Mount Kazbek Climb

Equipment & Checklist

A climbing tour to Kazbek mountain in August is an exciting and challenging experience. During the summer months (June to August), the average temperature at the base of Kazbek mountain is around 15°C (59°F), although it can get much colder as you climb higher.

For your climbing tour, it is important to pack warm clothing that can also provide protection from the elements. This includes a windproof and waterproof jacket, insulated pants, hat, gloves, and warm socks. It's also recommended to wear multiple layers, so you can easily adjust to changing temperatures.

Remember to check the weather forecast before your trip and pack accordingly, as conditions can change quickly in the mountains. Enjoy your climbing tour to Kazbek mountain!

• Windproof and waterproof jacket
• Insulated pants
• Shorts
• Trekking pants
• Warm hat and gloves
• Warm socks
• Multiple layers of clothing (long-sleeve shirts, thermal underwear)
• Sturdy and waterproof hiking boots
• Waterproof Gaiters
• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunblock)
• Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)
• Medications (if you require any)
• Cash and credit cards
• Camera and charger
• Travel adapter (if necessary)
• First-aid kit
• Maps and a guidebook (optional)
• Climbing gear (helmet, harness, 2 carabiners)
• Raincoat
• Water bottle
• Sleeping bag
• Sunglasses
• Crampons
• Backpack
• Goggles
• Ice axe
• Poles

Accommodation

Accommodation for the Mt Kazbek Climb program is designed to provide a comfortable and convenient experience for our participants. In Tbilisi and Stepantsminda, you will be staying in 2-3 star hotels that are centrally located and offer all the necessary amenities in your room. These hotels are clean and provide a comfortable space for you to rest and recharge before and after your climb.

During the climbing part, you will be staying in the Betlemi Hut Base Camp, which is located at the foot of Mt. Kazbek. Here, you will be sleeping in a shared dormitory that can accommodate 6-20 people. The sleeping arrangements include bunk beds with mattresses and you will need to bring a sleeping bag for overnight use. The WC facilities are located outside the dormitory. This arrangement provides a unique opportunity to bond with your fellow climbers and create lasting memories while on this adventure.

Meals

Eating is an integral part of travel, and with Georgia.to, you will have the opportunity to savor the delicious cuisine that Georgia has to offer. While breakfast is included, some lunches and dinners may be held at local restaurants, giving you the flexibility to choose where, what, and with whom you want to eat. Although meals are not typically included in the trip price, food is generally inexpensive, with an average cost of 10-15 euros per person for dinner or lunch, including drinks. However, our group often eats together to allow for a diverse taste of dishes and for the enjoyment of each other's company, though this is not a requirement.

Food Arrangements During the Climb Part

During the Mt Kazbek climbing tour, food is organized in a variety of ways to provide adequate sustenance for the physical demands of the hike. In the base camp at Betlemi, delicious and nutritious meals are prepared for the climbers. These typically include warm breakfasts, packed lunches for the climb, and hearty dinners to replenish energy levels. The meals consist of traditional Georgian dishes as well as familiar western options.

During the ascent of the mountain, light snacks and energy bars are provided to keep climbers fueled. It is important to stay hydrated and carry enough water, and hot drinks are available at the base camp to warm up and replenish fluids.

Overall, the food arrangements during the Mt Kazbek climb are designed to cater to the needs of the climbers and ensure that they have the energy and nourishment necessary to tackle the challenging ascent.

Transport

In this tour, all transportation is private and tailored to your group's needs. Depending on the size of the group, transportation options can range from a car, a mini-van, or a minibus. In areas with challenging road conditions, a 4x4 vehicle may be used to ensure a safe and comfortable journey. With private transport, you will have the flexibility to customize your itinerary and move around at your own pace.

Luggage Transport to the Base Camp

During the Mt Kazbek climb trip, your luggage will be transported from Stepantsminda to Gergeti church by 4x4 vehicles. From there, the luggage will be packed onto horsebacks and taken to the Betlemi Hut base camp. The horses will be led by experienced local guides, ensuring a safe and efficient transport of your belongings. This will allow you to focus on the climb, without having to worry about your luggage.

Guides

The Mt Kazbek Climb tour program includes a certified English-speaking mountain guide who will lead each group of 3 participants. All of our guides are Georgian and have extensive experience climbing Mt Kazbek. The guide will be with the group for the entire climb, ensuring their safety and providing expert knowledge of the mountain.

