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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Day 1. Overviewing Mtskheta and ancient fortress Ananuri, moving to the start of training trekking
Instructors meet a group in Tbilisi. That evening group will be at the start of the training route, at the foot of the mountain ridge Chaukhi, but there are some enjoyable excursions first.
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.
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.
Day 2. Training trekking at the foot of the mountain ridge Chaukhi
Route: village Jute – foot of North Chaukhi, slopes of North Chaukhi and Roshka mountain. Average altitude per day – 1000 m. Overnight stay is at a height of 3250 m
Day 3. Training trekking at the foot of the mountain ridge Chaukhi
Route: down into the valley of Roshka – climbing Sadzele pass – descent to the village Jute. Altitude per day – -900, +700, -800 m
Day 4. Start climbing Kazbek
Moving to Stepantsminda village (altitude 1750 m) where the route of climbing Kazbek starts, packing the things and starting getting up to the glacier. The route of this day goes through grassy slopes and rocky areas. Altitude per day is about 1250 m, overnight stay at the altitude of 3000 m.
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.
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.
Day 5. Acclimatization: ascent to Meteorological station and the overnight stay at the altitude of 3850 m above the sea level
The second day of the climbing passes through Glacier Gergeti, movement through the glacier is in crampons. In the afternoon a group goes to the Weather Station – the most high-altitude building (3675 m) of Georgia. The station has not been used for a long time for the main purpose, but its part is equipped as a shelter for climbers “Betlemi Hut”. There a group is registered by the rescue team and goes to the place of lodging, 200 m above the weather station, pitches and strengthens the tents, builds the wall. This is the main camp before climbing the peak.
Day 6. Acclimatization: training work with climbing equipment
The plan of the day is training with climbing equipment in a rope team: the rise and descent through the steep ice slope, belaying, drops, work with ice screw, ice axes, carabiners. In the afternoon there acclimatization exit up to 3900 m to a small chapel Kazbek Bethlehem Monastery – chapel Betlemi. The chapel has a very interesting look – this is metallic hut, chained to the rocks.
Day 7. Conquering: climbing Kazbek (5033 m)
There is an early wake up at 1: 30-2: 00 in the morning and then the route starts. The ascent lasts 15-20 hours, elevation is about 1100 m.
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.
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.
Day 8. Conquering: reserve day in case of a bad weather
If that day is not needed – it is an extra day at the seaside in Anaklia.
Day 9. Descent
The most difficult part of the trip is done. This day the group descends down the mountain (from Weather Stations – 5-6 hours of trip). Then we go to Tbilisi and rest. The route passes through the Georgian Military Highway, through the Cross Pass, beneath of which there is the most popular ski resort Gudauri. Along the road there are souvenir shops where you can buy wool socks or hats, and local delicacies, such as churchkhela.
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.
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.
Day 10. Recreation: tours in Tbilisi, Gori, visiting cave town Uplistsikhe
In the morning there is a walk in the capital. You can visit Tbilisi Botanical Garden, which is about 400 years old, the Narikal Castlethat has protected the city from invaders many times. The time of its foundation is about IV century. Then we go to the city Gori, one of the oldest cities of Georgia, known as a birthplace of Stalin. One of the most interesting places in Gori is fortress Goristsykhe, XII century. And nearby Gori we will visit another interesting place – the cave town Uplistsikhe. City which is carved in the stone cliffs, emerged in the late II and early I millennium BC, experienced several ups and downs, and finally was abandoned in the XIX century, so it is very important monument of Georgian culture. Once Uplistsikhe included more than 700 caves, and only about 150 are undamaged today. After that we will have a lunch in a café.
Day 11. Coming back home
Finish of the tour is in Batumi.
More information about the equipment preparation:
Personal clothing:
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Equipment for high-altitude climbing:
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Personal mountain gear for climbing:
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