This is the standard and best-known mountaineering route on Kazbek from the Georgian side. It is a glaciated alpine ascent that is usually climbed with crampons and rope, especially because of crevasses and changing snow conditions. The route is generally considered the least technical of the established summit routes, but it still requires glacier travel competence and good acclimatization. The upper mountain can be exposed to strong winds, poor visibility, and avalanche or serac-related hazards depending on conditions. The route commonly uses the Betlemi Hut area as a high base for the summit push. In normal conditions it is a straightforward snow-and-ice climb rather than a rock route.
Route Outline
Gergeti Trinity Church / Stepantsminda area -> Sabertse Pass area -> Betlemi Hut (former meteorological station)
Betlemi Hut -> glacier approach on the south side -> snow slopes and broad upper glacier
Upper slopes -> summit ridge -> summit of Kazbek
Descent by the same south route