Money

In Georgia, the currency is the Georgian Lari (GEL). You can exchange money at banks, exchange offices, and some hotels. Small exchange offices are omnipresent throughout Georgia and offer competitive exchange rates. Your guide will be able to advise you on the best place to exchange money, as exchange rates may vary depending on the location. You can also check the current exchange rates on www.xe.com

Bank cards are widely accepted in restaurants, hotels, and shops, but it is advisable to have some cash as a backup, in case there are issues with local ATM machines or credit cards. However, it is possible that in remote villages, bank cards may not be accepted, so it is best to have some cash on hand. The most widely accepted cards are Visa and MasterCard. We recommend exchanging only small amounts of money at a time, as exchange rates can fluctuate frequently. It is also advisable to inform your bank in advance of your travel plans to avoid any issues with international transactions.

Tipping

The Georgia.to travel team, including guides, drivers, cooks, etc., are paid a fair wage and do not expect tips. If you choose to leave a gratuity as a way of expressing your satisfaction, please note that damaged or adhesive coins or banknotes cannot be exchanged. Tips can be left at your discretion in envelopes. In restaurants, it is customary to leave 5-10% as a tip.

Health

For your health and safety, it's important to be in good health before traveling to Georgia. Consult with a doctor or travel medicine specialist for recommended vaccines and preventive measures. To prevent insect bites and follow food safety measures, it's best to drink only bottled or treated water and be mindful of what you eat.

Bring enough of your prescription medicine and ensure that it is legal in Georgia if you have a pre-existing medical condition. A basic first-aid kit, including pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, and insect repellent, is also recommended in case of minor illnesses or injuries.

While Georgia has modern medical facilities in cities like Tbilisi and Batumi, it's still wise to have travel insurance in case of unexpected medical expenses. There are no specific health requirements for this trip, but it's important to prioritize your health and safety while traveling.

Visa Requirements for Georgia

Visa requirements for Georgia for foreign citizens vary depending on the country of origin. Citizens of most countries are eligible for a visa-free entry to Georgia for stays of up to one year. However, some countries require a pre-arranged visa, which can be obtained from a Georgian embassy or consulate. It is recommended to check the specific visa requirements for your country of origin before traveling to Georgia. Here is a short list of countries with citizens that do not need a visa to enter Georgia for a stay up to one year:

EU countries, including Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, Spain, France, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, and more. Switzerland, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Israel, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico etc.

Please find the exhaustive information on the Ministry of Foreign Affaires of Georgia website: https://www.geoconsul.gov.ge/

Dress Code

When visiting Georgia, it is important to be mindful of the local customs and dress codes, especially when entering religious buildings. In such places, it is expected that visitors dress modestly with women covering their heads and legs. Shorts and skirts above the knee are usually not allowed. Outside of religious buildings, there is a more casual and relaxed dress code with no specific restrictions, and visitors are free to wear what they prefer. It is worth noting that Georgia is a modern and European-influenced country, so visitors may encounter a mix of styles from traditional and contemporary.

Laundry

Laundry service is available at most of our hotels for a reasonable fee, typically around 10 euros or less per load. If you need this service, please let your guide know in advance to arrange it. During the hiking portion of the trip when staying at family hotels or home-stays, you may need to do your own laundry at times. To ensure environmental safety, we recommend bringing non-polluting/biodegradable soap for this purpose.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is not a requirement to enter Georgia, but it is highly recommended. A comprehensive travel insurance policy can provide coverage for trip cancellations, medical expenses, lost or stolen belongings, and emergency evacuation. In case of unexpected events, having travel insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection. It is important to review the coverage and terms of your travel insurance policy before departing to ensure it meets your specific needs and provides adequate protection while traveling in Georgia.

Safety and Security

Georgia is considered one of the safest countries in the world and visitors can generally feel safe while exploring the country. Crime rates, including pickpocketing, are low and tourists can move around freely without major concerns for their safety. However, as with any destination, it is always advisable to take basic safety precautions, such as keeping valuables out of sight, not carrying large amounts of cash, and being aware of one's surroundings in busy areas.

Emergency Contact

In case of any emergencies, we are available for support. During office hours (Tbilisi time), you can reach us at +995 591 257 715 for any urgent questions. Additionally, upon booking, you will be provided with a 24/7 personnel travel assistant for the duration of your trip. They will be available to assist you with any needs or concerns.