Three Caucasus peaks: Bazarduzu, Aragats and Kazbek

Three Caucasus peaks: Bazarduzu, Aragats and Kazbek

Explore Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia with three mountain objectives: Bazarduzu (4,466 m), Aragats (4,090 m) and Kazbek (5,054 m). This 14-day journey combines climbs, village stays and cultural visits across different Caucasus landscapes.

Mirando al Sur arranges the group journey with a Spanish leader and local guides. Family homes in Khinalig and Dsegh, mountain camps and Betlemi hut are linked with time in Baku, Yerevan and Tbilisi.

Your mountain trip with Mirando al Sur

The three objectives offer different terrain: the Bazarduzu approach, Aragats’ volcanic landscape and the glacier ascent of Kazbek. The final mountain stage uses mountaineering equipment and a planned local guiding ratio of one guide per three clients.

Previous mountain experience is required. Some days reach around 12 hours, and each summit attempt depends on fitness, conditions and the group’s progress. The cultural part is an integral element of the journey.

Trip itinerary

1. Day 1: Baku. Fly in and transfer to the hotel.
2. Day 2: Baku to Khinalig. City visits and travel to Khinalig. Dinner and a family stay, with traditional sleeping arrangements on blankets.
3. Day 3: Bazarduzu Base Camp. 4×4 approach followed by walking and horse-supported luggage transport. Around 3.5 km, 450 m ascent and three hours. Tents and the stated meals.
4. Day 4: Bazarduzu. Summit attempt and return to camp: around 10 km, 1,210 m ascent and descent, and nine or ten hours.
5. Day 5: Return to Baku. Descend to the vehicles, lunch in Khinalig and hotel in Baku. Dinner at your own expense.
6. Day 6: Georgia to Armenia. Fly Baku–Tbilisi, continue to Armenia and walk around Odzun and Horomayr. Family stay in Dsegh with the stated meals.
7. Day 7: Aragats. Approach via Gegharot and planned ascent of the north summit: around 11 km, 1,100 m ascent and descent, and six or seven hours. Transfer to Yerevan, dinner and hotel.
8. Day 8: Yerevan to Tbilisi. Visits in the Armenian capital and transfer to Georgia along the programme’s route. Dinner and hotel in Tbilisi.
9. Day 9: Mtskheta to Stepantsminda. Visit Jvari and Svetitskhoveli before continuing to the Greater Caucasus. Dinner and guesthouse.
10. Day 10: Betlemi hut. Approach from Gergeti via the Sabertse pass to the former weather station at around 3,650 m: approximately 10 km and seven or eight hours.
11. Day 11: High-altitude preparation. Activity around Betlemi towards 4,000 m, preparing for the attempt. Hut night.
12. Day 12: Kazbek. Planned glacier climb and return to Betlemi: around 13 km, 1,350 m ascent and descent, and 12 hours.
13. Day 13: Gergeti to Tbilisi. Descend towards Stepantsminda, passing Gergeti church, and transfer to Tbilisi. Hotel; dinner at your own expense.
14. Day 14: Departure. Airport transfer and flight from Tbilisi.

Duration, season and experience

• Duration: 14 days.
• Planned season: July, August and the first half of September.
• Programme group: six to twelve participants; ask about other arrangements.
• Published level: low-to-moderate technical difficulty and moderate physical demand, with previous mountain experience.
• Kazbek: glacier travel with crampons and ice axe; planned local guiding ratio of one guide per three clients.
• Dates: ask for dates and availability.
• Places: contact us for current availability.

Included in the programme

• Spanish mountain guide from departure to return, with local Spanish- or English-speaking guides as specified for each service.
• Airport reception and the stated private transfers.
• Accommodation and meals in the arrangements described for each day.
• Horse transport of equipment on the specified sections.
• Local mountain guides for Bazarduzu, Aragats and Kazbek, with a 1:3 ratio on Kazbek.
• One bottle of water per day.
• Public liability and accident insurance, and flight-booking assistance.

Not included

• Flights to Baku, Baku–Tbilisi and the return flight from Tbilisi.
• Meals not stated, tips and personal expenses.
• Visas or customs procedures where applicable.
• Personal equipment, including crampons, ice axe, harness and sleeping bag.
• Services not expressly listed as included.

Frequently asked questions

Are these the highest summits of all three countries?

The objectives are Bazarduzu, Aragats and Kazbek. Kazbek is an iconic Georgian peak but not the country’s highest; the journey is presented as three summits in three countries.

What experience does Kazbek require?

The programme involves glacier travel with crampons, ice axe and rope, and a day of around 12 hours. A local guide for every three clients is planned alongside the wider trip organisation.

Is the whole journey spent climbing?

No. The itinerary includes cities and cultural places such as Baku, Yerevan, Mtskheta and Gergeti, as well as villages and family stays.

What is the accommodation like?

Hotels alternate with family homes, tents and Betlemi hut. Khinalig has traditional sleeping arrangements on blankets on the floor.

Is the flight between Azerbaijan and Georgia included?

No. Baku–Tbilisi is excluded, as are the international outward and return flights. Mirando al Sur can assist with booking.

How is equipment moved on the Bazarduzu approach?

The approach combines 4×4 transport, walking and horse transport on the specified sections. Participants remain responsible for the personal equipment needed for their climbs.

Which travel documents should I arrange?

The trip crosses three countries, and visa or customs costs are excluded. Check current requirements for your nationality and chosen departure before buying flights.

Ask Mirando al Sur about dates and booking.