If the idea of snowshoeing through the winter wonderland on Georgia’s third highest mountain, viewing the massive Gergeti Glacier up close & personally, and enjoying the stunning alpine scenery from a toasty backcountry lodge with world-class cuisine and a full bar sounds appealing, then this is the adventure for you. We will spend two nights at 3014 meters elevation on Mt. Kazbek in Altihut, a brand new mountain hut built to a standard rivaling the Swiss Alps but right here in our backyard. Although not steep, this hike is classified as moderate to difficult, due to the high altitude and variable snow conditions. It is advisable to spend 2 nights in Gudauri or Stepantsminda to acclimatize to high elevation before attempting the hike.
DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION | Stepantsminda |
INCLUDED |
+ Three full days of snowshoe hiking with an experienced guide |
RECOMENDATIONS |
Prerequisites: Required Equipment: How to Dress: |
TOUR PRICE | 1999 GEL |
DEPOSIT | 600 GEL |
A 4×4 takes us up the adventurous road to Gergeti Trinity Church at 2170m elevation, where we start the hike. Most of the hike is along the wide, low-angle Sabertse Ridge with stunning 360° views of some of the highest mountains in the Caucasus. Upon arrival at AltiHut, we’ll be welcomed with a hot drink and a crackling fire in the fireplace to warm our fingers and toes before settling into our rooms and enjoying the panoramic views from the bar. A hearty dinner awaits us after a long day of hiking.
Distance: 5.2 km
Elevation gain: 900m
Time: 4-5 hours
Rejuvenated from a comfortable night of sleep, we begin our morning with a robust breakfast and set off towards Gergeti Glacier. The hike is straightforward and full of beautiful photo ops. When we reach the glacial moraine, the guide will point out a safe place to take a few steps out onto the glacier. We’ll arrive back at AltiHut with plenty of time to spend a relaxing afternoon reading a book in the highest library in Europe, playing music, or exploring the nearby rock formations.
Distance: 5 km
Elevation gain: up to 500m
Time: 3-5 hours
After breakfast, we pack our bags and follow the same route that we took up, but this way is much easier! Facing the opposite direction gives us a whole new perspective on the jagged cliffs of Kuro Ridge and one of the most rugged parts of the Caucasus extending far into Russia. At the bottom, our 4×4 transfer is waiting to take us down into the town of Stepantsminda for a final supra—a traditional Georgian feast.
Distance: 5.2 km
Elevation gain: 60m
Time: 2.5-4 hours
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