Hi there!

What does it take to conquer the summit of mt Kazbek? Is it possible for a “usual tourist” just to walk there or does one need somekind of a special equipment?

Regards,
Anni from Estonia

Hi Anni!

You will need a basic climbing equipment for climbing mount Kazbek: a helmet, those pigs under your shoes, a rope, etc. You will definitely also need a guide. This equipment could be rented from mountain guides in Stepantsminda or Gergeti, but the availability can be random… I guess it would be most secure to carry your own equipment to Kazbegi.

As a “usual tourist” meaning without equipment it is theoretically possible to walk until the Meteo Station (see “Sights and walks” section). I say theoretically, because the locals do it and I have done it myself, but I’m not goint to recommend you to do this. It is a demanding full day walk from the village of Gergeti. All together you will rise 2000 m in altitude during the day (the village lies on 1800m and the Meteo Station at 3800m.) The hardest and most dangerous part is anyhow the glacier you will need to cross. Specially when the weather is foggy (but also otherwise, unless you are an experienced hiker) it should not be crossed without a guide.

Good luck,
Kadri Runnel

I would definitely not advise climbing the glacier without experienced team. Even then it is quite dangerous.

Hi Karlis
Could you recommend other summit to climb near Kazbegi?
We have experience and equipment.

Jacek

Jacek, I can recommend exploring the Keli vulcanic plateau, located around 42°28’28”N 44°20’7”E. Peaks there reach 3600 m (Sherkhota, Khorisar). Here are some accounts in Russian: http://www.tkg.org.ua/node/4238 (includes a very handy map and a route) and http://bansheezm.livejournal.com/30469.html. Kazbek can be seen from there and the view is otherwise very nice. Unfortunately I cannot recommend any higher summit around – I have too little experience.