EXPLORE

Mount Kazbek is one of the most popular peaks to climb in the Caucasus. Its Georgian name, Mkinvartsveri (მყინვარწვერი), means “a peak covered with ice” or “frozen top.” Standing at 5054m, it has five main routes to the summit, each with varying levels of technical difficulty. Mount Ortsveri (4365m) also offers rewarding challenges for experienced alpinists. Ortsveri’s classic route follows the ridgeline up to the summit; the two technical routes are significantly tougher and include ice climbing pitches. 

While Kazbek and Ortsveri can be climbed year-round, the best conditions are typically from June to the end of October. The ascent involves route-finding, glacier crossings, crevasses, potential rockfall and steep sections, so unless you’re an experienced and highly proficient mountaineer, hiring a qualified guide is essential. We can recommend guided trips or help you find a mountain guide—just get in touch.

Mount Kazbek is the perfect place to strap on your crampons and explore the frozen wilds of the Caucasus. The Gergeti Glacier is the most popular route, winding through an icy landscape with surreal crevasses and epic mountain views. For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, the Ortsveri Glacier offers a quieter but equally breathtaking trek. Glacier trekking in Kazbegi is an unforgettable way to experience the dramatic landscape of these Caucasus giants. Only attempt these routes with a qualified guide or if you have an expert-level of high mountain experience and all the right kit.

The Kazbegi region offers endless trekking opportunities through wild and rugged landscapes. Hike up to Deka from Stepantsminda, and enjoy lunch with stunning views of Mount Kazbek before returning to town. Or stay overnight—trek higher to Bethlemi Hut and the start of the Gergeti Glacier before descending into the neighboring Arsha Valley to complete a longer loop back to Stepantsminda.

 Multi-day treks are popular, connecting huts, guesthouses, and campsites for those carrying tents. If you’d like help planning a trip or finding a great trekking guide, get in touch.

Explore this beautiful wilderness and visit stunning areas such as Gveleti, Gergeti, Juta, Sabertse, Arsha, Truso, Chaukhi Pass, Khelitsade Lake, and Artkhmo Gorge.

Ice climbing: Sharpen your ice axes, if you’re up for an ice climbing adventure. Both Mount Kazbek and Mount Ortsveri have ice climbing pitches on wild, less-traveled lines. If you’re chasing a real test, you can take on the frozen waterfalls in Gvaleti. 

Rock climbing: While the best rock climbing in Kazbegi isn’t right outside the door of Alpine Hut Deka, it’s still within easy reach if you’re up for a day trip. The granite walls of the Chaukhi Massif near Juta offer some of the region’s best climbs, with routes for all levels. Arsha, Tsdo and Gveleti also have great rock faces to explore, from sport climbs (bolted) to trad routes.

After a solid day on the rock or ice, you can return to the hut for a well-earned rest, surrounded by the high-altitude beauty of the Kazbegi mountains.

Mountain biking and e-biking in the Kazbegi region offer an incredible way to explore the rugged landscapes, and Alpine Hut Deka makes a great base for high-altitude rides. The trail up from Gergeti Church to the hut itself is a tough but rewarding challenge. From here, you can continue towards the glacier for an adventurous out-and-back ride or descend into the valleys for flowing trails and scenic dirt tracks. For those looking to explore further, routes around Juta and Truso Valley offer stunning rides with a mix of technical sections and rolling terrain, all within a day’s reach of the hut. 

If your main goal is to soak up the stunning scenery, take one of these two 5-hour, out-and-back, non-technical e-bike rides along 4×4 off-road tracks:

1. Follow the River Tergi from Stepantsminda to Gveleti Lake (with a stop off at Gveleti Waterfall).
2. Head south out of Sno village to Kvenamta.

Exploring the Kazbegi region on horseback is a fantastic way to take in the scenery at a relaxed pace.

From Gergeti village, you can ride up to Alpine Hut Deka for a full-day adventure, following scenic mountain trails. Shorter options include a four-hour ride to the Gergeti Trinity Church or a trip to the Arsha Waterfall. For a full-day journey, you can head deeper into the valleys, riding through Sno to reach the remote villages of Artkhmo or Juta.

From short, scenic rides to full-day treks on horseback, there are plenty of routes to choose from.

Alpine Hut Deka is a perfect base for ski touring in the Kazbegi region, offering direct access to incredible backcountry terrain. In winter, the route up from Gergeti Church makes for a rewarding skin to the hut, where you can spend the night before heading higher into the mountains. The surrounding area is prime for ticking off adventurous ski touring itineraries. For experienced ski mountaineers, the ascent of Mount Kazbek itself is a true bucket-list objective, with breathtaking views and a thrilling descent. Ortsveri Pass is a popular acclimatisation and familiarisation ski tour before summiting Kazbek. 

Peak season is March to May. Whether you’re looking for a day tour or a multi-day adventure, the hut provides a warm, high-altitude retreat in the heart of the Caucasus.