Price: 420 $
Duration: 11 days
Next: 4/09/2018
Overview
Legendary Kazbek, one of the highest and most beautiful Caucasian mountains, attracts hundreds of climbers, both beginners and professionals of different levels, to Georgia annually. Grand and beautiful “the five-thousandth” lies on the border between the two countries. In the North there is North Ossetia, one of the Russian Republics. We are going to climb Kazbek from the south, which is Georgian side, and try to take the best advantage not only of climbing the highest peak of Georgia, but having closer look at this hospitable country as well. We are going to visit Mtskheta – the ancient capital of Georgia, and Tbilisi – the modern one, to see medieval clock towers, Ananuri fortress and Tsminda Sameba Cathedral (XIV century), and of course enjoy incredibly delicious Georgian cuisine.
Before climbing Kazbek we hike Chaukhi mountain range for a few days. Trekking Chaukhi is not only part of acclimatization before climbing but also a very spectacular part of the tour. The hike runs through the rocky slopes and trails, rough mountain streams and clear mountain lakes. There, far from civilization, you can really feel the power and majesty of nature and see its wild, antique beauty.
But the main purpose of our trip to Georgia is climbing Kazbek, Georgia’s highest peak (5033 m). Kazbek is one of the few “five-thousandths” available for amateurs. It requires extraordinary will power and devotion. But the impression from conquering peaks and amazing surrounding landscapes is a wonderful reward for the effort.
Climbing Kazbek is also a great start to practice climbing. On this tour you will receive both technical and high-altitude climbing experience, basic mountaineering skills that are required for both current and following mountain climbing.
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The road to the starting point of trekking goes through the ancient capital of Georgia, Mtskheta which is known as a spiritual heart of the country. It was the first place in Georgia where in 327 BC Christianity was accepted. And so no other place in Georgia has so many ancient churches, holy and religious places as Mtskheta does. For this reason the city is called “second Jerusalem”. One of the main Mtskheta’s monuments is Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, built in the XI century. According to legend, the temple was built where chiton of the Lord had been buried.The cathedral is interesting by its architectural style, ancient frescoes and reliefs. Mtskheta and its surroundings are listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
After the lunch we stops near Ananuri fortress (XVI-XVIII centuries), situated on the shore of Jinvali water reservoir. This is one of the most famous castles in Georgia, which main advantage is its undamaged state. There are all walls and towers and some ceiling remained.
And another nice advantage of this day is the opportunity to arrange a gastronomic excursion of Georgian cuisine, because the next week you will eat only camp dishes or lunches in cafes.
Attention! The approximate weight of the backpack before the climb is 18-25 kg (including food and climbing equipment).
That day on the cliffs above Stepantsminda we will be able to see the main beauty of Kazbegi – Tsminda Sameba Cathedral (Holy Trinity Cathedral), an ancient temple of the XIV century, located at an altitude of 2170 m above sea level.
The route of ascent can be divided into three parts: the first is a gentle climbing rocks,; the second is through covered glacier, movement in bunches, using an ice axes, crampons. Initially the ascent is gentle, then it goes into a steep rise to the bridge; the third part is from the bridge to the top of a steep ice climb, using equipment such as ice screw, ropes, strapping and so on. Going back is the same way.
Attention! Climbing is possible only in case of good weather conditions (calm weather, good visibility). Participants who according to the instructor lack physical fitness or acclimatization, stay to rest in the base camp.
Evening walking in Tbilisi is very colorful – the narrow streets of the Old Town are extremely picturesque, old two- or three-floor houses with open balconies and galleries are unusually closely situated. And in contrast to the historic architecture there is The Bridge of Peace over the river Kura which is an ultra-modern structure of steel and glass, with amazing lighting. Those interested can also go to the famous Tiflis sulfur bath, built on springs of hydrogen sulfide in the center of Tbilisi.
Overnight stay can be either in a tent or in a hostel in Tbilisi.
More information about the equipment preparation:
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