Youth invited to climb 5,000 m peak in Caucasus

Print this story Email to a friend

If you have never before climbed a 5,000 meter peak, here is your chance. This summer young mountaineers aged 16-30 years old will attempt to ascend Mt. Kazbek in Georgia.

This international youth event is organised by the the Club Mountain Traveler on behalf of the Mountaineering & Climbing Association of Georgia from July 11-18. Kazbek (5,047m) is situated in the eastern part of the central Caucasus and is one of the chain's highest peaks.

The event is part of the UIAA Global Youth Summit (GYS). You can find more summer treks, climbing camps and ascents for people between 18-30 on the GYS Calendar.

Young members from all UIAA associations are welcome to join the ascent of Kazbek. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a leader from their own federation. 

The expedition will be led by experienced instructors from the Mountaineering & Climbing Association of Georgia. Accommodation will be in tents and in a meteorological station at 3,600m.

The participation fee is €230, which includes the entire programme, accommodation and food. The starting point is the Georgian capital, Tbilisi.

The classic path to the summit does not require a great deal of advanced mountaineering experience, and is suitable for those who want to make their first ascent of a 5,000m peak.  Although the route is not technically difficult,  participants will need to be familiar with the basic use of crampons and ice axes. They should also be in good physical condition, as there are only a few days of acclimatisation before the ascent. 

You will find more information and contact details in the invitation. If you would like to take part, you must send in the registration form before  June 25, 2009.

The event has been held since 2003 and you can read a report by one of the participants in the 2006 ascent.