Kazbek & Elbrus Two-Peak Expedition

Mount Elbrus · Caucasus two-peak expedition · overview

About Two Peaks: Kazbek & Elbrus

The journey begins in Stepantsminda, Georgia, and crosses from the Gergeti Glacier and Mount Kazbek to the southern Elbrus route in Russia. The program combines Georgian and Balkar mountain culture, high-altitude training, and two summit attempts.

Mount Kazbek acclimatization and summit attempt

Cross-border journey from Georgia to Russia

Elbrus cable-car approach and summit push

Two summit certificates

Mount Elbrus · Caucasus two-peak expedition · itinerary

Full itinerary · Two Peaks: Kazbek & Elbrus

The itinerary follows the source-based Elbrus program, presented in the TAF Travel format for future reference.

Day 1

Arrival in Stepantsminda

Arrive in Stepantsminda, Georgia, throughout the day. Group transfers from Tbilisi or Vladikavkaz are included in the Standard and Premium packages.

Day 2

Gergeti Church to Sabertse Pass

Drive to Gergeti Trinity Church and hike to Sabertse Pass at 3,150 metres for views of the Gergeti Glacier and Mount Kazbek. Overnight in tents or a mountain hut.

Day 3

Meteostation

Trek to Betlemi Hut, the Meteostation, at 3,650 metres. The route crosses rocky ground and a glacier before the high-mountain overnight.

Day 4

Ortsveri Glacier acclimatization

Climb toward the Ortsveri Glacier at 4,200 metres and train in the basic alpine skills needed for the Kazbek summit attempt.

Day 5

Rest day

Rest and recover, or use the day as a reserve for the Kazbek summit attempt when weather conditions require it.

Day 6

Mount Kazbek summit day

Make the summit push on Mount Kazbek and return to the Meteostation for the night.

Day 7

Descent to the village

Descend to Gergeti Trinity Church, transfer to Stepantsminda, and celebrate the first summit with a festive dinner.

Day 8

Transfer to Elbrus

Travel by private bus across the Georgia–Russia border to Cheget Glade near Mount Elbrus.

Day 9

Rest and ascent to the hut

Rest in the morning, then take the cable car up the snowy slopes of Elbrus and settle into the mountain hut.

Day 10

Mount Elbrus summit day

Make the Elbrus summit attempt, return to the valley by cable car, and stay overnight in a hotel.

Day 11

Reserve day

Keep a backup summit day or enjoy an optional excursion to the Chegem waterfalls and the ancient city of the dead, Eltyuby.

Day 12

Tour completion

Transfer privately to Mineralnye Vody Airport and complete the two-peak expedition.

Mount Elbrus · Caucasus two-peak expedition · tour inclusions

What is included · Two Peaks: Kazbek & Elbrus

Tour manager support and visa assistance when needed
English-speaking mountain guides
Guesthouse, mountain hut, and tent accommodation
Meals on the route and freeze-dried food for self-cooking
Transfers from Stepantsminda to Pyatigorsk
Elbrus cable-car ride and group mountain equipment
Safety gear, rescue registration, and high-altitude oxygen
Two summit certificates

Not included

International and domestic flights
Package upgrades such as additional hotel comfort or horse support
Full equipment and clothing rental
Mountaineering insurance for the full duration
Personal expenses and services not listed in the confirmed itinerary

Route-specific equipment

Pack for this itinerary, not a generic mountain.

The Elbrus programs are currently unavailable. This future-planning checklist must not be used to make travel arrangements until TAF Travel reopens and reconfirms the route. This checklist follows the selected route, season, accommodation, and published inclusions. Read the four categories separately: bring, consider, provided, and confirm or rent.

Essential personal equipment

Passport and a copy stored separately
Travel insurance that covers the route, rescue and evacuation where relevant
Personal medication and any prescription details
Comfortable daypack for water, layers and personal essentials
Water bottles or hydration system sized for the day
Headlamp with spare batteries
Sun hat, high-SPF sunscreen and lip protection
Glacier glasses or ski goggles with reliable UV protection
Waterproof jacket and overtrousers
Layered clothing with a warm mid-layer and insulated jacket
Warm hat, neck protection and gloves with a spare pair
Mountaineering boots compatible with the confirmed crampons
Crampons only when the guide confirms snow or ice requires them
Ice axe when required by the confirmed snow and ice route
Mountaineering helmet when required by the guide
Climbing harness for confirmed glacier or rope travel
Spare walking socks and a dry base layer

Recommended or optional

Cold-rated sleeping bag for high camps; confirm the comfort rating with the team
Insulated sleeping mat when the route does not include a mat
Gaiters for snow, wet grass and loose ground
Thermos for early starts and cold camps
Small summit pack with water, layers, food and essential safety items
Dry bags or waterproof protection for clothing and electronics
Personal energy snacks for long walking or summit days

TAF Travel provides or arranges

Group equipment, safety registration and emergency oxygen on the future route package
Accommodation, mountain transport and route logistics only if the program reopens and reconfirms them
Rescue and oxygen services are future planning information, not currently active services

Rent or confirm with the team

Personal mountaineering equipment not included in the standard Elbrus program; confirm or rent it for the route

The list is based on the published itinerary and included services. Weather, snow, access, and the guide’s final equipment check take precedence.

Not verified in the published program — ask TAF Travel before buying or packing it.

Mount Elbrus availability

Current availability for Two Peaks: Kazbek & Elbrus

Departure dates and reservation prompts have been removed while this operating pause is in effect.

Currently unavailable

TAF Travel is currently unable to operate Mount Elbrus tours because of the current political situation in Russia and related cross-border travel conditions in the Caucasus. Departure dates have been removed, and we are not accepting reservations for these programs at this time.

Operational notice

Two Peaks: Kazbek & Elbrus