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.
Included
- Three full days of snowshoe hiking with an experienced guide
- Snowshoe rental
- Avalanche safety equipment rental
- Two nights of accommodation in world-class AltiHut
- Full board
- Transportation from Stepantsminda to Gergeti Trinity Church
Day 1
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
Day 2
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
Day 3
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
Prerequisites
Ability to hike for 5 hours at a time at elevations up to 3000m
How to Dress
- Wool or synthetic clothing (No cotton!)
- Thermal top and bottom layer
- Warm wool
- Fleece, down, or pile jacket midlayer top
- Waterproof and windproof outer layer jacket and pants
- Gaiters or pants that tighten around your boots
- Warm gloves or mittens
- Warm hat
Required Equipment
- Snowshoes (included)
- Trekking Poles (included)
- Avalanche beacon (included)
- Avalanche probe (included)
- Foldable shovel (included)
- Waterproof hiking boots suitable for snow
- Water bottle with at least 1L capacity (thermos is best)
- Snacks
- Pack lunch for the hike on Day 1
- Sunscreen
- Clothing for winter hiking
- Thin sleeping bag or sheets (AltiHut has blankets but no running water for laundry in winter)
- Backpack big enough to carry all of this (35-45 L)
Price
From $540 USD
3 People: from $620 USD per person
4 People: from $580 USD per person
5+ people: from $540 USD per person