person.


5. Bezengi - Kazbek (Russia-Georgia). This variation of the program involves adding to the main climb the acclimatization in the Bezengi Gorge, the most technically interesting, safe and comfortable region for climbing in the North Caucasus. The duration of the tour is 11 days; the price is from 55,000 rubles / person.


6. Bezengi (Russia) - Kazbek (Georgia) - Ararat (Turkey). Climbing Ararat (5156 m) and Kazbek (5033 m), with acclimatization in Bezengi region - all this within one mountain tour. Of the additional advantages of this program - a significant saving of time and budget relative to the same programs, but ordered separately. Duration of the tour from 14 days, the price is from 1150 euro / person.

Climbing equipment

Regardless of which route you choose, the main priority of MCS AlexClimb Mountain Climbing School - is safety. The group is led by professional mountain guides, only high-quality certified gear is used, as well as the most up-to-date navigation equipment. We use in our tours only:

1. Modern high-quality and comfortable tents;
2. Convenient cooking and camping equipment;
3. New ropes and safety equipment;
4. Modern satellite navigation systems;
5. Different modes of communication and safety alarms - mobile, satellite, radio - a guarantee of your comfort in any situation.

Requirements for the physical preparation of participants:

1. Lack of medical contraindications for mountain climbing;
2. No problems with the musculoskeletal system;
3. Normal physical form - the ability to run 5-7 km at any pace;
4. The ability to pull up and climb the rocks for this route is not required.

We guarantee that you will enjoy our mountain tours! Choose the Kazbek climbing route and program and send to us a request!