Expedition to Mount Kazbek
Kazbek (5033 meters above sea level), an extinct volcano towering over the beautiful valleys of the Georgian land of Khevi. Its magical atmosphere attracted daredevils as far back as antiquity, the uniqueness contributing to subsequent legends and myths. In Greek mythology, Prometheus was chained precisely to Kazbek. It was here that an eagle ate his liver every day, which was renewed overnight. Prometheus' only fault was that he passed fire to humans. In Georgian mythology, Prometheus has his counterpart - a fearless hero named Amirani, who also defied the gods by fighting giants and dragons. At the site of the cave he was imprisoned in is today an Orthodox hermitage, called Bethlemi. Just such cultural circumstances await the conquerors of Kazbek.
Kazbek is an extinct (or dormant - scientists disagree) volcano whose last eruption took place around 750 BC. Since then, Kazbek has been silent. It is the third-highest mountain in Georgia, after Shkhara and Jangi-Tau, and the second-highest volcanic mountain in the High Caucasus after Elbrus. The first Europeans, reached the summit in 1868 during an expedition led by British Douglas Freshfield. To this day, the mountain, was conquered many times, and still attracts daredevils who like challenges.
Enjoy a short climbing trip to Georgia combined with a visit to the remarkable Georgian capital Tbilisi.
ITINERARY:
DAY 1-2
Departure from Poland to Tbilisi. At the Tbilisi airport a substituted car awaits the group, which immediately takes the participants of the expedition along the Georgian Military Road north to reach Stepantsminda after a few hours. Rest, independent walks in the area. In the evening, a meeting with the guide and the trekking group from the excursion to Tusheti and Khevsureti.
DAY 3
Replenish supplies at local stores, prepare for the expedition. We set off on a hike towards the beautifully situated Tsminda Sameba Monastery (2170 meters above sea level). From there, we are already in for a several-hour hike to the border of the glacier. Overnight in a tent at the meteostation (3650 m). You can also sleep in a hut (on your own, application should be made in advance). Time: 7-8 hours.
DAY 4
Acclimatization and climbing to an altitude of about 4100 meters (about 5 hours). Preparing to climb Kazbek surrounded by beautiful views of the glacier and surrounding rocks. Bird watching, sunbathing, rest and recovery. Overnight in a tent under the glacier (or in a mete-station).
DAY 5
Attempt to reach the summit under the supervision of a local licensed mountain guide. The hike will begin at night. We will cross the glacier to a plateau, from which we will face a steep climb to the summit of Kazbek. Return to the meteostation in the afternoon. Overnight in a tent (or in the meteostation). The ascent and descent together take about 10-14 hours.
DAY 6
If the weather does not cooperate the day before, we will attempt to reach the summit a second time. If we manage to conquer Kazbek the previous day, we will devote the day to a several-hour descent to Stepantsminda (about 6 hours). Rest after the mountain action. For those who wish, we will have a traditional dinner together - supra. Overnight in Stepantsminda.
DAY 7
Rest in the Stepantsminda area. For those who are interested, there will be a visit to the Gveleti waterfalls, located on the edge of the remarkable Dariali Gorge (or a descent from the mountains in case of a repeat of the previous day's summit attempt).
DAY 8
We leave the Caucasus, drive to Tbilisi. Sightseeing of the capital and possible concert of Georgian music. Overnight stay in Tbilisi.
DAY 9-10
Full day sightseeing tour of Tbilisi. We will visit the old city, Narikala Fortress, for those who are willing, we will have the opportunity to take a bath in the sulfur water baths. We will go to the antiquities market on Dry Bridge. We will also go to the "Art Nouveau district", located along the beautiful newly renovated King David the Builder Avenue. For those willing, an evening party in one of Tbilisi's many bars. Rest at the hotel. At night departure for the airport and return to Poland.
PRICE INCLUDES:
• a return flight ticket with airport charges
• checked baggage and carry-on baggage in accordance with the weight limit of the airline
• care of an English-speaking guide
• care of the local mountain guide
• basic climbing equipment necessary to climb Kazbek (boots, crampons, check, helmet, harness with carabiners)
• transfers on site
• a horse carrying luggage to and from meteorological station
• two nights in a hotel in Tbilisi
• accommodation in Stepantsminda
• breakfasts in Tbilisi and Stepantsminda
• information packages and maps
• obligatory insurance guarantee for the travel agency
• NNW and KL + insurance of luggage up to 200 Euro
• a mandatory fee for the State Tourist Guarantee Fund (TFG) for each person
• mandatory payment to the state Tourist Fund for Assistance (TFP) for each person
• insurance against contracting the virus (COVID-19) while abroad
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
• food during trekking and in Tbilisi, except breakfast
• Covid-19 test (if applicable)
• accommodation at the meteostation below Kazbek
FLIGHT:
The place of departure is WARSAW. In case you wish to travel from another destination or book flights on your own, please contact us for price quotation for this trip.
ACCOMODATION AND FOOD:
In Tbilisi we will be accommodated in a hotel. In Stepantsminda we will be accommodated in a guest house. Other accommodations are in our own tents. It is also possible, for an extra charge, to stay overnight in a meteostation, about which the office should be informed well in advance. Food during the climb is on your own, as are dinners during your stay in Tbilisi.
GROUP:
We travel in small groups. The minimum number of people on the trip is 8, maximum 15/16.
DETAILS ON THE SUMMIT OF KAZBEK:
When you ascent Kazbek (from Stepantsminda) you will be accompanied by a licensed guide. From meteorological station to the peak, you climb in four-person groups whose members are joined with a rope. In each group - four people go with one Georgian guide. The approach requires physical fitness (not technical skills). On the day of the summit climb, the camp is left at 3 a.m., the return is usually around 2-4 p.m. We provide the basic equipment necessary to climb Kazbek (suitable boots, crampons, check, poles, helmet, harness with carabiners), but its reservation must be made in advance, i.e. no later than 2 months before the trip. It is also mandatory to consult with the office about the high-mountain footwear you have. Not every shoe is accepted by local mountain guides.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
• The itinerary may change depending on the date of departure, weather and other factors.
• Learn more about general conditions of participation and find out how to sign up for a trip.
• Attention! In case of the introduction of restrictions that prevent the implementation of the tour, we will refund 100% of the money paid up to 7 days from the date of cancellation of the tour.
• The organizer of the trip is Active Travel Agency Barents.pl.