Kazbek mnt 5033m + Elbrus mnt 5642m – skitouring adventure 14 days

Two volcanoes of the Caucasus in one trip!

Notes:

-- difficulty level - above average, as there are no snowcats/lifts…, walking from 3800m to 5621m/5642m

-- do not expect a good skiing days, mostly it will be climbing on skis

-- we prepare food only on Kazbek, as there is no service, but on the North of Elbrus it is difficult to prepare yourself, as there is no public kitchen with plates and saucepan (we will have to cook in our tent, and gas, burners, all the dishes and food to carry on all days), so it is better to use the services of shelters, which have their own cooks and porters

-- we will need backpacks for 65л and more as there are no snowcats/lifts for common and personal staff, we will go up 6-8 hours to the summit camp (possible to rent backpacks for extra pay)

-- the camps in the North of Elbrus begins to work from the first days of may, besides in may it is warmer, so it is more likely to snow, not ice

Day 1. Early morning arrive in Tbilisi. Transfer to the northern part of the Great Caucasus along Aragvi river. Today we cross the Jvari Pass (2380m) to a small town of Kazbegi and then village Gergeti 1750m., 5hrs driving. Accommodation in local hostel 4-6 bed rooms. (D)

Day 2. Split food and common equipment. Skitour to mountain hut Betlemi (former meteorological station at 3675m, 6-8hrs walking). One will not expect much comfort in this high mountain hut, but we try our best. (BbD)

Day 3. Sunrise viewed from the refuge provides breathtaking panorama of the Caucasus. This is the day for acclimatization. Usually, in good weather conditions, we prefer to do skitour to Mount Ortsveri, 4365m. grade 2. It is a good preparation before attempting Kazbek. We go to the west and gain altitude up to 4000metres, where from we climb snow and icy north-east slopes to the summit, 4-5 hrs. Return to the refuge. (BLD)

Day 4. The Summit Day. From the Betlemi hut a gently rising traverse W leads back to N side of the Ortsveri glacier. Now follow the glacier generally NW for 4km, passing under the S side of the mountain, to attain a large snow Maili Plateau at 4500m on the NW side of the summit area ; this section is easy if amply snow covered, but later in the day or late in the season great care must be taken as there are many crevasses in the glacier. Now a steeper slope leads to a small saddle on W side of the summit (4900m). Snow, rocks and easy angled ice (35 to 40 degrees) lead to the top; possibly 4 rope lengths of difficulty - max. PD sup, grade II+ (from Betlemi hut, about 8h). Return to the refuge. (BbD)

Day 5. After breakfast we ski down to Kazbegi . (BL)

Day 6. Extra day. Optionally: spare day to attempt climb Kazbek . Plan on this day will depend on snow conditions in this area in that moment (or we can exclude this day). (BbD)

A. Transfer to the Sioni village (1800 m). Ski-tour to Narvani Range to the peak 3029 m. Descent to Gergeti. 1200 m up/down, 10 km.

B. Ski-tour along of the East slope of the massif of Mt. Kazbek (5033 m) to the peak 3642 m. Descent to Gergeti. 1900m up/down, 18 km.

Day 7. Transfer to the Basecamp on the North of Elbrus mt. It’s will a very long day. With the vehicle loaded with all of our gear, a 9 hour drive takes us into the heart of the lush foothills of the lower Caucasus to Mt. Elbrus Base Camp (2500 m) (BbD)

Day 8. We move to High Camp (3800 m) (BbD)

Day 9. Relax day. Final preparations are made for Summit Day. (BLD)

Day 10. Summit Day! After an alpine start we climb from the High Camp across the upper portion of the Mikelchiran Glacier until we reach the Saddle at 5300 m. Mount Elbrus has two large summit domes and the Saddle separates the East Summit from the West Summit. Both are comparable in size and height. After enjoying the summit and its impressive views of the Caucasus mountain range, we descend back to our High Camp. (BbD)

Day 11. Today we go down our High Camp and descend back to Basecamp for the night. (BbD)

Day 12. Transportation from Dzhily-Su to Kislovodsk where we will enjoy hot showers and a good night's sleep. Sometimes people don't want to wait untill this day and want to return to Kislovodsk/ Pytigorsk earlier. In this case you will have to pay extra for individual transportation to Kislovodsk/Pytigorsk and for additional nights at hotel. But our representatives we'll do their best to arrange everything. (Bb)

Day 13. Extra day. Sightseeing day to Plateau Burmamut (40 km from Kislovodsk). There are breathtaking views of Elbrus mount. This day can also be used as an extra summit day in case we encounter bad weather or need additional time for acclimatization. Please, keep in mind that Kislovodsk is a very popular SPA town. (Bb)

Day 14. After breakfast we'll bring you to the airport for the morning flight . (B)